I have been taking my pets to the Avocado Animal hospital for decades now and they are the best. The staff really cares and the vets are knowledgeable and experienced. Dr. Nissan has been caring for my dog and he even performed both of her ACL surgeries. He never tries to upsell or push their own products and he genuinely cares. Dr. Steiner has always cared for my parents pets in the past and he recognizes me and always asks about them and myself. They all take the time to get to know you as well as your pets. I highly recommend them. Read Less

I grew up with a couple dogs that my family always took here to Dr. Steiner, but he is gone now apparently (as another review mentioned). My girlfriend and I recently adopted two kittens from the humane society and we had two certificates for free exams. We took them here. The nurse who prepped the kittens for their exam was very nice and very patient. When the doctor came in both my girlfriend and I had a bad gut feeling about him, and next thing we know he's telling us all these vaccinations the cats need to get, even though the humane society had kept them up to date on everything. It is even on their paperwork. I tried to show him that but he wouldn't listen. So we said we'd come back another time as it was going to be almost $200 per cat for shots and tests they'd already had done. We won't be back. The doctor (Nissan I believe his name was) was very obviously not being honest with us and trying to get money from us. So disappointing... Read Less

Was recommended this place by one of my good friends who works here as a tech after my regular vet was booked until the following week. I was able to get in due to a cancelation within a half hour! I was Dr. Steiner who was very calm and compassionate toward my puppy. Originally they had wanted to run a series of tests to try and diagnose just what kind of eye problem my dog was having...I spoke up that I didn't see a couple tests necessary and only wanted to do them if the others came back negative. Fortunately they were very understanding and came back having eliminated all the tests but two major ones bringing the bill down drastically. I was able to get answers from these tests and I am grateful for this place taking my dog in when he really needed it. All in all I would recommend this place as after speaking up the prices were fair and comparable to the other local places. The only thing I would say is speak up and ask questions about the tests and you will be very satisfied! Read Less

I have been a client of Dr. Steiners for over 20 years and recently Dr. Nissan. I cannot say enough about this hospital.  Dr. Nissan is a brilliant Doctor and surgeon.  I trust both doctors explicitly with all of my animals.  His office staff is always warm and welcoming.  They are a very busy hospital.  I've read the unkind reviews about the length of time waiting, the length of hold time on the phone etc.  again, this is a hospital.  Emergencies are taken before your vaccinations!   Thank you to the entire staff at Avocado for taking such wonderful care of my dogs and cats. Read Less

I called for pricing earlier in the week and was immediately put on hold - not a problem, must have been busy - but was on a dead silence hold for almost ten minutes. The male that picked up said "Avocado Animal Hospital" then waited for me to say something. No warm greeting, no welcome, nothing. I would not bring my pet to this facility strictly from this interaction. Read Less

I took my senior kitty in when he was not able to go to the bathroom. It was right before they closed and they still assisted me. The doctor is very nice and helpful. Honest and direct. I won't  go anywhere else ever again. Thank you for helping me and taking care of my little one... Read Less

Dr Nissan. I brought my cat in with open sores, rash, or abscess on it's neck and rump. He made a quick diagnosis that it was an allergic reaction to fleas. He then handed me a list of things from  dental work to vaccinations that my cat needed for a hefty $750 dollars. He wanted to do all this while ignoring the main reason I was there in the first place, to get to the root of my cat's rashes.  It was like being at a car dealership with a mechanic looking for all the things he could charge me under my cat's hood. You don't give an ailing cat a bunch of vaccines, or put it under to clean teeth. For a whopping $200 he shaved my cat's wounds and injected it with something for the questionable allergy. I was hoping for an antibiotic. My cat is still going downhill and his actual health problem was never addressed. I usually see Dr. Steiner, who is great, and gets to the problem without a bunch of extra expensive stuff. I waisted $200 and now need to go back to see Dr. Steiner to get to the root of my cat's rash. I won't go unless I see him this time or I'll find a new vet. Read Less

I would have to agree with Cheryl as it relates to overcharges by Dr. Nissan. The estimates for charges for neutering and teeth cleaning are 4 times what any other vet would charge. It is outrageous. I will not be going back. Read Less

