I can't say enough wonderful things about Alternatives for Animals and Dr. Rettig. If you're looking for compassionate, thoughtful, and effective care for your animals, I wholeheartedly recommend them. When my older dog started struggling with arthritic joints, we decided to try acupuncture, and it truly turned things around. Before long, he was back to hopping onto his favorite spots -- the couch and the bed -- without any trouble. Seeing that kind of improvement meant everything to me. One thing I appreciate most is that I never once felt upsold. Dr. Rettig only recommended therapies she genuinely believed he needed, and that honesty and integrity are so refreshing. You can tell she truly cares about her patients and their quality of life. The entire staff has always been professional and kind, and everyone there is wonderful with humans too -- which matters so much. When my dog was diagnosed with untreatable cancer, Dr. Rettig helped give him the best months he possibly could have had. That gift of time, comfort, and dignity is something I'll always be grateful for. I also love that they carry really high-quality foods, treats and other products, which makes it easy to support your pet's health in every way. read more

Alternatives for Animals - Barkley chillin' at Alternatives for Animals - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

I need more stars to give. Dr. Rettig is essential to our family, and I have told her that if she ever moves away, she should just plan that we are coming along with her. From our very first visit, she completely understood and intuited the needs of our sweet dog Jojo, and has kept her healthy and vibrant well into her "senior years" (I use quotation marks because Jojo is about 13 years old but is frequently mistaken for a puppy, given how youthful and energetic she is). I can't even begin to express what a tremendous gift it has been to feel secure that we can handle any health issues that come up for Jojo, with the support of Dr. Rettig and her team. We animal guardians love our little ones so much, and there's nothing worse than watching them suffer and not knowing how to help. Whenever I can surrender enough to completely hand over the assessment and decision making to Dr. Rettig, we always get a good outcome. On more than one occasion, we have seen resolution of an acute issue within 24 hours of our treatment session. It's been truly remarkable. Dr. Rettig is an expert in holistic animal care, but on the few occasions that Jojo has needed specialty help from a traditional vet, Dr. Rettig communicated that to us immediately and supplied us with wonderful referrals. We trust her recommendations completely. Jojo loves Dr. Rettig, too! She is often eager and excited when we arrive at the clinic, which is not the case with ANY other vet we have taken her to see. We all know how lucky we are to have access to such a unique healing practice! read more

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I have a very sick cat that has been in treatment for several months elsewhere. I am taking him to Alternatives for Animals to find an alternative to antibiotics. I am very happy because they took so much time getting a history, examining him, and talking to me. They have prescribed a treatment plan that makes sense. He also had acupuncture. I am hoping the follow up appointments will help his health. They were great with my cat who has become afraid at the vet. read more

I can not say enough great things about Dr Rettig and her amazing team. The care they take to make the experience peaceful and the time taken to really get to know your animal and provide care tailored to the animals specific needs truely makes a huge difference. They have helped us to bring our nervous rescue dog Winnie through her health issues and now she confident and thriving. read more

Alternatives for Animals - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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We are writing to provide feedback regarding my recent experience at your facility. I would first like to commend Dr. Williams, who was both compassionate and professional. we fully intended to continue my dog's treatments, including stem cell therapy and acupuncture, under her care. ( Although VERY expensive ) However, after my experience yesterday, I will not be returning to your practice. We brought in my Dutch Shepherd, Guy, for a teeth cleaning. Guy is well known in our community as our mascot .He's completed Canine Good Citizen and advanced obedience training, and he frequently serves as a neutral dog for temperament testing at shelters. During our initial visit, the veterinarian confirmed he was an excellent candidate for this procedure due to his easygoing temperament. Yesterday, the hygienist approached Guy without first speaking to his handler. This lack of communication was unprofessional and caused Guy to bark. I was surprised that a professional would not consult an owner before interacting with a large breed dog. While the hygienist ultimately decided Guy was not a candidate for the cleaning which I agreed with given his approach. I was deeply disturbed by what happened next. After stepping out briefly to speak with my husband, I re-entered the building and overheard staff discussing other clients and claiming that Guy was aggressive and that his hackles were raised. Neither of these claims is true; Guy has no history of aggression. So why even say it? Furthermore, when his handler sent a constructive email regarding this matter, the reply received from your staff was dishonest. Saying Guy barked and jumped up, Gus isn't physically able to jump up due to health issues ask his vet !! The lack of basic communication skills and the habit of discussing other clients in public areas is unacceptable. I am disappointed that a facility would so quickly label a dog as aggressive to avoid owning a mistake in lack of education. Guy was from a local shelter and has years and years of schooling to model the right behavior in social areas. Our mission to to advocate for the breed because so often they are mislabeled by those who lack knowledge. To write that Guy jumped up is a farce as he physically isn't able to. The whole reason or the first 600.00 visit to the facility. read more

