What should I bring to my first appointment at Universal Pet Hospital?
Bring any existing health records, vaccination history, and a list of products your pet currently uses, such as flea prevention, joint supplements, or any other items from your previous vet. If you have not already completed our new client registration, you can do so online before your visit to save time at the front desk. Have any questions before you arrive? Call us at (650) 362-7969 and we will walk you through what to expect.
Do you see dogs and cats at Universal Pet Hospital in Palo Alto?
Yes, we see dogs and cats at Universal Pet Hospital. Our team provides care for both species across all of our services, from routine wellness visits to same-day urgent care. If you have a question about a specific concern for your dog or cat, call us at (650) 362-7969 and we will let you know how we can help.
Where is Universal Pet Hospital located, and is there parking available?
We are located at 3337 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the Barron Park neighborhood. We are easily accessible from the surrounding Palo Alto area. For specific parking details or directions, call us at (650) 362-7969 or visit our contact page on the website.
Appointments and Hours
How do I book an appointment at Universal Pet Hospital?
You can book an appointment online through our website or by calling us directly at (650) 362-7969. Online booking is available for your convenience. If your pet needs same-day or urgent attention during clinic hours, call ahead when possible so we can prepare for your arrival.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are closed on Tuesdays. If your pet needs urgent care outside of these hours, please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital right away. You can also reach us at (650) 362-7969 during clinic hours for any questions.
Do you accept same-day or urgent care appointments?
Yes. We accept urgent and emergency cases for dogs and cats during clinic hours. If you believe your pet needs to be seen the same day, call us at (650) 362-7969 as soon as possible so we can prepare for your arrival. Walk-ins are welcome, and calling ahead helps us get ready for your pet immediately. For situations that arise outside our clinic hours, please go directly to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Our Services
What veterinary services does Universal Pet Hospital offer?
We offer a wide range of veterinary services for dogs and cats, with a particular focus on dental care, surgical services, and same-day urgent care. We also provide pet care services, medical services, pet diagnostics, nutrition counseling, medical grooming, end-of-life care, additional services including specialist referrals, and pet travel services. Every care plan at Universal Pet Hospital is built around your individual pet, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Visit our services page for the full list.
Can you help if my pet is having an urgent health issue?
Yes. Universal Pet Hospital accepts urgent and emergency cases for dogs and cats during clinic hours. We offer same-day appointments and walk-in visits for situations that cannot wait. Call us at (650) 362-7969 during our hours to let us know you are on your way. If the situation arises outside clinic hours, please go directly to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital without delay.
Does Universal Pet Hospital offer dental care for dogs and cats?
Yes. Dental care is one of our priority services at Universal Pet Hospital. We provide professional dental cleanings, tooth extractions, digital dental X-rays, and oral health assessments for dogs and cats in Palo Alto. Dental disease is extremely common in pets and often goes undetected until it is advanced, which is why we make it a focus of every wellness visit as well. To book a dental appointment or ask about what is involved, call us at (650) 362-7969 or book online.
Is the veterinarian at Universal Pet Hospital Fear Free certified?
Yes. Dr. Randhawa is individually Fear Free Certified, which means he has completed formal training in low-stress handling and care techniques designed to reduce anxiety and fear in patients during veterinary visits. This shapes how we approach every appointment at Universal Pet Hospital, from the handling techniques our team uses to the pace we set during examinations. It is one of the things that makes our approach to care different for pets who are nervous about coming to the vet.
Payment and Insurance
What payment methods does Universal Pet Hospital accept?
We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit. For a full overview of payment options and financing, visit our payment and insurance page. If you have specific payment questions before your appointment, call us at (650) 362-7969.
Does Universal Pet Hospital work with pet insurance?
Yes. We work with many major pet insurance providers, including Trupanion, Fetch, 24PetWatch, Costco Pet Insurance, Figo, Spot, Healthy Paws, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. We offer direct billing with Trupanion, which means we can bill them directly at the time of your visit so you only pay your portion. For details on how your specific plan works with our clinic, we recommend calling your insurer directly and then calling us at (650) 362-7969 with any questions.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options through third-party financing partners, which allow you to spread the cost of care over time. This can make unexpected or larger veterinary bills easier to manage. For information on which options are available and how to apply, visit our payment and insurance page or call us at (650) 362-7969.
Do you provide an estimate before starting care?
Yes. We believe in transparent communication about costs, and we will walk you through an estimate before starting any significant care. We encourage you to ask questions at any point during the process. Treatment costs vary based on your pets individual needs and the specific services required. For questions about the cost of a specific service before booking, call us at (650) 362-7969 and our team will give you the information we can.
Preventive Care
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Healthy adult dogs and cats should have a wellness exam at least once a year. Senior pets, typically those 7 years and older, benefit from twice-yearly exams because age-related health changes can develop quickly and are much more manageable when caught early. At Universal Pet Hospital in Palo Alto, wellness visits are also an opportunity to review your pets vaccine schedule, parasite prevention, nutrition, and overall lifestyle.
What vaccines does my pet need in Palo Alto?
Core vaccines for dogs include protection against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and rabies, which is required by California law. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. Beyond core vaccines, lifestyle vaccines vary based on your pets environment and habits. In Palo Alto, leptospirosis is an active local concern given the wildlife population and recent Bay Area cases, and we discuss it routinely for dogs. We assess each pet individually at their first visit to build the right schedule. Call us at (650) 362-7969 or book an appointment to get started.
How do I protect my pet from parasites in Palo Alto?
Year-round parasite prevention is recommended for all dogs and cats in the Palo Alto area. Fleas are a year-round concern given the Bay Area’s mild climate. Ticks, including the western black-legged tick, are present in wooded and open space areas including Foothills Park and the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, and carry the risk of Lyme disease. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and present in California. Giardia is common at dog parks and in areas with shared water sources. We will recommend a prevention plan tailored to your pet’s lifestyle at their wellness visit.
After Hours and Emergencies
What should I do if my pet has an emergency outside your hours?
If your pet has a medical emergency outside of our clinic hours, go immediately to your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Do not wait. Time is critical in true emergencies. Search online for ’emergency veterinary hospital near Palo Alto’ to find the closest facility and call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival. During our clinic hours, Monday, Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., call us at (650) 362-7969 and we will advise you on next steps.
What counts as a veterinary emergency?
A veterinary emergency is any situation where waiting could put your pets life or long-term health at serious risk. Common true emergencies include difficulty breathing or labored breathing, collapse or sudden weakness, seizures, suspected ingestion of a toxic substance, inability to urinate (especially in male cats), uncontrolled or severe bleeding, significant trauma such as being hit by a vehicle, and pale, white, or bluish gums. If you are seeing any of these signs during our hours, call us immediately at (650) 362-7969. Outside our hours, go directly to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital without delay.