We love Dr. Nissan at Avo Animal Hospital. He is so thorough and straight forward. He won't charge you for or encourage anything that won't help lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment. He saved our cat from some pretty horrible struvite stones that almost caused a bladder rupture, and compared to an emergency vet, he was very affordable. I recommended Dr. Nissan to my parents when their dog needed ACL surgery and the office has been nothing but wonderful for them as well. He works with one of the best ortho surgeons in north county. They don't push product on you either, which is always annoying. Fallbrook is lucky to have such a knowledgeable vet in town! Read Less

BEWARE UNNECESSARY CHARGES BY DR. NISSAN My husband took our dog in for a minor problem that one year ago cost $60. Then this year he sees Dr. Nissan who works up a quote for the same thing but it is $261, my husband believes Dr. Nissan and agrees. I worked at an animal hospital for 3 years and new this was a rip-off! I called Dr. Nissan and first off he completely lies to me about what the issue was and when I confronted him about his lies he then says well your husband agreed to it - he could have taken off any of the charges before he signed. Well my husband expected the vet would have integrity and be trustworthy - in my opinion Dr. Nissan is neither of these. This is a small town - when I started to tell people about my experience I cannot tell you how many people had the SAME experience with him and have either quit going to Avocado Animal Hospital or they request to see his partner only. I cannot support a person like this and I am warning you to be careful if you go to him. Read Less

I cannot say thank you enough for helping us. At closing time they took in my dog who had just been bit by a rattlesnake. We weren't sure if the snake connected and injected venom but they stayed and watched her well after they closed.  After confirmation of the bite they immediately started treating her.  Having never been here before I am amazed that they went above and beyond for a new client when our local vet wouldn't see her because they were closing and referred us to an pet ER 30 min away. THANK YOU! Read Less

I wanted to update this review because of how Dr. Val at Alta Mira Animal hospital saved my dog and how Dr. Nissan would have KILLED him if I had listened to the medication he was trying to force my dog to take. Since the switch of a VERY harsh medication my dog needs for epilepsy my dog has had more energy, easier time going to the bathroom, and has had an overall personality change. Dr. Nissan was trying to force end of life heart medication on my dog whom at the time was only 3 1/2 years old! His heart condition mind you was not even in the second stages of development. I brought him to a specialist in San Diego and paid 400 bucks to be told he his fine and healthy and that his condition was much exaggerated! This scares me for pets that are still patients of his now. Be wise when dealing with these CROOKS they may kill your pets just to make another dime. My dog had LIVER damage because of this practice, I would never wish that on any pet. You really are terrible people Avocado Animal Hospital to take advantage of a 25 year old woman and her dog. Read Less

I just read a review below of Dr Nissan.  It is absolutely unbelievable- in many respects. This person simply cannot be speaking about the man that we know to be extremely well educated - you will not find anyone better schooled and well versed that Najdat.  If that were the full extent of his talent, it would not be enough but he is ALSO one of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever known.  And I've been in many places on this planet.Did you know that he has personally adopted and cured animals that were brought to him for euthanasia? In some cases he has allowed others to adopt them afterward. He is of the very highest moral standard and his love of animals is absolute, I can hear it in his tone and see it in his eyes.We had adopted 2 cats, taken them immediately to an unnamed/different vet who looked them over and pronounced them both to be fine. One of them kept having this kind of smelly breath, a concern stated to the first vet. Months later we made sure she was seen by Dr Nissan who diagnosed her problem within seconds.  Oral surgery was required but that cat was hugely better almost immediately, completely healed and completely energetic like a 4 yr old should be.If there is one gift I have received in life, it is an unusual ability to read my fellow humans on a deeply personal basis.  I can tell you that not only would I trust this man with my precious pets but with my wallet as well and my wife feels the same way.Perhaps there was some mis-communication involved in these other 2 cases? I will offer the benefit of the doubt. I can say however that Dr Nissan is a man of honor and a superb practitioner veterinary medicine, we would not think of taking our furry buddies anywhere else. Your trust will be rewarded, just look a little deeper, you'll see. Read Less

