Coastal Holistic Complementary Veterinary Services

Dr. Kari Deleeuw has been to my ranch for a couple of my horses for chiropractic adjustment. I was impressed by her calm caring demeanor. We adopted an 8 year old Jack Russell Terrier that came to us from a rescue, with petty bad atopic dermatitis. Her belly and groin area red, raw, scaly, and itchy. Her front paws had been chewed on, and her ears were fighting infection. I have been feeding my dogs raw for 15 years, and placed her immediately on my diet with supplements. Within a week, her belly started to calm down. We had her for almost 3 months and things were 85% better. But her «girly parts» we’re still red raw and itchy. So I booked an appointment with Dr. Kari 3 weeks ago to fine tune what I was doing. She was happy with all my supplements and diet, and recommended cutting out chicken, and gave me a couple of other supplements to help clear her up. It is so refreshing to see someone who doesn’t scold you for feeding raw… who doesn’t tell you that your dog is at risk for salmonella poisoning (I do all the things to prevent this i.e. Freezing meat, buying fresh organic etc).
Our little JRT is now seeing some relief. I have to remember that for every year of her life that she has had this problem, that at a MINIMUM it will take 1 month for each year to get her over this. So patience is the key word! I highly recommend this practice if you are looking for complimentary medicine. Everyone here is compassionate, friendly, and professional. And they all love animals, which is so important, as it translates to their care…

Dr. Molly is completely amazing. The depth and breadth of her knowledge along with her experience make me feel like I am providing the best care I can for my beloved Samson. She listens, is immediately responsive, always does what she says she will do (along with her staff). That hasn’t been our experience with other speciality vets in San Francisco. And she brings integrative care to veterinary medicine that is highly accessible and affordable.

I was so disappointed with the service I received when I called this place. I had heard many good stories regarding the vet Molly that owns Coastal Holistic. Maybe she is a good practitioner but unfortunately my very ill dog or myself never had the opportunity to find out. I had the misfortune of interacting the receptionist who I found to be a very cold, abrupt, and a very non holistic type person. I am not sure if the vets are aware of the type of road block behavior she presents to potential clients, if not they should be. I am lucky that I have found another holistic vet and my dog is currently receiving the treatment she needs.
I would never recommend a person to this place !!

Very impressed by the doctors they spent quite along time getting to know me as well as my puppy and they went so slow with her which made her feel comfortable. Definitely can recommend this place.

We have been going to Coastal Holistic for 8 years now and have received nothing but excellent care for both of our dogs. When our dog was diagnosed with lymphoma and given only 3 weeks to live by a vet hospital in the city, we declined chemo after a review of the survival and remission rates and were not sure what to do. Were referred to Coastal Holistic by a friend and Dr. Rice and Dr. Pesch were amazing! First off, they were the first vets my big yellow lab didn’t try and bite. He immediately felt comfortable and calm. The doctors gave our big, sick, boy both western and eastern approaches that worked great and he went on to live full year after the initial diagnosis with an amazing quality of life that I would never have expected. We see them for our current family dog and again, Dr. s Rice and Dr. Kari have been equally wonderful. They are compassionate, dedicated, and are truly driven to provide the best care using all available approaches.

Most amazing, kind and helpful staff and physicians. My boy sees them regularly for his treatments and they have made his life so much better than it was when I rescued him. He has a few different issues and the treatments Dr. Molly and Dr. Kari provide are critical for his well being and mobility. He is a new dog (at 11) because they care, they treat him well and they love him. I am so grateful for their kindness, patient care and guidance to help me be a better guardian for my Lab/Shep’s health. I rescued a cat last year and she is flourishing because of the care she has received at CH. I trust them, I respect them and my animal children are flourishing because of their knowledge and care! Jo Ann and Ari are kind, helpful and are wonderful to work with as well. Wish all Vets were like this group.

I’m sure they are great with the animals, but I never got a chance to actually find that out. When I called to try to make an appointment, I was told that they were all booked up until the date that I’m scheduled for surgery. I explained that there would be no way for me to be able to get my dog in for several weeks after that, and since she’s been experiencing a lot of discomfort due to allergies, I would really like to get her seen as soon as possible, so I asked if there was any way they might be able to squeeze her in the week before my surgery. Instead of trying to work with me as I practically begged her, she decided it would be better to just hang up than to try to work with me. I never swore or yelled, which would make it understandable for her to hang up, I just begged for her help and understanding. If a person can’t have empathy with and understanding for the people she has to deal with over the phone, I can’t trust that she’d have much empathy for my animals. Very unprofessional. I will not be attempting to make another appointment ever again.

