VCA Grossmont Animal Hospital

Reviews

• SB

  Sarah Brennan

  Nov 2, 2025
  5.0
  They do great work / partnership with the humane society and normal pet owners. The staff is so kind and accommodating.
• SB

  Stephanie Bamford-Erickson

  Oct 19, 2025
  5.0
  The staff here is amazing. I have been with VCA for over 12 years at different locations. I've always had wonderful doctors. Dr Avon is who I see and she is so sweet. She's incredible at her job and my dogs love her. She has a very gentle touch. They are compassionate and I feel my dog's are very well taken care of.
• SJ

  Salma Jimenez

  Sep 22, 2025
  1.0
  I had a scheduled appointment for my dog, who has anxiety, at 5:00 PM. I arrived around 4:40–4:45 PM, since I live nearby, and checked in. At check-in, I confirmed that my dog had received her prescribed Trazodone and Gabapentin two hours before the appointment. When asked if I had given the medications the night before, I explained that I had not, and they said okay. When our name was called, we answered the initial questions, and then the staff member left the room. Upon returning, he informed us that the doctor would not have time to see my dog and advised us to come back another morning, ensuring the medications were given both the night before and the morning of the visit. The doctor did not attempt to provide my dog’s vaccines or even evaluate her. Why even schedule appointments at 5:00PM, if they do not know if they will have time ? It was really unprofessional and such a waste of time. Effort could have been made. If they would’ve attempted then told me maybe another time, I would have understood. While I understand the caution needed with animals, my dog has not shown aggression—only anxiety. It was disappointing to have an appointment scheduled, arrive, and not be seen at all, especially with no effort made to proceed with her care. I later went to The Pet Hospital of La Mesa, where the doctor was excellent. Even though I had run out of medication at that point, she understood that my dog was anxious but not aggressive, and she was still able to provide the necessary care.
• LA

  Laura Awalt

  Sep 12, 2025
  1.0
  Review: I visited the VCA La Mesa location today (9/12/25) for the first time, and the experience was absolutely horrible. I’m shocked by both the service and the overall condition of this location. Location: The building is run down and old. While they do separate dogs and cats (a good idea), the dog waiting room is a shoebox — if your dog doesn’t get along with others, beware, because you’re crammed in practically nose-to-nose. The exam rooms were tiny and didn’t feel clean. To top it off, while I was there, a shirtless man was literally running from the cops outside. Not exactly a safe or professional environment. Service: When I walked in, the receptionist didn’t greet me or acknowledge me. After five minutes, I had to ask if I should check in. Answering phones and computer work seemed more important than addressing clients. It took 15 minutes before we were called back into a cramped exam room. Normally waiting isn’t a big deal, but paired with rude or indifferent staff, it just added to the frustration. The tech asked me questions and told me to put my dogs on the scale — but didn’t offer any help. At every other vet I’ve been to, staff take initiative. Here, I had to do everything myself while they just recorded the weight. Another 15 minutes later, Dr. Brett Fontaine finally came in. My 1 dog immediately showed fear and growled. Instead of taking control and showing confidence, he backed up, looked nervous, and quickly said he couldn’t examine them both. He talked for literally not even 5 minutes, then His “solution” was to prescribe meds and have me bring them back to examine them. It took over 15 min for the tech to come in just to tell me to wait while she got the meds instead of bringing meds to room. I chose the waiting room, assuming it would be quick. Instead, I waited over 15 minutes again with no updates while staff continued helping other people. Finally, I asked if I needed to pay, and the receptionist casually said another staff member was still “entering my info for meds,” which made no sense since my dogs hadn’t even been examined. Listen I have got meds and been in and out quick with another vet so none of this made sense!! Eventually I was told I owed $175 “for the doctor’s time” plus the cost of meds — but only for one dog. I was shocked. They had done nothing but weigh my dogs and have the doctor walk in, get scared, and talk for a few minutes and walk out. I explained that I was also on their wellness plan, which normally charges $61.99 per dog after a full exam. I showed them the text message they themselves sent me confirming this. They then claimed my plan had expired, which is impossible since I never even started using it. By this point, I had lost all patience. When I voiced my frustration, Dr. Brett Fontaine came back with an even worse attitude than his staff. I explained that if they had just communicated what was going on, I would have been more understanding. Instead of listening, he told me I needed to leave — backing up his rude staff. I said you’re gonna back your staff up who is not only rude to me, not explaining things to me but also teaming up on me, his answer “yup”! Overall: The staff attitudes, lack of professionalism, and condition of the facility were unacceptable. I’ve had far better experiences at other veterinary offices and will not be returning here. I only tried this location because it’s closer to my home, but I learned the hard way: closer is not always better. Beware.
• EK

  Emily Kenyon

  Jun 11, 2025
  5.0
  Dr Avon is truly a gem in this industry. She is so compassionate, helpful and empathetic. During a very tough time for our family, she was understanding of my situation and continued to make time for us and my 16 year old cat. She took the extra effort to call me and did multiple things I wouldn’t expect from any vet. I am very appreciative of her quality of service and would recommend to anyone. I’ve also seen Dr Chang here and he is also great!

Frequently Asked Questions About VCA Grossmont Animal Hospital