Pacific And Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Had an amazing experience! Brought my dog in with $1,700 into her trying to figure out why she lost over 20lbs, wouldn't eat, and kept throwing up. Dr Burch was finally the one who could give me some answers that I was seeking! Very grateful for this place! Read Less

Only one doctor the evening we came into the hospital. One nurse came out and took a extremely brief (seconds) look at our situation and said we could wait with our dog in the waiting room. We were left to wait and wait without any information. The receptionist made small talk with us once during our hours there. She spoke on the phone with what sounded like her family. We were the only ones in the waiting room. It is understood that there may be others who might have needed care before we did but I will not go back. Read Less

The very best emergency veterinary clinic in Santa Cruz County! They are very kind and very caring, very concerned about your pet. Someone comes out to check your pet immediately when you walk in the door, that is very important. They don't charge you an arm and a couple of legs either.  I would never take my pets anywhere else in an emergency. Read Less

Just had a consult appt with Dr. Burtch and she was extraordinary in explaining my cat's illness to me and the plan moving forward. She gave me a great technical description of what's going on and didn't dumb things down for me, and her people skills are great. She squeezed me in before the weekend so my cat wouldn't suffer over the weekend. I think she was also the Dr that put my dog down 6 years ago, and she was just as compassionate then as she is now. Read Less

I wanted to acknowledge the excellent care my dog and I received from the staff and in particular Dr. Kurek. She patiently and thoroughly answered questions and methodically took steps to properly diagnose, which in our case meant ruling out, and treating the troubling symptoms that brought us to the emergency practice twice in two weeks. As test results came in, she called from home as well as the office. When they took my dog into the back for treatment, I felt confident that they would be careful and try to minimize the stress and discomfort he might experience. Read Less

Watch out for their billing. I got different charges for same procedure plus they did an X-ray that wasn't needed & said my dads senior discount was applied but it wasn't.  I've called & was being helped by (Barbara) someone in billing who apparently doesn't work their anymore. I've been waiting for my call back but apparently wasn't going to get it if I didn't do this 4th follow up call. How can they be allowed to overcharge without following up with client once it was brought to their attention. Read Less

It's reassuring to know there's a place that is open 24 hours a day. Our animal incidents always seem to happen late at night, or on a holiday weekend! I was there with my dog from 11pm - 2:30am, brought her home, then was right back the next morning and had her admitted and kept overnight to be kept hydrated and checked on regularly.I was out $1,800, but it was well worth it. I had my dog back and she's now her old self. I am convinced she would have died without treatment for what appeared to have been pancreatitis. Read Less

I have had dogs on my own for decades and have seen vets all over the place, and this has to be the best experience I have had.  We arrived after 6 p.m., with a referral from a vet who was out of her league for our dog's undiagnosed liver issue and other possible concerns, our dog was on an IV and unable to walk.  Within minutes, before we were taken back for a consult, the vet on duty, Dr. Mark Saphir had already removed a small amount of fluids from our dog's belly and ascertained he was in septic shock and needed liver surgery immediately. [our first vet never did that, and specifically told us there was no hurry to treat our dog]  He told us a fairly close estimate of the cost, and was sincere when he said that he could not guarantee our pets survival, because of his advanced septic state and other factors.  It was also certain if the liver disease had somehow impacted the dog's ability to walk--he was unable to move his back legs.  We did not know if we would be looking at a long string of medical procedures and were told that could be a possibility.  We wanted to try to save him so he called in a surgeon, Dr. LaHue to start surgery immediately--he did not want the dog going into more shock as time went by.  The surgery lasted over 2 hours, and we were called shortly after- very late at night--to let us know he had made it that far, and then again at 8 a.m., just as Dr. Saphir was getting off duty.  We dealt with a number of doctors as the staff changed, and our dog's hospitalization continued for 7 days while he overcame several side effects of the infection that entered his lungs, stomach and blood stream.  He began walking as the infection left so that issue diminished.  The doctors encouraged us to visit and sit with him, and when the dog was more capable of movement, gave us a private area to hang out with him.  The doctors were a good combination of compassionate, competent and professional. Our dog's liver was partially removed, and several pieces were taken for biopsy.  A doctor that cared for him for three days, Dr. Robison, was thrilled to come into our room while visiting about 4 days after the surgery and was ecstatic to let us know the tumor that put this all into play when it burst was benign.There was lots of good doctoring going on throughout our dog's stay--Dr. Brady and Dr. Heidelberg were very key in getting our dog's internal system back on track after being so far in decline. There seemed to be a good system in place to keep the dog's treatment consistent from doctor to doctor, though allowing for adjustments as the dog's condition changed.  I am not certain that my dog would have survived without the very close and careful care that he received. Read Less

