Bonnie Mara Animal Hospital seal Opening
Summer 2026
Join the list

Bonnie Mara Animal Hospital

A new kind of animal hospital for Santa Barbara.

Independently owned, low‑stress veterinary care for dogs and cats.

4860 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA
Opening Summer 2026

Bonnie Mara, in two languages.

I chose the name “Bonnie Mara” to reflect both my Scottish roots and the natural beauty of our surroundings here in Santa Barbara. “Bonnie” is what my granny called everything beautiful — the landscape, our family, a quiet morning.

“Mara” means sea, in Gaelic. It captures my deep connection to Santa Barbara, the beaches I’ve walked with my dogs, and the calm that lives in the water. The ocean embodies peace and interconnectedness of all living beings — values that deeply resonate with our mission.

Dr. Laura Putnam

Proudly independently owned.With the time to focus on making each visit a positive one.

The practice

Comprehensive care, quietly done.

For dogs and cats — from first puppyhood and kittenhood through the senior years.

  1. 01

    Wellness

    Annual and semi‑annual visits tailored to age, breed, and species. Good habits, vaccines, nutrition — in your time, on your pet’s pace.

  2. 02

    Surgery

    Routine spays and neuters; complex soft tissue; emergency cases including GDV, splenectomy, bladder, pyometra, foxtails, and trauma surgery.

  3. 03

    Dentistry & COHAT

    Complete oral health assessment and treatment under general anesthesia. Every procedure includes dental radiographs and a thorough oral exam.

  4. 04

    Diagnostics & imaging

    Full in‑house lab plus Idexx reference. ImageVue DR50 Plus digital x‑ray. Abdominal and emergency ultrasound.

  5. 05

    Urgent & same‑day

    Vet visits are often unexpected. We’ll do our best to accommodate you in your time of need — without sending you somewhere unfamiliar.

  6. 06

    End‑of‑life

    Hospice, palliative, and euthanasia services with dignity. On your pet’s terms, in a space that feels right for your family.

FAQ

The most common questions, right now.

Summer 2026. The exact date is still to be determined. The interior construction is complete — we’re in the process of permitting for roadwork to install a fire sprinkler, which is a lengthy process. We’re almost there.

4860 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Directly across the street from In‑N‑Out Burger off the 101 Turnpike exit.

Proudly independently owned. We have the time to focus on making each visit a positive one for your pet, spending time with you on individualized recommendations rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach to care.

“Beautiful ocean,” in Scot’s Gaelic.

Dogs and cats. We love meeting new puppies and kittens and setting them up for a lifetime of success — from puppyhood and kittenhood through their geriatric years.

In addition to preventative care, Dr. Putnam loves internal medicine, dermatology, urgent care, surgery and dentistry — as well as care focused on helping senior pets live to the full extent of their lives.

Yes. Join the mailing list and we’ll let you know the moment appointments open.

Unfortunately no — we’re not zoned to be open 24 hours. Patients requiring overnight care will be referred to a 24‑hour facility.

No. We’re focusing on all aspects of veterinary care and will leave grooming to those who do it professionally.

Monday through Friday, 8am–6pm. Appointments preferred.

Yes. We know vet visits are often unexpected and will do our best to accommodate you during your time of need.

Yes — we have plenty of parking.

Yes. Routine surgery (spays/neuters/laceration repairs/mass removals), plus complex soft tissue and emergency surgeries — including GDV, splenectomy, cesarean sections, bladder, pyometra, foxtail removals, abscess, and trauma surgery.

Yes. COHAT procedures under general anesthesia, with dental radiographs and a complete oral exam in addition to cleaning and polishing. Comfortable with all extractions and advanced techniques (root planing, bonded sealants, guided tissue regeneration, oronasal fistula repair).

Yes to all. Full in‑house lab plus Idexx for comprehensive testing. ImageVue DR50 Plus digital x‑ray. Abdominal and emergency ultrasound.

Coming soon

Opening Summer 2026.

A new kind of animal hospital is coming to the South Coast — low-stress, independently owned care for dogs and cats across Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria. Join the list and we’ll be in touch the moment our doors open.

Join the list

Visit us

We can’t wait to meet you.

4860 Calle Real

Santa Barbara, California 93111

Get directions →

Hours

Monday – Friday
8am – 6pm

Opening

Summer 2026
Date to be announced

Patients

Dogs & cats
All ages, all stages

Visits

Appointments preferred
Urgent / same-day available