We have been longtime clients of this office, but after today's interaction with Gigi, we will be taking our business elsewhere. The customer service at this clinic has gone dramatically downhill over the years, particularly from the front desk staff. Gigi was dismissive, condescending, and lacked basic empathy and professionalism. I would expect veterinary staff to show kindness, compassion, and care, especially when dealing with stressed pet owners - but that was completely absent today. Unfortunately, today's experience made it clear this is no longer the right veterinary office for us. read more

I highly recommend this veterinary. They are SO compassionate and gentle with the pets. I was recommended this place by my sister and am very grateful for this. My dog Marcie is thankful too. They keep her allergies in check read more

This business has helped us with our furbies for decades. Four years ago, our sweet Jake had gut issues which Dr Massey correctly diagnosed. Fast forward, to a year ago, he started having geriatric issues. Arthritis shots helped- diet helped for a bit. This past three weeks, Dr Pincin & staff tried to help him. They exceed our expectations with kindness & quality care during his visits. Blood tests showed nothing significant. This week, he refused food/drink for days + was barely able to walk. He didn't have quality of life- and we decided to let Jake go. **We truly appreciate the people @ El Cerrito La Mesa. Thank you. read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Compassion is the name of the game at El Cerrito veterinary Hospital. But compassion alone can't fix what ails your pet. For that there's a need for professional staff, knowledgeable, doctors, and a hospital that is dedicated to doing what's right. 20 years ago I used to go to El Cerrito with my pets. Since I moved out of the area, I bounced between countless other vets, just to return to El Cerrito so many years later. The service is still top-notch. The work done, amazing. And above all the staff has a heart. That element of compassion, so sorely lacking from other veterinary clinics, is present in spades. When the unfortunate happened and our old dog took a turn for the worst, and we knew it was his time to cross the rainbow bridge, I could not trust anyone more than the staff at El Cerrito, to be gentle, compassionate, understanding, and help us guide our dog to chase his "forever - butterflies". read more

Get rid of Dr. Tritt she's short tempered and unprofessional. If anyone goes here, ask for anyone but her.

I have been a customer here for almost 30 years. Like many, I noticed a change with El Cerrito a few years ago. The front desk staff are not friendly, it's more expensive and they recommend a lot more testing and vaccines. But I kept coming. Well today I had an appointment for a new pet. Had a similar experience today. Though the vet was nice (he gets the 2 stars), the front desk staff don't engage with customers, are just not friendly and it has absolutely lost the family feeling it had in the past. Well, I googled and learned it was sold to VetCor, a conglomerate of 900 vet offices in 2022. This absolutely explains all the changes. As a result, I will be taking my pets elsewhere. read more

A few hours before our appointment they called to say they thought we may need a specialist...they had not even seen my poor girl yet! Thank goodness, because I had another recommendation and that vet turned out to be fantastic. She diagnosed my girl with a partially torn ACL and is treating her with wonderful care. read more

I took my dog to El Cerrito because of seizures. While sitting in the waiting room I saw a sticker on a jar of dog treats that said "Abolish ICE". Time to find a new Vet! I don't care about your politics and nor should you push your politics on your customers. I would have hoped I could take my dog to get treated and not have to see this! Completely unacceptable and unprofessional! read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - Sticker on a treat jar in the waiting room! - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

Such a big fan of El Cerrito!! They're quick to get you in and staff is pleasant to work with and informative. You can feel how much care goes towards the animals here. Will be coming here as long as I live in San Diego! A HUGE thank you to Dr. Clowney for her compassion during a time of high stress and heartache. She has seen two of my kittens now and is empathetic, comforting, and so so kind. She has a wealth of knowledge and is thorough in her exams. After the passing of my first kitten, I knew we'd continue to bring any new furry family members to her! Only ever left with good experiences. Cannot recommend El Cerrito enough! read more

Dr. Massey is a really great Vet but since 2 years ago there have been changes to the front desk people. They are very rude and do not care about the pets or peoples feelings. Their records are messed up and they seem to think they are right. I would like to continue to see Dr. Massey but do not want to deal with the front desk people. Will be taking our pets elsewhere. read more

I'd give them no stars if I could. Ever since COVID, the people they have working there and the efficiency in how they get things done is absolutely disappointing. Ever since Kari and the other receptionist left it's been down hill. Even after on boarding 4 new doctors, I waited over 45 minutes for an appointment, it was truly disappointing. It just seems so impersonal these days all about money. When Dr. Massey retires it will be a sad sad day for that place. I can't tell you how many issues I've had since navigating the new employees and Dr. they have going on there. read more

