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4 Paws Animal Hospital
Category: Pets Veterinarians Veterinarians [Edit]
16625 Dove Canyon RdSte 106
San Diego, CA 92127
(858) 487-7297
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 1 pm
Hannah C. said: "Dr Tom is absolutely one of the best vet's I've encounter. She always explains everything to me in detail and never tries to scare me into doing…" read more »
23 reviews for 4 Paws Animal Hospital
23 reviews in English
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Review from Hayley M.
San Diego, CA
I've been going to 4 Paws for about a year now, and I am really impressed by the vets here! I usually see Dr. Greenfield, but today I saw Dr. Barnes. Both take their time and are extremely thorough. Dr. Greenfield diagnosed my 3 year old Boston Terrier with Luxating Patella - something that I specifically asked my previous vet to check for and it went undiagnosed. I definitely felt like I was going to burst into tears, but Dr. Greenfield told me to take my time, start setting some money aside for the surgery, and don't rush into anything. Both doctors are very caring and seem to genuinely enjoy what they do.
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Review from Brittany V.
La Jolla, CA
I had high hopes for this vet and I am left with a very bad taste in my mouth.
My first visit with my puppy and the vet was ok -- though the vet said that science diet was the absolute best food for my dog. This is just NOT TRUE, science diet is absolute garbage ...I now know a lot about dog food. But fine, no major offense.
Then I called to schedule my dog to get neutered and microchipped. I made the appointment and said, "by the way, how much will this cost?" --- the price? $670!!!!! This is a complete and utter rip off. This is a simple procedure and should not cost more than $250 at most. I am now going to another very highly rated vet in PB and guess how much his neuter and micro chip cost me? $110! Just beware, this place price gouges .... -
Review from Eric G.
San Diego, CA
Pet care is a large part of my life due to my 2 aging dogs. One of my only concerns is that some vets dont keep an open mind. The lady's that run the front desk are 5/5 but the vets need to step back and relax. One option would be focusing on the parents and pets as a unit.
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Review from Giselle J.
San Diego, CA
I am so livid at my poor dogs dr! I spent $230 on exams/medications/testing and left with peace of mind. I gave her the medication for 10 days as perscribed without a diagnosis. 10 days later she is weak and not eating, so I called them back. They took me in that day to examin her and I diodn't even think to ask if they would charge me. He doesn't give a diagnosis AGAIN and says some things it could be.... he wanted to give her a new antibiotic and see if it would work. As I am checking out they ask me for $120!!!! He wanted to charge me for the visit and medication. I called other vets and the medication is only $20! Wow I can't believe how they could send a sick dog home w/o medication and try to make a quick buck! $330 for what? No diagnosis, a sick poor little dog for weeks etc etc I will never go here again and will be calling the better buisiness bureau today. IF YOU LOVE YOUR PET, DO NOT GO HERE
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Review from Ann O.
Escondido, CA
I have been taking my dogs to 4 Paws for almost two years now. I think the vets, Dr. Barnes and Dr. Greenfield, are fantastic, but the staff turnover is very high and the knowledge and competency of the staff is terrible. One of my dogs is screened regularly for oxalate stones and every time I bring him in there, they make me wait while the poor little guy's bladder is about to burst; knowing that he has been holding it well past his usual potty time. Then if I don't call every couple of days, I don't get the results. Of course getting the results is also an issue since I have had two staff members on different occasions read me the wrong lab results; which I did not find out about for a few months.
My only complain about the vets would be regarding my little dog's surgery just over a year ago. He has had to have this surgery twice before, but this was by far the roughest recovery and the most tissue trauma he has incurred. It took him over twice the time to recover and the bruising lingered for some time. The stitches were very rough wire stitches, unlike the previous two surgeries and they broke twice and caused a lot of irritation.
The bottom line; for regular care, I think this is a good clinic, but if either of my dogs need any major care, I will go elsewhere. I would not leave my dogs overnight in a facility where you have to trust the staff member of the month. It is important to build a trust and rapport with these people, if you are going to feel comfortable leaving your four legged family members with them and I don't feel that at 4 Paws. -
Review from mochi m.
San Diego, CA
The doctors and staff do the best to take care of your best buddy.The only thing i had to take a star from is the cost, which may be due to the location. But you have to sacrifice for your dog the way they would for you.
