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VeterinarianAnimal HospitalVeterinary PharmacyPet Services
When your dog or cat needs routine veterinary services in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, choose Banfield Pet Hospital. Located on University Avenue with quick access to State Route 163 (aka the Cabrillo Freeway), our vet clinic is just five minutes north of Balboa Park and sandwiched between the Marston Hills and University Heights areas. We’re proud to provide general practice veterinary care for your dog, cat, puppy, or kitten. Whether your pet needs parasite prevention or treatment for injuries and illnesses, our veterinary team is available to help during business hours.
Details
- Requires appointmentAvailable
- RestroomAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
3.9
168 reviews
5 stars
103
4 stars
15
3 stars
7
2 stars
8
1 star
35
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Customer Service
Feedback indicates a mix of experiences with customer service, with some praising the friendliness of staff while others report poor communication and long wait times.
Quality of Care
While some customers appreciate the attentive care their pets receive, others express dissatisfaction with misdiagnoses and lack of follow-up on health issues.
Appointment Management
Numerous reviews highlight issues with appointment scheduling, including overbooking, cancellations without notice, and long wait times for check-in.
Pricing Concerns
Several customers feel that the pricing is high and that there is pressure to enroll in wellness plans, leading to perceptions of the business as money-driven.
Staff Competence
There are mixed reviews regarding staff competence, with some praising specific veterinarians while others report negative experiences with certain employees.
- NCNancy CortezNov 3, 20252.0Poor communication.
- CLClaudia LandelleOct 23, 20251.0I'm sorry to share this, but the receptionists have poor service. I called last week to schedule a dental appointment and they gave it to me today, the 23rd. I found it strange that they didn't call me to confirm. I tried to call, but it always went to voicemail or they didn't answer. So I decided to show up today for my appointment, and it wasn't scheduled - not for today or another day! What are the receptionists doing? They're not doing their job right. They don't answer calls and they don't schedule appointments right. Banfiel is having poor service every
- JVJeanene ValentineSep 18, 20255.0Great staff and doctors! I was sent here after the Marina office closed and I couldn't be happier! Punky & Colt love their visits!
- MGMarisa GelinasSep 15, 20251.0THIS IS FOR THE HILLCREST LOCATION: Please choose another place for your pet to be looked after. They have over worked staff and nobody checks you in for 30+ minutes. I had one appointment here for my puppy’s first exam, and I gave them a stool sample. They told me it would be 3 business days until someone called me on a Friday. I called them on a Wednesday and was told must be nothing since we didn’t call you. After realizing my puppy had worms, I called back to ask if they could double check 2 weeks later. They said oh the vet needs to speak with you and they set up an appointment and charged me to tell me my dog actually had Giardia ( which he has already been treated for before he was adopted.) They took my money and promised a supervisor would call me back, and weeks later still nothing.
- GJGoldman JacobsSep 15, 20255.0It’s nice to go into a place where you’re known and created with care and concern about your pet. Fantastic doctors that communicate well and listen to your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banfield Pet Hospital
Does Banfield provide emergency care services?
No, but you can call us during hospital hours for urgent care advice. Depending on the situation, we can help provide a referral for urgent care, specialty providers, or to an emergency hospital. During non-hospital hours, please contact your local emergency hospital.
Can I get veterinary care online?
To help pets and their people stay healthy, Banfield clients who have Optimum Wellness Plans® can get remote general pet care advice and triage support directly from a veterinarian 24/7 through Vet Chat™ on the Banfield app.
What preventive pet health care services does Banfield offer?
We believe that preventive care is the most effective way to keep your pet healthy throughout all stages of life. Our pet hospitals offer many preventive care treatments, including:
• Vaccinations
• Dental Care
• Parasite Control
• Nutritional Counseling
• Behavioral Counseling
• Comprehensive Examinations
What is an Optimum Wellness Plan?
Optimum Wellness Plans are designed to provide annual preventive care. They include head-to-tail exams, vaccines, early screening diagnostics, consultations for proper nutrition, dental care and more! Since wellness plans are not insurance, they do not include treatment for unpredictable or abnormal conditions, however discounts would apply. Because pets need ongoing preventive care, wellness plans automatically renew at the end of each twelve month period (unless paid in full at enrollment).
How do I pay for an Optimum Wellness Plan?
You can spread the cost of your wellness plan across the 12 months of your annual agreement to make it easier to budget for the essential health care your pet needs. Your monthly payments can be automatically withdrawn from a checking or savings account or charged to a credit card so that you don’t have to worry about them once you enroll. We also offer the option of paying in full if you prefer.
What kind of appointment do I have?
• In-room appointments: You and your pet visit the vet together. Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment time
• Drop-off appointments: If you have a drop-off appointment, we will communicate a time to drop off your pet. Keep your phone nearby and we’ll call you when your pet is ready for pickup.
• Optimum Wellness Plans® Virtual Visits: If you have an Optimum Wellness Plan and scheduled a Virtual Visit, you’ll save valuable time and get quality care from the comfort of your home.
What types of veterinary services does Banfield Pet Hospital offer?
Banfield Pet Hospital provides general practice veterinary care including preventive care, nutrition advice, parasite control, vaccinations, dental services, spay/neuter, end of life care, microchipping, and DNA testing.
Does Banfield Pet Hospital provide emergency care services?
No, Banfield Pet Hospital does not offer emergency care services but you can call during hospital hours for urgent care advice and referrals to emergency hospitals.
What is the Optimum Wellness Plan offered by Banfield?
Optimum Wellness Plans provide annual preventive care including exams, vaccines, screenings, nutrition consultations, and dental care. They automatically renew annually and offer discounts on treatment for abnormal conditions.
How can I schedule an appointment at Banfield Pet Hospital?
You can schedule an appointment online via Banfield's website or mobile app using the scheduling link provided.
What are the hospital hours of Banfield Pet Hospital in San Diego Hillcrest?
The hospital is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some holiday closures.
Is Banfield Pet Hospital wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Banfield Pet Hospital has wheelchair accessible restrooms and facilities.
Can I get veterinary care advice online from Banfield?
Clients with Optimum Wellness Plans can get 24/7 remote general pet care advice through Vet Chat™ on the Banfield app.
What nearby places can I visit before or after my appointment at Banfield Pet Hospital?
Nearby you can visit attractions such as Balboa Park, or enjoy a meal at places like NaPizza or Tavola Nostra, and if you want to relax, there are spas like Perfect Day Spa and Mellow Massage nearby.
Are there other pet-related services close to Banfield Pet Hospital?
Yes, Dirty Dogs Hillcrest pet store and groomer is nearby, providing convenient pet care options around your visit.
How can nearby gyms and wellness centers be useful when visiting Banfield Pet Hospital?
Nearby gyms like Studio Reform Pilates and CYCLEBAR offer opportunities to stay active and healthy, complementing your pet's wellness visit with your own self-care.