Animal Urgent Care Escondido, California

I just called bc I have a senior pug with diabetes who needs a shot for the day till his normal vet opens due to. Petco delivery slip up on a Sunday. Called 10:25 am and spoke to a woman who said they would not help. She said even with my Medical records and prescription they would not administer a shot to help him get through the day without a full medical work up. I said it sounds like you don’t want to help us and I should call somewhere else. She said ok.

So glad I took my Smokey (kitten) to the Animal Hospital! They took care of him so good, his surgery was great! He went in in October and he is now his old self! I can’t thank you all enough for taking care of my baby!

We were so pleased with care and concern that we received from Joey and the doctor.

Dr. Was amazing but front office billing was substandard originally told us we would get a 10% Military discount and we showed acceptable proof according to the office. When it came to the final bill my wife was told that the discount was built into the bill. The office could not show proof of military discount. I called the office the next day to question the discount and was told we did not qualify because I was still not on active duty ( I’m medically retired 100% disabled). Attention All Military and Retired be vigilant of this scam/bate and switch from Animal Urgent Care in Escondido, Ca.

My 4weeks old puppy experienced milk aspiration over night, so I took him to nearest ED but their x-ray machine did not work. The ED vet told me to go to this animal UC. Yes, due to amid COVID pandemic, the staff told me to complete the intake form (I was informed that the ED vet had called and notified this facility regarding our arrival in advance though) and then waited another 15mins. The staff took my puppy to see the vet (female vet) who told me that my puppy had severe dehydration and fever, they would do x-ray, blood work etc (but never mentioned about iv fluid). 10mins later I called the vet office to make sure they checked his blood sugar (my 4weeks old puppy had not been eating for a while due to sickness, so hypoglycemia was another concern on top of dehydration) and started iv fluid. One of the staff (nurse?) immediately told me that I was rude to ask the questions (they did not start anything yet...she was more concerned about my payment). I asked her to get the vet for my further questions. The vet was also cold and insensitive to my concerns. She even admitted not to discuss iv fluid so she was rather upset about my questions and then again she told me that I was rude and my poor puppy was brought back to me without further treatment. I had to find another urgent care in Oceanside and drove for 40mins....as soon as I got there, one of the staff took my puppy inside the facility and their vet called me that my puppy was not responsive....I begged her to save his life. The vet told me that they had already started STANDARD CARE (iv fluid, blood work...) without asking for payment. He was eventually transferred to animal hospital for admission.... Now, my puppy is 6month old. He is strong, healthy, playful and happy. I just would like to share my horrible experience at this urgent care with you. Yes, it is convenient they are open 24/7, but if your dog/cat is very sick, this is not the place to go. This is not urgent care center, but convenient care center.

The staff is so caring and compassionate! They truly do care about your pet! Animal urgent care is a great place to bring a distressed animal and receive quick and effective care.

Not sure anyone there knew how to smile. The veterinarian had little social skills a bit abrasive and a hint of narcissism. I wouldn’t recommend. But obviously we have to go if necessary.

Absolutely horrible service. Had attitude and offered no solutions. How are you Urgent Care when you have no sense of urgency? The receptionist said they were at capacity and that I couldn’t take in my dog. I would give no stars but that’s not an option. If you have an emergency I would suggest a different hospital/urgent care.

They gave us the absolute best experience in the worst kind of situation. Our cat suddenly became very ill and they had to keep him overnight. They let us call to check in on him and never made it feel like an inconvenience to them. We ended up having to put him to sleep, but they let us take him home to get lots of love from his family before we brought him back in the next day. They never rushed us on any of the hard decisions and everyone had so much compassion for us and our kitty. It’s obviously never the place you want to have to visit, but they will always be my first choice in emergency situations for any future animals.

They say they are 24 hours, but took my dog there at 630 am and was turned away, due to no Vet being there. They need to update there website so people don’t drive 40 minutes to take their animals only to be turned away.

I brought my dog in thought she had something in her foot and was in lots of pain they checked her paw out turns she got bit by a red ant and wasn’t charged anything.