The BEST Veterinary in North San Diego County.My Dear Two Pugs Darla and Yoda always treated with such compassion and love. Doctor Nissan and Staff treated them as their own through sickness and good health. THANK YOU for caring! Marilyn Roberts Read Less

I've been using Avocado Animal Hospital for at least 8 years. Roughly 15 years ago I found Dr. Steiner at another clinic in Valley Center prior to his arrival in Fallbrook. I have always been impressed by his physical gentleness with my pets during their examinations, which is very important to me. He is one of the most caring veterinarians I have known, and both our dog and cats love him. Once diagnosed, he's good at explaining the health issues they have and what is needed in a relaxed and empathetic manner. If possible, he will offer treatment options, which involves me in the decision making process, which I appreciate. Over the years I have found the staff friendly and accommodating, although usually busy. Whenever I have had an emergency, and it was during business hours, they've always been able to schedule an appointment quickly. I would not hesitate to recommend Avocado Animal Hospital to any of my friends. Read Less

The boarding side of the building is great, but I won't be using the vet side again. Glad we moved away so I can use other vets, to be frank. Lots of unnecessary tests which wind up costing a ton of money. Was once recommended to have my dog's harmless keratin cyst removed surgically despite being told in the same breath that it was harmless and could be left alone. Would not let me in with my animal to administer tests and shots despite my telling them that my animals handle vet visits better if I'm there with them. Vet told me later that my dogs were hard to handle, despite my warning. Didn't even use the muzzle I provided just in case. Read Less

I took in my ill dog, and I was quoted a price by the vet to  get particular tests done.  When I picked up my dog at the end of the day, the office staff had left, and the vet gave me my (what I thought was) total cost.  I wrote a check as he did not know how to work the credit card machine.Two days later I returned to pick up medications and was quoted a very high price!  After I paid by credit card I found out that it the extra cost were additional fees added on top of what I had already paid for the office visit and tests.When I disputed the amounts, the receptionist with the colored hair became extremely agitated, asking me to step away from the counter while she looked into it.  Finally I left without resolving the issue.  When I got home I canceled my check, and then called the office to explain to the above person why  I did, and that I would only pay the total of the original cost.  Each time I tried to calmly discuss the situation with her, she spoke over me and cut me me off. I finally just hung up.She then called me back, yelled at me, and then hung up on me.Dr. Steiner was very helpful and thoughtful, but I would never go back.  His own office staff does not even respect him (based on comments the woman at the desk made during her tirades). Read Less

Called this morning because my kitten disappeared yesterday and was inquiring if anyone had brought in a newly found stray or injured kitty. The woman that answered the phone said they didn't take in strays or injured animals, so I'd have to call Animal Control. I asked if she could take my kitty's description and my contact info in case anyone brought her in and she said no and repeated that they're saying, "don't you understand? we're just a veterinary hospital and don't take in strays and no one would call us, they'd call animal control." Yes I do understand, as I myself have a good grasp of the English language, am not stupid. I understand that : 1) there are good Samaritans who would bring in and occasionally even pay for care of an injured stray until their owners could be found; 2) some clinics even have a policy to stabilize injured strays for 24 hours to allow for an owner to be reunited with their pet and give them an opportunity to treat them; 3) people often bring in animals they find for exams with the intent to keep them before even trying to find their rightful owners; 4) they might bring them in to see if they're microchipped so the owner can be found!! There was no empathy from this place and certainly not even the slightest bit of effort to take down a note to help get her home. I intend on paying a reward for her return and a donation to the clinic if they helped get her home, but she lost me with her degrading tone. Sad because this clinic is right up the road from me and the most likely place she'd end up if someone were to find her...unless they've been treated like this too and go to either of the other 2 far more helpful clinics in town.Read Less

