Animal hospital · Berkeley, CA · reviewed since 2016
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%61+33.3Reliability 24%63+15.3Value 14%64+9.1Replies to reviews 7%84+5.9Craft & service penalty71−2.9Experts Score= 61Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.61SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#60 of 74 veterinariansiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 19%
4.7★★★★★284 Google reviews · 23 photos
86%five-star reviews
4.71★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
6.1%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Reviewers frequently praise the staff's empathy, professionalism, and willingness to accommodate last-minute appointments for services like routine care, diagnostics, and end-of-life support. However, lower-rated feedback highlights concerns regarding high costs, lack of upfront price estimates, and perceived disorganization or poor communication since the clinic became part of a larger corporate network.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 284 reviews (86% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 283 Google reviews (213 with written comments, 11 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 61% of reviews.
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: satisfaction.
This companyVeterinarians median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Kensington Veterinary Hospital: 61/100 on this factor. Category median: 81.B
61
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Kensington Veterinary Hospital: 63/100 on this factor. Category median: 74.B
63
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Kensington Veterinary Hospital: 71/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.B
71
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Kensington Veterinary Hospital: 64/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.B
64
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Kensington Veterinary Hospital: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Kensington Veterinary Hospital: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 46.A
84
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
283 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars24486%
4 stars207%
3 stars41%
2 stars31%
1 star124%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 213 written reviews
93%praise
Praise26993%
Complaints207%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
94%fair
Great price318%
Reasonable1271%
Overpriced16%
Not sure16%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude13145%
Speed & response4114%
Would recommend3512%
Quality & results2810%
Price & value259%
Communication166%
Honesty & trust134%
What customers talk about
We read 213 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They were all so kind at the vet and fit me in same day, because I was about to leave town, and needed help for my little dog.”
“Wouldn’t give receipt, manager wouldn’t return calls, very rude front desk people, especially Angelo.”
“…ppointment with Dr Bowyer, she asked we bring Sarah down to see her immediately.…”
“Definitely recommend patience during these tough times.”
“Would recommend saving yourself time and money by scheduling elsewhere.”
“Even though Milly is super dramatic about going to the vet, we always get great service.”
“And the response from the manager is just shockingly incompetent.”
“Great staff, very nice facility in a great location, and very reasonable rates.”
“A little pricey but they definitely take care of the pets!”
“Bowyer and KVH staff/techs communicated timely and clearly throughout.”
“Their doctors are thorough, transparent, and flexible.”
People customers mention
Phimister20 reviews
Beers12 reviews
Bowyer9 reviews
Vets5 reviews
Draeger4 reviews
Beth4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Kensington Veterinary Hospital for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Ssquid1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Susan Draeger saw my 17 year old dog Lila. She has a mass on her foot between her toes and it is a tricky situation. She took the time to really sit with me and talk about all the options available. She made me feel heard, and had several ideas for how to proceed. ALSO, might I add, it was a last minute…
TTatiana13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Even though Milly is super dramatic about going to the vet, we always get great service. Everyone is kind and helpful. Milly gets all the treats when she goes for her shots.
Reasonable priceService not listed
JJohn6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Dr. Draeger was highly professional, super helpful, and clear in her answers to our questions.
Reasonable priceService not listed
CChristy2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
The staff at Kensington Veterinary Hospital are compassionate, professional and dedicated to providing a high standard of care. We’ve been working together to solve a difficult issue with my feline, and they have approached the problem with patience, diligence. Dr. Susan Draeger is an exceptional veterinarian. She…
Not sure
Ccristela5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 months ago★★★★★
The entire staff
On Monday 7/20/26 both of my cats had a wonderful appointments. . Thank you so much for Duchess’s Lion’s Maine cut & doing both nail trim on Marie & Duchess
We love the entire staff!👌👍🐱🐱.
Great priceService not listed
MMimi3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
Was able to see the doctor the day I called. Doctor and staff very friendly, helpful, professional and knowledgeable. I’ve been with Kensington vet for many years.
Susan Draeger saw my 17 year old dog Lila. She has a mass on her foot between her toes and it is a tricky situation. She took the time to really sit with me and talk about all the options available. She made me feel heard, and had several ideas for how to proceed. ALSO, might I add, it was a last minute appointment. They were all so kind at the vet and fit me in same day, because I was about to leave town, and needed help for my little dog. They are always so loving and nurturing there. I love Kensington Vet. I have also seen Elisa Bowyer, and she is also wonderful.
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re so glad our Doctors, and the entire team provided compassionate care and helped Lila on such short notice. We truly appreciate your trust in Kensington Veterinary Hospital.
T
Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tatiana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Even though Milly is super dramatic about going to the vet, we always get great service. Everyone is kind and helpful. Milly gets all the treats when she goes for her shots.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · Edited 3 weeks ago
Thank you so much for the sweet review! We’re glad we can make Milly’s visits a little easier—even if she’s still not a fan of the vet! 😊 We’re always happy to spoil her with lots of treats and extra love. We truly appreciate you trusting us with her care!
