Paws & Claws Animal Hospital
15+
Years of Experience
8,000+
Patients Treated
24/7
Emergency Care
4.8
Google Rating
Hours & Location

When We're Open

Monday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday Emergency Only

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⚑
4210 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
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Our Services

What We Do

Wellness & Preventive Care

Wellness & Preventive Care

Comprehensive annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and nutrition counseling to keep your pet healthy at every life stage.

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Surgery & Orthopedics

Surgery & Orthopedics

From routine spays and neuters to advanced orthopedic procedures, our board-trained surgeons deliver safe, precise results.

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Dental Care

Dental Care

Professional cleanings, digital dental radiographs, and oral surgery to prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss in your pet.

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Emergency & Urgent Care

Emergency & Urgent Care

Round-the-clock emergency veterinary services for trauma, poisoning, bloat, difficulty breathing, and other critical situations.

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Dermatology & Allergies

Dermatology & Allergies

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic itching, ear infections, hot spots, food allergies, and environmental sensitivities.

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Senior Pet Care

Senior Pet Care

Specialized wellness programs for aging dogs and cats, including early disease screening, pain management, and quality-of-life support.

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About Paws & Claws Animal Hospital
About Us

Your Pet's Second Home

Paws & Claws Animal Hospital was founded in 2010 by Dr. Sofia Vasquez with a simple belief: every pet deserves the same quality of medical care that we expect for ourselves. What started as a small two-exam-room clinic on South Lamar has grown into a full-service veterinary hospital serving over 8,000 patients across the greater Austin area.

Our team of three veterinarians, eight veterinary technicians, and five client service professionals shares a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based medicine. We invest in continuing education, advanced diagnostic equipment, and a Fear-Free certified environment because we believe that how we deliver care matters as much as what we deliver.

We are not a corporate chain. Paws & Claws is independently owned, which means our medical decisions are guided by what is best for your pet — not by a corporate headquarters. We take the time to know your pet by name, understand their personality, and build a relationship that lasts for the lifetime of your animal.

01

Compassion First

Every animal receives gentle, patient care. We take the time to understand your pet's unique needs and temperament.

02

Advanced Medicine

State-of-the-art diagnostics, digital radiography, and in-house lab work provide fast, accurate results when your pet needs them.

03

Fear-Free Certified

Our entire team is trained in low-stress handling techniques that reduce anxiety and make vet visits calmer for pets and owners alike.

04

Community Partner

We sponsor local rescue organizations, offer reduced-cost spay/neuter clinics, and volunteer at Austin-area shelters year-round.

How It Works

What to Expect

New Patient Registration

Call or book online to schedule your first visit. We will send you digital intake forms to complete at home so we can learn about your pet's history, lifestyle, and any current concerns before you arrive.

First Visit Exam

Your pet receives a comprehensive nose-to-tail exam in a calm, Fear-Free environment. We take the time to listen to your concerns, review your pet's history, and establish a baseline of their health.

Diagnosis & Care Plan

Based on our findings, we develop a personalized care plan that may include diagnostics, treatment, preventive recommendations, or specialist referrals — all discussed with you before we proceed.

Ongoing Wellness

We schedule follow-up visits, send vaccine and preventive care reminders, and remain available for questions between visits. Your pet's health is a partnership between our team and your family.

15+ Years of Experience
8,000+ Patients Treated
24/7 Emergency Care
4.8 Google Rating
Reviews

Trusted by Hundreds of Clients

★★★★★

"Dr. Vasquez saved our golden retriever after he ate an entire bag of Halloween chocolate. The emergency team was incredible — calm, fast, and they kept us informed every step of the way. Baxter made a full recovery."

Sarah M.

Pet Parent

★★★★★

"We switched to Paws & Claws after our anxious cat had terrible experiences at other clinics. The Fear-Free approach made all the difference. Mochi actually walked into her carrier willingly for the first time ever."

James K.

