>From:    William Webb <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Vets in California
>I recently got a new job, and will be moving to California.  I understand
>that my little buddy is not exactly legal there, but my concern is this:
>how hard will it be to find a good vet that will treat ferrets?  Also if
>someone can recommend one in the Petaluma/Bay Area it would be greatly
>appreaciated...
>
>Bill
  ==========================================
 
Bill,
 
I have a vet that I really like and trust in Santa Clara.  His name is Kent
Littlehale @ Santa Clara Pet Hospital (this is his own practice).  His
phone # is 408-296-5857 (for when you get here).  Dr. Littlehale is so
helpful and open to suggestions that I get from the FML and FHL.  He never
seems intimidated or threatened by my having so much information available.
He has always returned my calls and seen me for last minute emergencies
without a hike in fees.  At first he seems really standoffish, but after a
while you see that he's very thorough in his examinations and takes great
precautions with your animals.  This I like.  There also is another
facility in Los Altos.  It's about 30 minutes North of Santa Clara.  It's
called Adobe Animal Hopsital.  The facility has about 16 veterinarians.  I
know they do see a lot of ferrets.  Jane Johnson is the ferret specialist
there.  I've been there a couple times, but the last time I went they
were way too busy for my taste.  Not to mention I had an emergency (I
accidentally stepped on my fert when she got under my foot walking down
stairs - I was carrying a laundry basket) and they told me to come right
down (as if they would help me right away), but then I proceeded to wait
an hour and a 1/2 - and they still charged me like $80!!!!!!  They didn't
even check my animal to see if it was a dire emergency.  Needless to say I
won't go there anymore (the only reason I went is because Littlehale was
not in for the day).
 
Those are my two recommendations.  Hope it all goes well for you - the
move that is!
 
Tanya G.
[Posted in FML issue 3393]