Dr. Burtch is the best veterinary internal medicine specialist in the area. She is knowledgeable, personable and keeps up with the latest treatments and medications. She really listens and always takes as much time as needed for the appointment. The staff is friendly and professional. I have been there over a dozen times and never had a bad experience. Read Less

I took my dog in because she had eaten something that was not good.... I was really scared and so was she... everyone there was so awesome super knowledgeable and very very thorough.... the doctor totally calmed me down and explained everything that she was going to to.... nothing they did was a surprise they told me everything including prices before they did anything... my dog ended up having to stay the night there.. we were able to go back and say goodnight to her and they had her all snuggled up in a bed and blankey... that made me feel better.... they really do care for the well being of the animals that come there... they called me first thing in the morning to let me know my baby was all better and I rushed down to get her..... hopefully I don't ever have to bring here to the emergency again but it is such a good feeling to know they are there! Read Less

We were worried about our new kitten when she started acting strangely, so we ran her up here to make sure she was ok. We were seen quickly, had a great level of friendly care from start to finish, and the price tag was very reasonable. The best part was that even before I could think about it the next morning they'd faxed the information to our normal vet who called me to check in. This will definitely be our go-to emergency option. Read Less

When we took Nellie "the best dog we ever had" to PVSE, we didn't know we would have to make the decision to end her life. The staff there took her in right away late at night, conducted an exam and ultrasound test that showed us how things had gone horribly wrong in a very short time. Jessica was very kind and compassionate in ending her life peacefully - even agreeing to have it conducted in the back of our car. My husband and I are grateful for all the kindness shown to us and Nellie. Read Less

We are so grateful to Pacific Vet Emergency and especially Dr Kurek for the care we received last weekend when our pet rat was suddenly very ill. We were so relieved to find a local vet who took rats, and she clearly was very knowledgable. She was warm, compassionate, and intelligent, and broke the news to us that our rat had a non treatable brain tumor in a very gentle way. She supported us through the hard decision to put our rat to sleep and all the staff went out of their way to make us feel supported and cared for. We even got a sympathy card 2 days later (that sounded sincere, not rote), even though we had never met before. I highly recommend Dr Kurek and this clinic. I only wish we could see Dr Kurek as our regular vet! Read Less

I won't be able to say enough great things about the staff at Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Service.  From the receptionist who took my phone call to the nurse who didn't make me feel silly for crying almost as soon as he came in, to the doctor who I can tell genuinely cares about animals and the individual situation in front of him.  They saw my cat immediately when we came in the door to assess the severity of his condition.  Both the nurse and Doctor took great time with us and answered all of my many many questions.  I never felt rushed and really felt the compassion from the staff.  I am so thankful for them and how they helped us.  I took my kitty home same day and he's doing so much better!  This office was spot on with their evaluation of his condition, which tests confirmed shortly after.  So so grateful for their care and attention .  THANK YOU Pacific Vet! Read Less

Took our 6 year old Schnoodle, Pepper in today. Dr. Jessica found and removed 2 large fox tails from our Pepper's ear. Staff couldn't have been nicer and provided outstanding customer service! Love this place!!! Read Less

