Pet Emergency & Specialty Center – South County

We brought in our 1.5 year old English Mastiff. He was having problems urinating so we took him in right away. We just moved to San Diego the month before and had not yet established our family vet. When we arrived they were very quick to befriend our gentle giant and make sure he was as comfortable as possible. Living in San Diego has been a big adjustment for us and our dogs. We wanted to make sure our boy Sam was in good hands and the employees didn’t disappoint us in the slightest. We were very well informed of everything that was taking place with Sam at all times and when it came time for his surgery they made sure that we (including Sam) were comfortable with the game plan for his treatment. This office has some of the nicest people we have met since being here in California and we would recommend them to anyone who needs emergency service for their pet. Very Happy with the results!

First time here. Brought my 3yr old daschund for a bite puncture to the neck by another dog. Staff were nice. The vet was competent and sincere. We were seen in a timely manner despite other unexpected walk-​in emergencies. Treatment plan was clear and concise.
The people complaining of the vet bill need to understand healthcare is not cheap. Love for your pet will not pay for the services needed. Before becoming a pet owner, you need to assume financial responsibility. My vet bill was fair and expected.
I was seen in less than an hr and this was at night where staff is thin, other walk-​ins with more serious issues, and my dog not being in ‘immediate danger’.
Shout out to the staff that night for an excellent job.

Second star is for their ²⁴⁄₇ availability, which would be helpful for some.
Came with my Maltese who became paralyzed from her waist down. Was going to wait until we can take her to her regular vet. However, we decided to bring her here on Sunday at 11AM when she started showing signs of labored breathing.
The receptionist/​assistant/​billing person was very bland, very indifferent. Dr. Im looked like he just recently graduated but had decent bedside manners.
The entire ordeal took over 2 hours, all of which we spent in the exam room without our dog. Meanwhile, the doctor and assistant came in numerous times to present us with treatment options and fee schedules.
Why such bad review? The doctor never discussed any fees with us ahead of time. By the time I had asked, we were already at $ 500 for the visit. Worst of all, the diagnosis was that Taylor was most likely poisoned, and there were no treatment options. He asked if we would like him to call poison hotline to confirm. We thought that might be a good idea since we do not use rat poisoning and that was the tentative diagnosis. Little did we know that was going to be an additional $ 142 for a phone call that added no diagnostic value. It was like him saying, your dog is most likely going to die but let me confirm that with the experts… yup she is going to die. Let me charge you an additional $ 142 for a phone call you can make yourself for $ 49.
The whole experience was one that made me feel that while we were there seeking help for our dog, we were taken advantaged of by a facility interested in $$$. I am glad I was able to say «no» to an overnight stay that including additional comfort treatment would have been $ 3000 by Monday morning with still no solution in sight.

I have nothing but praise for the staff here, including Dr. Sanui. I had to bring my cat here on a Sunday night and I expected a «zoo». Nope. Only one family ahead of me and the receptionist was courteous and even found my old info-​from several years ago! I was seen right away and was impressed by Dr. Sanui’s manner and professionalism. She didn’t order a lot of costly tests because Gunnar’s condition was not life threatening and she knew I would take him to his regular vet in the am. She performed a thorough exam and prescribed some medication to keep him comfortable. She was caring and engaged. I left with a copy of his exam write up and felt reassured. Even more impressive was the follow up call several days later. Obviously no one likes going to the ER, but if I have to take one of the dogs or Gunnar again, I’ll return.
ps the bill was reasonable as well.

After several trips to this emergency vet, I finally HAD to get to writing a review. Having three dogs, it always seems that SOMETHING will happen on a weekend when my vet doesn’t have office hours and this is our «go-​to» place. Yesterday (again) one of our guys had a problem and we scooped him up and drove like crazy idiots to this place.
The entire staff has always been seriously kind, very attentive and we have NEVER had to wait to be seen immediately. Everything (every time we’ve been there) has been explained to us very clearly and they’ve always patched our guys up right away. I am VERY grateful to have them so close by.
As far as prices go — I don’t really see that much of a difference between what we have been charged there versus what our regular vet charges. Having a pet is EXPENSIVE and when there is an emergency, it’s just an expense that you have to deal with.
I really don’t WANT to have to go back but if and when our guys have another problem that warrants IMMEDIATE, quality care, I know where we are heading.

