Woodside Animal Hospital

When we moved to Lakeside from Michigan we had to find a vet fast because one of our dogs had been diagnosed with kidney failure during our cross-​country move. I was nervous because we’ve had a couple bad experiences, but Woodside really delivered. All of the vets we’ve seen there have been knowledgeable, friendly and haven’t tried to upsell us (a huge bonus when you have dogs).
My neighbor had to put her cat down and even though they were not her normal vet they sent her a card and were compassionate about the whole thing.
I’d love it if they had a better parking situation but that’s not why l choose a vet anyway.

I took my 13 year old cat here based on the reviews because she was having some issues and it’s close to home. The staff here is amazing including Dr. Porte. We tried a few things without spending too much. Instead of the hospital up selling, they gave me my options and their opinions and it saved me lots of money based on my decision. Things weren’t going as expected and my cat began to deteroite by the third visit. I finally decided to spend a little extra and it resulted in news I was saddened to receive. I was told it was close to the end. They had sedated her since she was too feisty to run the test I had asked for. Unfortunately my cat was given back to me while still sedated from the gas and never came out of it when we got home. It was hard because we thought it would just be another vet visit but it was her last. My emotions ran wild about what the vet failed to do but then I came to realize it wasn’t the vets fault. My cat just had too many issues that couldn’t be reversed and her body didn’t handle the sedation very well. I called them the next day to arrange cremation and was given a few options that were very affordable. The woman that I spoke to was so caring and compassionate. No blame on Dr. Porte or the staff. They are extremely professional, caring and compassionate about what they do. Now I have a new kitten and I’m taking her here for her first exam and any follow ups. This hospital has a very small waiting room but the price and services you receive are worth it. I’d highly recommend this hospital and Dr. Porte if you’re looking for a new doctor or using a veterinarian for the first time.

The short story: I took my cat Refund in for an examination. This examination caused a fatal injury to my cat. Woodside Animal Clinic (12 149 Woodside Ave. 92 040, 619−561−5311) then charged me $ 148.50 for killing my cat.
The long story: Ref was getting old, he would have been 17 on St. Patricks Day. But he was still spry and bright eyed. He’d started having issues swallowing so I took him in for a once over. I know he was getting close but we’re talking weeks or more before his time was here. The vet, Lorrie Porte tried to check his tongue but he was having none of that. She suggested that they give him a little gas to calm him down and took him in the back. When she came out she stated that when she tried to turn his tongue over that it tore open about ²⁄₃ of the way across the base. He was dying and there was nothing that could be done.
After it was done I took him home.
When I took him back the next day to be cremated they presented me with a bill for an examination, anesthesia and euthanasia totaling $ 148.50. I was shocked and outraged. When I objected the vet and staff defended their actions stating ‘they were just trying to help my cat’ and saw absolutely no problem with billing for the ‘services’ that killed him. I paid the bill and took Ref with me.
So. What do you think?

Dr. Pandi was AMAZING with my cat, Lilly. She has had a cough for over a year and it’s gotten worse and worse. Dr. Pandi was very knowledgeable and gave Lilly a steroid shot which was very quick and very affordable! Lilly would cough at least 6 times a day for long periods and she has not coughed ONCE since her visit. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars at my last vet out of state and they did absolutely nothing for her. I’m so glad I have my happy, healthy kitty back!

Dr. Porte, Dr. Pandi and the wonderful staff at Woodside Animal Hospital have saved my cat’s life. They have taken care of all my animals from dogs, cats to guinea pigs. I almost want to keep them a secret but others deserve to know about them. Their knowledge and expertise are excellent and valuable. They do not try to push unnecessary costs on you like other vets do. I have been to other vets in the area and I am thankful to have found them and highly recommend Woodside Animal Hospital to my friends and family

I can’t believe woodside animal hospital received only four and a half stars! This place deserves five plus one for their absolute care and true concern for the fur baby’s in our lives! Kind gentle, old school country veterinarian life like it was years ago! I have been taking all my animals here for years! I recommend them anytime a friend or friends of friends need a caring staff to lookafter their animal! When I had to put my faithful companion down after twelve wonderful years, I was truly wrecked emotionally! Even felt ashamed my dog hadn’t had time to be groomed before he became suddenly ill. One of the sweetest vet techs there said to me? Don’t worry miss Brown, I’ll give curly a nice bath before we send him to be cremated. We all know how much you loved him. I will never forget such kindness! Who does that these days?? No one that I know of except Dr Porte and her wonderful staff! Can’t speak highly enough about this place! Also they are affordable! They never take advantage of you financially, especially in your most darkest times of decision making for what’s best for the animal in need. Please take the time to have this group of wonderful professionals care for all your fur baby’s! You won’t regret it! I never have! I love them like family because they truly care about the pets in your family! ! GOD BLESS YOU WOODSIDE VET!

Woodside Animal Hospital has been so helpful to our family of friendly animals. To all the staff that help our pets get healthy a big thanks. Today we lost our little mittens at the age of 18 Woodside Animal Hospital helped a great deal throughout mittens life.

