Here's a more balanced and effective way to express your frustration while removing accusatory phrasing and keeping the tone respectful but firm: *** I'm very disappointed about my father's recent experience at the Drake Center. He's traveled the country and has never encountered a situation where caring for his elderly dog cost over $1,000 without being clearly informed beforehand. My concern is that the costs were not explained to him in advance, leaving him with an unexpectedly large bill that he could not reasonably afford. As an 80-year-old veteran, he trusted the staff to be transparent about pricing, and that trust was shaken. He also has early stage dementia, which makes it worse. While I'm sure the care provided to the pets is exceptional, I strongly believe clients deserve full visibility into expected costs before services are performed. Clear communication is essential, especially when serving elderly clients. My suggestion is to get a second opinion and find a place that is more affordable. read more

My kitty needed emergency surgery. The staff here was amazing. The vet made sure to let me know I could email her anytime and she'd get back to me...and she did. She helped me know what was happening at home, Post-op, was normal and kept me calm. I live 45 minutes away and I'd always go back there! read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Sparky - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Inflexible vet practice. If I were not already using them for my dogs I would switch to another group. Went again today. Assigned me a vet I do not like after telling them that months ago. Wanted to get test for Addison, which they promised. That did not happen. Again disappointed in Drake. My dog does not interact with other dogs so would have preferred he not get Bortadell vaccine, but they gave me no choice. read more

Have been taking both my dogs here for the last 5 years now. Great doctors and service. Best in North San Diego County! They literally saved my dogs life on more than one occasion. Thank you Drake Vets! read more

I have been taking my cats here for a decade. In the past the veterinarians have been great but when a problem arises they are terrible. Recently my cat had a UTI and was cultured. The antibiotics prescribed worked for a few days but did not take out the infection. Was then prescribed the same medication for a longer period with similar results. Xray was preformed for the urinary tract infection at drake and was deemed a stone or blockage was the cause. Upon taking her to a different vet they immediately knew the problem was not a urinary stone because the location wasn't near the urinary tract? New vet prescribed the correct antibiotics and the issue cleared up. Second cat presented with lethargy and vomiting. Over the years drake never noticed or mentioned his weight loss. clearly in the files. Other vet again immediately noticed. Drake wants top dollar for amateur hour medicine. They will never touch my cats again. read more

I love the veterinarians and vet techs here. It is apparent to me that they truly love animals. All of the vets we have worked with over the 4 years we've been with them have take the time to discuss any questions you have and give you several options when discussing future care for your baby. The compassion, care and communication they have given to us makes it easy to refer friends to; knowing they will be well taken care of. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

I have been bringing my pets to this vet center for years. Last week I brought my pet terrier to see Dr. Dillworth because a wound on his paw. Dr. Dillworth is amazing I absolutely love having her taken care of my dogs. The technician thought Chloe M did not do a good job with. She made all the notes to call the pharmacy for Mr. Wilson medication e nothing happened, she simply forgot. I though that was so irresponsible. Two days later and I need to be chasing the prescription. Angel the technician that always helped us was always on top of everything we needed. read more

Everyone here, from doctors to techs to receptionists, truly love our pets as if they were their own.

Drake Center is AMAZING. My dog and myself especially LOVE Dr Hamlet! She has been instrumental in the health journey of my chow mix. I am no doctor and certainly have no idea what I'm doing as a first time dog owner. I trust Drake center and really feel that they care about my dog and have nothing but her best interest. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

Thank you all for the vet recommendations for our Pippi La Pulga and Graciela. It has been difficult to find a vet they like since both of our girls are rescues with scary, abusive histories. Dr. Applegate at the Drake Center for Vet Care in Encinitas was a hit! I don't know whether they responded to her comforting demeanor or her liver treats, but they love her! The prices seemed more than reasonable, and it is such a relief to now have a vet I can take the girls to without dread. They even trimmed Graciela's nails! No small task. Thank you, everyone! read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Lynda, Graciela and Pippi waiting to meet the new vet. - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