My 1 year old French bulldog was spayed here this week. I want to thank the entire staff for being so caring and attentive with Belle! I was very nervous about this surgery because Belle is my baby! After bringing her in for her initial checkup, I knew Belle would be safe with them. It's been about 4 days since the surgery and Belle is doing amazing! Her incision is healing so nicely. Thank you all sooo much!! :) read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - Belle used a post surgery onesie instead of a cone. The staff was kind enough to put in on her before they brought her out to me. - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Took my Frenchy here as they are literally just down the street. Friendly staff and great service. Feel down right lucky they are in the neighborhood, especially for emergencies. They have a strong follow up game and seem to genuinely care about their patients. read more

I have been taking my dogs here for over 9 years. We love Dr. Massey and Dr. Kisling and when we have had to make the difficult decision that the compasionate and most loving thing we can do for our family members is say goodbye, El Cerrito Vet has made this passage as caring and comforting as possible. They have gone above and beyond with cards and kind gestures even after the fact which meant the world to me. When my dogs have needed specialty care or surgery, they have gone above and beyond even after hours to reach out to these practices and arrange care and check in and consult with me on how my pet is doing. When I adopted a rescue dog, they gave me a reduced exam fee for adopting a rescue. Their prices are always very fair and reasonable by industry standards. Communication has always been very responsive and when I have needed records for pet insurance claims or travel, they send it to me right away. I will never take my family members anywhere else. Being a vet is no easy task dealing with many expectations, personalities and expenses and liabilities, so I am grateful that my family members have a nearby, trustworthy and caring place to call home for their medical needs. read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - A happy client - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

To start off, my experience with this vet is not with the staff directly. The staff were kind and welcoming. That being said though, I waited for an hour for them to give my dog one shot. It took them twenty minutes before they even got to us after the scheduled appointment time. They took my dog to the back. I thought they were going to give him his shot quickly and then bring him back out to me. It took them 45 minutes before they even got around to giving him the shot after they took him back (I could tell by the way he yelped when it was administered) and then another 15 minutes for them to let me pay and give me my dog back. They also charged me $350 for a vet visit and a 12 month heartworm shot. This shot has only cost me $150 for my other dog same breed and size, just at a different vet in a different state. Overall, I was shocked at how long it took them to complete a simple appointment for one shot and the costs are outrageous. I will not be returning. read more

honestly, i wish dr massey would move to a different veterinary hospital. she's amazing and has taken care of all my pets growing up and now. it's the front desk staff and other staff that make me question their ethics. they give me the same vibe as a dentist lol unfortunately the average dentist will recommend all these other services that are simply unneeded just so they can get a bigger pay check. see what i'm saying? dr massey is not at all like that though and i wish the rest of the staff were more like her. read more

So unfortunately I had a pet emergency, and I did call other vets before feeling desperate enough to call these people back.......not that it mattered because it would have been weeks for an appointment. Even on the " triage list". Not an ounce of concern for my pet. read more

I'm not one to leave a yelp review but after the care my dog received it's warranted. I started bringing my frenchie, Rocco, to El Cerrito about 12 years ago. I was recommended to them by my aunts who had received great care from them for years for their two dogs. I don't even know where to start. Rocco passed away a week ago at 14 1/2 years old. Like I said for the past 12 or so of that he's been coming to el cerrito. It brings me to tears writing this because every single person that works there is so caring, understanding, compassionate, and exactly what you would want for your pet. They all go out of their way to ensure the best care. From routine appointments to Rocco's end of life diagnosis, every single person working in the office provided the best care for him. With any issue Rocco has had throughout the years I always receive a follow up call to check in, the doctors always give me the time to ask questions, I have never felt rushed in an appointment. They follow up, they remember your pet, they're kind, and at his appointments the vet techs and front desk staff are always accommodating, shout out to Carrie too she was always great. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Massey and Dr. Kisling. The years of care they provided is exceptional, I can't even begin to express my gratitude. read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

