San Carlos Animal Hospital

Started bringing my pets here since we live across the street. Have been taking my elderly cat there every few months recently for different issues and have been super impressed with Dr Acosta. He takes his time, really explains things, and presents options to you for you to decide. Not pushy, and very reasonable prices. Read Less

Love the place! Everyone, doctors and assistants as well front desk were so nice. Our 4 yr old male Ragdoll cat, whom we LOVE, was throwing up and became very lethargic, which is NOT like him.We were very concerned since he would not eat either. Also not like him, having 4-5 meals a day! Tried to get our regular vet to check him but they would not take us until the next day. Didn't have time for us even tho we considered it an emergency.So called San Carlos clinic and we could bring him in right away (9am).They fixed him up beautifully and he is is old self again. They also called us twice tge next day to see how he was doing. We will definitely now stay with the San Carlos Veterenary clinic! Read Less

Let me start by saying that I know both Dr. Acosta and Dr. Altman from their prior practice in Ocean Beach.  They were the vets for our entire family of animals - both myself and my 2 grown daughters.  They are wonderful people and I love them 100%.  However, since purchasing this practice I have twice called for appointments and have been put off by the individual who answers the phone.  She could not be more unhelpful or unfriendly if she tried.  the 1st time I had an extremely ill dog that Dr. Acosta had treated in the past - her advice was to send me to the Pet Emergency Hospital rather than try to open up time for someone to see him.  I treated at Pet Emergency (where I have been previously) for the following 3 months until we finally had to put the dog down.  I understand that this office does not do certain procedures or care, and refers some cases to the Pet Emergency Hospital.  But in this case it was more that the receptionist could not have cared less and made no effort to try to help or even see the dog.  She brushed me off with as little concern that a person can show to a pet owner with a loved pet at the end of their days.  Fast forward several months to me calling to try and schedule an appointment with my new puppy.  I called 5 days in advance and could not get any appointment on the Saturday schedule.  Instead the receptionist offered me a mid morning appointment later that week.  I explained that I worked and leaving my office to bring my dog to them in the middle of my day was not convenient and asked for their first appointment of the day.  First she should would not even tell me what their first appointment time was - I had to directly ask the question.  She acknowledged that they see pets at 9AM and I indicated that I would like that appointment.  Her response was to offer me a 10:30 appointment the following week.  When I questioned what part of I would like your first appointment of the day did she not understand she got snippy with me - and when questioned further claimed to have no early appointments for the next 10 days.  With 4 vets I find this hard to believe - but I clearly need a vet that has openings that are convenient to their customers.  This is apparently not that place. I called another vet in the area that had rave reviews and was able to schedule an appointment in 3 days early in the AM, as I requested of Dr. Acosta's office.  So much for being a loyal, and returning customer - I was treated nicer and was accommodated more by a vet that I have never seen before than I was by this office where I am a returning customer.  I 100% blame the front desk person.  And I hope Dr. Acosta and Dr. Altman read this and see how bad of an impression this person is conveying about their office.  I understand being busy - what is wrong with saying I am so sorry - let me check my book and find the first appointment I can that will work for you??? Instead of a snippy too bad - we're too busy to see you?? You need a change at the front desk Dr. Acosta and Dr. Altman - we call this position the Director of 1st Impressions and she is not conveying a very positive impression about your office- people will never know what wonderful and caring individuals you are as they will simply move on rather than put up with her unhelpful attitude.  I liked your office better when you were in OB - which is 20 miles from where I live - your current practice is 5 minutes from my house but apparently my dog needs to tell me 30 days in advance when he/she decides to get sick or I won't be able to get into see you!!! Shame, shame, shame... Read Less

Wanted to like this place since it got great reviews.  Called 3 times to make an appt, was put on hold for over 5 minutes each time, hung up on the first 2.  When when I finally talked to someone, they just acted like they were annoyed to have to talk to me he whole time.  If the customer service is this bad, I'll find someplace else. Read Less

I love Dr. Acosta!  He is a caring and fair vet and has such a gift with my 2 cats! He is definitely a cat whisperer!  I am grateful to have found him again in his new lovely office!I totally trust his opinion as he always tells me what is truly happening with my pets!  Thank you! Read Less

The staff is very friendly and welcoming the second you walk in the door. They also can get you in pretty fast. Me and my puppy were in and out within about 20 minutes. They also took the time to educate me on many things and had answers to all of my questions. Not to mention there prices are very reasonable especially when the care they provide your pet is such high quality! Read Less