If you have a bird (parrot) and your bird has a life threatening emergency RUN away.  Avoid this practice.  They may be professionals with other pets, but my experience tonight was absolutely frightening.  No compassion or logic, I was told 'come in but we don't have the ability to help, but we will look'. Seriously, that is what the receptionist told me.  What part of emergency did the receptionist not understand? Save your bird (and wallet) any additional stress and make the drive to San Jose or Monterey. Read Less

A HUGE thank you to Pacific Veterinarian staff and doctors for helping make the best out of a very sad event for us. I would give 6 stars if Google let me. So let me tell you.....this was by far, THEE BEST VETERINARIAN we have ever used. We were visiting Capitola from out of town, and our American Staffordshire of 12 years became terribly ill. The staff at Pacific Veterinary took us in immediately, put him on an IV and returned blood work and a diagnosis in 30 minutes. The Vet was HIGHLY professional, empathetic, informative and completely honest with us. They gave us the space and time we needed to make our decision (which we decided to put him to sleep). Then, they volunteered to store him overnight so that we could make burial preparations for the following day. When we showed up the next morning to pick him up, they brought him out in a white cardboard burial style box with flowers on top. The entire staff was incredibly kind, caring and seemed to genuinely feel our loss. THEN - in the mail at our home in Tracy, we received a very sweet hand written sympathy card from Pacific Veterinary. All this good stuff PLUS their pricing was VERY reasonable. I will send ALL of my friends and family there. This is a business that understands business, customer care and most importantly, Animal care. Read Less

RUDE HORRIBLE STAFF! "So you're in Monterey but want to drive all the way here, why?  There's specialists in your area too!" Ok, and that's why your adult role in life is simple receptionist.  Rude horrible staff!!!  Couldn't even get an appointment over the phone.  I live in a different city than where this is located, instead of helping me make the apt the receptionist insisted I make an apt w specialists in my city lol!  After I explained to her how I was referred there by someone who's opinion I value and would much rather make the drive to Santa Cruz, she just hung up saying "I don't need your sarcasm!" ok awesome. Read Less

Dr. Burtch has been our primary doctor with Tobey who has a number of medical issues. On his last visit he was in the icu for 8days. He had surgery to remove his spleen and a mass. It was "touch and go" for a while, but he made it home due to the wonderful care he received. We have dealt with PVS over the last 13 years. Our other dog was their patient too. I can not say enough good things about the doctor's, nurses, techs and the staff at PVS. Thank you for being there for us pet owner's.Read Less

Absolutely the best!...... Have brought sick dogs to them in the past and they have been compassionate... Kind... And caring!.... Today I was worried and brought in our newest pup and they treated my concerns with professionalism !... Fortunately it was a happy ending..... I thank them for all that they do! Read Less

We have recently been introduced to PVES and already have two cats under their care. Dr. Pressel is wonderful and is helping us treat lymphoma in one cat with her fabulous nurse, Sarah. Dr. Heidelberger has been the emergency vet that has seen both cats and provided great care to our babies. All the staff is warm and caring. Thank goodness we have PVES in our neighborhood! Read Less

Our cat is alive and acting like a cat today thanks to these dedicated folks. They truly care about your furry family member. I trust them to guide us with our cat's congestive heart failure and thyroid condition and know that they will help us when the time comes to do the right thing. Until then we will enjoy the time left. Read Less

Oh my gosh.  My poor little puppy was so sick this morning.  After being told at Felton Veterinary "hospital" that there was no vet on duty(?!!!!), we drove over to Pacific Veterinary.Our little girl was immediately seen and they began work on getting her better.  The vet phoned me during the day to give me a status update and I know that for better or worse, our doggy is in the best hands possible.The weekend crew are amazing, but the weekday crew leave a very bad taste in my mouth.  Very money centric vibe and little care seemed to be given to my dog.  I was told numerous times the vet was unavailable for my call, but when I said I was taking my dog out of the hospital, she magically became available.Very expensive establishment, so be prepared to pay up. Read Less

