Veterinarian · Walnut Creek, CA · reviewed since 2015
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%87+47.5Reliability 24%83+20.1Value 14%38+5.4Replies to reviews 7%60+4.2Craft & service penalty89−1.1Experts Score= 76Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.76SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#70 of 131 pet servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 47%
4.8★★★★★404 Google reviews · 24 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.88★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.9%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 clinic for its friendly staff, efficient appointments, and thorough veterinary care without excessive upselling. Communication is often highlighted as a strength, with owners noting that the team is responsive and clearly explains treatment plans. However, some lower-rated reviews criticize the front desk for poor scheduling practices, long hold times, and perceived rudeness, while others express concern about rising prices and corporate ownership changes.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 404 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 403 Google reviews (253 with written comments, 37 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 64% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 28, 2026.
Service: Pet Service serving Walnut Creek, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet services
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 craft & service; weakest: value.
This companyPet Services 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.Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.A
87
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.Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 72.A
83
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.Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
89
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.Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital: 38/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.D
38
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.Walnut Creek 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.Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital: 60/100 on this factor. Category median: 47.B
60
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
403 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars36992%
4 stars205%
3 stars10%
2 stars41%
1 star92%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 253 written reviews
96%praise
Praise30096%
Complaints124%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
89%fair
Great price77%
Reasonable6367%
Overpriced910%
Not sure1516%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude14446%
Speed & response4213%
Quality & results3913%
Would recommend3612%
Communication186%
Honesty & trust175%
Price & value165%
What customers talk about
We read 253 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Efficient, very friendly and professional service which WITHOUT major upselling or recommendations for needless procedures.”
“I find it’s easy to get in touch with my pet’s care team and they are responsive when I have questions.”
“The staff and Doctors are kind, thorough, and provide excellent care.”
“The vet had suggested some changes to diet and a medication that was giving him diarrhea; and if that didn't work, a steroid.”
“I would highly recommend Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital!”
“…sy and genuine concern for your own patient, I'm shaking my head and never going back.…”
“All the staff is friendly and I appreciate how great they are at communication.”
“She spoke to him softly, treated him with dignity, and guided me through the process with genuine compassion.”
“The costs are affordable, they are quick and efficient and they care about people and animals.”
“Getting too expensive!”
People customers mention
Cayton12 reviews
Jill11 reviews
Xanth10 reviews
Ikezawa9 reviews
Thistlewaite6 reviews
Doctors3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JJames6 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 week ago★★★★★
Efficient, very friendly and professional service which WITHOUT major upselling or recommendations for needless procedures.
Reasonable priceService not listed
HHilary2 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 week ago★★★★★
My dog had an emergency. She is a regular patient here and her vet squeezed her in and treated her. So thankful!
Reasonable priceService not listed
CChristine5 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 a week ago★★★★★
Wonderful staff and amazing doctors! I would highly recommend Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital!
Not sureService not listed
LLisa10 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 a week ago★★★★★
I always know my cats will receive excellent care at Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital, and we love Dr. Thistlewaite. The staff are always pleasant and helpful and kind.
KKaylee2 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 week ago★★★★★
We have been going to WCVH for many years, and they are by far the best clinic I’ve used for my pet care. All the staff is friendly and I appreciate how great they are at communication. I find it’s easy to get in touch with my pet’s care team and they are responsive when I have questions. Our last dog could get…
JJan7 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 a week ago★★★★★
Love this veterinary service. Love our vet, Dr Thistlewaithe and all the assistants and reception staff. Always on time with appts and great care and compassion for our critters.
Efficient, very friendly and professional service which WITHOUT major upselling or recommendations for needless procedures.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thanks for your kind words! We're happy to hear you enjoyed our professional service without any unnecessary upselling. We look forward to your next visit!
H
Hilary Balfour2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Hilary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My dog had an emergency. She is a regular patient here and her vet squeezed her in and treated her. So thankful!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience. We're glad to hear that our team was able to assist your dog during an emergency. Your trust and gratitude mean a lot to us.
C
Christine C Anicas5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Christine has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Wonderful staff and amazing doctors! I would highly recommend Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital!
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our staff and doctors. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and motivates us to continue providing excellent care.
L
Lisa Franklin10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I always know my cats will receive excellent care at Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital, and we love Dr. Thistlewaite. The staff are always pleasant and helpful and kind.
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you and your cats have had positive experiences with Dr. Thistlewaite and our team. Your kind words about our staff are greatly appreciated. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent care for your pets.
K
Kaylee Black2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kaylee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been going to WCVH for many years, and they are by far the best clinic I’ve used for my pet care. All the staff is friendly and I appreciate how great they are at communication. I find it’s easy to get in touch with my pet’s care team and they are responsive when I have questions. Our last dog could get extremely aggressive at the vet and they did all they could to keep him comfortable and calm, and helped us minimize bringing him in because of his age and need for sedation.
I do wish they were open at least one day on weekends because without fail my dogs always seem to have issues on Friday’s or Saturday’s 🙃 But I am often able to get same-day appointments which is great.
Thank you WCVH for taking great care of my babies. 🐕 🍀 🐈⬛
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for your kind words and for trusting us with your pet care over the years. We're delighted to hear that our team has been able to provide a positive experience for you and your pets. We appreciate your feedback regarding weekend hours and are glad that same-day appointments have been helpful. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to continuing to care for your furry family members.
J
Jan O'Malley7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Love this veterinary service. Love our vet, Dr Thistlewaithe and all the assistants and reception staff. Always on time with appts and great care and compassion for our critters.
Response from the owner · a year ago
We are so happy to hear that you're pleased with our veterinary service and staff. It's our priority to provide timely, compassionate care for all our furry patients. Thank you for your positive feedback!
J
Jackie Sharon2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jackie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're delighted to hear that you found our staff approachable and easy to communicate with. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we look forward to serving you again.
D
Dianne Yoder5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dianne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The staff and Doctors are kind, thorough, and provide excellent care. Specifically, Dr Cayton has closely watched my dog’s situation and regularly checked with me on the progress of treatment. All the Vets my animals have seen have been wonderful.
I have tried other Vets, and WCVH is by far the best.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you, Dianne, for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad to hear that our staff and Dr. Cayton have provided excellent care for your dog. Your trust means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support.
J
Jill Swanson Hoglund3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jill has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Riggs, my Malinois was happy to visit Dr Xanth today. Only showed his teeth when asked. Dr gave him lots of treats. Exam was fast and shots were not a problem. He is on a great new heart/flea/tick monthly med.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience. We are so happy that Riggs and Tug felt comfortable and enjoyed their visit. It's great to know that Dr. Xanth and our team made a positive impression. We appreciate your feedback on our clean facilities and easy navigation. We look forward to welcoming you and your pets again!
E
Elmira Mokri8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Elmira has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our service and customer support. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to serving you again.