Alternatives for Animals - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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My dog is usually a nervous Nellie when going to vet appointments. She was unusually calm around Dr. Williams and her staff assistant, I think, Ashley. She even fell asleep! read more

From the beginning, I had a great experience. Sarah in reception, Ashley and Gabrielle, who saw us for initial intake and Dr. Williams who correctly identified the central issue in my dog Bodhi from seizures to heart failure. Dr. Williams was straightforward about Bodhi's prognosis but also left room for hope. She gave me clear instructions so I was able to proceed in a very painful and confusing time. The environment was comfortable, clean and welcoming. read more

Thorough, simple exam. Acupuncture for cough issue. Not "Big Pharma" driven. Natural supplements first, antibiotics later only if the gentler treatment doesn't bring results. read more

Best veterinarian by far. Rooms are welcoming for your pet and they use Standard Process products for pets which says a LOT. When only the best is what you want for your pet come here. read more

i took my white German Shepherd puppy to Alternatives for Animals because being a long time owner of dogs for many years and going to a well established veterinarian that changed from an excellent personal veterinary hospital into a place that only cares about money once they were acquired by a large corporation. My first visit with Alternatives for Animals was very pleasant , professional with everyone taking time to explain my options and recommended for my puppy for him as he grows . I highly recommend is place for all your veterinary services. read more

Still choosing Dr. Rettig after 15 years, 3rd dog. We've moved to Central Valley but she's still well worth the 4 hour drive. We have a local vet for emergencies but Dr. Rettig is the choice for full checkups and any concerns. She really is a wonderful and special person and most in line with my personal values and health perspectives read more

I can't thank Dr. Rettig enough. My dog developed a wound and tail necrosis after a dental procedure at another veterinary practice. They ended up suturing his wound and amputating part of his tail. However, as his tail began to heal from the amputation, the necrosis returned. At that point, the vet at the other practice offered me nothing. Literally. So I made an appointment at Alternatives for Animals. We've been there many times before and knew we could trust Dr. Rettig. Immediately, Dr. Rettig began researching similar cases and knew my dog needed to see a dermatologist. Not only did she tell me that, but since she was so concerned about the condition of my dog's tail at the time, she contacted local dermatologists and arranged an immediate appointment for us. She even followed up with me when she was away due to a family emergency. Because of this, my dog was able to start treatment before the condition spiraled out of control, and my dog is expected to make a complete recovery. Now we will see Dr. Rettig to support my dog holistically during his medical treatment. I think about this fateful experience daily and couldn't be more grateful. read more

great office that combines western veterinary and Chinese medicine very comfortably. clean rooms and friendly and professional staff

Dr Rettig & her staff were welcoming and very professional. While the first appointment was more expensive then your typical vet appointment she spent a full hour really examining my 10 week old pup and discussing puppy vaccinations and timing, healthy food options (what to look for), recommendations for supplements and the timing for spaying my dog if I chose to. The office has many of the products she recommended but I never felt pressured to buy anything. I hope to incorporate many of the practices that were recommended while also working with a traditional vet to get the best of both worlds for my pup. read more