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Review from Milton S.
Rancho Bernardo, CA
Just updating my Yelp since Dr. Barnes had to expand his business and personnel. You know usually when people expand and get new personnel service is not the same. Well I think I keep the same car outside of the clinic because the FBI is trying to find out how he cloned his staff. The service is still great and friendly and we even stop in with out our animals just to say hello and keep them posted on the status of our pets because they care. Now that is the type of office I like.
I only recommend places I believe in and this is a definitely the place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2010
Best doctor in the world. We take all our pets there. Our beloved Pug has been there so much he is… Read more »
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8/22/2010
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Review from Holly Ann J.
San Diego, CA
Word of mouth is always the best way to find an amazing business ... right? Well, besides YELP, of course (wink wink)!
I asked some momeez at dance class where they took their pets for care in the Rancho Bernardo area. Overwhelming support gushed for Dr. Barnes at the 4 Paws Animal Hospital. The testimonials were tear-jerking. The compassion and care that Dr. Barnes and the entire staff has taken with it's woof woof and me-owwww clients is really remarkable. There was no question in my mind that my dear ole' kitty would have the best care at this veternarian office. It seems that the philosophy is to care for the animals to ensure they are comfortable and safe but not gouge the owners with outrageous bills!
My experience was very good. Called and got an appointment that day for my 16 year old 'kitty.'
Some history: I raised Carina for the first 11 years of her life. Then, my mom took over when I got pregnant! After 5 years, my mom couldn't keep her any longer. It was an emergency. So I had about 30 minutes to pick Carina up and welcome her to my home again. Well, I found out my cat hadn't seen the vet since I had her. A little worried ... I made an appointment to see how she's aging and how healthy she is.
Back to the visit: The staff was wonderful. Good communicators --- passing on the info I told each one of them about my 'puttytat.' Very caring. Very attentive. Very gentle. Oh and that treatment wasn't just for kitty ... it was for my daughter and me, too! Very homey atmosphere. Receptionist Alexis gave my daughter a strawberry to snack on and a golf ball to play with. Doctor assistant, Brigette (prounounced a la francaise), was so competent, attentive and offered tender loving care. Doctor 'Blue Eyes' Barnes was also so wonderful. He didn't seem rushed. He exuded total care for my cat and all of my concerns!
The doctor explained to me the status quo and what to expect as my kitty continues to age. 16 years x 7 = 105 in kitty/doggie years. Oh my!!!
Shots were not recommended as she is older and an indoor cat. However, they did opt to take blood and urine samples to test her internal organs. Should have those results in a few days. Also, in the examination, it was determined she may have arthritis in her hind legs. I was given some pain medication for her to make her more comfortable.
I would like to say ... this is an amazing veternarian clinic. You definitely can trust them with your very much loved and adored animal family members!Listed in: My NEW Hood - Rancho…
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Review from Michelle S.
San Diego, CA
Dr. Barnes is my favorite vet from San Diego to Buffalo. I would trust him with any health issue that one of my pets would have. I wouldn't take them anywhere else. He has quite the allegiant following too...
I've worked at a hospital with him and other vets in the past, and he's always been my favorite. He always takes the most direct approach to solving a problem, so you don't need to worry about spending your money frivolously on various other treatment methods before you find the right solution.
You'll never find a veterinarian who loves animals more than Dr. Barnes. He'll treat your pet like one of his own, and you can rest assured that they're in the most capable of hands.
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Barnes, besides trust me (and my discerning eye for quality) that he is in fact the best veterinarian in San Diego. -
Review from Gena B.
San Diego, CA
Oh my gosh! I LOVE Dr. Barnes!
He is just awesome and TOTALLY cares about my "fur babies"...
My gatos seem to always have one issue or another and Dr. B and his staff are SO fabulous with them! I could site SEVERAL occassions....
I left my last vet (of 10+ years) b/c I just felt that there was a "top down" lack of personally caring... one of my kitties died and i basically got a form letter "so sorry" card... i was disgusted. i returned his special food and got a credit. after i realized that i couldn't go back there again, i asked for a refund and the staff person asked what happened, so Ii explained and said i just couldn't possibly go back. shortly after, i got a LONG defensive letter about how *I* was wrong in my interpretation of the situation... I FELT WORSE!
