The vet is caring and reasonably priced- if you can get in. Many people have reported that they don't answer the phone or call back, and they still have only 1 line so it is busy with fax all the time. The real problem though is the rude, uncaring desk staff. When my pharmacist complained that they didn't send a refill request they refused to deal with them- so for two years I had to go monthly to a pharmacy 1/2 hour out of my way. When I complained the desk person cancelled my dogs appointment without telling me and said they would not allow us there anymore. Others posted that this happened to them also. Something fishy going on, and VERY unprofessional! They didn't care that my dog would be out of meds, lied and said they had no appointments (they did) and that they couldn't give a refill (they did). Many online complaints and pet owners having to go elsewhere because they're so difficult. Not worth the trouble! read more

Eckerdt has been my pets vet since he was a puppy. In Oct 2025 we noticed a red spot on my dog's testicles. She said she has seen spiders bits and thought that was it would be. She gave him one bottle of antibiotics. Made a second appointment because we notice it was changing and not for the better. She was in the office with us for maybe three minutes said he was okay. We tried to make a third appointment but they were closed on Monday and I started to call Tuesday from 8-10:30 but the phone was busy the whole time so I sent my husband there in person because my dogs testicles have doubled in size and looks to be rotting. They dismissed up and told us to go somewhere else and just get him nurtured. She did not take three minutes out to see him . There were words exchanged with the staff. Due to the dismissal that they gave us. When my dog needed them the most. This was now thanks giving and limited to other veterinary being open. We found one in Aptos. It's now from the first time she saw him to him going to another vet is over a month. In this month the new vet discovered it was not a spider bit but a tumor, shin infection and possibly cancer in his lymph node. If she would have not wasted precious time we could have save a lot of pain my dogs was in. If you love you animal find a different veterinary that will care. And keep there phone on the hook. The reception said the phone was off the hook because they took it off. What kind of business does that during business hours. She will never get my service. And I will tell everyone the same read more

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She's unbelievable I've been to very many vets in my lifetime on 71 I've had lots of pets and when I moved out to prunedale 30 years ago I went to her and she's just she has a way with animals all the other vets in seaside I want you all the different times when I lived there it was completely different she's special with that she's a pet whisperer sorry I recommend your completely read more

The receptionist was rude and mean when we questioned a late fee after 10 minutes late. $130 charge was absurd. When we asked to speak with the vet she said she doesn't speak with clients. Many others have said the same thing about the clerk at the counter. read more

Everything was wonderful staff , Doctors . My dogs love to go there. The Doctors are great. I would recommend them to anyone that loves their pets. read more

Excellent service with outstanding staff. Dr Eckerdt is a Top Notch Veterinarian who truly cares. My new Go To Vet. read more

I've been going to the same overpriced veterinarian for the past 4 years, and have been searching for a more reasonably-priced option to take my dog for veterinary care. Two of my coworkers highly recommended Prunedale Veterinary Service with Dr Dena Eckerdt, so I decided to give her a try. I immediately saw a difference with this establishment from the moment I scheduled the appointment over the phone. They welcomed my Trixie into the office, talking to her, interacting with her, and playing with her. She's a pit-mix, so some people act scared around her, but they didn't make me feel stressed out like usual. They were so good to her. The doctor spent time getting to know Trixie, and even took the time to show me how to do a simple procedure at home to help maintain her health! They never even attempted to try and sell me on any unnecessary, expensive treatments or procedures for her. I couldn't have been more impressed. read more

Dena Eckerdt, DVM - Look at that smile! Trixie couldn't be happier :) - Veterinarians Near Me - Prunedale, California

Dena is fabulous! She is compassionate, caring, empathetic and her rates are very reasonable. I adore her daughter-in-law (who works the front desk). And her RVT's have all been wonderful as well. I do miss Larry and his sense of humor. (Happy retirement Sir!) We've been going to Prunedale Vet since the 80's and have experienced exemplary care for all all of our pets. read more

Dr. Dena has been the only Vetarniary who would let you come in with your pet when they were examined. She is good with my dogs an very good explaining things read more

