Pet Emergency & Specialty Center-East County

Eduardo “Eddie” Hernandez

My dog was having trouble walking from what appeared to be her back to legs. My veterinarian recommended this place because we could not see anything in the x-rays. Maybe it was a torn ligament torn something? Brought her into this location the doctor looked at the x-rays and immediately said we needed surgery without any further exams. Total cost $5500. They didn’t even look at her. They talked me through the process of the surgery and that was $160. I do not recommend this place. One star for me.

Lisa H

My heart hurts seeing these reviews. I used to manage different veterinary ER/specialty clinics and was very impressed with the experience this team provided. I had to bring my parents' bird in while they were out of town. It was quite a trek, but every hospital I called looking for avian ER services directed me here. To have this many clinics refer to the same place is a big deal. Their process was efficient, their communication and patience with questions was wonderful, the ER doctor's avian knowledge was wonderful and the entire team was kind. I wish I captured more names, but I know that Dr. Kuha was our vet and Derek did a great job admitting Zeus. I'll highlight some things that some people might be frustrated about, but I'm doing so in an effort to help those who are unfamiliar with the industry understand what is beyond a team's control. Wait times - this is possibly on the higher end given my visit was on one of the busier weekends of the year in vet med, however, I've been out of this area since the demand spiked. When I called, they said it would be at least a 6hr wait. It took me ~90 minutes to get there. While waiting in the lobby, I heard the wait was up to 12hrs. They were checking on nearby ERs (presumably so they could redirect calls), but they all had at least a 12hr wait. Industry short staffed - the industry was busy prior to Covid, but the steep rise in pet ownership was overwhelming for an industry already at its max. Many left vet med and the problem is now compounded by the struggle to find employees in MOST industries. Therefore, BE GRATEFUL if you can get access to care, even if it's going to be a long process. The people drawn to veterinary medicine are often some of the kindest souls on earth. They could earn much more in human healthcare, but earn much less because of their love for animals. $ - yes, it will be expensive. Probably very expensive. Despite the expense, most (if not all) folks you'll interact with deserve paychecks much higher than they get, especially considering their decisions can have life and death consequences on a daily basis. Don't blame them for the expense; they're professionals offering you quality medicine. Discharge time - still expect a wait after the vet finalizes the discharge plan with you. This took about twice as long as they estimated for me. It's okay because I understand and trust that something more urgent must have come up or with the chaos of a holiday weekend, they didn't factor in the extra time. I know they were busy that day and I rather their mental resources be focused on quality medicine than precisely predicting my wait. Also, and the more likely scenario, stabilizing a critical emergency (whether it's a patient who just came in or a patient they're already monitoring in the back) is more important than my estimated discharge time for my now stable pet. There is so much more steps to a discharge than what happens in front of your eyes. In order for discharge to occur, the doctor has to fully complete documentation for your pet, someone has to fill the meds, print out any applicable handouts, adequately round the person who will do the discharge, confirm accuracy of all invoice details and then they may or maynot need to do a fresh bandage change, remove IVs or monitors and transfer your pet to a carrier, which can be the hardest part. All while attempting to not get bit or scratched and juggling multiple competing priorities. This isn't a complaint for them, just the reality of what they're accomplishing out of your eyesight. Ideally, this would be more predictable. However, given how short staffed the entire industry is, *those who ARE WORKING deserve to be treated with respect, patience and kindness.* Last observation - there were two gals working at the front when it was time for discharge. Both of them were moving quickly and efficiently the entire time I was there AND manage to express pet humor and kindness. ***This team deserves a ton of kudos. I hope you treat them well if you visit.***

Scott Nix

Brought a cat from the neighborhood who was extremely sick and could not wait for a scheduled appointment at the vet. Unfortunately, he was in extreme pain and too far gone. He had to be put down. I couldn't have asked for better service when it came to diagnosing the problem, giving us plenty of options, being honest about those options and the tremendous compassion we received from our Doctor and staff through the euthanasia process. Thank you.

Laina Gossman

My mini poodle was suddenly crying in pain and turning his head to the side, we took him into this clinic. The staff was kind, the wait was a bit long, but it was understandable as there were birds, dogs, cats and even a snake that came in while we were waiting. When we got a chance to see the doctor, he made our little doggie very comfortable despite the pain he was in. He took a look and found a fox tail was lodged deep into the ear, pulled it out and we suddenly had our happy energetic puppy back. I'm very happy with the skill, knowledge and kindness that this office showed. I highly recommend this place.