Our Pet Vets University Pet Hospital

This is the worse vet I have ever been to.. Very inconsiderate.... Made me sit in the waiting area for an hour and when I didn't want to let them give my dog immunizations they refused to serve me... If I could give a ZERO I would... Read Less

I love this place but I have to say, Dr. Wilcox is the most amazing, thoughtful, and kind vet I have ever had. She the best in San Diego. She treats your pet like family. She remember my dog by name and treated him like he was her only pet that day. Words can't express how amazing she is and how much comfort she brings me and my wife when we have to drop off our fur baby. She even followed up with a phone call after his operation to make sure he was ok. I hope that she is our vet for life. Read Less

I happened to call thus office out of despiration... My cat and I faced an unexpected diagnosis by my previous Vet that turned my life upside down. I was looking for any advice, support or just "out of the box" idea in this extremely difficult and shocking situation. Dr. Wilcox picked up the phone that morning - through my emotional story she heared me with her heart. Thank you... She offered real help, gave real advice not only for my cat but I . A week later I see infection being stable , my cat showed improvement... Staff was amazing -  I am "home"... If you want to see your pet taking care of by thoughtful, smart, caring Dr's and staff visit this small Hospital to be amazed. Read Less

I took in my girl Opa today after we noticed she was having difficulty urinating outside, then urinating uncontrollably in the apartment, then started having blood in her urine. I called the office at 1pm on a Monday and they were able to quickly schedule me for 3pm!Parking was a little tight but we were able to find a spot up front. The waiting room has a nice sitting area and we were the only ones in there except for a lovely fluffy cat that likes head scratches but isn't so fond of being touched on the belly. If your dog reacts to cats, I would recommend bringing a high value treat to keep his/her attention.After filling out some paperwork and getting Opa weighed, we were quickly seen. Dr. Kelly and her nurses were great! Turns out Opa most likely has a UTI. They were able to describe the situation clearly to me and make me and my pup feel comfortable. I was able to walk out less than an hour later with antibiotics and cranberry tablets for Opa.They also had a heartworm and fecal test package for $65. Gladly when I was on the phone with them earlier, they let me know to bring in a stool sample just in case. I opted in for the package as well.I was incredibly pleased with the pricing! I was really worried it would break the bank, but it all felt entirely reasonable. As other reviewers have said, the doctors at this pet hospital take care to keep the bill to only what is necessary. I also got a 50% off the examination as a first time customer ($23 out of $46).I will be coming in again next week after we've finished the medication for Opa. I'm looking forward to returning to this pet hospital for all of our needs! Read Less

We brought our 9 year old Daisy in for a checkup and acupuncture assessment.  We had been looking for some holistic treatments for our aging basset mix since she seem to be injuring her legs and back more these days.  Enter university pet hospital and Doctor Wilcox.  Dr. Wilcox was attentive and direct with her communication and exam.  Come to find out, our pup had a very firm and sensitive bladder and was a bit dehydrated.  The doctor suggested drawing urine from the bladder as this concerned her.  The draw confirmed her suspicions when daisy yelped in pain which was highly uncharacteristic of her. (she had already had 2 injections and a blood draw without issue) Though this worried the doctor, she was clear that that the exam didn't warrant any further action at this time i.e. x-rays.  Bacteria in the urine was confirmed, daisy was given an iv for fluids, antibiotics were prescribed, and within a week daisy was feeling all better.  The doctor also gave us some tips to help ensure daisy gets enough water.Unfortunately, we didn't get to the acupuncture  treatment, but I plan on coming back for that another time.  I think it will do Daisys long basset body some good.  Also, they have 20% off pet dentals during February.  We were too late to schedule this year, but I'm keeping it in mind for next year.  Btw, all the pictures of the famous people in history with their pets on the walls was a fun design touch. Read Less

My 7 month old pug puppy Wahlee has been going here since we got him at 8 weeks old. He loves going in and is never scared! He loves all the girls that work there. And his vet is very knowledgeable about pugs breathing conditions. He has had a few cases of "upset stomach" because he's a puppy and eats stuff he shouldn't eat, and each time we have come in they have done all they can to rule out any major illnesses. We will continue taking our baby here! Read Less

I love this place. The staff is so friendly and the services are affordable.I have never had so many great experiences consistently at any vet. There have been several occasions where I've come in needing immediate help and they are always accommodating. Read Less

I love this place. The staff is so friendly and the services are affordable.I have never had so many great experiences consistently at any vet. There have been several occasions where I've come in needing immediate help and they are always accommodating. Read Less

