What does a board-certified anesthesiologist do that a general practitioner doesn't?

Veterinary anesthesiologists complete a dedicated three-year residency focused entirely on anesthesia — the drugs, the equipment, the physiology, and the management of complications across a wide range of species and conditions. Their role is not just to monitor, but to anticipate problems before they arise and respond immediately when they do.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet?

For healthy pets with proper monitoring, the risk of a serious complication is less than 1%. For pets with underlying health conditions, individualized planning makes all the difference — which is why every patient receives a custom anesthesia protocol before any sedation begins.

What does recovery look like after anesthesia?

Recovery is an active phase of care, not just waiting for the drugs to wear off. Your pet is monitored continuously as they regain consciousness, with attention to pain levels, breathing, temperature, and overall stability. The goal is a smooth, comfortable transition — and your pet isn't considered ready to go home until the team is confident they're stable.

Anesthesiology & Pain Management

At Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

With best-in-class medicine, technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.

415-456-7372

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

You've come to the right place

Multi-disciplinary and board-certified, our team of specialists have the training to identify, diagnose, and treat any condition.

Specialized care when they need it most

Our board-certified anesthesiologist and team help pets who experience:

surgeries
diagnostic procedures
complex treatments
other procedures requiring anesthesia or pain management

Getting your pet on the path to wellness is our #1 goal.

With years of experience and a range of advanced procedures and treatment options, we'll focus on restoring your pet's quality of life and your peace of mind.

Individualized anesthesia planning

Anesthesia is part of many procedures — from routine surgeries and dental cleanings to complex interventional care. While the risk is low for healthy patients with proper monitoring, we understand it can still feel worrying.

That’s why every anesthesia plan begins with a thorough, patient-specific assessment designed to give your pet the safest possible experience.

Dr. Joseph brings deep expertise to all his patients. Whether your pet is young and healthy or managing heart, lung, kidney, or other complex conditions, a plan is built specifically for them.

Monitoring, comfort, and recovery

Throughout every procedure, advanced monitoring equipment continuously tracks vital signs — breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and more.

Your pet is closely observed through recovery. Attentive care, gentle handling, and proactive pain management help ease the transition — so your pet wakes up comfortably and goes home feeling well.

We're here for you and your family

Schedule a visit. We’re here to help.

We want you and your pet to have the best experience possible. If you need us to reach out to your primary care veterinarian for your records, we’re happy to do so.

415-456-7372