Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital, conveniently located in the San Ramon Valley, is a state-of-the-art, full service veterinary hospital.  Founded in January 2008, BCAH provides exceptional medicine and surgery for your pet. Designed for the comfort of pets and their families, the hospital’s interior features soothing colors, warm wood tones and touches of copper. An exceptional combination of compassionate staff, leading-edge technology and creature comfort creates a friendly, sincerely compassionate environment for both pet and caretaker.

Our team of veterinary professionals wants to become an integral part of your pet’s family.  Communication between caretaker, doctor and staff is a key element in your animal’s health. Celebrating the human-animal bond, we encourage family partnership in your pet’s health by adopting ongoing preventative  care and wellness plans.

Our focus is two-fold: educating you the caretaker with the information you need to make the right decision on your pet’s care and providing the best treatment available for your pet. In the event of illness or injury, we’ll provide your pet with exceptional medical and surgical care and attempt to get them home where they belong as quickly as possible.

We pledge to never underestimate the trust you place in us when you allow us to care for your pet.   Our philosophy is to always do what’s best for your pet.  Please contact us for an appointment so we can help your pet with any problem or assist you in keeping your pet on the wellness path.
    

Our Professional Staff

Sandy Block, DVM
Dr. Block, our founder and president, has been serving the pets of the tri-valley area since 1990.  She grew up all over, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, a 4-year stay in Brussels, Belgium and then “settled” in Missouri. Fortunate to be mentored by her aunt and uncle, Drs. Bob and Gale Dressler, her love for animals and veterinary medicine started when she was nine years old.  She was a 4-H and FFA member and has always been an avid horsewoman.  She earned her B.S. in Animal Science in 1984 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Veterinary Medicine.

Her veterinary interests are the human-animal bond, internal medicine, pain management and animal behavior, encouraging pet caretakers to adopt ongoing preventative (or preventive) care and wellness plans.

She is a member of several professional organizations, including:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Animal Hospital Association
• California Veterinary Medical Association
• Contra Costa Veterinary Medical Association

Sandy is a supporter of local animal welfare and rescue organizations.  She is thrilled to be serving the community she lives in with her husband, David, sons, Austin and Peyton, yellow lab rescue, Allie, and rescue cat, Salsa.  In her “spare” time she is an avid hiker, camper, and horseback rider.  She also enjoys cooking, reading, singing and photography.  She is actively involved in the community including Cub Scouts, Little League, soccer, PTA, St. Joan of Arc and Valley Humane Society. She regularly speaks at local schools about her career and pet care.

Niki Barr, RVT
From early childhood, Niki set her sights on working in the veterinary field. After high school, she decided to pursue a career with animals, attending the animal health technician program at Western Career College. She graduated in 1989 and passed the California State Boards, earning the distinction of Certified Animal Health Technician, better known as Veterinary Nurse.
 
Niki and her husband Brian were married in June 2005. They both enjoy camping and boating and having BBQ's on the weekends with friends. An avid horse woman, Niki admits to loving  dragons – wishing they were real so she could adopt one.

Niki and Brian’s children are all of the furry variety , including her 19-year old quarter horse Reno,  an 11-year old kitty named Fuzzy, and Loki, a 9 year old kitty who turns into a mountain lion when taken to the vet.  All their pets have been adopted from rescue agencies or from people who no longer wanted them, and they have become a major part of their family.

Niki is pleased to be working at Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital and looks forward to caring for more furry creatures.

Michelle McNair, Receptionist/Assistant
Always a pet lover, Michelle’s interest in working with animals began when she and her husband Dan adopted their first golden retriever in 1997. Since then their family has grown to include two children: Jody, a tomboyish 6 year old girl and Garin, a sweet 2 year old boy. It comes as no surprise that the children are animal lovers as well. Two goldens – Tanner and Tessa – and a 7 lb. calico cat – often cuddle with the children, Tessa always within an arm’s reach of them. They spend a lot of time taking their dogs for hikes and swims, and family vacations usually include the dogs.

In addition to these furry friends, every one in their home also has their own fish tank. Dan has a large somewhat angry fish called "Jack Dempsey. Jack lives alone. Michelle has a 55 gallon fresh water tank where all the fish live in harmony. Jody has a small but efficient gold fish tank, and Garin has a beta named "Momo" because he has a hard time saying Nemo.

Michelle has been working in animal hospitals over the last ten years. She delights in her role as Patient Advocate at BCAH which gives her the opportunities to expand her knowledge of animal care, to make a difference in people's lives, and to give extra love to the pets in her care.

David Block, Hospital Manager
David grew up in the New Orleans area and moved to California with his parents in 1977 when his dad was transferred here with Chevron.  He graduated from Clayton Valley High School and attended Cal State Hayward where he graduated with degrees in Public Relations and Business. 

David brings a wealth of experience to BCAH. His strong business and organizational skills will benefit BCAH – allowing the veterinary side to operate smoothly and efficiently.

He worked in sales for several different industries including the food and beverage industry and hazardous materials abatement industry.  He also spent 7 years as a loan officer in the mortgage industry. 

Along with his wife, Dr. Sandy Block, he enjoys hiking, camping and sports with their children.  He is a “rabid” New Orleans Saints fan and loves Bruce Springsteen.  He coaches Little League, is active at St. Joan of Arc parish in San Ramon and in the Knights of Columbus, Christian Family Movement and Cub Scouting.

Leigha Perry, Customer Service Specialist
Leigha has loved all kinds of creatures – from fish to horses – for as long as she can remember.  Her first childhood friend was a scruffy little dog named “Teddy”.  He went everywhere with her.  After Teddy came rats, fish, kitties and dogs and whatever else she could talk her parents into letting her have.  It was amazing how many “followed her home”. 

Leigha is married and has 2 sons.  Her four legged family consists of 2 dogs, one kitty and 4 horses.  Leigha worked for a veterinary hospital as a receptionist and exam room technician until just prior to the birth of her second son.  She took a break from the veterinary field to concentrate on her family and horse training.  Leigha is thrilled to be working at Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital, a state-of-the-art animal hospital, where she can concentrate on patients and their families as if they were their own..