I have changed my review to reflect more positive experiences since this was posted and responded to. It seems they really take feedback incredibly well and genuinely care about how their customers feel :) This is the old rating:The first visit I felt like the Vet was a used car salesman. I went in for dewormer and she was driving a hard sales pitch on flea meds, expressing glands, eye cream, etc. Etc. Etc. It was high pressure and we were guilted for not buying all of the extra services. One of my pups had a long piece of hair on his lip and was due within the next few weeks for grooming and she asked "how would that make you feel?" If I had a hair getting in my mouth. I left feeling like the worst Pet owner ever for no reason. Read Less

how does this place have so many good ratings? I would never recommend this place to anyone. All the girls that work there don't even seem like that like animals. The lack of communication between doctors and employees is awful. I took my 7 month old pup here to get fixed. One of the girls told me to cut his food in half while he was on this medicine. He started getting sick and they told me I shouldn't be feeding him less and she doesn't know why someone would tell me that. Not to mention they never told me my dog was having diarrhea in his kennel after surgery, and after they gave him his first round of meds. They only told me when I called to tell them he was getting sick. Why would you leave that information out. Specially when you are telling me what to look out for when I bring him home. Read Less

Dr Wilcox is the best. My husband brought in our Golden boy for a hot spot. New patient and Dr. Took him right away. She's been there for his splenectomy and follow up care. Here now with our Sr Golden girl. Bringing our newly future adopted dogs in for a check up. Read Less

We have been coming here for years. The care and attention they give our babies is consistent and compassionate. Our hearts are breaking because we are moving across country, we only hope to find a place half as great! Dr. Wilcox has given me a wealth of information on the transition of taking our boys on a road trip and adapting to a new home. Read Less

If I could give this place negative stars I would. Yesterday I found my 20 year old cat hanging on to dear life. I knew it was time to put him down. He was suffering and barely hanging on. My boyfriend and I brought him to this place. We get there in a few mins. There wasn't any parking in front so I made him take my kitty Blondie in to see if they can help him right away. He goes in. I proceed to park my car. Mind you, I'm a mess and tears are streaming from my face. I go in. I didn't see my bf so I went looking for him. He was in the room on the right. I find him upset and arguing with someone. I couldn't understand why. Well let me tell you why. He tells me, they wouldn't even glance at my cat without $150. Yes. You read that correctly. TO PUT MY SUFFERING CAT DOWN, OR EVEN GET LOOKED AT, WE NEEDED $150. Of course we don't have that kind of money and my cat was in a box, wrapped in his favorite blanket and jacket of mine, suffering, couldn't hardly breathe, fighting to stay alive, and they wanted $150 before they even glanced at him. Man. What an amazing place this is. Not. And it came out to be $168.50. Ridiculous. So he and the lady are arguing, I'm crying on the phone trying to get ahold of my dad or sister or anyone who can loan me the money,  when I hear the lady say, "well  since you don't have money, why not take him to the shelter and say you found him like that?" Are you fucking kidding me?! That has been my cat for 20 years. I found him in the bushes a couple of days old screaming for help because his mom abandoned him and you want me to disown him at his time of death?! How fucking dare you?! Then I find out, this lady is THE MANAGER OF THIS PLACE. Wtf?! She had no care or sympathy for what I was going through. As long as she got her money. Really? This place is crap. Complete garbage. They didn't start paperwork or anything until my dad's card went through then had the nerve to say she was breaking procedure by even letting us use my dad's card over the phone. Really?! You people are worthless. Then they had the nerve to bring my dying suffering cat back into the room after they started the procedure so I could witness him passing. Wtf?! Are you serious?! Like I haven't been through enough with your terrible staff. Yes please. I'd like to witness my suffering cat suffer until his last breath. I swear. Wtf is wrong with this place. I brought my pitbull here once as well and they held him down like he was a lion. 3-4 people on top of him we're not really sure because they wouldn't let us see what they were doing to him and muzzled him when we asked them not too and he isn't even a scary dog. He's a lapdog. I will never come here again. I will never recommend this place to anyone. If you know what's best for you and your fur babies, go to a different place. Stay the fuck away from here. They don't care about you, or your pets needs. As long as you have , they will be your best friends. This place is a joke. These reviews must be fake as shit. I will make sure to let everyone I know to stay away from here as well. Read Less

Two visits, one "emergency" and the second was a last minute squeeze-us-in deal. In both cases, pups are healing nicely. Staff is wonderful. I've only directly dealt with Dr. Soto so far, but he's very calm, knowledgeable and funny (but professional). As much as one can ever say they "enjoy" q vet visit, I would say we did. Please note they have two sweet (very brave) office cats. I was concerned my terrier would lose her mind when the car came strolling through the waiting room, but aside from taking big "sniffs", she seemed unfazed (as was the kitty). Neat to see. Read Less