Needed a refill today for New Years fireworks for my dogs who freak out. Called at 9 am, no call back, called at 1 pm... we are so busy with surgeries blah blah blah. You are overpriced and don't deliver. shame on you! Dog owners beware they don't care! read more

This place is amazing i brought my pet here for an emergency when their own vet office told me to come in a week- he wasnt walking!!! It was a sprained muscle...their care was amazing and we stayed as patients. My dog recently had a horrific coyote bite encounter and they took care of him for close to a month of follow ups and they are nothing but amazing with us. It was a scary time and they cared and comforted both my dog and myself beyond what i expected. Hands down the best vet in encinitas! read more

If I could give this place 10/5 stars I ABSOLUTELY WOULD! To say the team I had from reception to vet assistant (Miss Taylor) to Vet (Dr. Laura Dowd) was better than I could've ever imagined would be saying the least. I was emotionally distraught & seriously hopeless seeing my kitties in the pain and discomfort they were in. But bringing them to the Drake center was the best decision I could've made. The staff was friendly, sensitive and supportive to not only my babies but to me as well. I'm already seeing such a difference in them and it's only been a few hours. So beyond thankful to have found this place when I did and to the staff. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Also, new patients get a $50.00 off their first visit, print the coupon from their website. Thank you again Drake Center! read more

Dr. Taylor Applegate is our vet. I'm in awe of the caring for my senior cat, Bailey, and for me. In recent communications--she is always excellent about communicating with me--she suggested we discontinue giving him fluids via a needle he hated. She didn't want Bailey or me to have added stress and that we would be comfortable as possible. At 85 human years, I know Bailey is nearing his final time with me. I so appreciate Dr Applegate guidance in keeping him comfortable and enjoying his days in the sun. Thanks Dr Applegate and all the helpful staff at the Drake Center. Judith N read more

My companion of 18 years was carried across the bridge on 8/8/2024 at 18 Dr VanWorth, Dr Kovac, and Dr Leslie had done their best in making clinical assessments on Coco at the time but for nearly 3 years in Heart disease MMVD stage B2 with severe regurgitation, Coco was always on borrowed time. On her last day X-rays showed her entire cavity filled with fluid and that was time. Coco refused to go down without a fight - her will to be loved and to live was strong but her ailing condition was inevitable Thanks for your care and the many times you work so hard to support slotting me in, even answering my calls before the office day started Bless all of you and families read more

This review is severely overdue, as I have been bringing my pets to The Drake Center for over 12 years. All of the veterinarians and the support staff have consistently, always been amazing. Ten years ago I had to euthanize our twelve year old lab that we got when he was only weeks old. Everyone at the Drake Center was incredible. Fast forward to now and I've got two aging rescue dogs, one with severe anxiety. Once again, nothing but outstanding care and service from everyone at TDC. Always 5 stars all around. read more

Amazing experience! I've taken my dogs to Drake for 15 years and am VERY pleased. Caring staff. Everyone is so nice, they remember my dog and are rooting for his continued good health. Especially happy with Dr Heather Kovacevich as she has gone above & beyond for my dog who is now elderly. I feel very supported, which means everything when it comes to my bestie read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - In the waiting room - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

My go to veterinary hospital for both of my dogs. The staff is so nice and professional. They always answer the phones promptly and follow up on any request. The drive is over 30 minutes for me and they are worth it. Dr. Tiglio sees both my pets, and does acupuncture for one of my dogs. She is the best! I could not recommend her more highly. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Acupuncture by Dr.Tiglio - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

Absolutely the best, most knowledgeable, caring, loving and efficient vet we've ever gone to. We had been going to another vet in La Costa who misdiagnosed my cat, sold me lot of super expensive meds and talked about a thyroid nodule on my cat that would have to be surgically removed even though it didn't show up on any scans!!!! We decided to get a second opinion and chose the Drake Center because it was open 7 days a week and took walk ins. We were fortunate enough to come in and get assigned to Dr Dowd! Wow, she's the absolute best. She gave our kitty a physical exam and said something didn't feel right. She encouraged us to get her an ultrasound. We had such a good feeling about her, we trusted her and ordered the ultrasound. Turned out our sweet, sweet kitty has intestinal lymphoma and there is NOTHING wrong with her thyroid! Dr Dowd showed us so much compassion and made herself available to us if we needed anything. She referred us to an oncologist and we go tomorrow. When I asked Dr Dowd if our kitty was prescribed an oral medication would she oversee our kitty while taking it and she said yes. We both agreed that our kitty should be kept comfortable with no extraordinary measures to keep her alive. I cannot speak highly enough about Dr Dowd and all the staff at the Drake Center. So happy we wandered in there. read more

Excellent care! Staff was kind, caring and very professional. Called to see how the dog was doing.

