Balboa Veterinary Hospital

Love, love, love! Everyone who works there is fantastic. Dr. Gunnerson is amazing. If she wouldn't do it for her pets, she won't recommend it. She will take the time to make sure you understand everything, even if it means talking with you for 30 mins. Read Less

Had to take my dog for eating something he shouldn’t (possible foreign body). They took great care of him! Hospitalized him for the day on fluids, took x-rays that day and the next morning. Things were moving through and he’s keeping his food down now. I couldn’t be happier! The staff is so nice and friendly! Cost was way less than I thought too. I would bring my pets to them for all their veterinary needs. Loved them! Read Less

Great vets with great service. Don't appear to overcharge (I've seen places that charge >$200 just to walk in the door). Fair prices and genuine concern for your pets health. Both my dogs Ellie and Ratchet (yes, it is a stupid name) are treated here. Read Less

My boxer Star has been going here for some time now. We discovered a tumor on her paw and had to be removed. They have taken such great care of her and went out of their way to help her get back up and running. I would definitely take your dog here if your looking for great vet help and good people. Thanks again! Read Less

We recently started bringing our two pups here, and it has quickly become our favorite neighborhood vet. One dog just routinely needs anal gland expressions because she gets stinky if we don't bring her, and it's nice that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg here because she needs to come in frequently. If you get the grooming package, a bunch of other stuff like nail clipping, ear cleaning, bath are all included with the expression. I recently brought the other pup from my mom's house because she couldn't take care of her anymore. Balboa vet was so nice in setting me up with a same day appointment, drawing her blood and testing it (results came back next day!), and giving us advice on the best way to care for her, given her dieting issues. The vet and techs are all very knowledgable and sweet, and the prices are pretty reasonable too. They offer military discount if that applies to you! Read Less

I rescued my pup at 4 weeks old in 2007. As as result of being the runt of the litter and the victim of irresponsible breeders, I brought him home with an immune deficiency, mites, ticks, fleas and multiple types of worms. Now at 10 years old, he has suffered through three slipped disks, two major surgeries to repair them, liver disease and severe allergic reactions to each vaccination he has received. *I promise you, he has had and still has a wonderful life and has no idea he is an old man* Factor in the general check-ups and dental work, it's safe to say that I am a bit of a Veterinary connoisseur and have frequented many-a-vet throughout San Diego county. While this review is not about my doggy, but my guy's cat, I was thoroughly impressed with Balboa Veterinary Hospital. He rescued his cat, Ollie, in 2014 and hasn't been to a vet since as he is an indoor cat and hasn't had any medical issues to warrant a visit. Ollie went on a bit of an adventure a few weeks ago and was thankfully found by a nice woman who brought him to the humane society. Ollie was released to go home, but CA state law requires a general check-up appointment within 7 days for all owners who claim their pets. I was asked to take responsibility of finding a good and fair priced veterinarian. After much research and many phone calls, I decided on BVH because the reviews are great and they offered 50% off a first time client exam. I was sure of my decision the moment we walked in. The receptionist was so friendly and (at least pretended to) gladly listen to my guy vent about some of the things that happened during his visit to the humane society to pick up Ollie. We were brought into a room right on time. Dr. Gunderson clearly loves cats as she spent at least 10 minutes sitting on the ground with Ollie, feeding him and petting him through the hole into the 'cat cave' in order to make him feel more comfortable when it came time for her to poke and prod him. Ollie is generally a very skittish cat, but he allowed himself to be held, wrapped into a blanket and carried like the baby that he is into the back for blood work. While Ollie's dad was happy that he was being treated so kindly, he doesn't have much to compare it to. I however, know first hand that there are vets out there who have clearly become desensitized to both the animals and the owners, which is a huge huge huge huge turn off to me. The blood work cost a few bucks more than I have paid in the past for my dog, but the overall bill was decently low considering the half price exam and 3-month dose of flea medication (which he acquired during his 12 day vacation). They even gave him a complimentary pill ( I can't remember what it was for). I highly recommend Balboa Veterinary Hospital as your animal's general vet. I will remain with my dog's current vet in Poway as previously stated, his medical history is out of control and they know him and his needs, but if I were to change to a closer vet or get another pet, this is the top of my list! Read Less

Initially it seems like a great place to take your new puppy. The staff is friendly. I actually really like Alyssa who is very polite and understanding. Nevertheless, I do not recommend it. My puppy got an allergy to the "DA2PP" shot which caused her to vomit or so does the staff claim. I went back assuming that they would correct which ever mistake they did but instead I had to pay over 100 in fluids and other stuff. On my next appointment they demanded that I got a pre shot for my puppy so she wouldn't get an allergy. This would have cost me over 60 dollars each visit plus the vaccine package. I asked for alternatives or even discounts but they refused. Little did I know I was being ripped off. I went to another place where they explained that such vaccine didn't even give my puppy a reaction according to the actual vomit. It turns out even if I wanted the pre shot they would only charge me 15 opposed to 60, and also 15 for the next DA2PP Instead of 40. I'm glad I asked for my package refund because everything would have being over 500 dollars when instead it is only going to cost me 100.  Can't believe they refused to tell me the truth and tell me that I didn't need to get the pre shots and also they failed to tell me what actually caused the allergy. Well perhaps because they wanted me to think it was the DA2PP to get more money out of me. Read Less

Took my puppy Dexter there for vaccinations. I had called previously asking for Leptospirosis, was told that they would have it in before my appointment. I show up and was told they had to order it and would have it in a few days. I called about a week later and they said that they would be ordering it this week. My puppy is overdue for his Lepto booster and therefore I would have to get two more vaccines because they can't seem to figure out how to communicate with each other. Definitely a bit frustrating. I most likely will not be returning there. Read Less