Cat Owner

★★★★★

"The dental team found a cracked tooth that three other vets missed. Full-mouth X-rays caught it immediately. Our dog stopped pawing at his face within days of the extraction. We should have come here first."

Linda R.

Dog Owner

★★★★★

"Dr. Chen managed our 14-year-old lab's arthritis so well that he started going on walks again. The combination of medication, weight management, and laser therapy gave us two more wonderful years with him."

Michael T.

Pet Parent

★★★★★

"Transparent pricing, no surprise charges, and a team that genuinely cares about the animals — not just the bottom line. We have been bringing all three of our dogs here for eight years and would not go anywhere else."

Emily & David P.

Multi-Pet Family

★★★★★

"Dr. Vasquez saved our golden retriever after he ate an entire bag of Halloween chocolate. The emergency team was incredible — calm, fast, and they kept us informed every step of the way. Baxter made a full recovery."

Sarah M.

Pet Parent

★★★★★

"We switched to Paws & Claws after our anxious cat had terrible experiences at other clinics. The Fear-Free approach made all the difference. Mochi actually walked into her carrier willingly for the first time ever."

James K.

Cat Owner

★★★★★

"The dental team found a cracked tooth that three other vets missed. Full-mouth X-rays caught it immediately. Our dog stopped pawing at his face within days of the extraction. We should have come here first."

Linda R.

Dog Owner

★★★★★

"Dr. Chen managed our 14-year-old lab's arthritis so well that he started going on walks again. The combination of medication, weight management, and laser therapy gave us two more wonderful years with him."

Michael T.

Pet Parent

★★★★★

"Transparent pricing, no surprise charges, and a team that genuinely cares about the animals — not just the bottom line. We have been bringing all three of our dogs here for eight years and would not go anywhere else."

Emily & David P.

Multi-Pet Family

FAQ

Common Questions

Please bring any previous medical records or vaccination history, a list of medications or supplements your pet currently takes, and a stool sample collected within the past 12 hours for parasite screening. If your pet is anxious in the car, a favorite blanket or toy can help them feel more comfortable.

Yes. We accept all major pet insurance providers and can provide the detailed invoices needed for reimbursement claims. We also offer CareCredit and Scratchpay financing for procedures over $500, with interest-free options available for qualifying applicants. Our team can help you apply in the office.

We recommend annual wellness exams for adult dogs and cats, and twice-yearly visits for senior pets (dogs over 7, cats over 11) and pets with chronic conditions. Puppies and kittens need visits every 3-4 weeks until their vaccination series is complete, usually around 16 weeks of age.

Yes. Every member of our veterinary team — doctors, technicians, and client service staff — has completed Fear-Free certification. This means we use low-stress handling techniques, calming pheromones, non-slip surfaces, separate cat and dog waiting areas, and treats and gentle distraction to make every visit as stress-free as possible for your pet.

Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia for safety and thoroughness. The procedure includes a complete oral exam, full-mouth digital X-rays, ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and fluoride treatment. If we find teeth that need extraction, we will call you during the procedure to discuss findings and get your approval before proceeding.

Yes. Paws & Claws provides 24/7 emergency veterinary services. Our emergency team is on-site around the clock, 365 days a year. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency outside of regular business hours, call our main number at (512) 555-0234 and you will be connected with the on-duty emergency veterinarian immediately.

The ideal timing depends on your pet's species, breed, and size. For most cats and small dogs, we recommend spaying or neutering around 5-6 months of age. For large and giant breed dogs, recent research suggests waiting until growth plates have closed (12-18 months) to reduce orthopedic risks. We will discuss the best timing for your individual pet during a wellness visit.

Absolutely. We encourage owners to stay in the exam room during consultations and physical examinations. For procedures that require sedation or anesthesia, we ask that owners wait in our comfortable lobby or leave a contact number. We will call you as soon as your pet is awake and recovering.

Call Now (512) 555-0234
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