Dr Dena took time to make my little puppy very comfortable and happy. Both she and the vet tech played w my puppy before the exam, and waited until she was very relaxed to put her on the exam table. She made the checkup seem like a game to my puppy. This was a relief after my last vet in marina took no time to comfort my previous dog and made a scary situation even worse for him. Highly recommend Dr Dena!!! read more

This is best Vet office I have ever been to. Dr. Eckerdt is soooo good with the animals, my cats love her. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, I get a very welcome vibe when I bring in my pets, they really treat you like family. I have had really great experiences here. Thank you Dr. and Staff. read more

I've been taking my dog here for a little over a year now. Great vet techs, great veterinarian. I've had a good experience at every visit. They also implemented a text reminder system, very grateful for that because I had otherwise completely forgotten to get her rabies shot updated. read more

When I lived in Prunedale in the mid 1990s I took my pup to Dr. Dena. She and her staff were always wonderful. This year I was back in the market for a vet for my 3 pups. Even though it is a bit of a drive I thought I'll go and see Dr. Dena. I am so glad I did! She is a wonderful vet; her staff is awesome and her prices are very reasonable. She didn't rush me through my appointment, like I have felt other vets do in the past, and she took her time answering my list of questions. One of my pups is always very stressed when going to the vet. Not at Dr. Dena's office! All three of my pups were happy to see her and the staff, even though they had never met, and after a while they all just laid down and relaxed. We'll definitely go back! read more

Dr. Dena is the most caring veterinarian ever! Trust her with any pet with any condition. If she cannot provide service to you because of lack of equipment or other reason, she will be the first to tell you! And Carolyn, her front office person, works as hard as she can to get your pad in as soon as possible read more

Sensitive, caring, sensible care. Cost effective as well. I appreciate the kindness of all the staff. Dr. Eckerdt is no nonsense-lays out the options along with her option and let's you know you're a part of the plan of care for your pet. Her years of experience and reviews show you can't go wrong taking your pet here. read more

Dena Eckerdt, DVM - Thanks Dr. Dena! - Veterinarians Near Me - Prunedale, California

Very attentive to the needs of our pets. She always makes time to listen and really get to the route of the issue and never rushes us. She is wonderful and so is her staff read more

Don't ever ever go here! This nurse turned us away when our rabbit was literally dying! We just needed someone close to our house to put her down, we didn't want her to suffer and the nurse said we cannot see you she is to busy. All we wanted was someone to put her down, but the nurse decided to say some mean words to us instead of asses the situation. Disgusting absolutely inhuman and she died in our arms. Never again and they have their phone number off the hook for two days now. Disgusting establishment read more

I agree with Margarita B's review. Dena is all of that. I feel grateful to have her so close to home. She is wonderful with my dogs and was wonderful with my cat too. I just love Dena, her husband and staff. read more

Read the previous reviews about the rude & brusque manners and prepared myself. I really dont take to rudeness from someone who wants money from me. However, I saw none of it. The gentleman mentioned before was in fact behind the desk. Rather than rude or short, he was jovial and making jokes with people who called in. So I feel the reviews either caught him on a bad day, a rough time in life, or just flat out misinterpreted the interaction they had. As for the office, it is small & clean. They offer a variety of services & dont try to sell you on anything. In fact, I had to prompt the Vet to see if I couldnt add on services like microchipping & meds. I asked & found that the place only does dogs & cats with a few birds & livestock - no exotics or reptiles. As for the Vet, she was super nice & very friendly. She really had a common-sense approach to it & clearly looks to the basic needs of the animal, without pushing anything extra. I listened as the office dealt with some people who called in looking for euthanizing services & were gently told that she will NOT agree to it unless she sees the animal & decides that it is in the pet's best interest. Apparently some folks get upset at misbehaving pets & opt to put the animals down in response. She will not be a part of that. Finally - & for some most importantly - the fees were very reasonable. The office visit for me was something like $55, and that's pretty competitive around these parts. The meds werent badly priced - a tad higher than if you shopped them yourself. Rabies & microchipping was pretty much the industry standard. Really did not feel like I got fleeced while I was there. read more