Very caring doctors in a calm comfortable place. My dog thinks it is a treat to go to this clinic then walk on the beach. They have been wonderful from his thyroid issues to back adjustments that make a huge difference. Big thanks

Several years ago, after having several bad experiences, and being financially gouged for medication and treatment with my primary vet in SF on Valencia street over and over. I was desperate to find care and treatment for Mia, my 17 year old JRT.
After reading excellent reviews via Unilocal,I scheduled our first appointment with Coastal Holistic and saw improvement after the first visit. Dr. Kari DeLeeuw became our primary Dr. and it made all the difference in Mia’s last few years. My dog went from being barely able to walk to being able to go on walks around the block and to our local park. Her quality of life was dramatically improved over the last two years of her life. Yes, Mia lived to the tenacious, treat obsessed and spoiled age of 19!
Kari clearly cares about her patients comfort, health and well being. She’s knowledgeable in modern Veterinary practices and an expert in holistic approaches to pet health. If it were not for Dr. DeLeeuw’s care, Mia’s last two years with us would not have been as good & as pain free as they were. I’m grateful to Coastal Holistic for being so gentle and caring with my sweet girl.

Unfortunately Dr. Rice told me my cat’s canine teeth should not be removed and he should not be put under anestesia.
she sold me a salve to put on the cat’s gums. My cat is a cancer patient
and I went to her for herbal support. One week later my cat’s teeth were
removed, his oncologist said the teeth were so infected he could not
receive his monthly dose of chemo with such a severe infection in his mouth. He did fine and ate 2 cans of cat food 2 hours after surgery.
When I called to let her know, the reccptionist told me to follow
the oncologist’s plan of treatment and Dr. Rice never returned my calls,
dropped him as a patient. I paid Almost $ 300 for nothing.
I wanted to discuss Kidney support therapy too.
I am going to Dr. Fong at SFV.

Good Job People. This is a well needed service. Thank you.

My god what a find! Our older lab was having many problems — not the least of which the other vets mishandling him. He was having digestive problems, his back was sore, he seemed like a loving old dog on his way out. After shopping many many vets, we were SOOO happy to find Coastal. The first day, they made major corrections to his back… after 3 sessions, he was a smooth walking dog again. No ongoing treatments needed. His digestive (poop) problems had been severe for 2 years and had worried us greatly. They specified a simple, but custom diet that fixed him up right away.
They are so loving and gentle — the only vet that our dog ever enjoyed.
Thank you Unilocal and Unilocalers for guiding us here.

Dr. Kari DeLeeuw at Coastal Holistic has been truly wonderful! My older, usually nervous dog LOVES her and often falls asleep during the exam, he is so relaxed. She is always very present and caring in working with him. She is very clear in explaining various treatment options and often recommends that we NOT do certain procedures because they just aren’t necessary at the time. She has been able to cure him of various aliments using a combination of traditional and herbal remedies. I wouldn’t trust him to anyone else!

If it weren’t for Dr. Rice I would never have known that my little girl had a chronic urinary tract problem that can lead to kidney and heart problems later in life! My prior two veterinarians had downplayed the importance of the urinary problem even though it was recurring and just prescribed antibiotics. Less critical health wise, but more critical to daily life was her ongoing scabby and itching skin. Both prior veterinarians had no suggestions… Dr. Rice recommended changing her diet to raw food which has been a miracle!
I am so happy that we started seeing Dr. Rice… she has been a life saver for Margot and me! Using natural herbal supplements and switching to a raw, low phosphate diet has virtually eliminated the urinary crystals and skin irritations. Additionally, Margot’s skin, coat, nails, and teeth look wonderful and healthy.
Finally, I can’t recommend Coastal Holistic more highly based on how my dog reacts with every visit from day one… happy. At all previous vet offices she would get panicky and want me to hold her or she would hide under my chair. At Coastal Holistic she walks right in tail wagging and looking around. The big plus are the exam rooms which are super comfy for you and your pet with big pet beds on the floors and cushioned benches as well as blanket covered exam tables. Lindsey and Joanne have been very helpful both in person and over the phone. Whenever I’ve had to leave a message they’ve gotten back to me asap. Dr. Rice has even called me back with lab results late in the evening and on weekends. You couldn’t dream of a better vet office!

My 11 year old pug had acute diarrhea twice in the past week. They gave me an appointment within 24 hours of calling. Joanne who runs the front desk is kind, thorough and helpful. Dr. Erica Gephard was the vet that treated my doggy. The physical exam was very thorough and she diagnosed issues with my pooch that I had never heard about before and we have seen 8 vets over the years. The care is wonderful and I’m so excited to have found vets that resonate with my preference for holistic care.

