
Colina Veterinary Hospital Claim business
About
We are a family owned veterinary hospital operating for more than 50 years in San Diego, California, in the college area. Our doctors and staff are deeply committed to provide affordable, quality and state of the art veterinary medical care for all animals with both the patient's and the client's best interest at hand.Services Offered
- Wellness Exam
- Microchipping
- Surgery
- Vaccinations
- Hospitalization
- Radiology
- Dental Care
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Reviews
A Quick Look at Customer Sentiment
Customers consistently praise Colina Vet Hospital for its compassionate and skilled veterinary care, with many long-time clients appreciating the personalized service, affordable pricing, and genuine concern for their pets. While the expertise and follow-up care are highly valued, concerns have been raised regarding communication lapses, long wait times in some emergencies, facility upkeep, and changes in pricing policies that detract from an otherwise trustworthy and caring practice.
Deep Dive: Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews
We’ve gathered and analyzed reviews from real customers across the web to give you an in-depth look at their experiences with Colina Veterinary Hospital. Here’s what people are saying about their service quality, professionalism, and reliability:
Overall Experience & Satisfaction
Many long-term clients express overall satisfaction, citing decades of trust and positive experiences with Colina Vet Hospital. While numerous reviews detail heartwarming experiences and gratitude for the excellent care provided, a few patrons note recent dissatisfaction due to evolving policies and perceived indifference in some interactions.
Service Quality & Expertise
The expertise of the veterinarians, particularly Dr. Guajardo and Dr. Alfonso, is frequently highlighted. Clients appreciate the thorough examinations, effective treatments, and ability to manage surgeries, dental cleanings, and emergency cases. The staff’s attention to detail—from accurate diagnoses to compassionate end-of-life care—reinforces the hospital’s reputation for high-quality veterinary service.
Customer Service & Communication
Multiple reviews commend the friendly, helpful nature of the staff and clear communication from the doctors, often mentioning how staff members take the time to explain procedures and follow-up care. However, several users have also reported incidents of poor communication, including incomplete appointment instructions and encounters with rude receptionists, which have occasionally marred the overall experience.
Value for Money & Pricing Transparency
Clients are generally impressed with the affordable pricing, comparing it favorably against other, more expensive options. Many appreciate the honest approach of not recommending unnecessary services. Nonetheless, concerns have been raised about rising costs, unexpected fees such as required deposits, and inconsistent pricing strategies that leave some pet owners feeling short-changed.
Timeliness & Efficiency
Several customers have noted prompt and efficient service for routine procedures and emergencies alike, with clear examples of same-day treatments and rapid post-operative follow-up. In contrast, some reviews mention long waits during emergency visits and prolonged holding periods in uncomfortable conditions, underscoring an area where efficiency can be improved.
Professionalism & Trustworthiness
The staff is widely regarded as professional, trustworthy, and deeply committed to animal welfare. Many pet owners praise the ethical approach—eschewing unnecessary upselling—and appreciate the personal rapport built over years of care. Yet, isolated incidents of unprofessional behavior by front desk personnel have affected the overall trust for a few clients.
Facility, Environment & Ambience
While some customers find the facility clean and charming—with quirky touches like bearded dragons in the waiting area—others note that the environment can appear rundown or unsterile. The external appearance of the building and surrounding neighborhood sometimes contributes to first impressions that do not match the level of care offered inside.
Accessibility & Convenience
For many, the convenience of long operating hours, ease of scheduling, and fast appointment set-ups is a significant plus. However, strict deposit policies, the occasional refusal to accept new patients, and concerns about emergency accessibility—especially in areas with limited nearby amenities—detract somewhat from the overall convenience.
Problem Resolution & Follow-up
Clients appreciate the effective problem resolution demonstrated in surgical complications and emergency follow-ups, describing personalized attention during stressful times. Nevertheless, there are instances where follow-up communication was lacking or where procedural instructions (such as fasting before procedures) were not clearly conveyed, leading to confusion and frustration.
Unique Strengths & Areas for Improvement
Colina Vet Hospital’s unique strengths lie in its deep-rooted community trust, affordability, and the genuine care shown by its veterinarians. The hospital is commended for its long-term relationships with clients and its commitment to treating every pet with compassion. Areas for improvement include enhancing communication, revisiting restrictive pricing policies like mandatory deposits, upgrading facility conditions, and ensuring all front-line staff deliver consistently empathetic and patient service.
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Get Directions University Avenue, San Diego, California
Working Hours
- Mon 08AM - 06PM
- Tue 08AM - 06PM
- Wed 08AM - 06PM
- Thu 08AM - 06PM
- Fri 08AM - 06PM
- Sat 08AM - 03PM Closed
- Sun -
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