Just took our baby kitten for her first vet appointment. We adopted her from the San Diego county animal shelter about two weeks ago this vet was the closest to our house and was on the approved list of first free vet visits. The good, the vet was wonderful her assistant was great The vet answered all of our questions. The bad the front office staff could be a little more on it. Nobody knew who was suppose to be checking me out. There was not a phone call reminding me of her appointment. The staff working in front just seemed a little disorganized but friendly will be back in six weeks for her to get updated on more shots. Also thankfully we came preparred for a bill even though the visit was free the shots did cost some money and we did buy her some flee medicine. The total for the visit was $ 175.00

Yet another great experience with woodside animal hospital. This time my other schnauzer has gotten sick from UTI!!! Vet said to change their diet and very nice, if you want a vet that is all about the well being of your dog and not about the expensive prices I recommend this place!!! She learned that my dog is also a distemper survivor and she was so compassionate to him! I’ve been to vets here in town and none are like her! Go to woodside :)

I am a little late on this review, but I just referred a friend over and it reminded me to come back and leave kudos!!! (I was referred by a friend of mine, too… so word of mouth from satisfied customers seems to be a great referral source for them!)
I brought my 5 year old 9 pound terrier mix in because she was Unilocaling out in pain every time she opened her mouth, and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Woodside Animal Hospital was able to get me an appointment same-​day to have her evaluated, and they figured out that she most likely had an abscessed tooth and needed a thorough dental done. I was worried they wouldn’t be able to do this for several days, but they offered to do it right then and there so she could go home pain free. This was 2:00pm, and I was able to pick her up by 5. Amazing!
So here is the best part… (like getting a same day appointment and same day service isn’t wonderful enough…)
This place truly CARES about your PET, first and foremost, and does NOT gouge you with gigantic bills. They are up front, and even come out with a sheet that shows you best and worst case scenarios, so you can make an informed decision, not a blind one with surprises later. The vet who did Suki’s dental went over what she realistically thought would need to be done, but said that even in the worse case scenario, «line item X» was the most I could possibly be charged for this. And I was OK with that number. When I came to pick Suki up and pay, I was pleasantly surprised that what the tech showed me initially was pretty much right on the button what I owed. They didn’t take advantage of racking the bill up to the highest possible charge… which has happened to me at the other 3 vets I used in the past. I was beyond thrilled… not only at how much they loved and cared for my pup, and the beautiful fresh little mouth she had, but that I paid a relatively inexpensive bill for all of it. So amazing. (Seriously, I dare you to find a more affordable and thorough doggie dental in SD!)
I will be a part of the Woodside Animal Hospital family for as long as I have pets… and I will send anyone I know their way because I am confident they will take care of my friends just as well as they took care of me. THANK YOU!!!

This vet hospital was awesome! All the people in the office are very pleasant and the vet staff were very warm and made me feel very comfortable leaving my cat. I knew she would be taken care of. I was very nervous because I had a horrible experience at Lakeside Vet Hopistal. Thank you so much for taking care us.

The staff is friendly, Dr. is nice and easy to talk too.

Love this place!
They pulled out 4 baby teeth from my puppy’s mouth about 6 months ago. I was quoted $ 1500 from a vet hospital in del mar and came here instead. They did an amazing job for $ 500. The staff is friendly and easy.
Today I came in to have a tick removed from my puppy’s face and they did it for free!!!
Totally recommend woodside AH! You guys rock!

Dr. Lori and the other vets at Woodside have taken great care of our former and current dogs, for a reasonable price. The vets there cared so much for our old dogs and worked as partners with us in providing medical care for our old dogs. Dr. Lori came to our home when it was time to put our two old dogs (a lab and a shepherd/​aussie cattledog mix) down with serious ailments. She was very compassionate and kind to us and them and took care of all the final arrangements. The vets there now help us with our current dogs (a lab and a shepherd mix) too and will patiently answer questions over the phone, never a long wait, the doctors don’t try to sell a client on unnecessary expensive treatment, prices are reasonable, staff are very nice, doctors are very patient with our very shy shepherd mix.

Excellent care. Great advice. The wait is sometimes long to check out but that’s because they’re a small operation.

I had to take my lab here to get her rabie shots and the place was packed. The friendly and helpful staff had her in and out of there in no time. I don’t think she even knew she had gotten a shot.

My dog got parvo there.
Good luck, pet lovers.

My dog Coral was brought in with an issue with her pancreas. The doctor and staff were incredibly sweet and helpful. They treated her with great care and love. After spending 3 days she came home and spent another two weeks with me before she passed away. I’m very grateful for the extra time I got to spend with her. She passed in her sleep laying right next to me. It was very peaceful.
Today I received a condolence card from the staff. It put a smile on my face.

Walked in without an appointment this morning with my grand baby Iris and although they were busy they took her. There was lots of barking and they asked if they could take her back and put her in a kennel so she would not be scared with the barking.
I have never met such a wonderful staff and vet in all of my life. I will not go elsewhere ever! I am a local and always drive by and I am kicking myself for not using you all along. Thank you for taking care of my grand baby while my daughter is out of town.
A NEW CLIENT FOR LIFE :)

very impressed
Had a cyst removed from our dog, and was very impressed with the outcome. The vet was knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly — caring. I was shocked at how well the removal of the cyst went, great vet!!!