We are in times of hostility. This pandemic event is impacting human kindness. It was gratifying having experience such wonderful patient care at Alternatives for Animals. I took Sammie there today. I drove one hour to get there, and it WAS SOOO WORTH IT. These ladies including the doctor were kind, sweet and compassionate to my baby Sammie and to me as well. They got us in on time. No waiting time. They were sweet to Sammie. They let me use their restroom, which was impecable providing all the sanitizers, paper towels and soaps that are needed considering the times we are living in. It was a pleasure working with this group of professional. They got a new patient! :) read more

Great place took care of my pit that was having neck issues. She has had spine injuries before and had to have suregery. They were able to get a neurologist to see my baby the next day and get her checked out. Instead of up selling surgery or other things I didn't need. They assured me with rest and pain management she would be ok and now she's back to her ok pittie self read more

Alternatives for Animals - Bella Pittie - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

Hands down the best care we've ever received for our dog. Love the staff and the vibe...so relaxed. Our dog was always anxiety ridden going into a normal veterinary office, but she was totally relaxed here. read more

So glad I found Dr Rettig! My 11 yr old mastiff has had skin problems for over a year now. the therapy our vet at the time prescribed was not helping helping. Since seeing Dr Rettig Halias condition has improved! She gets Accupuncture once a month and Chinese herbs the staff here are all so caring and compassionate they are very thorough every time with the intake assessment. Dr Rettig could tell that Halia lost weight by looking at her. She lost 4 lbs if I could give more stars I would!!! read more

So happy to have found this place! I have a weenie dog who's had back issues and skin issues for awhile. After his first appointment with acupuncture he was walking just fine! They also gave me some supplements for his skin issues and after today's check up the results were phenomenal. Everyone who works here is so sweet and kind. I will definitely be taking my other dog here as well. read more

AMAZING! Compassionate Reasonable prices Clean and safe environment I no longer live in NorCal but I came here a couple times my last week in the Bay because my Pomeranian was having shoulder issues. The doctor was so sweet and caring, I loved that they have all of us sit on the floor together, it really brings my shy dog at ease. They were able to give my girl laser therapy for her shoulder which really helped. Also prescribed natural medications to help with her muscles and to relieve pain -bonus, I was able to get all of the meds through their admirable donation bin. I can only hope I can find a vet half as good and honest as this place -which actually they gave me a website that gives me other holistic vets in my area! So thoughtful. My girl is continuing laser therapy but she seems to only need it once a month at most for now and hopefully she won't need it at all soon. I have her on a new diet (Primal), cbd's, DGP, Fish Oil and Hypericum Perforatum. We also do regular exercise! I now have one happy and healthy Pom!! read more

Alternatives for Animals - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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My cat suffers from allergies and we originally went to our "standard" vet for help. We tried an elimination diet followed by various tests. When an expensive blood test eventually indicated an allergy to dust mites, the vet suggested "immunotherapy" for life, at a cost of close to $1,000 a year (with no certainty of improvement). I am a Western trained health care professional but I figured there must be a better option, and Dr. Rettig offered us just that. The office visit was as relaxed as it could possibly be for a skittish indoor-only cat; kitty even sat calmly while receiving acupuncture from this kind and skilled healer! Sushi has been taking several reasonably priced herbal/supplemental pills twice a day for a couple of weeks now. She is definitely calmer and less itchy, and her fur is beginning to grow back around the base of her tail. Woohoo, finally something is helping!! This has been an eye-opening experience for me and a blessing for my beloved cat. I am most grateful to all the wonderful people at AfA. read more

