Google reviewers rate VCA Rancho San Diego Animal Hospital 4.6 out of 5 based on 264 reviews, with the owner responding to 21% of them. Positive feedback highlights friendly staff, compassionate care for various species including exotic pets, and transparent communication regarding treatment plans. Some customers note that pricing is average for the region, while others appreciate the availability of payment plans. Recurring criticisms in lower-rated reviews include issues with appointment scheduling, delays in completing urgent paperwork, and dissatisfaction with the handling of memorial services and cremation keepsakes.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 264 reviews (82% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 264 Google reviews (191 with written comments, 10 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 21% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 30, 2026.
Service: Pet Hospice serving El Cajon, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.
Star ratings
264 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars21682%
4 stars208%
3 stars52%
2 stars42%
1 star197%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 191 written reviews
87%praise
Praise21387%
Complaints3113%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude10443%
Honesty & trust2711%
Price & value2611%
Would recommend2510%
Speed & response2410%
Quality & results229%
Communication167%
What customers talk about
We read 191 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She and her staff are incredibly responsive, compassionate, and genuinely invested in the well-being of Daisy.”
“She was unwelcoming and rude, which made an already stressful situation worse.”
“As a crazy dog and cat lady my “fur-children” mean the world to me… and I trust very few people with their care.”
“I would not trust them with your items, they throw them away even when you do call and try to claim them.”
“Where able to see me in a timely manner, also the price was reasonable.”
“so in conclusion, come here if you want to get ripped off & get nowhere in helping your pet recover.”
“Would definitely recommend them to my friends and family”
“I wouldn't recommend this animal hospital for a sick pet.”
“Fast, reliable, affordable, friendly, professional animal loving staff 👍 💯”
“Front desk staff cold and unresponsive.”
“Great staff, good care of animals, very thorough explanations.”
“I spent $600 in one month on my rat for her to die a horrible death a month later.”
“Everytime I go to them treatment plans/medications are well thought out and explained so I knew what to look for and how to move forward.”
People customers mention
Brown21 reviews
Hare13 reviews
Jake5 reviews
Vet4 reviews
Rose4 reviews
Castellanos3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
We had three rats cremated here. One was missing one of the four paw prints on the mold. For another we wanted a small nail clipping as a keepsake but instead they returned her entire nail. For the third rat, we received no keepsakes at all. We trusted this facility to handle our pets and their memorial items and we felt deeply hurt and betrayed. I do not recommend this facility at all.
Services: Exotic animals
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Reyes, we're so sorry for the loss of your three beloved rats. We know how much care goes into choosing special keepsakes to honor their memory, and we recognize how meaningful those items are to you. We'd appreciate the opportunity to better understand your concerns about the memorial arrangements and review the details with you. If you're willing, please reach out to us at [email protected], so we can speak further.
JacLocal Guide · 157 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jac has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They took really good care of my dog. They are very friendly
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Large animals
European Auto WerkeLocal Guide · 142 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews European has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great experience! I got a Vca coupon for a free first time exam! The blonde vet I forget her name but super smart!!! Got flea meds and an allergy shot. Was in and out fast too.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Michelle BeattieLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My husband brought our anxious shy pup, Katara, to be seen today and Dr. Fontaine got on the ground himself to comfort her and try to help her acclimate. Did not push anything. Made us feel like we were doing something right when he didn’t send us with a laundry list treatment plan. A great vet practice, we will be back!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Large animals
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Michelle, thank you for sharing this wonderful feedback! We’re so glad to hear that Dr. Fontaine helped Katara feel more comfortable and took a gentle, patient approach that put you at ease. We truly appreciate your trust in our practice and look forward to seeing you and Katara again in the future. 😊💜
Alyson Hatfield2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alyson has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a crazy dog and cat lady my “fur-children” mean the world to me… and I trust very few people with their care. Dr. Marissa has earned that trust completely.
When my dog Daisy was recently diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Marissa went above and beyond—calling to check on her, helping me understand information from specialists, and making sure I knew I wasn’t alone in very difficult situation. She’s also helped with Daisy’s routine care/labs and dental since we moved to SD. Everytime I go to them treatment plans/medications are well thought out and explained so I knew what to look for and how to move forward. She and her staff are incredibly responsive, compassionate, and genuinely invested in the well-being of Daisy.
In some of the hardest moments of pet ownership, having a veterinarian who cares this much makes all the difference. I am so grateful for Dr. Marissa and her entire team.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Hello Alyson, Daisy is clearly very loved, and we're honored to have played a role in her care. 💕 We'll be sure to share your thoughtful words with Dr. Marissa and the team. Thank you for trusting us to be part of Daisy's health journey and for recognizing the dedication of our staff. 😊
Charles PattersonLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Charles has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hi Charles! We appreciate that so much and so happy you felt that you had a great experience with us! 🩵 We look forward to visiting with you in your upcoming appointment!🦴
Your NeighborLocal Guide · 263 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Your has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
So wonderful.
I've used them for years and the team is always great. They've been there for my pets when they were a few weeks old, when we thought they were sick, for all the routine checks, and in their last moments. I'm so grateful for everyone here from the front desk to the doctors.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Exotic animals
Debbie NoneyaLocal Guide · 57 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Debbie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They treated me and my pup Solana, like royalty..I feel I can trust them with everything I tell them..thank you..
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Large animals
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re truly happy to hear that you and Solana felt so well cared for and supported during your visit.
It means a lot to know you feel comfortable and confident sharing with our team. We don’t take that trust lightly. We really appreciate you taking the time to share this!
Jesus GomezLocal Guide · 87 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jesus has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Horrible Experience — Please Avoid This Place
I never write reviews, but this experience was so upsetting that I feel I have to warn others.
My dog wasn’t feeling well, so I went to VCA Rancho. The waiting room was completely empty, but the receptionist still told me to wait 30 minutes before being seen. She was unwelcoming and rude, which made an already stressful situation worse.
When we were finally called in, the nurse immediately said they needed to run $700 worth of blood work and tests before even examining my dog. I understand diagnostics can be standard, but it felt excessive and opportunistic — especially since my dog was clearly in acute stomach pain. I explained exactly where the pain was, but the nurse brushed it off and went to get the vet.
When the vet came in and touched my dog’s abdomen, my dog (a 7 lb Maltese) reacted in pain and nipped the vet’s hand. The vet panicked, left the room, and came back with a muzzle — then asked me to put it on. For a trained professional, I was surprised they didn’t anticipate this kind of reaction or handle it more calmly.
The exam after that was rushed and lasted maybe five minutes. I left with no clear diagnosis and no treatment plan.
The next day, I was shocked to have an animal control officer at my door issuing a fine and placing my dog on a 2-week quarantine. Apparently, the vet had reported the bite incident. So now my sweet dog has a recorded “bite history” — all because she reacted to being poked in a painful area.
It’s heartbreaking. The entire experience felt cold, careless, and exploitative. I took my dog to a vet in Tijuana that same day and received compassionate, affordable care — and my dog is now feeling so much better.
I strongly recommend avoiding this VCA location at all costs. No pet or owner deserves to be treated this way.