Dr. Sanui and her wonderful staff helped me, in the middle of the night, figure out why my dog was bleeding so profusely. There was talk of surgery, expensive procedures and the very real possibilities of putting my terminally ill dog down that night. Dr revised a plan to lightly sedate her to see if it was from her mouth somewhere. It was a large cut under her tongue, probably from her dew claw. Woke her up, the bleeding stopped and home we went at a fraction of what it could have been. I get to enjoy, hopefully, many more days with her until the cancer has its way with her. I’m so thankful for their patience and caring that that was not Roxy’s last day

We brought our 4 month old Siberian Husky puppy here after she had her leg run over by a car. It was 8pm, we were in a panic and this was the closest emergency hospital. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted and they took Dakota immediately to the back. In my mind, I was just figuring this was going to cost us at least $ 1,000 especially if it was broken or fractured.
After about 20 minutes they asked us to come back so we could speak with the Vet, Dr. Zuniga (I believe was her name). She was very compassionate and gave us two options for treatment — a low end and high end option. I definitely wanted X-​rays to see if it was broken or fractured and this was included in the low end option for a grand total of $ 675. Also included, was cleaning and stitching the wound, antibiotics and pain killers. I felt this was a fair price and also felt she was trying to work with us to keep the cost down.
After the x-​rays we found that the leg was not broken or fractured so we really dodged a bullet. The vet then told us she needed to clean, stitch and wrap the wound. She said she would try under local anesthesia, but if Dakota was resistant she would have to be completely put under. The local anesthesia is much cheaper than the latter option. So we told the Vet to proceed with local anesthesia.
While we waited we began reading the reviews on Unilocal.I began to panic because there were so many horror stories, but it was too late they had already began. After about 2 hours, the Vet came out (sweating) and said it wasn’t easy but she was able to get the stitches in with the local anesthesia. This saved us $$ and I was thankful.
I do realize there are vet hospitals that would have probably done this for a few $ 100 cheaper, but those hospitals are not open at 10pm at night. We could not risk waiting until the next day to take her in. I was happy with a total bill of $ 675 for all the staff and vet did for our Dakota.
It has now been about 3 weeks since the accident and Dakota has had her stitches take out. She is doing great, running and playing as if it never happened.

I don’t understand why there’s so many bad reviews on here!
My 3 month old Morkie puppy had a rectum prolapse and this was the closest 24 – 7 hospital so I took her here. The lady at the desk was very nice and sweet. She was gentle with Kiwi and and was very nice to us.
The vet that came in was very helpful and nice. She told us what a rectum prolapse was and she told us what we needed to do. I didn’t felt like I was forced to do this and that like a lot of the reviewers said. And the price was ok it was kind of expensive but not as bad as I thought it was going to be!
My experience here wasn’t bad one bit and if I ever need help with my puppy I would probably come back and if you think about it this hospital isn’t as pricey as others… So I don’t understand why people say it’s a rip off. NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO, if it is an EMERGENCY you will be PAYING A LOT. Regardless. If you care and love your pet enough be smart and know they cost money regardless. so when you become a pet owner be prepared for anything! Also, for all the people complaining about the prices, where would you want to take you pal? To a hospital that is cheap and won’t give you the right info and maybe even harm your pal even more…
Even about 3 – 4 weeks later someone called me just to check up on Kiwi. that is very sweet and not all pet hospitals do that. The guy asked me how she was doing and asked if I had any questions. All my questions were answered by him and I felt a lot better!
Don’t judge a place by a false review through anger. Go for yourself and if you’re complaining about price. There is no point in reviewing.