We just adopted a dog that was abandoned, left tied to a fence on our block. We have been here twice and Dr. Acosta and Dr. Klotz. Both were amazing and extremely helpful. Dr. Klotz squeezed me in at the last minute, which was very nice and accommodating of him. My dog is anxious around big dogs so the staff offered to hold her for me outside while I closed out (so nice)! I am appreciative of everyone with whom I interacted and definitely recommend this place. Read Less

I highly recommend San Carlos Animal hospital.  Dr. Acosta is an exceptional vet.  What impresses me most is that he is so knowledgable and he explains the issues in detail.  The entire office staff creates a really positive atmosphere. Read Less

This is a great bet clinic. I love dr Acosta. He always spends time discussing my animals problem and is very good with the patients. I highly recommend this hospital, and I travel all the way from scripps ranch Read Less

Wow! Wow! Wow! That's the simple way to put it. I am SO impressed with this facility! All members of the staff were great to interact with. Dr. Altman is amazing and caring. He gave us all the options for care of our Labrador with ear issues. In the end, he most likely saved us over $1,000. He is easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and understanding to all situations. No hard sell whatsoever. We used to go to this clinic many, many years ago and were always very happy overall. Then there was a change of ownership. Bad news. We left, and went elsewhere. Let me assure you that the care and excellence has returned! One example - our lab decided to poop several times in the back of my truck on the way to the appointment - go figure. Well, as I walked in, I asked if later I could get some paper towels to clean up the truck. They of course said sure, not a problem. So... guess what? The wonderful young lady from the office went out and cleaned up the poop in the truck while we were in the examination room! Wow! As I said Wow! Fantastic people, and fantastic customer service and care. I can not recommend them any more highly! Read Less

The staff and doctors here are super! We've been taking all of our pets there forever!  Drs. Altman, Acosta are wonderful and mindful of the cost of veterinary medicine on the patient.   My animals love them and are excited when they get out of the car.  The staff and doctors go out of their way to make everyone comfortable. As pet owners, we stress over what our pets can't tell us about their condition. These guys get right to it and I walk out knowing I've given them the best care possible.  Now Dr. Kus is back and we another "go to" doctor.  You guys rock!!!! Read Less

We love our cat Diego. He's a loyal and affectionate companion who spends a lot of time with us. We have been taken him to Dr. Kus since 2006. Luckily for us Diego has been healthy and Dr. Kus only had to mostly give him annual check ups. The exceptions were: During one of his escapes into our backyard he picked up something and eventually got worms. We also had to put Diego on a special diet because he was developing some problems with his kidneys. In both instances Dr. Kus was of great help and the problems were solved, quickly and professionally. We have always been happy with Dr. Kus. He is punctual, polite, thorough and is able to explain everything he does in detail. His manner with Diego is such that he is comfortable with Dr. Kus. The fees have been reasonable and the staff are very friendly and professional. I don't like going to the Vet any more than Diego does, but if you have to take your cat to the Vet, then he's in good hands with Dr. Kus. We have been very satisfied. Highly recommended! Read Less

Love this vet. Cool, young veterinarian, awesome and engaging staff. Don't judge my barking dog too much, since he was a rescue. Here's a picture of our happy guy after our very first visit to San Carlos last year. Read Less

When Drs. Kus and Nishida left the practice during management change about 6 years ago, I started taking my best friend "Jackson" (longhair B&T dachshund) elsewhere. We initially followed Dr. Kus to Santee and then lost track of him. Now that he's back at SCAH, so are we. He's truly one of the best. At our first return visit today, everyone (!) there was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Feels like we're home again. Thanks SCAH team! Read Less

All of the staff is so friendly and welcoming. After any appointment involving shots or blood work they call the next day just to make sure she is doing well. Dr. Altman is great! He loves animals and it's clear every time he sees my dog. Every time we come in he plays with her for a few minutes before he begins his exam. The staff is so nice and answers any questions I have every time I come in no matter how silly (he even gave me instructions on how to clip my dogs nails). Great vet office! Read Less

I cant thank them all enough. My dog barely went there because we never really had any problems. But now that she was old she needed help right away and they were so caring and helped with all my questions and concerns. Dr. Acosta was the best, the office staff was so sweet and caring to me knowing I was going through a hard time. Our sweet Sophie passed away and the card they sent me was amazing. Thank you for all your help and kindness all of you Read Less

The service was great here for me and my 8 year old male chihuahua. I was concerned that my pup was sick and needed to be seen because he had stopped drinking water for 5 days and was not acting like himself. I called and was able to get in the same day to be seen. Dr. Altman and his staff were very pleasant, professional and talkative. They made sure to answer all my questions and took great care of my pup.  He is feeling much better today. The follow-up calls and concern of the staff here is also wonderful. Read Less

