The Drake Center for Veterinary Care Encinitas, California

Thank you Dr. Dilworth for your help with our sweet beagle rescue. It was such a relief to get a quick competent assessment so we could do the right thing for her. I highly recommend this office, the entire staff was excellent.

I recently had my first appointment and follow up at The Drake Center after Pearson Animal Hospital closed, and it was amazing! I really had no clue what I was missing. Everything about The Drake Center is superior to any other veterinarian I have ever been to. Scheduling was a breeze, the front desk staff was super nice, and the doctors are very knowledgeable and attentive. I would highly recommend The Drake Center if you are looking for a veterinarian!

It saddens me to write this review because the doctors at this veterinary practice are wonderful, and I have been bringing my animals to them for the last nine years. Unfortunately their business department and hospital manager’s terrible customer service skills are what is causing me to find a different clinic for my pets. I brought my dog in for a preop visit and labs a few days ago, and during the visit a quote was provided to me at the time of the preop visit for the surgery. Then 24 hours later after I had already paid for the preop visit and labs, they sent me an email with a revised quote for the surgery that was 50% more than the original quote from a couple days prior. The email said that the price increase was based on them not honoring a discount that was on the quote from a couple days prior because upon further review they realized the time frame for the discount had expired. This discount was related to purchasing prior services at their office and was good for a year, but it had been a couple months over a year. They also said they had to increase the price due to my dog being older than they realized at the time of the preop visit. I responded to the email explaining that I felt it wasn’t fair because I went through with and paid for the preop visit and labs based on approving the quote they gave me in office, and that the discount expiration time frame and age of my dog should have been taken into account a couple days ago before they presented me with the quote. I explained it made me feel like this was all about the money and not about taking into consideration their error and how it made me feel taken advantage of. Their response to my email was to have the hospital manager call me and be extremely argumentative and rude. She argued with me that I was wrong for thinking this was about money or price gauging, and that I was free to find another clinic but that I would never find another veterinary clinic as good as theirs. She blamed the error in missing my dog’s age and the discount expiration on a new computer system and on the craziness of COVID. She also complained that she was calling me on her day off (I never asked for a call, and the call came during business hours on a Thursday), and stated that the fact she was calling on her day off proves that they care and that it’s not about the money. It was unbelievable how poor her customer service skills were. After spending thousands of dollars with them over the past 9 years, I will sadly not be back.

I live in Rancho Bernardo, but I drive 30 minutes to Encinitas so that my Suzie can get the BEST care. Suzie is an elderly FIV+ Bengal who was a foster fail for me in 2016. Shortly after moving to RB, I took Suzie to a nearby vet in Escondido for a check-up. They told me that she was in good health. However, they didn’t seem to do a really thorough exam; and within less than a month, Suzie was seemingly limping for no reason. After re-reading the vet’s reviews, I decided to take Suzie to The Drake Center, which came recommended by someone that I used to work with while fostering. Although not cheap, The Drake Center performed thorough testing on Suzie, which was recommended for her age (14). We found that the limping was being caused by a UTI and that she had both chronic kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease. She also needed some dental work. Coupled with the fact that she has FIV, this obviously wasn’t the best news. However, The Drake Center has been helping me manage Suzie’s health and diet, so that she can live her best life as long as possible. I really enjoy working with Dr. Shotwell. She has the best bedside manner and seems to really care about my Suzie. I feel confident that Suzie is receiving the best care under Dr. Shotwell. Everyone is so friendly and helpful here. Thank you for caring for Suzie! ❤️

I run a 501 c3 non profit dogs rescue , Drake has better prices then my discounted veterinarians, they are also more professional and reliable then any other veterinarians I had ever worked with, I will start sending all my new adopters to The Drake Center, they are amazing

Incredible place. When most veterinarian places refused to see my dog for not having an appointment, this place not only provide care to my puppy but was super friendly and fast. Definitely I be a loyal client. Thanks to all Staff and Vets.

The highest quality care and most compassionate staff. I wouldn't trust my babies with anybody else!

I trust them with the care of my pup. Just pricey.

There are many specialists and all the Vets. are teriffic. I was very concerned with an eye infection on my 14 Year old female. The Doctor took some eye tests and prescribed eye drops and she is beginning to be more comfortable.

We boarded our sweet dog here while we were away and she passed under their care. We dropped our dog off who we loved and cared for and who our vet (at a different practice) had just examined and said she was healthy to never being able to see her again. We trusted them as a medical boarding facility and that is the biggest mistake of our lives. Throughout her stay we got calls from Dr Borsak, who has horrible bedside manner, telling us she wasn’t doing well. When I asked if we should change our flights and come back, we were told no she would be okay. On multiple calls we were told under the professional veterinarian opinions they did not think she was going to pass before we came back. We’d also check in daily and were told she was still eating and drinking, just struggling with her arthritis and walking. We gave permission to run all tests they wanted, and all came back clear. Only to receive a voicemail a day before we returned that our dog had passed in the night. When we went to pick her up and transport her for final services we were told again by Dr Borsak that they can do the same services and we shouldn’t transport her - completely over stepping and sounded only to be interested in collecting more money from us. They treated her for an ear infection while there - and she’s never had an ear infection before. I asked to speak to the vet tech that found her to get a clearer picture of what happened and was not allowed to. The reception staff put me in a room, alone and sobbing, before Dr Borsak came in. I asked what happened and was told it could have been her heart. I explained her cardiologist had said her heart had returned to normal with her medications for over a year now. Again she said it was probably her heart. They didn’t care. Not once did anyone except one vet tech apologize for her passing. I still don’t feel like I have a clear picture of how her last few days were and felt no sympathy from them. I just wanted to make sure she was cared for and not ignored. This has caused us severe guilt for leaving her there. To top it all off we received a voicemail on a Saturday afternoon, less than a week since she passed, trying to collect on their bill. Please take your dog to any boarding place besides here. Please don’t make the same mistake we did.