I brought my 10 year old chihuahua, Frijol, to this center on Thursday Feb 19 after he was breathing faster than normal, barely able to hold his head up, and his heart rate was being fast.
Of all the receptionists I spoke to these two days, the one that stood out was the very nice receptionist with the short hair, Gabby. She was very helpful and comforting from the start. Immediately we were put into a room and Frijol was taken to the back to give him oxygen. The first doctor we spoke to (1 of 3) suggested we do xrays and we agreed. The xrays showed that Frijol had an enlarged heart, fluid in his lungs, and most likely had heart failure. She was very nice and explained what the xrays showed to us. We were advised to leave him until he could be off oxygen support, and they were going to give him diuretics to remove the fluid in his lungs. The treatment plan they gave us wasn’t so bad so we agreed. The doctor also let us know of a cardiology trial program one of the local VCA hospitals was doing for dogs with serious heart failure, cardiology costs covered entirely. We were told the best case scenario the program could give him 6 months to 1 year to live (which told us what we already suspected — he was not going to make it very long either way). We decided to let them submit him to see if he’d qualify, and we would think it over until morning.
I called numerous times during the night to check on him (they welcome you to call whenever you want to however many times you want to). The second doctor was polite, updating me on his process, but also letting me know his symptoms were supportive of the heart failure diagnosis. In the morning, he was not ready to go home yet so we came in to update the treatment plan. He was going to be given 24 more hours on oxygen support with the new plan. Later in the day we received a call from the third doctor, who said the program had accepted Frijol, but we would need to take him right away and he would still need to be hospitalized on oxygen support for a few more days.
At this time we decided that Frijol’s quality of life was not very good, he was suffering and it was time to let him go. The third doctor was very pushy towards trying to get us to try the program — it was like she was not even listening. I cannot remember her name, but she was a tall Hispanic female. She was the only person that I spoke to these two days that gave me the impression of a vet who only cared about money and research, not the pet and the family’s wishes. After 10 – 15 min, she finally let it go and accepted that we had already decided to put him down. We were finally brought Frijol to visit. While he recognized us and seemed happy to see us, we could clearly see that all the oxygen treatment and cardiology treatment in the world was not going to ease his pain or give him close to the quality of life he has been used to. He was returned to oxygen support while we were brought the paperwork and details on the euthanasia. The process was quick, and Frijol fell asleep in my sister’s arms.
Gabby was very helpful in making sure the company had all of our information correct so we could be contacted as soon as the cremains were ready. I called the pet hospital back after I had not heard from the cremation company in over a week, and Gabby again was very helpful in calling them to check up on the process and calling me back right away to let me know the update.
Overall, I feel that they were helpful and supportive during a difficult time. The only one person who we were unhappy with was the third doctor we spoke to. For everything Frijol got in a little over 24 hrs, my total was just over $ 2000. The hospital does require the money up front, but they let you know before anything starts what the cost range will be, and they accept CareCredit which is what I used. If your pet is in need of immediate care, I recommend this pet emergency center.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel like I was guided in the right direction. I understand that the ER is a tough place to work, but have some compassion. As for the receptionist, she did not help the process. She’d say one thing and the complete opposite would happen. Couldn’t even remember that I was there 30 minutes later when I called to ask about my dog.

I would not recommend this place at all. I brought my cat in yesterday and was very dissatisfied with their customer service. From the moment we walked in to the time we left I had a unpleasant experience. It took the receptionist about 5 mins to make her way to the front desk to greet us. She then took my cat to the back and had me fill out a questionnaire. All while never smiling, seeming the least bit concerned for my cat. I’m not sure she even likes her job. My cat is female and so it says right on the questionnaire I happily filled out. Twice through out the visit not only the receptionist, but the female vet (who looks 20) kept referring to my girl as HE. I thought how hard is it for you to get the sex of a animal? It’s right in front of you. I should add that we were the only people in there. Not busy at all. The Vet had supposedly examined her. During our visit I felt like the «Dr» was avoiding our questions and really couldn’t answer us. She kept trying to get us to take ALL these tests to determine the bite. they drew up a estimate of $ 800. After feeling pressured to take these unnecessary tests, feeling like she was avoiding our questions and just wanted our money I made the wise decision to just get her hydrated, had them give her a nausea shot and prescribe a antibiotic. I left there with a $ 260 bill feeling like I struck gold compared to so many others I have read about. My kitty is doing much better and I am thankful I listened to my intuition and didn’t fall for the sales pitches. I understand everyone is gonna have their own experience here and I am glad that many have had a good experience. It’s easy to be critical when your pet doesn’t survive and it’s also just as easy to sing their praises when your pet does. For me, it was about the lack of compassion, the almost rude manor the receptionist had and the overall lack of knowledge I felt they both had. I will never go here again. Money aside, I would choose a practice that puts their customers first… The animal. Oh, and on my release papers they had the breed of my cat wrong. Just very unprofessional in my opinion.