I took our dog in for an "end of life" evaluation. We have a 15 year old Australian Shepherd who has went deaf and is having mobility issues. The staff was so great and caring. The doctor was as sweet as could be! She literally sat on the floor with Blue! This introduction included endless pets and a pocket full of cookies. She conducted her exam (still sitting on the floor) and gave us her recommendations and our options. We were very impressed at the concern and care shown to Blue and us by everyone at Balboa Veterinary. We definitely recommend this office to anyone looking for a great team to care for their pets. Read Less

Amazing vets. Amazing staff. I love this vet office! Every time I go, their prices are reasonable, their service is impeccable, and they treat you like real people. Other vets that I've been to in San Diego make me feel like its a never ending sales pitch and that all they want is my money. While I understand that's what it takes to keep the lights on and the doors open, I expect to be treated as a human with an animal rather than just a piece of business. I love love love balboa veterinary hospital! So glad I found you guys on Yelp! Read Less

I took my three dogs here for weight checks for a condo application (they needed to be under a certain weight). The staff here was awesome! All of them. Not only did they get me in an hour after I called, but we realized they needed bordatella boosters too. They were reasonably priced and I'm so glad I found them! Highly recommend! Read Less

*dog boarding review only* We boarded our dog here one weekend. I was terrified as it was our first time boarding her. I was referred to them by our neighbor. When I arrived the staff was extremely friendly! The second I walked in I knew that my dog was going to be left in good hands! When we picked her up I could tell they connected with our dog while she was there as some of the vet assistants came out to say bye to her before we left and let us know how her stay was. We will definitely be bringing her back here if we ever need to board her and we are even considering moving to them for our vet needs as well. (They are a 30+ minute drive for us so that says a lot)Week and a half later we got a thoughtful card signed by all the staff members! Thanks again!! Read Less

Balboa Vet Hospital is a great place to bring your lovable family pet. Brought our new puppy Ocea here for her first checkup when we first got her and just picked her up from being spayed. Members of the staff here are very professional, knowledgeable and take great care of the animals at the hospital! Overall a great experience and very affordable as well! Read Less

I have brought both my cats here, one for emergency work, the other routine. Each time, I'm impressed with the candid nature of the business, it's very welcome and refreshing. I see a mix of reviews of this business, and matters of family pets are a very sensitive subject. But I see mixed reviews on nearly all vet pages. I recently had a poor experience with another vet in the area. For routine pet work, such as shots, checkups, grooming, medicine, I think Balboa should be your first stop. I really had great experiences here. I had a really great experience with an 9/10 emergency. Just as with humans, bodies are very complicated, and even people-doctors make mistakes, more than you'd think. Pets can't talk to us, tell us where it hurts, tell us how something happened. We all want to see our beloved family member come home with a smile, but it's unrealistic to expect that 100 or even 1000 times in a row.I like this place, this staff, this business. I'll keep bringing my cats here, and keep recommending it to friends in the area. Read Less

Dr Cole was awesome. I had a small problem but once we discussed it, he handled it professionally and promptly. I will return to see him. He really cares about my dog, that's refreshing finally for a vet to care. Read Less

If I could give them zero stars I would. About 5 weeks ago I spent near $600 on tests for both of my dogs, and I have heard little to no information from them since. I even brought one of my dogs back in and paid for further blood work, at the recommendation of the vet, and have not heard a word from them about any of it in over 3 and a half weeks. That to me is unbelievable.Read Less

Recently I had to take my dog in because we were suspecting kidney trouble. Dr. Sorrels was very thorough in looking her over and explaining what the next steps were and what the possible outcomes could be. He answered all of my questions and then followed up the next day with the test results and spent the time talking to me about them and making sure I understood everything. Wonderful experience and a truly exceptional vet! Read Less

My husband and I are extremely grateful for meeting Dr. sorrells, the new Veterinarian at Balboa Veterinary Hospital. We are very satisfied pet owners. I have taken my 2 cats and 2 dogs to him and his invaluable experience as a veterinarian makes him a great vet for our pets. His prognosis is always on point and he is very honest. He always take the time to explain any health issues and provided us with very good advise and information to help keep our pets in good health. His staff is great and welcoming and very attentive to our pets' needs. We highly recommend Balboa Veterinary Hospital, once you meet Dr. Sorrells and his staff, you can rest assure that your beloved pets are in good hands. There is no guessing game about your pet's health with Dr. Sorrells. Read Less

The Doctors and Staff at Balboa Veterinary Hospital have been caring for my family's animal companions for almost 13 years. From routine wellness to complex illness and surgeries, there has never been a problem they couldn't resolve. My dogs are always excited when it's time to visit the hospital, regardless of the reason. No matter how busy they are, they never turn anyone away. The prices are very reasonable and fair. They offer low cost spay and neuter procedures and vaccine clinics with special pricing. This benefits the entire community. We are so grateful to have a caring place for our animals. Read Less

Having had pet care for my animals for the past 50 years, I have seen many vet practices and veterinarians. Dr. Romero is right up there at the top as one of the most knowledgeable, caring and empathetic vets I have met. Earlier this year when I had to have my younger dog euthanized, Dr. Romero and his staff were extremely considerate, gentle and sensitive to my dog and my situation. I feel both blessed an honored to have Dr. Romero and his loving and caring staff for my vet services. They have my utmost trust to take proper and consistent care of my animals. And I do not give that trust or care of my furry-kids lightly. Read Less

I started visiting Balboa Veterinary Hospital when I would give my neighbor and his dog a ride. After only a few visits, I was so impressed with staff and the care my neighbor's dog received that I not only started taking my dog there but recommended them to everyone I knew that had pets. I personally know 3 people who now use Balboa Veterinary Hospital. Keep up the good work!Read Less