My response to Julie M: Indeed, the "pit bull" was at the shelter for 5 months, where his medical needs were ignored and he was abused by several of the staff members. He also did not get to leave the small kennel more than one time during his 5 month stay. As a "medical care provider," you and your staff should focus on medical needs. Comments and unwarranted opinions regarding homing a dog should not be a topic, especially when not asked. Dr. Tritt knew this dog for 2 minutes and decided to write her bs note, "no kids, no pets" to hand to me. If you are defending that behavior, shame on you, Julie. For someone who works with animals all day, you should know the deplorable conditions of many shelters. Often they are so full, they need to put dogs to sleep for minor reasons, anything they can find in their notes that deems the dog as "aggressive." If your excuse to Dr. Tritt's behavior is the one negative note on his shelter paperwork...that's interesting because she did not read that during our visit. I provided your office the shelter notes to look over his shot records only... were the notes on his behavior read to reply to this review? Are you saying your staff judges a dog based on a note from a shelter?? Does your staff know a dog is much different out of that environment? How about you add the positive notes he had as well? Are you allowing your staff to judge a dog based on one negative note from the shelter staff that had already abused him? Did you think to question what, "once you try to do anything will growl" means? What would they be "trying to do" that would make him growl? Can your office not handle a dog who growls or might have anxiety at the vet? That's alarming. Regardless, the dog was muzzled during the visit, so why should we be treated like we were? He had a horrible ear infection, when Dr. Tritt looked inside, he didn't like it. I think you might have a similar reaction if you had horrible pain that was ignored for months. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PITBULL HERE UNLESS YOU ARE SEEING DR. KISLING. THEY WILL PASS JUDGEMENT AND PROVIDE A SORRY EXCUSE AFTER. SHAME ON JULIE M AND DR.TRITT. THEY CANNOT HANDLE A DOG WHO HAS ANXIETY IN THE VET!!! BEWARE. read more

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I love Dr. Massey but the staff at the hospital seem to always be in a bad mood. The front desk staff is very impatient and short with not only me, in my experience, but I have been in the office when other uncomfortable encounters happen with the staff. If I did not love Dr. Massey so much, I would leave. Do better front desk people. Do better. read more

We have been going to this vet for years. Not sure what changed but they really missed the mark at our last visit. Our dog almost died. We took our dog in and they sent him home the same afternoon and he was still very sick. We took him there because they do imaging and usually do more diagnostics than other vets in the area. An hour after I picked him up he was still really sick and getting worse. When I contacted El Cerrito to let them know they said the doctor had left for the day and to go to the ER. He ended up on a feeding tube and IV for three nights. I am so sad this happened. He could have stayed in their care and they could have taken more time to figure out what was happening. When I complained the office staff replied "Sorry we didn't live up to your expectations." I was really surprised by the response. read more

This place used to be great and have amazing customer service but that is long gone now. My family and I have taken all of our pets there (4 dogs, 1 cat) for treatments/procedures and the staff had always been friendly up until around a year ago. My 1 star review is not for the veterinarians but for the front desk staff - if you have more than 1 question over the phone they are likely to get impatient with you, if you are a few minutes late to an appointment (after you called and told them you would be late due to traffic but are on the way!) they will give up your appointment to someone else and give you attitude about it, and if you call to make an appt for your dog whose paw is extremely red and visibly swollen they will tell you they can see you in a week and a half because it's not an "emergency" with attitude as per usual. The good news is we took our dog to a new vet who got us right in because she deemed her paw an emergency and our dog is now currently getting surgery on her paw - but yeah, not an emergency, right? Regardless, this is mainly about customer service. You're not going to have time for every client, I get that, but at least be nice about it. Customer service is everything these days, your job is to interact with people who may or may not have something wrong with their pet, showing sympathy or care is the least anyone can do. We will no longer be using el cerrito for our pets after using them for ten years. The customer service is just too bad at this point and it's been on three different occasions where we've felt discouraged with the front desk staff. read more

I was with this group for twenty years but started to notice a change. First what was missing was the sunny smiles of the front office. Replaced with younger, disinterested people who no longer greet you but stare at their computer screens. Not even a flick of an eye upwards acknowledging your presence. My doctor was AMAZING. She was gentle with my aging girl and we discussed several flea and tick treatments. She took a blood test $300 and told me they would contact me with the results and what meds to use would be based on the blood work. I paid my bill and went home. Five or so days later no call but I was ok, since it's not life or death. I called and left a message... Well the return call went all sorts of wrong! First it was a message telling me my dog has perioral disease. So out of complete confusion I called and got the vet who left me the message. Apparently there are TWO vets and the not so nice one de died to review our chart and call me back herself to leave me the message about perioral disease! She takes my call then flies off in a rage when I tell her this is the first I'm hearing g about my dogs mouth (the other vet hadn't mentioned it AT ALL during our visit). She says "do you need me to teach you how to brush your dogs teeth?" Hostility dripping from every vowel!!! Once she realized what a complete jerk she had been she settled down. But I'm not spending $$$ on a jerk so I took my dog and business to San Carlos Animal Hospital. Cannot say enough about how kind, courteous and professional they have been. Should have done this YEARS ago but I'm loyal to a fault. Just don't speak condescendingly to a paying customer and a smile and hello goes so far - especially if you have a sick or injured pet. read more