When you are getting the paperwork together to travel internationally with your pets, you want to work with someone with full knowledge based on recent experience. Because the risk of uncertainty is too great! Dr. Madison spoke with knowledge acquired from history with processes and systems. She knew the ins and outs of documents, requirements, and timing, and discussed them with us thoroughly, all the while sitting on the floor for the comfort and confidence of our more timid dog. It was smooth sailing when we got to the other side! If you are planning international travel with pets, use the Drake Center, you'll sleep easier. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

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The doctors and staff are amazing and very caring. Pretty pricey but what vet isn't? The facility is clean and has a satellite office within walking distance. read more

We recently changed changed veterinarians and checked out the Drake Center on the recommendation of a friend. Nobody 'wants' to take their pet to the Vet, but if you have to, it may as well be a multi-provider practice with a great staff, comfortable environment and excellent hours - 7 days a week! Because we all know how pets only get sick on weekends! All that is exactly what the Drake Center is, but without the corporate feel. You walk in and you 'feel' how much the team at The Drake Center loves what they do and cares about your pet! I knew from my first visit that this was the place for our pet and have recommended to many of my friends. So, if you're looking for a Veterinarian or to change Vets, check out the Drake Center! read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

This is my favorite vet now and I have been to many different retailers over the years with my pug. I go to Dr. Lee she is the best you can see she truly cares. When my pug had to go to the emergency 24 hour vet over in carlsbad and I thought i was going to have to put him down I got a call from Dr.Lee asking me how he was doing and what was going on even though she wasn't treating him at the time. No one does that these days! You can tell she really cares. Also, this vet in my experience has reasonable prices and they don't make you feel guilty as a way to push more tests and services. I have always felt like they actually are listening to me and trying to work with me to a solution that fits my current financial situation without making me feel guilty. I can't say enough good things about this vet. Henry(my pug) also loves it there and he is never nervous or hesitant to go he actually loves going there probably because he picks up on my emotional vibe. Anyway they are my primary vet I highly recommend them. The space is nice as well clean and the annex is nice. Both spots have good parking. read more

I won't call out the veterinary clinic that I'd been going to in La Costa but it wasn't my favorite, especially after the vet I really liked there moved to another clinic. I was changed to a different veterinarian who had the unfortunate job of helping me put my blind pug down as his first interaction with me. It was fine but he definitely wasn't warm, especially for such a brutal experience like that. I just never felt like anyone there really was. When I brought my other pug in for a sickness barely a month later, the same veterinarian said, "Oh, I don't think we've met, I'm Dr. _______." To say that upset me is an understatement! I'd heard wonderful things about The Drake Center so when I adopted my 15-year-old kitty, Bo, I booked myself to get him checked out. Cue anxiety, as first veterinary visits are nerve-wracking, especially for cats, and this is the first cat I've had since childhood. It was a typical Monday so my phone had pooped out - I went to the Drake Center on El Camino Real and had to explain my situation and ask for directions to their new annex. This amazing vet tech walked me outside and gave me turn-by-turn directions there. Such a relief! From the second I was greeted to the second I met Dr. Kovacs, I was amazed. It smells great in there (not always true for veterinary clinics - lol!), and you can tell everyone TRULY enjoys working there and that they love animals. Bo was amazingly well cared for and Dr. Kovacs was wonderful and lovely. I will no longer be afraid to go back and will make sure to take pics next time when my phone is working. Thanks to everyone at The Drake Center for taking the nerves away from what can be an anxiety-provoking experience! read more