I read the reviews prior to taking my dog here, but I had a terrible experience! I had several issues with Dr. Nissan and feel taken advantage of--none with Dr. Steiner though--so you might want to request him. Although, I wrote Dr. Nissan a letter requesting a partial refund and why, he has chosen to ignore me. Here are my issues:My dog had started urinating in the house while we were on vacation and I wanted to rule out his having a UTI, so I would know whether it was physical or behavioral, which I was pretty sure of. We saw Dr. Steiner, who asked questions and was very personable and agreed it was a good idea to rule-out though he felt it was also behavioral. I received a callback and was asked to bring Smoky in for his recheck. For some reason, we met with Dr. Nissan for the recheck instead of Dr. Steiner. We waited a very long wait in the exam room--well over 30 minutes and over an hour from our appointment time. Dr. Nissan was obviously very rushed, did not ask questions, did not even show me the results of Smoky's urinalysis. Plus, my dog tensed-up around him. He said he thought my dog might have a serious infection and even mentioned he thought it might be his pancreas--he basically frightened me although my dog hadn't appeared sick other than the wetting problem. From what Dr. Nissan said, I felt I had no choice and  was pressured to have the blood work done that Dr. Nissan thought necessary. I saw later that he also did x-rays, though I did not give permission to do so. Three unnecessary prescriptions later; $600 spent on unnecessary tests; and a useless bag of Science Diet (which they insisted my dog needed, but I later returned since he went hungry for 3 days rather than eat it)--I get a call from Dr. Nissan to tell me the  "Good news"---my dog is 100% healthy!! Read Less

So angry that they took my senior citizen parents money, almost $1000, and never even treated their dog for what he was brought in for, bleeding from the nose. Got them to pony up the money to extract a tooth, then decided not to because his blood platelets were too high, took a bunch of x rays, gave him a steroid shot for what exactly we don't know, and then clipped his nails for $17, which my parents never asked them to do. They should be ashamed of themselves! Read Less

How sad that they can charge $985 to treat a dog with a bloody nose. Took 7+ x-rays, were supposed to pull a tooth, but didn't. Then chargex $17 for a nail trim that no one asked for! Now the dog is back at my parents with a bloody nose. Time for a new vet. Read Less

I have never walked into an office and gotten so much hostility from someone whose only job is to have at least decent customer service skills. I have never felt off put leaving a veterinarians office. Not only was she rude but she continued to blame me for something that was out of my control.  Unfortunately I don't recommend this hospital unless you are dealing directly with the vet yourself. If you want some pierced up, tattooed teenage acting middle-aged woman  to treat you like you're  an inconvenience to her perfect day this is the vet for you. Or you like to never get called back about exam results this is your vet.I wanted to update this review because of how Dr. Val at Alta Mira Animal hospital saved my dog and how Dr. Nissan would have KILLED him if I had listened to the medication he was trying to force my dog to take. Since the switch of a VERY harsh medication my dog needs for epilepsy my dog has had more energy, easier time going to the bathroom, and has had an overall personality change. Dr. Nissan was trying to force end of life heart medication on my dog whom at the time was only 3 1/2 years old! His heart condition mind you was not even in the second stages of development. I brought him to a specialist in San Diego and paid 400 bucks to be told he his fine and healthy and that his condition was much exaggerated! This scares me for pets that are still patients of his now. Be wise when dealing with these CROOKS they may kill your pets just to make another dime. My dog had LIVER damage because of this practice, I would never wish that on any pet. You really are terrible people Avocado Animal Hospital to take advantage of a 25 year old woman and her dog. Read Less

Cannot say enough nice things about the doctors and staff. They are abolutely top of the line for terrific care and customer services and prices. I've gone there for almost 7 years and would never go anywhere else, even if I had to frive an hour!! Read Less

Having just moved to Fallbrook, I needed to take my 12 year old male to a Vet due to his peeing everywhere. First off, when I walked into the office, I was not even acknowledged at all. I signed in, and then handed some forms to fill out with even saying thank you for coming into our hospital. Dr. Nissan was okay, but kept saying I am sorry which is was very annoying. I had arranged for a donation to help me pay my bill, and that donation was called int eh day before. Whoever took that call, lost all of the information, and I had to track down the agency while I was at the office so I could get my dog and leave. Also, when the bill was handed to me, it was wrong, and I had to be firm to get it corrected. I tried to a hold of the doctor to get the results of the tests, and I had to call in 4 times. Some of the staff is just plain rude. Now I am trying to get my pet back in to get ex-rays performed, and they do not perform ex-rays on Saturdays. Give me a break. Once I get the ex-rays done, that will be last visit that I will have to this hospital. No people skills and only care about the MONEY!!! Read Less