Our History and Mission 

The Orinda Veterinary Clinic was founded by Edward West Gills Jr, DVM in 1965. He dedicated his professional life to building a veterinary clinic that would provide quality, competent and compassionate care for pets throughout Lamorinda and its surrounding communities. The passing of Dr. Gills in 1987 resulted in Gerald Dzendzel , RVT, DVM purchasing the clinic from Dr. Gills' widow after his graduation from the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He was uniquely qualified to carry on the clinic tradition, having worked as Dr Gills' veterinary technician for nineteen years.

The mission has remained the same "To serve this and future generations of families and their pets with a constant and persistent commitment to improve the quality and value of patient care provided." Recommendations for medical care are given based on practical observation and history of clinical signs, which are then confirmed by experience based diagnostic testing. We attempt to solve our patients' medical problems with the invaluable insight and information their owners provide based on knowledge of their pets daily routine and behaviors. We strive to offer a comfortable and continuous learning environment where doctors, staff, patients and their owners can acquire techniques to enhance the human animal bond.