When a puppy dog looks up at you from inside its cage with, well, those puppy dog eyes, it's saying "Take me home with you." What it's not saying, but should be, is "Between my painful and chronic skin allergy, my family history of renal failure, and that infected front paw that will eventually require surgery, owning me will ensure that you can't afford to send your real kids to college." But pets are family, too, and despite the often-hefty price tag, they deserve quality treatment. Fortunately, there are less expensive vets out there that actually know how to treat your pets properly. Dr. Davidson, the charming and incredibly compassionate man behind Value Vet on Westwood Boulevard, is exactly who you're looking for. He's British (which always makes a doc sound smarter) and can occasionally look a bit unkempt, but won't beat around the bush and will never try to push anything on you that isn't necessary for your animal's health. He also seriously knows his stuff. He doesn't take appointments, and there can sometimes be a long wait, but it's worth it. 1278 Westwood Blvd., L.A. (310) 446-3908.