Wonderful, professional, and compassionate team. Many of the folks at San Carlos have been caring for my pets before they were in this location. They seem to have brought the best of the best to San Carlos. Dr Acosta, Dr Altman, Robin, Mac and Josh were all of my dog's favorites, the rest of the team in San Carlos is also second to none. Their commitment to animals is obvious, and it's clear they keep up on the latest research (they employ Fear Free techniques, and are always up to date on new methods, treatments, and medications). Their follow up is both prompt and thorough, and their love for animals shines through in every interaction. I am so thankful to have such smart and loving care for my pets. Read Less

My dog had a lump in his ear. Dr Acosta quickly diagnosed the issue and offered economical options for treatment. So refreshing as other vets have always left me needing a loan to cover the costs. Josh  the vet tech was a true joy and his PetSide manor is top notch. Read Less

Wonderful and caring staff and vet. I had to get my dog in quickly and they got me in the same day actually within the hour. Not a long wait time and the doctor really cared about my concerns for my dog. Will definitely go back as needed. Read Less

Dr. Altman is the only vet I would ever trust with my cat, Lauren. He understands that she is more than a pet to me, and gives quality care and easy to understand instructions and explanations to my husband who is not a native English speaker. Read Less

A+ work, they took care for my 17 year old cat that was very sick even though she fell to cancer and they take great care of my 2 other cats I have now... and will continue to bring the cats back to them Read Less

Been going to this place for years, took care of my dog Kai, with Cancer, all the way till they put her to sleep at the end. New Doctors took over place, kept staff. New MD'S very caring, my Malamute & Husky puppy love them. Very comforting to know how well they treat my dogs. My Malamute dog needed emergency surgery and they recommended good place,kept in contact with the emergency hospital. Read Less

I love this vet clinic!! My doggies go to Dr. Altman and we couldn't be happier! He is very thorough when he checks them over and is excellent about pinpointing what's wrong with them and structuring a fantastic treatment plan. We love Dr. Altman, but I'm certain the other vets are great too! The front desk staff and the vet techs are also so incredibly friendly and always courteous. I never feel like I'm a bother to them with all my questions and they always seem happy to see my babies =)We also love that they offer non-sedation teeth cleaning. We were hesitant to have them put under for a simple cleaning, and now we don't have to worry about it at all. Read Less

Dr. Acosta has been our veterinarian for 15 years is is hands down the best vet in all of San Diego County. His practice has never been the closest in proximity to my house, both when he was in Ocean Beach and now San Carlos, but he is always worth the extra few miles' drive. Dr. Altman is really awesome too. Their staff has been with them for so many years, they all are just so excellent and really truly care about your pet. I will never take my dogs or other animals to any other animal hospital. this place. Read Less

I highly recommend the staff here. My husband, Jerry brought our dog, Odis to the hospital and they were very professional and kind. Dr. Acosta was very knowledgeable and very caring. Josh was polite and easy to talk to. We are so happy to have found this veterinarian and look will definitely take all our pets here. If you are looking for a vet or to make a change like we were - this is the place to go! Highest recommendation!Read Less

San Carlos Animal Hospital has such a wonderful, charismatic group of individuals who are very knowledgeable and sincere. All three Doctors are incredibly skilled and know animals as if they were extensions of themselves. These people are dedicated, kind and easy to be around. I highly recommend them... Plus, their prices are reasonable and they won't swindle you in to anything that isn't "necessary" for your pet. They truly care and it shows. Dr. Acosta and Dr. Altman from Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital are here! I have been taking all three of my pets (cat, two dogs) to see Dr. Acosta and Dr. Altman for over 4 years now. When I heard they moved ALL the way out to San Carlos, I knew that no matter what I needed to keep them as our doctors. They know my pets and my pets feel comfortable with them.Read Less

Dr. Kus has been our vet for over 10 years. He is incredibly smart and also kind and gentle with our pets. He has never been wrong on a diagnosis, and even gets it right when other vets have been baffled. He explains everything clearly to us, and apologizes when we have to wait. I hope he never retires!!! Read Less

Dr. Kus is the best vet we have ever been to. He always goes the extra mile. He is patient and very thorough when explaining things, he always does at least a partial exam even if you're just getting shots, he is loved by all of my 4 pets.....I cannot say enough good things to describe him. A++++++++++++ Once you go to him, you'll be hooked. Read Less