Dr. Barnes and his staff just LOVE my kitties (It is CRYSTAL clear in their words and actions).
THAT is what i want in a Vet!!! And they always find a way to fit me in...
If you want a personalized visit with great care and to feel like they are TRULY concerned about how your pets are doing, i really highly recommend 4Paws... -
Review from Holly C.
San Diego, CA
We just went there for the first time this week when my daughter's gecko was suffering from yet another infection. It was time for us to put him out of his misery, so I called them to ask for euthanasia for the poor little critter. They told us to bring him in & they'd take care of it, they were very kind! They offered my daughter the option of staying with her little pet, while he "went to sleep", and they made us both feel very comfortable with the decision.
Yes, it was just a gecko, but my daughter had taken care of this little guy for 6 years, and this decision was very hard for her!
I was very thankful to 4 Paws that they let us come right in, and handled this service for us in such a professional & caring way!
Thank you!! -
Review from Jill B.
San Diego, CA
We were not impressed with 4Paws Animal Hospital. Aesthetically, the facility is beautiful.....but you pay for this with expensive prices. We took our two dogs into 4Paws for a check up and walked out with a $600 bill. Crazy! I also found the front office staff to be quite unfriendly.
What really annoyed me is the fact that customers receive a bill estimate that you have to sign off on before your animal is even seen by a doctor! I just found this to be in poor taste. On another occasion, our dog smelled very bad and we could not figure out why. The vet suggested allergy medicine. Incidentally, one week later I removed my dog's collar and realized this was the culprit. A smelly collar was misdiagnosed as a possible allergy. Later this year, our dog was hit by a car and we rushed her to the closest place possible in an emergency.....COMPANION CARE Veterinary Clinic on Bernardo Center Drive. After 2 surgeries and the finest care ever by a Vet, we have permanently pulled our records from 4 Paws Animal Hospital. -
Review from Dana H.
San Diego, CA
Dr Barnes and his staff are the BEST in San Diego.
He always take's it slow with our skitish puppy...sits on the floor in the corner and lets her come to him at her pace.
The staff will call you and check on your pet for the next few days making sure everyting is going well.
They actually CARE about your pet and don't make you feel like your on a conveyour belt moving through.
We don't live in Rancho Bernardo but happily make the drive to see Dr Barnes and his staff for our 2 dogs and 1 cat.
Do not hesitate to visit this clinic.
Oh, and I love the online pet portal and electronic record at my fingertips!!!
Thanks 4 - Paws -
Review from Carli L.
San Diego, CA
Dr. Barnes saved our dog's life and saved us from severe heartbreak! We have been to several veterinarians and have never experienced the kind of care, knowledge and compassion that we received by Dr. Barnes at 4 Paws. Bottom line: we will never go anywhere else.
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Review from Meaghan S.
Boulder, CO
About a month or so after writing this review, I received a handwritten letter from the Veterinarian/Owner of 4 paws apologizing for our last experience and offering a free visit. Initially I was hesitant to take them up on this, but I decided to go for it as my poor pug's ears were still terrible. The visit went great and the doc was very helpful...my dog is doing so much better and Dr. Barnes even called to check on him and discuss options for continued care! They would be five stars, but the front staff is still lacking in customer service skills both on the phone and in person. Example: Staff calls to inquire about the dog and then as I began to share they sit in silence and then say, "ok." It gives the appearance that they are just calling because they've been instructed to and are not taking the information down or offering any support? Seems like a waste of time? Also- the vet techs were really great with my pug this time around and I loved that! Another important point is that a tech comes in to review your bill and other possible costs depending on whether you want to purchase 6 months of flea tx or heartworm preventative...I have never seen this done at any other vet and think it's a great idea!
Dr. Barnes is 5 stars for sure!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2010
Disappointing. I took my pug in for some ear issues (redness and possible psoriasis). First- while… Read more »
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2/24/2010
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Review from David J.
San Diego, CA
The best I have found in the area, friendly, helpful, efficient, full explanation. Dr. Barnes is the best, helped my dog get over an ear infection when another vet couldn't seem to prescribe the correct medication. Highly recommended.
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Review from kathy A.
