Balboa Veterinary Hospital

I've been taking my cat and now (2) cats here for three years and have had the best experience each time. Dr. Gunderson is a true cat whisperer and has patience with my vet-terrified tabby girl when other vets probably wouldn't. I cry almost every visit from just nerves and the Dr. and vet staff totally understand and often relate with stories of their own pets that make me feel better every time. If you're debating between vets I highly reccomend bringing your babies here!!

*PLEASE READ* This is meant to help other people not waste their money. It's a shame to have to write this because I've been taking my dogs here for years, thinking that it was a fine establishment with friendly staff. But in the past year, myself and a couple of my other friends that use them have noticed new money-hungry practices, upselling, and new expensive requirements for appointments coming from them.

My final straw: I've gotten dental treatments for both of my dogs done here. They charge more for these treatments then a lot of other places in San Diego. I recently had to take my seven year old dog to a dental specialist because apparently balboa vet "can not afford a dental X-ray machine at this time". She has extensive damage to her gums and roots of her teeth that could have only been diagnosed with x-rays. When I told the other clinic how much balboa vet was charging for what basically amounts to a dental scaling, they were shocked.

I did more research and found out that there is no way to properly diagnose deeper rooted dental issues without x-rays. Ethically, balboa vet should never have been doing them without X-rays in the first place. They even did extractions on one of my dogs without X-rays. I can only hope they didn't pull unnecessary teeth.

When I brought this issue up to them, they responded with basically "our staff should have told you we don't have x-rays, but even if they didn't, you signed a paper that said it." But I'm not a vet. I had no idea the importance of the X-rays, even if I did sign a paper that said they didn't have them. I'm so disappointed in this place. There's sketchy things happening there lately, like they won't let you go into a room with them for your dogs examination, because they're "under construction"? But it has been like this since the pandemic. Go elsewhere until this place gets their act together. And do NOT use them for your dental.

I have been bringing my two dogs Lilo and Athena since I've been surprised with them as gifts and my girls can be a handful but the staff there are very sweet and understanding. My girls are a bit much and they tend to bolt any chance they get but the vet techs and vet are so nice to them and are very understanding. Also making appointments for the girls is very easy and they call back to confirm which is great.

Balboa Veterinary Hospital came recommended to me by a colleague, and I absolutely love how much compassion they show to my two cats. They have great customer support, and take great care of my pets.

Our family adopted Blondee almost 3 years ago, Blondee is a rescue. When we first brought her home, she developed what seemed to be serious breathing problems. We took her here, and they were very quick to respond, and Blondee came home that day with bronchitis. We have since been coming here, and the entire staff is amazing.

Came here to get my kitten spayed and had a wonderful, seamless experience. You can tell the vets and staff here really love and care about animals, and I know they made my kitten feel like a queen! I called multiple vets around San Diego for quotes and found that this vet had the lowest and most reasonable prices. Experience was seamless, from drop-off to pick-up. They always answer their phone and called several times after to check up on her. Post-op instructions were very clear. Small parking lot at front and more parking available in the back too. Would definitely go back!

I have been taking my three dogs Sissy, Punky, and Piper here for over five years. The doctors and team are incredible. Everyone on the team is very friendly and knowledgeable. They take great care of our pets!

My dog has been coming here since I rescued him in 2017. Despite his troubled past, the doctors and staff at Balboa Vet Hospital always made him feel safe. He displayed a lot of aggression towards most people, and everyone at Balboa Vet Hospital was so patient and kind with him, which led him to eventually trust them. They didn't give up on my dog despite his aggressive behavior. Dani and Nory have been extra attentive and caring towards TerriCujo They absolutely love him and he gets really excited when he see them. Dr. G has a very trusting and laid back personality that has allowed TerriCujo to be so comfortable with her. I truly appreciate everyone at Balboa Vet Hospital going above and beyond accommodating my dog for his every need.

I'll never come back to this vet.

I've been calling around to different clinics to get quotes on neutering due to how expensive it is. I spoke to a tech on the phone who told me the price would range between $300-400 for the procedure, and since he was a new patient they required an exam for $70 - sounds reasonable right?

I arrived at the vet with my father and they took my dog into the back to do the initial exam. We inquired about a microchip and dewclaw removal as well because our dog has been favoring the spot and his other one was already missing.
Dr. Cheryl Gunderson came out and spoke to us and told us that it was inhumane to remove the dewclaw because it was the equivalent of removing a finger. OK fine, not a big deal. But I also don't want to feel like a bad person for wanting to remove it either.

The vet assistant then said it was a requirement before surgery for them to perform blood work/tests to ensure our dog was in good health.

Pre-surgery quote:
- $70 Exam
- $160 Bloodwork and tests
- $15.85 Blood draw/supplies
Total: $245.85

Surgery quote: $487

Total cost: $732.85

I was blindsided because the tech I spoke to over the phone said that the surgery quote she provided included the testing. I told them I was a bit thrown off as I had not expected this, and that's when Lillian Page (hospital manager) inserted herself into the conversation and said it was a mistake that someone had provided a quote over the phone. I told the assistant I would need a moment to discuss this with my father, because it felt like they had gotten me there under false pretenses.

We discussed it then decided we were going to continue looking for a better price. As I was paying for the exam only, I told the assistant I was bothered by the fact that they didn't disclose these additional fees over the phone, but whatever. That's when my father told them "well I'm annoyed" and explained to the techs why he thought some of the fees seemed outrageous. This is when Lillian stepped in and started defending their practice. She visibly sneered at him and told him that she didn't think it was right for people to shop around for the best price because they were about quality, not quantity. That's when my father said "so I should pay you $70 for the exam in order for you to provide me a quote?" which she said yes. "If you want a cheaper price go to TJ"
My dad continued to tell her that it wasn't right and that's when she said "I'm sick of people coming in here and complaining!" and stormed out of the room.

Lillian, maybe people complain because you get clients in under false pretenses then blindside them with additional fees.

Maybe people also complain about your disgusting attitude.

You've lost us as clients.

Dr. Walker is literally the best bet! She saved my dogs life, she doesn't cheat u, she is not too over emotional and very professional! Her entire staff is kind, polite and great!