Do not take your pet to this hospital. Rip off about money. Not about care. If you want more information or question my advice call me. Craig 619 921 2147. I love my pet. This not a good place for yours.

DO NOT GO UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR PET TO DIE. My 2 month old puppy who had low blood sugar died after 4 hours of being in their care!!! There was no reason for my baby to die unless they did something or gave her something wrong. This place needs to be shut down!

Our whippet got snakebitten in the backyard on Sunday evening and we got him to PESC within thirty minutes. He wound up spending forty hours in their ICU and was attended to by four doctors and numerous technicians during that time. Three rounds of antivenin and round-​the-​clock attention were provided.
He’s home now … safe, out of the woods and on the mend.
The folks at this hospital were terrific. Even though we saw four different docs through the ordeal (due to shift changes) I was impressed by how well-​versed each new doc was about Jackson’s condition. Whatever else they’re doing during the handoff, they obviously communicate with each other. And every one of them seemed wholly committed to getting Jackson well.
They were completely sympathetic and kind to us and our dog, too. We visited him four or five times during his stay, bringing him a toy or to check in and they were incredibly obliging, letting us stay as long as we wanted.
We got a lot of phone calls with status updates, even in the middle of the night, which we appreciated.
Was it cheap? Nope. But it wasn’t unreasonable, either. It’s an emergency center and they operate 24-​hours a day, so we don’t feel remotely taken advantage of.
I hope we never have to use them again, but I’m sure glad to know they’re there. These folks saved our dog’s life. Thanks, Guys.
P. S. I found and terminated the rattlesnake.

I won’t go into detail about my pet’s situation, the fact is I needed to take my poodle here this morning because she was in pain and my regular vet has their number listed in their after hours message. I love my family vet, so I trust their referral.
My experience was wonderful here. They treated my pup with great care and they were genuinely concerned about my pet.
My vet’s office called me after I dropped off my dog and I let them know she was there at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center. I then received a call from my vet and he told me that he had just talked to the vet at PE & SC. Now, regardless of whether my vet called PE&SC or they called my vet — The two offices communicate with one another and I think that’s great!
In an emergency, I will DEFINITELY bring my animals here. I’m so happy that my vets office works with this facility!

Highway robbery!!! I was quoted one price and then was given another. The doctor was nice but the staff was all over the place. They seemed confused. All I went in for was for them to look at my kittens paw and they tried to charge me 72 for the visit and 75 for meds.

Worst vet hospital … Slow service, bad service. I have to bring my dog to other place to redo the stitches they did that cause my dog an infection. The stitches came off the next day. Terrible!!! They charge you 4 times compare to the other vet hospital. I had a very bad experienced with this place. They put my dog on a very bad traumatic condition!!! Avoid this place at all cost, very expensive and they had an inexperience veterinary.