Alternatives for Animals - Sushi getting acupuncture! - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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This review is long overdue, especially as I cannot sing their praises loud enough. When my adorable mini-goldendoodle, Tika, was diagnosed with inoperable bladder cancer and given 6 months to live, everyone told me to do chemo. However, I was newly pregnant with twins and worried about that exposure. I also couldn't bear the thought of putting that poison in my baby girl, making her last 6 months miserable. After exhaustive research, I was given Dr. Rettig's name from another vet who told me "She's your only hope. She's gifted. If she can't help, no one can". I knew immediately that Alternatives For Animals was different. Nothing compared to their caring and homey atmosphere. Tika was immediately comfortable, which meant the world to me, as I wanted our last precious time together to be as positive as possible. Tika & I were model patients and 100% dedicated to the treatment plan Dr. Rettig set up for us ... and the months ticked by ... After a year (!!!) of doing this, we needed some x-rays, so I went back to SF Vet Specialists (who helped diagnose her). Their doctor was AMAZED that not only was Tika still alive, but very much the "puppy" she had always been. As it does, cancer finally caught up to her, 16 months after her diagnosis. Though I'm still not over losing her 2+ years ago, I can thank Alternatives For Animals for the extra precious quality time I had with my baby girl, and for making our journey as sweet and bearable as humanly possible. Love to you all always, Terri & Tika-licious. :) read more

Dr. Luna is an amazing vet, she's extremely knowledgeable, understanding, gentle to every living creature she meets. If you talk to Dr. Luna about any concerns She will not only remember and understand but also give you natural alternatives instead of pushing medicine like a normal vet would. I would recommend this place, they are amazing and I give them a 100%. I took in my puppy along with my second dog and she even gave a little extra for my second dog for free. I was able to pick up some natural supplements, and a botanical anxiety liquid for a reasonable price. The doctor was very knowledgeable about everything she offered, which is so comforting. This place is just the best, I'm most confident that this is the right choice for any loved pet! read more

Alternatives for Animals - My dog Banana sniffing all the little jars. - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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Excellent Holistic Vet! Looking forward to seeing the work Dr. Rettig can do with my baby boy

Do you like cold, sterile veterinary offices with long waits, endless expensive tests, worst case scenarios, over-medication and advice that makes you cry all the way home? If so, then don't go to Dr. Rettig. Dr. Rettig and her staff are friendly, compassionate, patient and optimistic. Her office is warm, relaxing and it feels like you and your pet could be healed just by simply sitting in her office. I took my 11 year old dog Rosie in for a second opinion after leaving my regular vet with $500 spent on various tests that were inconclusive, a subscription for enough medications to get us through the next war, a scolding for giving her Chinese herbs ( I am an acupuncturist) and a very gloomy prognosis that left me crying for 3 days. Rosie had either hepatitis, pancreatitis, cancer or something else. All we really knew was that Rosie's liver was in serious trouble. I left with the usual feelings I have after visiting the vet: sad, hopeless,overwhelmed and anxious as hell. Today Rosie and I met a woman who understands us. She speaks our language. She really listens. She looks at the whole picture. Yes, she still looks at the lab tests( I like that she is western trained but treats as holistically as possible) but she also looks at environment, nutrition, emotional well-being,what's going on with the owner as well as the Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Dr. Rettig had us both at" hello" . We swooned when she called Rosie "Pumpkin Pie". Rosie got treatment. I got peace of mind and a flicker of hope. My only regret is that I did not switch vets sooner. Sometimes you learn the hard way. Rosie and I are never looking back. read more

My dog has been saved and is finally coming back to her normal self! Both Dr. Magda and Dr.Rettig are phenomenal at what they do! My super active lab mix Sadie, started limping around June of last year. Thinking it was an injury, I waited for her to recover, and she only got worse. She went from running three/four days a week with 6 mile hikes on the weekends, to not even being able to jump up on the bed or walk down the stairs. I spent months at Montclair Vet trying to find out what was wrong with her. After X-rays and blood tests, the vets were stumped. She then started having other symptoms like fungus on her nose and paws, and I was starting to wonder if these symptoms were related. The vet at Montclair was convinced they were not, and just kept sending me away with no answers but more prescriptions of pain meds and ointment and a referral to their holistic practice (which was useless) for my really sick dog. Then someone told me about Alternatives for Animals... Our first visit we saw Dr.Magda who quickly diagnosed her with Lupus. Super rare, but she nailed it. The symptoms were totally connected. We first treated her pain and inflammation with steroids, and acupuncture while also introducing her to supplements. (she didn't like the powder either so I didn't give her the full amount-just enough to have her eat it with her food) Now she's off steroids and only on supplements! She's past the acute phase so she can now begin exercising again. It's amazing!! Perhaps if I stayed with another vet, we just would've kept giving her prescriptions or I would've stopped treating her because I ran out of money...perhaps she wouldn't even still be alive, who knows...all I know is I have my dog back! Thank you!! read more