San Diego, CA
Dr. Barnes is the best vet, bar none, that I have ever been to. His love of animals is amazing to watch. He gets down on the floor with the animals and is so gentle and loving with them. I've had several dogs in my life and have never been fortunate enough to find a vet that I truly trusted with my dog's life - until Dr. Barnes. If you want the best that San Diego has to offer in veterinary care - go to 4 Paws!!
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Review from Natalie G.
San Diego, CA
I am so happy that I found Dr. Barnes. My dog is anxious, and Dr. Barnes gets down on the floor with her, is gentle, and takes the time to make sure that things go as smoothly as possible. He also doesn't seem to order more tests than are necessary and doesn't rush visits at all. He is willing to offer practical advice that has really been useful to me since this is my first dog since I was a kid. In addition, his staff calls to make sure that my dog is doing better from whatever was bothering her, and the facility is clean and airy. I won't go anywhere else and highly recommend him.
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Review from Breanna J.
San Diego, CA
We rescued the doggy love of our lives, Kaleb, from Helen Woodward in July of this year. Because we had a good experience with that, we used the Rancho Santa Fe Animal Hospital when a week later he was throwing up. This is not a review about them, so I will leave it at they always recommended and performed the most expensive diagnostics when we took Kaleb in without discussing other options or alternatives, just showing us a $250-400 bill on our way out for minor ailments. They also way overcharged for routine things and over the counter medicines.
After asking around for referrals we decided to try 4 Paws Animal Hospital. From the first time we went in, Dr. Cory was wonderful with Kaleb, extremely generous with his time and expertise, and always mindful to make certain we knew all of our diagnostic and treatment options and their costs before he performed them. We have had to go in a few times because Kaleb seems to have allergies that manifest themselves in a number of symptoms such as paw chewing, ear infections, and an eye infection. The costs are always reasonable, and he always makes me feel he has both Kaleb and our wallet's best interest in mind, working to educate us on how to avoid unnecessary visits by helping us with the best preventative care and common things to look for at home to diagnose whether or not he needs to be seen immediately or if there are things we can try and then observe in hopes of improvement at home.
Also, The rest of the staff is wonderful with the animals as well as the people, I have always gotten personable service, and Kaleb always is happy to see them. I can't say enough about how grateful I am that we found 4 Paws and Dr. Cory. He has earned my trust with our beloved dog's life and our loyal business. I recommend 4 Paws to anyone who loves their pets! -
Review from iliana w.
San Diego, CA
We recently had to put our 13 year old dog down due to cancer. We found Dr. Barnes and Dr. Cory after being disappointed with our prior vet's service. The staff was great and Dr. Barnes & Dr. Cory were extremely thorough and compassionate. It was a tough time for our family but they were so supportive and kind. It's obvious they really care about their patients and their families. We were so thankful all was handled with great care and understanding, thank you 4 Paws!
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Review from E S.
Palo Alto, CA
My kitty and I loved our visit to Dr. Barnes. He and his staff were so sweet and very attentive. I felt completely secure with them taking care of my kitty. Dr. Barnes really knew what he was doing and was very helpful explaining to me what was going on with my cat.
I was also very impressed with how nice and clean the hospital was!
I would definitely recommend 4 Paws Animal Hospital to others! -
Review from Marcela G.
San Diego, CA
I got an 8-week old puppy for Christmas and since he's my first pet, I thought I should take the necessary measures to ensure that he was healthy. I'm so glad that I chose 4 Paws Animal Hospital for Kobe (puggle). From the beginning, the staff was very helpful over the phone and in-person. Dr. Barnes and his associates were great with Kobe! I love how they always call the day before to remind me of my appt. and also follow-up with a phone call to ensure that Kobe is doing well the days after. Dr. Barnes is very attentive, provides great advice, and knows how to work his magic with our little one! The location is great, I live in Rancho Bernardo and it's just minutes down the street from us! Their availability is great too...their times are flexible and I can always find a way to make it in. After our first visit, we purchased a puppy package and I think it's really neat how I get reminder emailed of Kobe's upcoming vaccinations or appt's. Big thumbs up! :)
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Review from Judy C.
San Diego, CA
My family got our first dog ever last year and after doing some Internet research, we chose 4 Paws Animal Hospital. We have been so pleased with everything there. Dr. Barnes is beyond amazing--so kind and concerned. The staff there is also wonderful. Because I don't have any experience with dogs, they don't ever make me feel like I have a dumb question. I will never go anywhere else.