Thank you to the staff of Pacific Veterinary Service. You are the best! It's the perfect combination of amazing veterinary skill and tender loving care. They diagnosed her quickly and developed a plan for her care. They kept us updated and feeling confident. They even let us visit Fizzy when she was there overnight for a few days. She is home now and doing well. We couldn't ask for more. Read Less

Have used the Capitola office too many times to count. Always the best care you can get and honesty that I appreciated. They have treated my min pins for a variety of different things, but my Prince was a regular with many health issues that seemed to come up on the weekends. Prince is now almost 18 years old and I believe without the care that we got here and from our regular vet Prince would have never made it this long. So glad to know that there is an office in Monterey! Read Less

We came in around midnight with our boy barely being able to walk when we left the house. They got us in quick and took a good look at him. Looks like he tore a ligament and we were so glad to have it diagnosed right away so we could decide what was best without waiting till morning and stressing out all night.The front desk was great and Dr Mark was awesome, he was easy to get along with for us and our boy plus he clearly knew his stuff and explained it all quite well.Thank you Pacific Veterinary Specialists! Read Less

Dr.Mark and the team at Pacific saved my little Lizzy ' s life last night after she ate some rat poison the previous owners used in an outbuilding. Everyone at Pacific was fantastic, the people and pets of Santa Cruz county are very lucky to have a resource like this available 24/7. Read Less

Alyssa wasn't really eating, wasn't taking in much water and our regular vet was unsure about how to proceed. A dear friend recommended that we contact Dr. Pressel. We made the drive from Hollister without a second thought. We were fairly certain we were close to losing our pet. Dr. Pressel had encountered the unusual set of symptoms before, had a recommended course of treatment and helped us to understand not only the possible outcomes, but that there was some reason to hope. Dr. Pressel, her assistant Sarah and the office staff were professional, as would be expected. But beyond that, they exhibited genuine care and affection for our pet and our family in all our dealings. For those reading reviews indicating high cost... remember that this is a 24-hour emergency hospital. Just like for people, a visit to your regular doctor will not cost as much as a visit to a hospital emergency room. For us, it was money well spent. Read Less

We are so pleased with the fine and caring service Pacific Vet Specialists have given our very sick Tibetan Terrier. Dr. Michelle Pressel. is extraordinarily competent as well as being an angel. We will never forget her kindness and the time she spent to help us take the best possible care to Jedi.Read Less

They were going to do surgery on my dog for an eptopic ureter. Dr LaHue heard about a laser surgery they were doing at UC Davis that would be less invasive, and a quicker recovery time. He called UC Davis and set it up. The surgery wet great and all is well thanks to Dr LaHue.Read Less

I took my dog here after he was injured on a weekend and his regular vet was closed. If I had known how incredibly overpriced this place is, in addtion to having indifferent staff, I would have definitely taken five extra minutes to look up a different 24-hour place. Just as an example, a simple office visit is $99 to $150, regardless of the time of day that you bring your pet in. My regular vet charges $49. Also, since there is a different doctor there everytime you call, no one ever knows what the hell is going on with your animal, and you either have to (a) wait days for a call-back from the doctor who initially treated your pet or (b) bring your pet back in for check by a different doctor and pay their over-the-top office visit fee again. I dropped over $4,000 at this place in one week, and no doctor can even talk to me on the phone when I call? Outrageous. And to top it off, they gouge you on the medication, charging $25 for a few pills that I later bought at Costco for $7. That's a more than 300% markup! The doctor was nice enough and I am assuming he did a fine job fixing up the dog's wounds, but the rest of the experience sucked, especially for someone who is cash strapped like me. Don't go here unless you want to be forced into bankruptcy and get treated like crap.Read Less