I have never written a review, but I felt that what happen to me just might be helpful to others. For a month I was giving my sweet rescue dog completely incompatible medications for her very serious anemic condition prescribed by an incompetent Drake doctor. I figured it out myself by googling the medications. Yet this vet had the nerve to leave me an incoherent voicemail message that she gave my dog Martha, her very best. Really? If I can google, then so can you! She had also previously told me that my dog had an easily curable tick disease. Wrong again. One month and several visits and almost 5,000 dollars' worth of treatment later, we have to start completely over at the VCA with a much sicker dog. Both the doctor and even the vet tech at the VCA when I self-referred my dog for consultation, told me that what was given to my dog from the very first visit was completely wrong. You do not give expensive immune suppressing allergy drugs, 2 of them, to dogs that present with an anemic condition!!!! On top of all of that, when I asked via email for answers to basic questions in writing, this vet would only respond via phone messages. But she was more than happy to put in writing elaborate expensive treatment plans for surgery and ultrasounds from another doctor who had absolutely no expertise in internal medicine. I have taken my other dog to the Drake for almost 4 years, but she has always been healthy. Moral of my story, do not bring your sick dogs there, they do not know what they are doing. To add insult to injury, they will mine them for money. Shameful, incompetent, dogs for dollars practice. read more

I love this place! But if youre asking why i gave it four stars, its only because i feel anxious going to the vet - 1) end up paying $$$ because the estimates really arent that accurate. 2) i often feel bad / pressured when i dont move forward on certain actions in the estimate or they have moved forward on something when we clearly made a decision not to which ends up on our bill (like labs, blood work). That being said, I have three dogs and i owe it to TDC for saving their lives! I feel comfortable with the service and care they give my dogs and try to fit me in order to get me in. My dogs also feel very happy to be there and that is always a plus for me. I have dealt with three different vets for each of my dogs - Dr Shotwell, Dr Kovach and Dr H. All of them were great! read more

Our recent experience was exceptional. Our beloved puppy required eye surgery, and the expertise displayed by the team was truly remarkable. The veterinarian demonstrated not only skillful surgical precision but also genuine care and compassion for our pet. read more

My chihuahua needed teeth cleaning, but I didn't know how bad her teeth really were. Dr Dilworth and Dr. Leslie were very kind and explained that her teeth were in poor shape. After all was done she had 16 teeth extracted. I was embarrased that I had let this go so long, but Dr Leslie was very patient. I highly recomend this vet for accomodating us so quickly and making the appointment go so smoothly (for handling an 11 year old chihuahua). My 'baby' came home with pain meds which she really didn't need and is eating like crazy. Thanks again everyone at Drake's. I really appreciate you. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

This is as much a review of the Drake Center as it is a thank you to Dr. Borsack. My name's Hank. I'm just a little terrier. Ok... I'm a mix, but most people guess terrier. A few years ago I went in just not feeling "super" and they were like, yeah it's Covid time nobody feels super but let's take a look. The staff was so kind and complimentary. I had just gotten a fur cut. Sometimes if I'm not feeling real hot I like to treat myself and see if I can kinda bust the slump, ya know? They noticed and hey that matters to me. They were so sweet and loved me right outta my anxiety. And my dad was kinda freaking (chill man,you're embarrassing me) so that helped him out too. Total package, this place. Well it turned out I had a tumor. "Gasp". But the skilled hands of Dr Borsack and her cool ass friends got it under control. Sure I looked like Frankenstein when I got back but chicks dig scars and now I've got a new favorite scratch spot. Long story short. It's actually been 2 years since. We just went back when I was kind lethargic for no good reason. Seeing as how I'm 105 in dog years it's kinda one foot on a banana peel if you know what I mean. Can't be too careful. My tumor is a distant memory. They did such a great job. All I know is I love a good rub where it used to be. Healthcare can be expensive and this run, just like the last was super reasonable. Anyway, they worked with my dad who's kind of a cheapskate to make sure we did the right things and get me back on track without breaking the bank. More treats for me (wink). If you're looking for someone to treat you right and care for you like family, the Drake Center is your bet. Tell 'em Hank sent you. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Self Portrait - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