This is a bit long, but I can't help it. This place is amazing. We have a 15 year old Australian shepherd, Lucy with Kidney disease who is going blind. She was on so many meds she was like a zombie and she had GI issues and would also throw up all the time. We took her to the previous vet 3 times thinking it was time to put her down. She would stop eating, be collapsed and listless in the ground and wouldn't get up. When we took her to the vet, at the last minute, she would perk up and give us indications she wasn't ready. We decided to take her to the Alternative for Animals. Dr. Rettig and her staff, Sabrina and Susan, are all wonderful. Lucy was able to go off her Kidney meds after her first visit where she had an acupuncture, treatment , got a few supplements (to support her kidneys and health) and with better quality food (no more prescription kidney diet) she was a new, very alive dog. We had gotten so used to her just sleeping and mopey all the time. But after her first visit she was SO much more alert, engaged and happy, we couldn't believe it. She smiles again! And her GI issues are all better, which means no more abnormal stools, and no more throwing up. She has been getting monthly acupuncture treatments (which she loves) and assessments and we just went yesterday for a follow-up. She is doing SO well and I can't stress enough how grateful we are to Dr. Rettig and her amazing healing abilities. Also, Lucy is a very shy and nervous dog but my husband and I both noticed how at ease she was from the first time we walked in to their office, which is very calm and inviting. We really thought we would lose her 6 months ago, but she is now thriving in her senior years, despite her health issues. Thank You AFA ! read more

I'm updating my review, taking out the sad details about my cat's illness. I mainly want to say that most of the positive reviews that I've read about Alternatives for Animals are from DOG owners. I strongly recommend that a CAT owner think twice before trying acupuncture on their cat. Mine was terrified, and developed a fear of veterinarians which she did not have before (scratching and biting). read more

I have been bringing my Dachshund to see Dr. Luna for the past year. In Feb 2016 our 8 year old Charles became paralyzed in his back legs. As soon as we saw that he was having trouble walking we brought him to Dr. Luna. She gave us medication to help with the inflammation and muscle spasms he was suffering with. Prednisone was also used for a few weeks to help bring down the inflammation in his spine. She also started him on acupuncture and laser treatment. We also went to a hospital to have xrays done and they told us we needed to have surgery done asap. That would be 10k to do surgery. We decided to go with Dr. Lunas treatment. There is a 50/50 chance he will walk again after surgery. So we went for a longer treatment that would cost less and be much less traumatizing for him. We started doing acupuncture and laser twice a week for the first month, then once a week for the second month. By the 3rd month we were coming in every other week. Charles went from being completely paralyzed, to walking with a slight wabble in his hind end. Months 4,5, and 6 we came in once a month. Each time Dr. Luna did muscle testing to make sure his body was responding to the supplements and treatment. Each visit he was improving. So we would adjust his supplements according to what his body needed. It has been almost 1 year and Charles is back to his old self!! He can run, go upstairs and he is back to playing with his bff Sherman our cat. We are so happy with the hard work the ladies have put in to help our lil ween get back to 100%. We can't thank them enough. I recommend them to all my friends. read more