My mother and sister just had our family dog (Charlie) euthanized here and we were beyond dismayed by the fact that our dog was not sedated first. After consulting with others we know that have worked in the industry, we found out that is not standard practice and that it was a cost saving measure for the veterinarian. Dr. Kisling should be ashamed of herself for putting my mother and sister through such a traumatic and unexpected experience. read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - RIP Charlie - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

We have been utilizing El Cerrito Vet for over 50 years and always trusted the honest and great vets working here. We are ever so thankful for the help of Dr. Sara Tritt and the Team for making Mr. Hollywood's journey over the Rainbow Bridge as peaceful and merciful as possible. We truly appreciate the outstanding care and dignity offered during this traumatic life event. Cannot say more about the services provided all my pets over the last 5 Decades. Thank You! read more

My partner and myself have been going to this Veterinary office since 2014. My Dog Cashew has had numerous blood panels done to checking to insure he is in good health for breeding. His last panel was good and Dr Massey stated he was in good health. Urine showed more white blood cells. This was 9/3 /2019. He's was recently at a boarding kennel and contacted fleas so ordered Comfortis a flea medicine that El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital gives to another one of our dogs,as well as Cashew from1800petmeds and was refused by Dr Massey " We need to examine him we haven't since 2017". He just had a full blood panel and urinalysis done on 9/3/2019. This is example of health care in animals being nickeled and dimed and this officially terminated my business with El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital. Is this for the animal or the buck. read more

I love El Cerrito so much. We have been taking our dogs there for over 20 years. The vets are all amazing, though if I had to pick favorites it would be Dr. Massey and Dr. Kisling. The staff is awesome too, shout out to Carrie who is one of the kindest people I've ever met and always goes the extra mile. We feel that our furbabies are safe and well cared for here and we are so grateful! I've recommended them to others and have always gotten good reports, though sometimes they were so busy they weren't taking on new clients. The clinic is nice - always clean and organized. They work hard to get our dogs in when there is an emergency too. read more

Had a great experience when i first visited them in otober 2019. NOW THEY ARE HORRIBLE, especially allison the manager. Who is VERY rude and a flat out liar. I have been using the perscription they wrote to me for my male cats UTI(Which never goes away, so there is no reason to not stray from giving him this food) every single week/month to buy food at petco in store. Got some yesterday in fact. But decided i wanted to order online for petcos redelivery to save the time and hassle of driving in store. I called 11/09/21 9:32 am and spoke to the lady who picked up the phone, whose name i do not reall because everything went pleasantly. She confirmed my full name, my cat's name and that we were seen 10/2019 and given perscription for UTI. I explained to her what I wanted to do, she put me on brief hold, then came back and told me once they got the request by fax from petco they would go ahead and approve it. So i went and placed the order through petco. I get a call on 11/10/21 saying they got a request from petco but will decline it beause they need to see my cat again first, which is not possible because we now live much further away from them(AND AGAIN UTI IS FOR LIFE SO NO REASON TO NOT GIVE HIM TIS FOOD). I told her I had confirmed the previous day with a lady that all would be fine. She put me on hold and brought ALLISSON, the deranged serial liar who was extremely aggressive and rude. She told me THEY NEVER WROTE MY CAT A PRESCRIPTION(WHICH IS A LIE BECAUSE I HAVE IT IN HAND). MY MALE AT HAS LIFE LONG BATTLES WITH UTI, AND IT IS MUCH WORSE FOR A MALE CCAT DUE TO NARROW URETHRA. ALL THEY WANT IS AN EXTRA $60 FROM SOMEONE INSTEAD OF ACTUALLY LOOKING OUT FOR CAT THAT CLEARLY NEEDS THIS FOOD TO SURVIVE. I GUESS I WILL JUST ONTINUE TO DRIVE TO THE STORE AND GET IT USING THE PRESCRIPTION THEY WROTE ME INSTEAD OF BEING ABLE TO ORDER ONLINE...... I SUGGEST NOT DEALING WITH ALLISSON AND MAYBE LOOKING FOR A VETIRINARY HOSPITAL THAT ATUALLY CARES FOR YOUR PETS HEALTH INSTEAD OF TRYING TO GET AN EXTRA $60 FROM YOU..... RIDICULOUS!!!! read more