Dena is back! After a short lapse in LA, they have returned to Prunedale! We have been using her for our beagles even when we lived in Monterey. She is not a "let's take some x-rays and some blood work and I can tell you what is wrong" kind of person. She sits on the floor and seemingly plays with the dog but is running her hands all over their bodies and feeling for spots causing pain or discomfort. Based upon her "Hands On" approach she then discusses plans of action that can be taken next. Don't get me wrong - she is NOT against modern medicine but she really checks out the dog before recommending courses of action. She has given us antibiotics for issues, or pain meds if she thinks it will resolve itself, but also sets another appointment shortly after to evaluate and discuss next direction to go, if necessary. We have gone to the "picture and blood work" or the "You need to go to Santa Cruz" for an MRI type doctors and after a few grand, they put the dog on antibiotics or pain meds. When it came time to put our Maggie down (and only after an x-ray to see the fluid in her lungs) they could not have been any more loving toward Maggie, and also gave us as much time in one of her rooms for us to say an un-rushed goodbye. When the time came she left us alone and allowed us time to process what just happened. With all of the above said, we would never take our animals anywhere else. read more

I dread the day that Dena closes up shop. I've been taking all my animals here for years, ferals and pets. They always fit me in, as soon as possible, and are understanding of the realities of caring for animals and that sometimes I cannot afford to do every test under the sun, even if I want to, affordable and thorough. read more

I've been taking my dogs and cat here since 2004, and they have a great manner with all of them. I don't understand the negative review as it does not sound like them. Highly recommend read more

Hands down, THE BEST! Dr. Eckerdt and the staff are always polite, welcoming, and kind--to humans and pets. I've taken my dog Rocky numerous times since he was a puppy and Dr. Eckerdt has ensured he has a clean bill of health; everything from vaccinations, to broken toe nails, to neutering--Rocky has had it all done here. Open Saturdays and can sometimes get you in the same day if you can call in the morning. They also have a helpful answering service. Check them out! read more

First time coming here today to take my cat in. This place is not only close to my house but it's affordable and front desk is very friendly, kind, and has great customer service made me feel welcomed had a great experience when I came in. Meeting the doctor as well such a sweet lady! Very kind, helpful, takes the time to listen and talk to you very friendly with my cat. The doctor made me feel welcomed as well and great customer service! I should have came here along time ago. Definitely recommend taking your pets here! I'll be coming back :) read more

Great vet. Knowledgeable, caring, down to earth, reasonable, and thoughtful care. They do not throw a battery of expensive tests at you as soon as you walk in the door. read more

Took our dogs in for well checks, mine needed meds for diabetic, said he looked "remarkably well for a duabetic", sold meds, two weeks later he was dying. I called and called and couldn't get a hold of anyone to help me either get him well or assist his crossing. Already had a much needed appointment for second dog to remove a tumor, they put us out 5 weeks,asked to move it up because it was growing exponentially, told they couldn't. Took her in had it removed. Doc never came out to speak with us only young tech showing me half the tumor in a med container and telling me it was large (yea,like I said, we tried to get in much sooner), no one ever called for follow up EVER, she began trembling and seeming unwell. When we went in to have stitches removed IN THE PARKING LOT and I told the tech...no doctor still...tech said take benadryl probably allergies, she died several days later in misery and suffering. NEVER GOING BACK! read more

I have been taking my French bulldog to the same vet since he was a puppy, so when we recently moved to this area, I was concerned about finding a vet who would love on him as much as his former doctor. I am so glad we found Dr. Dena! She gave him a thorough exam and was so loving with him- I'm beyond pleased! The staff was welcoming and kind, too- a great practice. Kermit will be a regular now! read more

So happy we have started seeing this vet for our cats. We had to put our darling Bella to sleep yesterday and the ordeal was considerably lessened by the sensitive, compassionate doctor and staff. So much better than having to schlepp to Salinas. read more

Highly recommend Dr. Eckerdt and her wonderful staff. Took all three of my dogs and she was very kind and treated them as if they were hers. I love her. My almost 16 year old baby finally was treated properly and received medicine. read more

Dena treats my fur babies with great care and concern every time I go there. It's a small office without fancy "bells and whistles". I think this allows her to keep her prices very low. She is really all about the animals. I highly recommend her and her staff. read more

Update: down one star. so I have been back and loved the care and expertise given to my dogs problem. But I just have to say something. You can be put off by the gruffness at the front desk. Plus last week I called with an emergency and got the answering service. She said they are having issues with their phone and would get the message right over to them. They never called. Even if you don't have a spot for me the next day or the day after at least call me. Sadly I will try to find another vet...I really liked Dr. Dena. read more