Two wonderful experiences at University Pet Hospital.  Nice staff, very patient.  Great DVMs.  Ended up working primarily with Dr. Soto on both visits.  First was an "emergency" appointment and everyone there was very kind and accommodating.  Second appointment was for a pup ear infection.  I called ahead and they were able to fit me in a day earlier than scheduled.  That was lucky for both me and my pooch.  Both pups are now on the mend.  Thanks University Pet Hospital! Read Less

One of the best practices in San Diego I've been to, if not the best! 1. They're really affordable in comparison to other practices in the area. 2. Doctor Sheri Horenstein is a great veterinarian. She is really thorough, and precise. I really have a lot of confidence in this veterinarian. 3. The staff were efficient, kind, and thorough in explaining any testing. Stephanie was exceptional as a first impression to the place, and explaining medications.I have a lot of confidence in this practice, and will be returning for sure from anything major to minor regarding my senior dog. Again, one of the best in San Diego for sure!!! Read Less

They were very careful and friendly with my cat, they made sure that she was comfortable and at least not as scared as when we walked in. There's two resident cats here and they're the cutest little things!! Read Less

i have been taking my dogs to there south bay site for 10 years. Now that I have moved to la mesa i was very happy to find out that they also had a la mesa site. There very friendly and lovely to me and my pets amazing pet hospital. i would recommend them to all my friends and family. Read Less

This vet will now be my go-to for anything from emergencies to regular check ups. My tiger is a french mastiff/lab mix and he was just 18 weeks old. He started to vomit & had really bad diarrhea so I called this hospital since it was just down the street and they were able to squeeze me in within a couple of hours due to the severity of the situation.As soon as I stepped in, it was very clean and smelt REALLY good! The nurses were so nice and very professional. They led us to the exam room where we waited about 10 minutes for Dr. Appel. I explained to him the situation and he recommend a parvo test because he was a puppy & had parvo symptoms. He first examined Tiger by actually going down to Tiger (his nurse as well) instead of putting Tiger on the table where he would feel uncomfortable which both Tiger and I loved!Then, he tested Tiger and sure enough.. my pup had parvo ): He explained the incurable virus very thoroughly to me and explained all of the options I had. He was aware that I had some money saved up but probably not enough to cover more than a week of hospitalization. His nurse brought up the idea of Care Credit. I couldn't believe it when I was approved for $1000! Knowing that I did not have a large budget, the nurses and doctor Appel saved me all the money I could while giving my puppy the exact care he needed.The nurses were very sympathetic of my situation and couldn't be more helpful.I got phone calls very frequently and the best part is that they let me come visit him whenever I wanted (as long as they were not doing any operations in the back) which made me a lot more comfortable.Also, because of his condition... they recommend that Tiger go to the Chula Vista location on Sunday since the La Mesa location is closed on Sundays. They felt that he should be closely watched during that time. When we went to the CV location that day... the staff was just as exceptional and made me feel very comfortable. They had also seen more and had more experience with parvo conditions so they assured me that it was the absolute best place he could be and boy were they right!After over a week of hospitalization... Tiger was not getting better and my funds were running out. The vets told me that one of the last things we can do to help him out was a plasma transfusion to give him more of a fight. We went on with it and sure enough, a couple of days later Tiger is finally responding to his surroundings and eating!After a long and hard fight, Tiger beat the odds against parvo and that it all thanks to this amazing staff at University Pet Hospital & their colleagues at South Bay Vet Hospital.About a month ago, Tiger underwent the neuter procedure at the San Diego Humane Society and I had noticed that he wasn't himself about a week after and that his incision wasn't healing right. My first thoughts were that I should have just taken him to University Pet Hospital from the beginning so here we go again needing an appointment asap for them to save the day yet again lol. I take him in and sure enough... he has a pretty bad infection. They prescribed him two types of medicine, an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic. A week later, Tiger is a happy doggy again!I guess what I'm saying is that I have learned my lesson to never go anywhere else. University Pet Hospital is always there to take care of my fur baby in the most inexpensive and quickest way to get him feeling up to par again.Tiger is now 13 months and going strong! We are so thankful and could not be more happy with all of the support we have received from this hospital! We love and appreciate you all! Read Less

The ladies in the front office are always friendly and kind to my 2 little dogs and to me. They appear considerate of my time. I feel comfortable leaving my dogs in their capable hands for grooming or any other type of care. Read Less

I was referred by a friend to University Pet Hospital and I have since referred someone else. My cats go here for check ups and occasional grooming. My mom gets her long hair cat shaved every summer. Her previous groomer charged approximately double! They always take care of my shy cat first so that she can run back into her carrier. They are so much better than the two other places that I tried in the neighborhood. Read Less