They're always so thoughtful and patient at Drake. Whenever I have something I'm concerned about regarding my 2 Italian Greyhounds (they're very delicate) the Drake clinic accommodates us straight away.They also have boarding facilities and we've used them before in this capacity and will be doing so again very soon when we begin to travel for work.

They fit us in for a same day appointment, we were visiting from out of town, when our dog became very sick. They treated us very well, and called to follow up as we made our way back home.

We are a local business, and found the Drake Center while searching for a local veterinarian for our 5 y/o Blue Nose. I was searching specifically for non-sedative dental cleaning, but came across a very informative page from their website explaining why sedative cleaning is better. That info, and the glowing reviews on here made it obvious that we needed to check them out. We are so glad we did! They made us feel comfortable from the very start. The doctor listened while I explained a long-time anxiety issue we've been dealing with. Over time, it had gotten so bad that prevented us from getting out as often as we'd like. The doctor performed an exam, and discussed some options for helping us deal with Pepper's anxiety. We are on day 1 with a mild sedative, and the result is nothing short of a miracle! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are excited for the future, and looking forward to getting them choppers cleaned in a few weeks.

This is great! I love it :)

I"m blown away at how great this place is. Everyone is very kind. The place is clean and they make the whole experience as stress free as possible for my little dog. After the appointment I get a fill report sent to my email inbox and a personal note from Dr. Kovacevich. They have technology working perfectly as well as great care. I drive up from San Diego...and it's soooo worth the drive.

Took my baby boy to the vet at Drake Center and they gave us excellent service! Very personalized care and provided quality service!

Been coming to Drake for a few years now with doggos. Everyone has been wonderful. We've taken puppies to elderly dogs, we've done surgeries and special diets, we've cried together at the end. The staff is highly competent, easy to work with, and thoughtful. I 100% endorse Drake Center.

Love them! They are so good with our fur babies and they are open 7 days a week, which really helped since one of our babies was not feeling well, and of course, it was Sunday morning! They are caring, kind, and always so good to us and our puppies.

I cannot imagine a better more compassionate vet than Dr. Dilworth. How lucky we are to have her capable care so close to home.

Excellent care. Very clean. Amazing and caring vet. It’s more expensive than most vets but I want the best for my Mal.

My goodness, what can I say except THANK YOU for the most exceptional care and genuine LOVE and affection for my little dog, and love of our lives, Kiwi. The doctors and receptionists and vet techs so genuinely adore animals, and understands that they are our most honorary family members. Our regular vet and all other local Veterinary Hospitals had zero openings on the weekend, but thankfully, Drake Center quickly and with such a cheerful and positive response got us booked for the same day. Kiwi had a terrifying sounding, fitful cough which had us so worried, and I was so grateful they got us in! When we arrived all the receptionists were so kind, sweet and gentle with Kiwi, who is absolutely terrified to PTSD levels at the vet. Then when the amazing doctor, Dr. Shotwell came in, she was just incredible with Kiwi, and made all of us feel so much better, she soothed our fears, she massaged Kiwi in all the right places during her checkup, and was very very understanding, gentle, humorous, insightful, and even presented her concerns with areas of Kiwi's health with both positive solutions and empowered us with optimistic direction. I can go on and on, I am so pleased and grateful for them! I am actually going to switch and make them our primary vet care for our little ray of sunshine. I didn't know vet care could be at this caliber of excellence until now! Thank you Dr. Shotwell, and to all at the staff at the Drake Center!

I’m no where near CA. but I read an article on Google about cat behaviors and it was very informative. I have two cats (sisters from same litter) they love squeezing into shoe boxes and one licks the litter spilled from the pan. Now I know she may have pica, time to see the vet. Thank you.

Caring and knowledgeable staff. I had 5 baby kittens that needed medical care and got great support from the staff.

So happy my friend recommended this place. Could not be happier with the visit. The staff is very friendly, the Doctor was very thorough in her exam...she took her time as well as answered all of my questions. From the first call, the communication from everyone has been wonderful...refreshing compared to my previous vet. I highly recommend The Drake Center!!

I was very pleased that they fit me into their already booked schedule because I had a very sick Chihuahua. I learned about Drake Vet from two of the Baristas a Starbucks. They reviewed the records from the ER and a former vet as I was looking for an opinion. The staff was compassionate and caring. That evening Dr. Yan did a follow up call to check on Zeppy and it was so appreciated, she went above and beyond to remind us of the protocol and it was very friendly! Drake Veterinary will be my new Vet. I highly recommend them!

I am always pleased with the great service and friendly staff! Our seven year-old Springer Spaniel has been coming here since she was a pup. They always provide thoughtful and personal care for my pet.

Very friendly and good with animals

Very comprehensive and efficient operation. Waaaay too expensive for most. Sooooo...

They have taken great care of my dog and treat her with real care and love.

My 16 year old kitty in dire straights. In pain and howling. This was our first visit and we got in the next day. Dr. Dilworth was absolutely amazing. She studied my cat's records from the other vet overnight and was prepared the next morning. Instead of suggesting lots of expensive test, she said let's start with food changes. Almost overnight we saw the changes. The pain stopped. We are stunned. We are so thankful for Drake and this vet and their knowledge.