This vet place is rude & cold hearted. My family found a dying kitten on the side of the road. It was almost 5pm so they rushed to the vet place & asked the man at the desk if he could help (Im pretty sure this short mean man is the vets husband). He said "we don't do that here." My family was crying because the kitten was obviously in a lot of pain. They offered to pay for the kitty to be euthanized to which he replied, "were closed! Now leave." my sister at that point told him he was being heartless and he shrugged his shoulders & said, "I don't care." I've worked with and rescued many animals in my life. I rehab, I foster, & I sometimes have to have animals put down. Never in my history of animal caretaking has a business been so incredibly cruel. The man at the front desk has no heart whatsoever. And I hope that the vet he works with understands that this kind of behavior reflects badly on her. I would *never* recommend or bring any animal sick, injured or healthy to this kind of establishment. They get one star only because they don't have negative stars on here. read more

I've been taking my dogs to Dena for over 16 years. Dena is very professional, really knows her stuff, clearly loves animals and charges very reasonable prices. read more

I took my dog there to be tested for Parvo. They took my dog in hooked him up on IVs and antibiotics to fight something they never tested for. NO blood work was done NO xrays. There were just blank assumptions made. They said my dog was a garbage dog. My dog has to access to any garbage. Had to call in a civil stand by because the fat bald man in the front would not hand over my dog to me 2 days later because I refused to pay for second housing day. They did nothing that I couldnt do for him. Took him to watsoneville EastLake Vet and got amediate attention. He was diangnosed with Parvo Like I suspected and died last night. RIP DUKE BOY. read more

The new number for this great vet is 831-663-6551. She is reasonable about treatment and reasonable about costs and your budget. She also has a great feel for the animals, and my dogs trust her, which being border collies, doesn't come easily. read more

Once again I find myself driving 3 hours to take my dog to Dena. She was my vet for many years when I lived in Salinas and since moving away, I haven't found any one who I trust as much. read more

They were so amazing with our dog and our cat. When our beloved golden was sick they cared for him every day until we picked him up after work, for more than a week. They loved him too, and they barely charged us for so much care and time. We finally had to make a descision and they were so helpful and caring about it. We can't say enough about their care. read more

I really appreciate Dr. Dena Eckerdt's knowledge, practicality, and caring. When other vets told me I needed to do a $4,500 knee surgery on my dog immediately, Dena gave me other options, which included resting him and doing some simple physical therapy at home. My dog responded well to the physical therapy and has been happy and healthy for the past year and a half. I appreciate how Dena keeps things simple which reduces costs; if something is more serious she refers us to a specialist. I highly recommend Dena! read more

This is a wonderful place, and Dr. Dena is most excellent. I wound up with a feral rescued ranch kitten-cat with a prolapsing rectum, it was pretty awful... After several surgeries that didn't work out, the kitty was still suffering and no one else seemed to care a whole lot about her. It was a messy and unpleasant situation, but I decided I would see if I could give her a chance at a normal life. Dr. Dena helped me, first with treatment, and later teaching me how to correct the problem at home, myself. Several months later, my kitty is a fine little housecat, and she appears to be completely recovered. I cannot emphasize enough, how caring and encouraging she was, when I was sad & afraid that the kitty might not ever get better. She had even denied the former owners' request to euthanize the kitten. (after they had made several attempts to surgically correct her condition) She recognized that the kitty had that 'spark of life' in her, and saw the potential for the kitty to recover. THAT is rare, and precious in a veterinarian! She truly loves the animals, and that makes all the difference. I always feel blessed after a visit there, and I know my kitty gets the best care possible. I highly recommend Prunedale Vet, and I KNOW my darling kitty girl is alive and healthy today because of the care she got there. THANK YOU, Dr. Dena! read more

We have four pets we trust to Dr. Eckerdt's care. She is patient, kind, thorough and quite obviously loves animals. I appreciate that she is not one to rush to a diagnosis or recommend extra tests if they are not needed. We are fortunate that she is a part of our small community and grateful to her and her staff for the TLC they show our pets. read more