VCA California Veterinary Specialists-Carlsbad

Reviews

• AD

  A D

  1 day ago
  2.0
  The vet himself was fine, but the team is incredibly disorganized. You really have to advocate for yourself and your pet if you want to me treated more than just a paycheck to them. They confused my dog with another and I had to correct five receptionists/techs before actually being helped. Instead of a simple drop off, it took me over an hour to get helped and they still had to call me afterwards to get more information because they had forgotten earlier. Also, another time I fasted my dog for some tests and the radiologist wasn't even there that day so I had to get another appointment for it instead. Just seems like poor communication and planning, especially considering how much we have to pay.
• AE

  Alexandra Elliott

  Aug 15, 2026
  5.0
  We've been coming to VCA California Veterinary Specialists for years, starting with the oncology department under Dr. Ogilvie, who built a treatment plan for my dog's mammary cancer that has given her years rather than months. This month she came through a serious complication that required emergency hospitalization for the better part of a week. That stay is the reason I'm writing. The front desk team was consistently helpful in the weeks leading up to it — answering calls, routing questions to the doctors, getting prescriptions filled without me having to chase them. When we came into the ER, the nursing team and doctor were calm and thorough, and they let me stay with her for hours before she needed to move to oxygen. Overnight, Dr. Rakic made a series of quick decisions that I'm confident changed the outcome. The days that followed took real vigilance from the tech team. Cyntia in particular was with her daily — bloodwork, feeding, nebulizing, vitals on a demanding schedule — while managing other patients at the same time. The overnight nurse, whose name I never got, was equally dedicated. Dr. Boyle was our day ER doctor and was exceptional. I asked a lot of questions and I asked them often. She stayed patient and transparent every time, gave me real numbers when I wanted them, and was good at pulling me back to the overall trajectory when I got lost in a single day's results. That's a skill, and it mattered. Not every interaction over a long hospitalization is perfect, and there were a couple of moments where communication could have been better. But this is an emergency hospital running around the clock, and the standard of care and the compassion never wavered. I'd bring her back without hesitation. She's home and recovering. Thank you to everyone there.
• AY

  Alp YILDIRIM

  Jun 24, 2026
  1.0
  Our kitty will lose an eye because of misguidance. Stay away from this clinic. We brought our cat to their ER for an eye issue, paid a $330 fee after a long wait, and were pressured into random, expensive tests. Despite us being at the ER, the doctor dismissed the issue as a non-emergency. A week later, we sent them photos of her worsening eye, and they still failed to communicate any urgency, merely telling us to come back in. Today, our primary care vet confirmed our cat will lose her eye due to their misdiagnosis and delay. If they didn't know what they were doing, they should have been honest so we could have seen a specialist immediately. Do not risk your pet's health here
• JP

  Jasmine P

  Jun 16, 2026
  3.0
  We came here late night around 1-2am and had to wait for so long (2 hours) to just get some medication. Wish they could be more efficient especially when we were the only patients.
• HH

  HDS

  Jun 6, 2026
  5.0
  I drove to San Diego after my dog Bentley had cancer surgery in Canada. Unfortunately, I then received poor biopsy results and therefore radiation treatment was recommended. I'm super grateful that I was referred to Dr. Proulx and Dr. Ogilvie. They were very skilled and compassionate. Also, all of the staff without exception were professional and kind, including Rebecca and Skye. Bentley was always happy when arriving and leaving the hospital. He received 17 radiation treatments. We then returned to Canada and started chemotherapy. Bentley is doing well and we are “both” looking forward to returning to San Diego next winter. We also plan to visit the hospital and say hello!

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