My dog is very afraid of the vet, and I only take him when absolutely necessary. His usual vet is a family friend in TJ, but when we don't have time to go down there I wanted another local option. I had been putting it off for months trying to find my back-up vet and then my doggie's ear flared up, he had been itching it all weekend and by Tuesday morning it was looking infected. I freaked out and called around to a ton of vet offices, many whom didn't answer the phone or I had to leave a message to be called back for an appointment, or closed at 4:00pm. It was a breath of fresh air when I called University Pet Hospital and the helpful Evelyn answered the phone and let me know they had a late appointment still open that day.  My husband brought in our pup and our pup that is very afraid of the vet really loved Dr. Wilcox, he wouldn't let any of the Vet Techs clean his ears and would only trust her. (He is kind of a brat like that, he likes who he likes) So it says a lot that he likes Dr. Wilcox! My husband was in and out within about 30minutes including getting called back for the appointment on time and my pup getting his ears cleaned up and some antibiotics. We will be back for sure if we need something local for vet services. I was a little hesitant because of some of the negative reviews, but if you look they are in reference to another doctor and are over two years old. Prices were average for the services provided, not outrageous, but not cheap. Overall good value and when we can't make it to TJ we will be bringing our pup here. Read Less

We took in our cat today for a check up and to see if he needed his teeth cleaned. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We got him all updated on his shots without spending an arm and a leg. It was great. They were all very professional, even when a super rude man from the place next door got upset and started yelling and making obscene gestures at the place when his car was getting towed. The dude was kinda crazy but they were super nice and laughed it off pretty well. There's also a cat that just hangs out in the lobby who was super cool. Read Less

This office was just down the street from where I live so I brought my 5 month old puppy Zoey here  to see if we could resolve her skin problems in April.I was told by another vet at another location (after an expensive test for skin parasites that came up negative) that her condition was most likely a food allergy.I tried three different pricey brands of dog food but her skin just got worse.I'm so happy I found Dr Appel here. He took one look at her poor little balding thighs and KNEW it was a bacterial infection caused by flea bites.He explained that even though I had her on Comfortis (an oral flea RX from the other vet) she needed Vectra which is topical and kills the flea BEFORE it can bite.She also got a shot and pills to relieve her of the itchiness while her skin healed and now her coat is beautiful again. I ran out of Vectra so stopped in again yesterday to buy more. Unfortunately there was a mix up on the price (or I would have given 5 stars) so I had to go back today to straighten the bill out...however Vanessa and Evelyn (the receptionist and manager) were very nice and explained there is a Vectra 3D that also treats ticks so it was just an innocent mistake that I was overcharged yesterday.While I  hope I don't ever need to take Zoey back in for anything serious, it's so nice to know Dr Appel and his wonderful staff are close by. Read Less

Connery boarded with your business on May 16th -17th.  When I went to pick him up on Monday May 18th I was given a different bag from which I had brought his belongings in.  I asked one of your employees where Connery's bag is and they told me they would look for it and get back with me.  No one called me back by the next afternoon, so I called back.  I was placed on hold for awhile and then your employee told me that someone had set Connery's bag right outside his kennel and that he had destroyed the bag trying to pull it into the kennel.  Honestly, I don't believe that.  Connery has stayed at different places and with relatives and has never shown destructive behavior.  He is 9.5 years old and is pretty calm.  Then I also noticed when I checked his bag that his blanket and wet food (W/D Canine) was missing.  I asked where those items were as well. I had been told by the employee who brought Connery out that he did not eat his food and I got his preportioned bag of dry dog food back.  One of your employees placed me on hold again and then informs me that someone MIGHT have tried to give Connery the wet food and once they open it they don't give it back.  My instructions were that if Connery did not eat to mix a LITTLE bit of the wet food into his dry food to try to get him to eat. A dog Connery's size does no eat the whole can.  When he boarded at the vet in Orlando they always gave me back the unfinished can because I PAID for it.  The employee had no answers for what happened to the blanket.  At that point, I was exasperated and I told the employee that I would never be bringing Connery back to your office. She responded "Oh well that's okay".  What's okay?  The fact that you misplaced and have not returned my dog's property or that no one at your office writes down how Connery was doing while boarding so that I would not have to be put on hold repeatedly to have simple questions answered?  Your office is not that big, so where did his blanket go?  In comparison to Connery's former vet I find your office terribly lacking in communication and caring.The only bright spot to Connery's visits to your office was Dr. Wilcox.  She was very gentle with Connery and treated me with respect. Unfortunately I will not be seeing her again as long as she works at University Pet Hospital La Mesa. Read Less

I wish human doctors were as caring and loving as this staff always is with my pets. I have been dealing with taking care of my 79 year old mom and to say the least her appointments are always stressful. I made my dogs dental appointment on line and it was so easy. I did not have to wait long when I dropped him off or picked him up. I have three dogs and they all got their dentals done and I was not worried a bit when I dropped them off. Okay maybe a little since I love them so much.Weasley, Lily and Ina will always come here for all their vet needs. Read Less