I have been bringing my pets to El Cerrito since moving into the neighborhood at the recommendation of a dog breeder who lived across the street. I'd come to find out many in our neighborhood allowed the vets at El Cerrito to care for their pet members of their family. Client since 2001. I've had two uncommon dogs in their cate and found the staff to be professional and empathic. This past year friends moving from back East were not only impressed with their knowledge.level but also the value for services compared to their experience back east. Twice Dr Massey and her extra time she took with surgery on one dog and keeping a knowing eye on the other who needed her teeth cleaned made sure the outcomes were excellent....personal calls from the Vet staff to check in on your pet and you... The team here exemplifies the term Veterinary Arts. That combination of experience and education tempered with empathy that demonstrates to me my pets welfare comes first. Next they manage my expectations in a caring respectful way. I'm not sure what else I could expect. They have weathered the Covid storm with the rest of us and gone out of their way to offer thoughtful safe care to all parties. I've inherited an older pet that I've brought here for the past 3 years..The level of care from the original vets to the new vet team has not sacrificed anything., I recommend them to anyone who values quality of life for your pet and a sound no nonsense approach for veterinary care for the pet owner. read more

Our Yorkie mix Baxter is on his last tour, I thought we were going to have to let him go but he keeps bouncing back. I appreciate Dr. Nikki and staff for supporting us and being honest with his treatments and his welfare. read more

This Veterinary Hospital does not put the care of the pet first and foremost. I had a very horrible situation happen where they botched up test results. I can understand mistakes happen, but they did not handle the situation by having a solution in mind. They are money hungry and don't care. I had to rate them with 1 star, but that's too much. I would rate them a ZERO. As past reviewers have mentioned, the office mgr, Allison is horrible. read more

I love this office! I've just recently had to put two of my dogs down in this last month. Extremely difficult time for me but the care and compassion here is the best. I always appreciate the care and attention given to me and my pets. I've been to many vet offices over the years and this is the one I will stick with. Thank you El Cerrito Vets!!!! Maureen read more

We drove an hour this morning to get a health certificate for our flight to Omaha on Friday. We could have gone to any vet for that, but it was worth the drive to come say goodbye to the special people at El Cerrito Vet Hospital. They love Lexie and are always so excited to see her and treat her so well. They don't even mind her excited pees We've been coming here for 2 years and are sad to say goodbye Thank you to the receptionists, vet techs, and amazing veterinarians. read more

El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - La Mesa, California

These guys are the best. This is the fourth vet I've used. I have no reason to find another vet.

The BEST vet in San Diego!!! The staff are so friendly and warm. Dr. Massey & Dr. Kisling deliver amazing care!!!

Staff amazing they do everything possible to get your baby in for an appointment, kind, respectful with follow up phone call. Have a very easy workable safe procedure for Covid time. read more

My family owned a vet hospital in Northern California for 30 years and I was so nervous looking for a vet down here once my family sold it. I can't say enough good things about El Cerrito - their staff is wonderful and they practice very good medicine. I would pay an arm and a leg to ensure the good health of my animals, but it is also nice to say that El Cerritos pricing is also incredibly reasonable and fair. I've also found it very easy to book appointments with them whenever I need them. El Cerrito is the place to go if you love your fur babies! read more

Phenomenal folks still run this place. Had emergency w my did Blaze over weekend and took him to Dr Massey, our regular vet yesterday for recheck. Not only did she check him, she CLEARLY explained results of all tests done at emergency clinic, and helped work out follow up treatment. Blaze is on mend from breathing issues, and should be his old self soon. Dr Massey took time with us and didn't even charge for the consult. I Love this clinic. If they are accepting new clients, I suggest you make them part of your family. I have. And I bless them fully for what they do! read more

My family and I recently brought our beloved 14-year-old dog here to be put down due to declining health problems. Although the whole process wasn't easy, El Cerrito Vet made it as comforting as possible. They try to make the whole process as easy as possible by doing the following: 1.) They performed a wellness exam to ensure that his health was in fact declining. 2.) They took our dog to place an IV in him and brought him back to our room. At this point, they told us that the room had a buzzer we could press once we were ready to put our dog to sleep and the vet left the room so we could say our goodbyes in private. (I've never seen this at any other vet and thought it was a really nice touch). 3.) The vet thoroughly explained the whole process to us and asked us if we had any questions. 4.) Once the dog was put to sleep they gave us a container to put him in and placed a pee pad inside the container in case he peed or defecated after being put down. 5.) They allowed us to go out the side door instead of the main door, which allowed us to leave without anyone seeing us, which was greatly appreciated. 6.) They sent us a card a few days after the process, expressing their condolences. 7.) At no point in time were we rushed. Overall, El Cerrito Vet went above and beyond and helped us tremendously through this difficult time. All the things they did, outlined above showed us that they genuinely take into consideration the family's feelings. read more

Just moved to the area and always hate to have to find a new vet. But we found this place on Yelp and are so happy we did. Great with our son's Pom, who can be challenging. Great follow up with the phone call. Will definitely be back with all of our pets! read more