I came looking specifically for a holistic vet, one who wouldn’t push grain filled crap food on me, or criticize me for feeding my cats a raw meat diet. I also wanted more information on vaccinations and cutting down on the frequency my two cats were getting.
Coastal Holistic was referred to me. I’ve been two separate vets here for 2.5 years and I have zero complaints.
Coastal Holistic will do a combination of both holistic and western medicine, which is what I’d prefer to see over something that’s straight holistic only. When my youngest cat developed a tumour, they ran the appropriate tests and did conventional surgery to remove it, and holistic medications for both pre– and post-​surgery recovery. My little girl came out of amazingly well… I was surprised at how quickly she bounced back from all of it, even on the same day of the surgery.
This office supplies both holistic and raw foods, as well as western and holistic medications, vitamins, and supplements. If they don’t carry something, they’ll advise you on where you can find it. The price is a bit up there I find, but given the care, service, and general atmosphere of the place, I’m more than happy to take the very scenic drive out to Pacifica for my two.

A little surprised with some of the negative reviews.
Dr. Rice is great! I started taking my lab to see her about a year ago. I will admit our first visit was a little rocky, the receptionist had not put us on the schedule and I drove 30mins to their office to find out we had no appointment. Dr. Rice called me later that day and apologized. She gave me a discount on our first visit for the previous inconvenience.
Since then we have been back a few times mostly for chiropractic adjustments. Dr. Rice is knowledgeable and really great with my dog, who can be skittish at the vet’s office.
Every time we go in even if it is just for a chiro adjustment, Dr. Rice reviews my dog’s record and checks up on anything I may have commented on previously. She is very thorough which I greatly appreciate.
It can be hard to get a hold of the front desk but in my experience they always call back within one business day
Prices are a little high but I have found the care my dog gets to be worth the price.

Since the continuing saga of Sam, my man, was becoming grim, Dr. Cucaro at LM Vet suggested I check out Dr. Molly’s electro-​acupuncture and see if that might help his ever-​worsening condition.
(Brief history: I had taken Sam back to the vet in April 09 as he was unable to use his back legs, had difficulty getting up and doing his «business.») Sam, being Sam, decided that conventional treatment just wasn’t going to work on him. Medicam didn’t work. It looked like it might be decision making time and I just wouldn’t hear of it. Sam was put on Prednisone which saved his life, but comes with consequences. Dr. Cucaro performed acupuncture which helped but again were just addressing part of the problem.)
Back to the here and now. So Dr. Molly, who we had seen a couple of years back, checked him out, found that he had issues in his spine (degenerative), gave him a chiropractice adjustment, acupuncture, a change of diet plan and a guarded, yet hopeful, prognosis.
I’ve lived in Pacifica all of my life and can’t believe this humble city is fortunate to have someone like her in town. She is cutting edge on a lot of procedures and is one of only a few vets in the state that performs others. And she’s in Pacifica??? The high cost of SF space is our gain. She is calm, loving, smart and has the solutions that western veterinary care doesn’t always allow. Right now she is saving Sam’s life and my mental health as I do not know what I would do without him. I know there will come a day where he’ll have to go, but it’s not his time. He has a sparkle in his eye, a robust appetite and a hunger for all things «ball» at any time. Now his body can catch up with his mind.
Moral of my story? It’s not over until Dr. Molly says it is. I trust her judgment and expertise of all four-​legged things that much.
And she’s in freakin’ Pacifica!!!

we have been going to them for about 2 – 3 months. my dog, mochi, like Dr. Adam. Mochi didn’t bark at him from the beginning, which is rare.
we are on some chinese herbs and also changed his diet to increase more calcium and other thing he was missing from food i was making for him.
we went there for his allergy in the first place. he still itches, but his skin is better.

Dr. Adam is our cat Murphy’s vet. Murphy got his first urinary tract infection a year ago. We rushed him to the SPCA where he was «treated,» only for his issue to return a few weeks later. After a friend told us about Dr. Adam, we experienced what holistic care is all about. We learned his diet was causing his problems. He gave us a diet plan that, at first, seemed a little much (raw chicken?) but after just one week of the new diet, our 2-​year old returned to his younger days of running around the house, he licked out the matting in his new silky soft coat, and has never been happier. Whenever we have a scare, Dr. Adam has been completely accessible and available for all of our vet needs. So far, so good… no more issues!
This is an update. Since the last post I can report that Murphy remains a true trooper of fine feline health. We’ve brought him back for blood work (to make sure his kidneys were all on the up and up) and he’s a 100% healthy 3 year old boy. Dr. Adam is opening is own place in West Portal this summer with an onsite lab which is a great service. Will update again when I find out more.