I wanted to write this review as I have a developed deep appreciation for "The Drake Center" Encinitas. I've been going to them for over 8 years now. They've seen me through really hard times and the care they have provided to me and all my dogs means a lot. I now think of them as family. The front office is full of people who will go above and beyond to help. They have a range of highly specialized Doctors. Whatever the unique situation is that you're facing there will be someone in the office with deep knowledge and an ability to help. My dogs are my family, and we all want the best possible care for our loved ones. There is no one I trust more with my dogs health than The Drake Center. read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - My mother & my OEB Duke - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

Our fur baby Daisy has a disc issue and everybody involved has been amazing and extremely helpful. Christine at the front desk is a total sweetheart and got us right in for our appointment! (Even after us being late due to traffic on the 5) Daisy's vet Dr. Leslie and vet tech Mikaela have been a joy to work with, they are very obviously dog lovers and have done everything they can to help us get Daisy back to 100%. We are thankful for you all and will certainly be coming back for any of our veterinary needs! read more

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Encinitas, California

I discovered The Drake Center when looking for a better and more knowledgeable vet to help me handle travel health certificates. They were SO knowledgeable. The staff was extremely helpful, Arlene at the front was so kind and answered all my questions, Angel and all the techs were so so sweet and I loved Dr. Madison VanWorth! She was amazing and so so helpful. I only wish I discovered them sooner before moving out of the country! They have been so amazing these past couple weeks in helping me get my dog up to date on everything to travel. Absolutely wonderful service!! read more

We really appreciate dr tiglio at drake center. We had been to two vets during the week and dr tiglio wanted to run labs to check on a concern of low platelets in our beloved 11 year poodle. Turns out on sat morning our dogs platlets were at 11,000 dr tiglio couldn't get a hold of me but kept trying all numbers to reach out to my wife to let her know we need to bring our dog to vetenarian specialist in sorrento valley our dog was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and is currently hospitalized but should survive thank you dr for your quick action so we could get our dog to specialist . We transferred all Our dogs records to drake center . They seem very thorough. We have had dogs are whole life and one of the best vet experiences I have ever had . read more

I have 3 rescue cats. 5.5 yrs old. All in good health. The times where we do need help, The Drake Center is our first choice. They are friendly and helpful on the phone, they have vets that are great with cats and they make everything as easy and stress free as possible for both my cats and me. They go out of their way to be kind and helpful. Wish I could find medical care like this for humans! Thank you Dr Leslie and team, you guys are simply fantastic!! read more

This is one of the best vet's offices I've ever taken my dog. The staff is kind and caring and always very friendly and helpful. The office is open 7 days a week which brings me peace of mind knowing I can bring in my dog any day in case of an emergency. The facility is clean and never smells. read more

Fantastic vet care! Very friendly and caring! They send regular posts for reminders about shots and vaccinations!

THE DRAKE CENTER changed the price from the original estimate. Protocol WAS exact same for treatment PERIOD. I do not recommend this business read more

I've been coming to The Drake Center for the past few years ever since our past vets office closed. I am SO incredibly thankful to have found them. I have seen several vets there and they are always kind, helpful, and not pushy which I really appreciate. However, this review in specific is for Dr. Leslie. She is an angel as far as vets go! Dr. Leslie has been such a blessing for our family. She has been the most supportive, friendly, and caring vet I have ever met. She takes her time during our appointments, gives our pets lots of love, and never makes us feel pressured. She gives advice and recommendations but if we cannot afford to do everything all at once or if I feel comfortable going a different route she is understanding and supportive. Dr. Leslie has an incredibly positive and uplifting personality. She has treated my husband and I as if we are family through some difficult circumstances we went through recently. Thank you Dr. Leslie and the Drake Center team for your years of top-level care. We can't recommend you all enough. read more

I have brought my pets here for over 15 years and have always had great care. Even when moving to Vista, it was worth the drive for my dogs to go somewhere trusted for their regular shots and check ups. Really efficient and easy check-in process and I feel like we are always in and out of there very quickly. read more