J
John Bischoff6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dr. Draeger was highly professional, super helpful, and clear in her answers to our questions.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so happy to hear that Dr. Draeger took the time to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable and informed. We truly appreciate you trusting us with your pet’s care!
C
Christy Rocca2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Christy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The staff at Kensington Veterinary Hospital are compassionate, professional and dedicated to providing a high standard of care. We’ve been working together to solve a difficult issue with my feline, and they have approached the problem with patience, diligence. Dr. Susan Draeger is an exceptional veterinarian. She attends not only to the physical health, but the emotional well-being of your pet and works with you to make informed decisions about your pet. I highly recommend Kensington Veterinary Hospital.
Price assessment: Not sure
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad our team, and especially Dr. Draeger, has been able to support you and your cat through a difficult situation. We truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
C
cristela colombo5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews cristela has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The entire staff
On Monday 7/20/26 both of my cats had a wonderful appointments. . Thank you so much for Duchess’s Lion’s Maine cut & doing both nail trim on Marie & Duchess
We love the entire staff!👌👍🐱🐱.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · Edited 7 months ago
Hi Cristela,
Thank you so very much for taking your time to reach out to us to let us know how we are doing!! We really appreciate all of the kind words. We have a wonderful team who is dedicated to their profession and loves what the do.
The Team at KVH
M
Mimi Wolff3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mimi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Was able to see the doctor the day I called. Doctor and staff very friendly, helpful, professional and knowledgeable. I’ve been with Kensington vet for many years.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for your kind words and for being a long-time member of the Kensington Vet family! We’re so glad we could get you in quickly and that you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your continued trust and support!
L
Lee Lee Tan5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I would like to thank Dr Bowyer and all the staff at Kensington Veterinary Hospital for their compassionate and wonderful support, helping my family cope with our dog, Sarah’s illness, last days and her passing away.
Our lives turned upside down in Dec 2025 when Sarah’s simple case of diarrhea turned into a nightmare of discovering she had tumor in her intestines and it had spread. Sarah was seriously anemic so she had internal bleeding too.
Sarah was a senior dog and we knew she would not have long to live but we hope to make her last months/days comfortable.
We took Sarah to see Dr Bowyer and she was very gentle with Sarah and patiently answered our many concerns. On Sarah’s last day, I called the hospital when Sarah was in distress and although we have no appointment with Dr Bowyer, she asked we bring Sarah down to see her immediately. We lost our precious Sarah that day. Dr Bowyer and all the staff were so kind and supportive in helping us take care of Sarah’s passing and cremation. We received a card with personal messages from them. It was very thoughtful and touching.
Losing our baby is very painful but knowing that she was given the best care and treatment and we were given great support in dealing with our grief by her doctor and staff bring so much comfort to our hearts. Thank you, again!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are truly sorry for the loss of Sarah—she was clearly so loved. It was an honor for Dr. Bowyer and our team to care for her and support your family during such a difficult time.
We hope the memories you shared with Sarah bring you comfort, and we’re grateful you trusted us with her care. You are in our thoughts.
S
Simon Wurtzburg1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Simon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Good vet, but this is a greedy, for-profit vetinary clinic, part of a company whose reputation for ever pricing is legendary.
Five stars for the vet, no stars for the company she works for.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear you had a positive experience with our veterinarian and appreciate you recognizing the care and dedication they provide.
We understand that the cost of veterinary care can sometimes feel frustrating. Our goal is always to provide high-quality care for pets while being transparent about recommendations and pricing so pet parents can make the best decisions for their families. If you’d like to discuss your concerns further, we welcome you to contact the hospital and ask to speak with a manager—we’d be happy to talk with you. Your feedback is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share it.
M
Meghan Moriarty1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Meghan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kensington Veterinary Hospital always does their best to accommodate you and your pet. They have direct, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. Their doctors are thorough, transparent, and flexible. Over the years my dog and I have tried multiple clinics, we feel most cared for and comfortable at Kensington Vet. Highly recommend!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so happy to hear that you and your dog feel comfortable and well cared for by our team. We truly appreciate your trust in Kensington Veterinary Hospital and look forward to seeing you again!
A
Albert Angulo7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Albert has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Caring for our pets is often fraught with emotion. We usually don't know the discomfort; in my case, our dogs experience when unwell, injured, or put in a stressful situation. The team at Kensington Vet Hospital has almost always shown empathy and compassion when caring for our two dogs - even when I am freaking out about what I think my dogs are going through. 12 years ago, we chose our vet because she worked well with our big and nervous Doberman-Mix, and we have been cautiously loyal clients because of the care that they offer.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you for your kind words and for trusting us with your dogs for so many years. We know how emotional these moments can be, and we’re grateful to be there for both you and your pets. Your loyalty truly means the world to our team.