Alternatives for Animals - Charles at one of his first acupuncture appointments. - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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Two dogs later, Karen Rettig and Susan are wonderful. Our first Weim had a lot of acupuncture....it worked miracles and herbs.....She made it to 14... Took care of our cat for years as well. As for our younger, now 5, has been on a raw food diet since puppyhood. Karen has seen her a couple of times a year...more for a visit with her and me...but Lucy loves her and we love that Karen gets to know us and our pets intimately. It's a valuable relationship which most vets don't have. Love you Karen.... read more

Dr. Rettig is a healer! My 13-year-old German Shepherd, once the most athletic dog imaginable, suffered a collapsed disk about five years ago. Surgery got him back on his feet, miraculously. But we knew that he had two other compromised disks, so constantly worried. When he started going down in back again, I feared the worst. Many people I trusted recommended acupuncture and I was very fortunate to get tipped off to Dr. Rettig's amazing skill and knowledge. With acupuncture and herbs, he is still able to motor around quite well, protecting me from squirrels in the back yard when I'm working out there. As for how he feels about Dr. Rettig, you would never know that he is normally as aloof as is called for in the breed standard. As soon as he sees her, he gets the "love ears" and gives her kisses. She's kept by buddy more upright and strong than I would have ever hoped for. And a final word. The office is beautiful. Open, airy, light. Very comfortable for an animal who has to relax with acupuncture needles doing their thing. read more

Willie our Goldendoodle LOVES Dr Reggit!!! Found our loving dogs weight problem right away. Willie is doing great!!!!

My dog is 15 years old and has had some problems, in April he couldn't move, our regular vet couldn't tell if it was a stroke or a herniated disc so he just gave him meds to calm him down and muscle relaxers. My poor dog was in a daze all day and wasn't really getting better. That is when a friend suggested we visit Alternatives for Animals. There after the intake exam and full analysis, Dr. Rettig deduced it was a herniated disc issue stemming from something else that could be treated with acupuncture along with Chinese herbs and standard process products. That same day my dog was feeling better and acting normal and he fully recovered. She really tries to get to the root of the problem in order to come up with a solution and help the dog recover. She listens attentively to everything you might think is important regarding the dog's symptoms, behavior, food, surroundings and activities. Our other dog also visits Dr. Rettig and Dr. Luna for biocom sessions. He is a very energetic dog and the sessions take time so he gets impatient but with the calm environment, their gentleness and patience he now has the routine down and doesn't fuss. Recently, the older dog had a seizure and we really thought that that was it. We had to take him to emergency but they could not do much for him since they would have to do many many tests and we did not want to put him through that, they gave us some meds but again it just was a patch to fix the problem. So as soon as we could we took him to Dr. Rettig. Again, my dog got acupuncture, some herbs and std process and again, that same night he was his normal agile and alert self. I highly recommend Dr. Rettig and Alternatives for Animals because her ability to grasp the whole picture to then determine what the actual cause of the problem is. I call her the "House-but with good manners" of animals. read more

Alternatives for Animals - Biocom session - Veterinarians Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