Don’t go here is you want to spend thousands of dollars on tests to see if your pet is going to live, then finding out they’re going to die.
I came here 2 days ago because I was worried about my puppy. My puppy Cudi was really weak and I wanted to know why she had trouble getting up and lifting her head.
They immediately took her in and I had to sign forms which was telling me that the cost may run up to $ 500. Initially I though, «oh, that’s not so bad. I can afford that.» After signing papers, I was sent to a room (I had two people with me) to discuss the diagnosis of Cudi.
The doctor came in, and told me that Cudi was very weak and they started to warm her up and give her sugar on her gums since she has no energy. The doctor wanted to keep Cudi over night and run test like Parvo, and other various test in order to fully diagnosis her. The doctor just ask me if I wanted to go ahead, and I said yes since I want Cudi to be better.
Once I said yes, the vet tech who check us in, came in with the price of the whole procedure. It came up over $ 2000 dollars. I was in shock! (I know people are going to say no vet=no pet, but the price range and the amount of test that going to be done on my 0.84 pound puppy is ridiculous!) I told the vet tech that we can’t afford that price range since I don’t have that amount of money (you have to pay in full pocket) and she went to send the doctor in again to make the price lower (they even threw in a discount).
Since I THOUGHT that they were caring about my situation and gave me a major price cut ($ 2000 to $ 600) I decided to do the procedures because I want Cudi to live a painless life.
The next day (yesterday), I picked her up finding out they took tons of blood from Cudi and she had to take medication every 12 hours for the next 10 days. I was so glad that Cudi was going to be better.
I did everything the vet told me to do. Feed her every 4 hours, let her rest, keep her warm, only to find out she passed away the day after coming home from the vet. Cudi started acting funny every time I have her the medication that was addressed to her. The last thing she had was medication and she died shortly hour.
The workers at this place told me she was just weak and needs to stay hydrated and full. I kept her over night just to find out they did millions of useless test on her (that I don’t know the results of, except she didn’t have Parvo or worms) and just gave her sugar to keep up!
What a coincidence that Cudi died after going to this emergency pet hospital and taking her medication? They had to know that Cudi was not going to make it and still pry on the vulnerable pet owners who wants to save their pets. They make you believe that everything is going to be great and only finding out your beloved pet is going to die and take all your money!
If I knew she going to die, I would of put her down painlessly instead of suffering a death at home, but they didn’t tell me that she was.
This is a horrible place to go to!!!
Rest in peace Cudi. I will always miss you and love you. You were the greatest pet I have ever had. :(

This place is absolutely terrible!
My dog Hercules was involved in an accident where he needed immediate attention. First of all, I understand that this is an emergency clinic and any visit will be costly. Now with that being said, once I entered the clinic there was no nurse/​receptionist to greet me so I had to wait about 5 minutes before even having my dog looked at!
However upon speaking with the Vets, their initial diagnosis was terribly off as they requested for an X-​ray (That costs $ 1000+!!) that pretty much had no way in determining the injury. After going back and forth over the cost of my visit, it really felt like I was dealing with a car salesman, this is my dogs health for Christ sakes!
Hercules ended up staying overnight as the clinic burrowed a deep hole into my pockets. In all, I’m thankful to still have my boy Hercules alive and kicking its just that the customer service was terrible and there wasn’t much professionalism, not to mention my dog caught a case of the fleas from this dirty facility!
The only bright spot was Veterinarian (Last name Espinoza I believe?) as she was most hands on from beginning to end and she also suggested medication prescriptions from Walmart that was MUCH cheaper than what they had available.

I’ve been to PESC in Chula Vista about ten times in the past four or five years, and I won’t take my pets anywhere else for emergency services now.
I’ve experienced the worst of the worst at several different emergency vets in central and south San Diego: uncaring attitudes from staff, outrageous quotes for care, and general poor service. I’m so relieved to have found a practice that I can trust with my pets’ emergency needs.
I know that many negative reviews here cite cost, but if you’re walking into an emergency pet hospital, expect to be paying for said professional services. I’ve never left PESC feeling like I got raked over the coals on the bill. They don’t nickel and dime you for diagnostics that aren’t critical to the immediate care of your pet, and everything is thoroughly explained, options are discussed, and you get straightforward answers to your questions.
One example I wanted to share is that I recently had to bring my pet rat in to be euthanized. Prior to going to them, I got quotes from five other regular vets, and of the ones who even offered the service and would perform it via the most humane method, I was quoted almost TRIPLE the amount of what PESC charges. I feel that this speaks volumes about their fair pricing and the proper care they provide for pets large and small.