Animal Hospital of the Sierra

Whole patient care is the organizing idea at Animal Hospital of the Sierra, where wellness plans and quality of life programs aim not just to treat illness but to maximize a pet's comfort at every age and stage. Dr. Beth Taylor purchased the practice in January 2004 — a San Jose State graduate who earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude in psychology with chemistry and biology minors — and sees her role as advisor to owners and advocate for patients, working to provide the best care possible with the resources available to both. Dr. Heather Aubrey practices alongside her. Services cover wellness exams with dedicated puppy, kitten, adult, and senior tracks, vaccines, spay and neuter, dental care, digital radiography for both whole-body and dental imaging, anesthesia with patient monitoring, flea and heartworm prevention, and compassionate euthanasia. Appointments run about 20 minutes in a private room with the doctor's undivided attention, and technician appointments handle vaccines, heartworm tests, and suture removal for established patients without an exam fee — a practical and honest cost-saver. The practice is candid that it isn't an emergency hospital while noting that emergencies always get priority. A running counter of tummies rubbed and chins scratched suggests they haven't taken themselves too seriously along the way.