I called Alternatives to make an appt for acupuncture to help my 8 yr old English Mastiff with pain problems in her lower back and rear legs. I was quoted the cost of an initial intake visit + acupuncture treatment (1 hour) would be $205.00. For my budget, this is a lot of money but I thought it might really help my dog so I booked it. My dog and I went to our appt and were brought into the exam room by a technician who was very friendly. Then Dr. Luna came in. She listened well, did some "muscle testing" using another person (Cassandra) and verified that my dogs rear back and legs were not well. She was kind and good with my dog. She did more muscle testing to determine what supplements might help my dog as well. She also mentioned that she could do laser treatment for an additional $25.00. I asked that if she did them both, how could she tell what was working. She said she couldn't but that she wants to do everything she can to treat the pain. She put needles in my dog and said she needs to have the needles in for 20 minutes, and left. When she came back she took the needles out and proceeded to do the laser treatment. I was still ambivalent about this treatment but didn't say anything, which is on me. When I went to pay, there were four bottles of supplements and a bill for $450.00. I was informed one of the bottles of supplements was from their donation bin. I was in shock and said the bill was over twice the price I was quoted. I was now late for work because the laser treatment had taken longer than the hour. I was also charged for the muscle testing ($25.00). I paid and left. I called two days later after examining the bill. I had been charged $240.00 for the initial visit instead of $205.00. Dr. Luna agreed to credit me the $35.00 plus $25.00 for muscle testing, which I appreciate. I called again to ask how long I can expect it to take to see if the supplements were working because my dog was still in pain and needing daily rimadyl doses. I was told she would call me Friday but she didn't and I still haven't heard from her. I wish she had simply done the acupuncture the first time and talked with me while my dog was lying down with the needles in about other treatments that might help. I felt railroaded into the laser treatment and really haven't known what to expect from the supplements. For now I'm giving them to her and rimadyl as needed (which has been 1-2 pills daily). If you go here, please be mindful that you have to be very clear about the charges. I'm still recovering from this hit but also hopeful it's doing my dog some good. Not all bad but not all good either. Addendum: It turns out the problem was a severe vaginal infection that took a strong course of antibiotics and daily external cleaning for two weeks to fix. So... it wasn't structural problem at all but a severe infection. I guess I'm disappointed the muscle testing and office exam missed it entirely. To be fair, my regular vet missed it initially too. But it's probably a good practice for any vet to do a thorough exam when something is wrong. My regular vet eventually figured out what was wrong. Unfortunately the supplements were all useless. Lesson learned. read more

We have had such a wonderful experience with Dr Luna and the staff at Alternatives for Animals. We actually drive about an hour and a half for appointments because we started with Dr Luna when she was working in Sacramento and didn't want to lose her! Our dog is often fearful and has shown fear aggression toward vets (including biting one! ). At his previous vet we had to muzzle him every time (understandable but still a pain). At Alternatives with Dr Luna we just put a cone on him and I hold his face still while he gets acupuncture. So much less stressful for all of us and he is so much more relaxed. I would even say that our dog LIKES her! Dr Luna has helped our dog's health tremendously, without steroids and other drugs. He has a back disease but with his treatments from Dr Luna, you would never guess it! Susan is also always so kind and helpful, as are the techs that we have worked with. read more

Dr Rettig and her crew are the mos wonderful people. I have a special needs dog that will run into the office from the lot. He won't stop to smell and didn't even look at another dog. He just wanted in. She has worked wonders with him. I know he feels better as he falls asleep during his treatment. Dr. Rettig is very caring and very knowledgeable. I trust her implicitly with him. She is also treating my other dog who has come down with an auto immune disease. She is very thorough and will not give up helping her. I would totally recommend Dr. Rettig if you are looking for a holistic vet. read more

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So excited to have found this as a treatment option for my kitties!! For starters - Love the calm relaxed and clean zen environment they afford. Feels more like a spa than a typical vet's office which always seem sterile, cold and somewhat stinky (feces + fear) smell. This alone adds to the stress of the dreaded trip. The treatment options are affordable, refreshing and go far beyond the standard chemical antibiotic/steroid/biopsy/surgery routine for everything under the sun. Receptionist is always happy to greet us and doesn't appear to be stressed or dismissive which is all too common in other places. Finally, as for Dr. Luna - I am extremely grateful for her services. She takes the time to listen and document all nuances I bring to her attention and she always has valuable feedback to translate what is happening in my kitties bodies and minds. The focus is on the overall healing vs. just treating/banking on symptoms. The dreaded temperature probe is not employed on every intake - which is just plain awesome!!!! Her calm sympathetic demeanor is healing in itself, which helps me to walk away feeling much better too. Absolutely love the fact that a few minutes of acupuncture can result in immediate measurable success without the use of more uneccesary chemicals, expense and continued agony. In a recent emergency situation, she really went above and beyond in staying in touch and providing valuable guidance while we were waiting for my kitty's appointment time. Love, love, love this place!!! read more

Miracles and Kindness galore ! My dear dog Sugar was diagnosed with a serious form of cancer at Thanksgiving. The Western Vet who diagnosed it wanted to send her to Davis asap for biopsy and then surgery and the prognosis was maybe 8 months of life after $4,000. -$6,000. worth of treatments ! Sugar's 13; not a great outlook and a dangerous and daunting treatment plan . So we visited Alternatives for Animals in Lafayette instead. Dr Luna and staff welcomed us, put Sugar on an herbal protocol, did some modest blood work , bi monthly acupuncture treatments. 5 months later, the tumor is shrinking !! and Sugar shows no signs of being ill. Also far more affordable than the surgical route. The cancer is there but contained . We have perhaps a year of good healthy time together which is a blessing.. many many thanks to Dr Luna and the kind and loving staff at Alt for Animals; it is animal care the way we like it ; Humane ! with Love & gratitude, Georgie W. and Sugar Dog read more

This place really is as good as it gets. I have been taking my German Shepard Heather to see Dr. Rettig for several years now. Gosh, guess it's been 7 years or so....? I have followed Dr. Karen Rettig as she has moved about and started her own private practice. The new location in Lafayette is WONDERFUL. It is comfortable, warm, friendly and it just plain feels good to be there. My dog is always excited to go to Alternatives for Animals. I first discovered Dr. Rettig when Heather-dog became seriously ill after jumping the fence and taking herself for a walk. The vet we were going to at the time didn't do anything to actually help Heather, although I did pay obscene amounts of money. I looked around and found Dr. Rettig. Through Dr. Rettig's skillful, thorough and HIGHLY effective treatments my dog became healthy again. When Heather started to get arthiritus, Dr. Rettig to the rescue again. By receiving treatments my 12-year old Shepard literally got around better and could outrun many Shepard's half her age. Seriously. When Heather had a stroke and couldn't walk or stand up or even sit up straight and was suffering serious vertigo and I thought SURELY this was the end of my Heather dog, I brought her to Dr. Rettig. That was truly amazing. My dog was so excited to see Karen. It was as if Heather knew she would help her. As soon as Dr. Rettig put the needles in Heather her eyes became steadier, and she she sat up straight. After her treatment she stood up and tried to walk to the car. She was still wobbly, but she couldn't even sit up before I brought her to Alternatives for Animals. Heather has now recovered I'd say 98% from her doggie stroke and gets around quite well. She still enjoys camping, walks, the beach and her quality of life is excellent. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that if it wasn't for Dr. Rettig's treatments and her excellent dietary guidance my dog would have died a long time ago either on her own or I would've euthinized her because she would've been miserable and unable to walk. I literally get all choked up thinking about it and how grateful I am to have found Dr. Rettig to support my animals in living long, healthy, happy lives. I could go on and on and on about all the times Dr. Rettig has helped my animals. For example, my other dog, Augie a pit-bull mix partially tore a ligament in his knee from playing too rough. It was healed through acupuncture and herbs. Okay, this review is long enough! I HIGHLY HIGHLY reccomend Alternatives for Animals. I think everyone should have their animals checked out by Dr. Rettig. Using Chinese Medicine techniques she can even help to prevent diseases and issues by really supporting your animal in having optimum health and educating you on how to best care for your animal. The rest of the staff, Melissa and Susan are incredible and caring as well. Melissa really has a way with critters! Just freaking GO already! The mix of integrity, professionalism, genuine caring, attention, thoroughness, and amazing RESULTS you will get at Alternatives for Animals is freaking PRICELESS. read more

If you appreciate "whole pet" diagnosis & treatment, have done your homework to fully understand what this means - you've found the right pet doc. These folks are in tune & incredibly gifted, knowledgeable & caring for our "babies". And they care about us pet parents too. Please do us all a favor- if you want Western vet services in a cold & sterile environ, all clinical & test driven - go somewhere else, save their precious appts for the rest of us. Dr. Rettig, Susan & the rest of the team are precious resources of loving, healing energy, not to be lightly wasted. Many thanks for your awesome caring & healing touch to my beloved pet partners! read more