My dog and my family were treated horribly by Daniella. I am sharing my experience in the hopes that management will take a hard look at the way staff treat customers and change some "policies". We were sent here by Valley Center Vet Clinic on an emergency basis. My dog had been bitten by a rattlesnake and the swelling had gone from 2 minor swollen toes to swelling up to her shoulder in the hour it took me to drive to VC Vet Clinic and then to Animal Urgent Care. VC Vet told us to go straight to the door at Animal Urgent Care. They will be waiting to take our dog in immediately. That was NOT the case at all. Daniella opened the door a crack, and told us to have a seat on the black wrought iron bench in the 90 degree sun on the tarmac (pictured below), fill out paperwork that was not there to fill out, and she will be with us later. My dog is dying and she wants us to sit in the sun and wait for what!? My dog is shaking from the pain, swelling up to her shoulder, and in severe distress. I told my son, who carried my dog from our vehicle to the door, to take the dog back to the air-conditioned truck and I will call him when they are ready. Daniella tells my son, "NO! You sit there and wait." I told my son to go to the truck and turn on the air conditioning. Daniella got very angry and said, "Fine, you can come in and fill out the paperwork." Daniella asks my son where the dog's leash is. Leash?!! My dog is in distress, can't walk, has a RATTLESNAKE BITE. She is not walking anywhere. She is dying, for crying out loud. Daniella tells us that she cannot be carried in. She must walk in on a leash. I told her my dog cannot move. She needs medical attention asap or she will die. Let my son carry her in. Daniella refused. She shut the door on us again, went and got a leash, put the leash on my dog, and said "put her down and make her walk". My mind is just reeling now. I cannot believe what this person is saying. My son put the dog down, and my dog just sat there shaking and whining. Daniella proceeded to try to coax and then drag my dog by the leash through the door. "it is our policy", she said. I am just stunned at what I am witnessing and by the absolute lack of compassion and lack of sense of urgency. That weekend, 2 people posted on the Nextdoor App about their dogs being rattlesnake bitten. One dog did not make it on the car ride to the vet in time, and Daniella is acting like we have all the time in the world. My (65lb) dog was not going anywhere of her own volition. I told my son to pick up the dog and asked Daniella to show us where the dog needs to go. I could not tolerate this abuse of my dog any longer. This was absolutely insane! This appeared to infuriate Daniella who was apparently bent on making this the most stressful horrible experience she could possibly manage. The abuse did not stop there though. After Dr. Kim examined my dog and presented the treatment plan, Daniella came in to get my signature authorizing treatment. I promptly signed everything to get things going, and Daniella proceeded with more punishment. We have to pay for the "high end of costs" on the treatment plan before they get started, as a deposit. Not the low end. She looked me straight in the eye and lied, "that is the way it has always been done." We have been here 4 other times, and that was not the case. My dog needs treatment stat, so I paid it. Oh but that isn't enough for Daniella. She finishes the whole thing off with, "Oh and if your dog doesn't make it, your deposit is nonrefundable" and walks out the door. I can't believe how malicious this person is. Her words and actions are absolutely stunning. I would not expect it to be refundable. A service is being rendered. In what world would it be refundable? I am desperate to save my dog, and she is on a power trip over the suffering of others. The staff & doctors promise to call you at specific intervals & don't. When they answer the phones, they never give out their names. I hope to God I never have to come here again.

Excellent care, competentcy from Dr D Angelo and staff. Past nine or clock at night my lost cat was found with what I thought was a broken leg however it turned out to be a dislocated hip. Dr Dangelo and staff Took immediate ownership of the situation performed labs x-rays and IV and bandaged a wounded foot. The compassion empathy and care that my small cat received was outstanding. I am so grateful for the empathy and compassion and highest levels of competency that my cat received. Our second trip in a week for another kitty that refused to eat this time. Dr. Jean Kim empathetically compassionately and with supreme competence provided extraordinary care sending us home with three prescriptions. To my delight and amazement this morning the sick kitty was sitting on my pillow glaring at me because she was hungry. This urgent care hospital is comprised of extraordinary doctors and technicians that provide compassionate competent care to our fur babies. Just cannot express our deep appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice to make my fur babies feel better.

Had a really good experience with this animal hospital. My dog had a foxtail in his eye that we tried to remove but couldn't see if we got it out entirely. He didn't seem too bothered by it but we decided to err on the side of caution and take him in. From our first phone call, the team at AUC provided accurate time quotes which means a lot to me. We showed up and they were able to take him back on the shorter end of that time estimate. They had to sedate him, which I expected and we agreed to the cost. Turns out, the foxtail must've worked it's way out because they didn't see any remnants or irritation. They ended up refunding us part of our invoice because they didn't find anything, which was a nice honest move. In times like this, we could've easily been taken advantage of, but the staff at AUC had the integrity and honesty to speak truthfully about our pet's situation. I hope there's not a reason to have to come back here, but if something did arise, I feel like my pet is in good hands here.

Sarah was extremely un accommodating and very snobby. Trying to get a one hour window so I don’t have to wait 3 hours with a newborn in the parking lot

They don’t even deserve one star. If you want to save your animal choose another emergency vet. I called on Saturday because my dog was very sick. Wondering if she had eaten something in the yard. The snobby girl on the phone told me it was a 5 hr wait in my car with my dog. I said can you take my dog in , I’ll wait in the car. Nope very uncaring, reply was sign In but warning you it’s a 5 hr wait. Dog stays with you in the car. My dog died in 3 hrs. Not even sure what took her and guess I won’t ever know. Why do you go to an emergency vet? They blame being busy on Covid? Really? Then quit being cheap and hire more help if you can’t keep up. Hire better people to answer the phones to be a little more caring. We are heartbroken. Just warning people to think twice on this place.

So bummed I didn't know about them last time my dog had an emergency. They didn't break the bank and although my dog was anxious going in, he came out happy. I also appreciate that they came out to speak with me before the appointment to gain more info, rather than the short description on the paperwork. Thank you.

Our sweet giant Mambo was a seizure baby. Four years until the pin was too much for him. We took our Mambo to this place and they were amazing with him and us. They were compassionate and caring with our dog and the family. Highly recommend! It made the pain a little better knowing the doctors and nurses cared.

Great experience! They took excellent care of my dog and answered all of my questions. Appointments were easy to schedule and staff was friendly

I couldn't be more happy than I am with the quality of service that the Animal Urgent Care gave to our Titus! Titus is 13 weeks old and chews and try's to eat everything and anything. Our poor pup out of the blew started to cry and we had no idea why. We drove straight over to the Animal Urgent Care for them to look at him for us. We were aware that it was a first come first come basis so it could take some time. They were able to get Titus evaluated within 90 mins. Our poop pup had eaten some wire and it was stuck in his tummy and intestines and it was very painful for him. They provided pain medication to ease his pain and to allow them to xray his tummy. Titus spent the night and was returned to us the following morning feeling 100% better. Both the night staff and the day staff were amazing and took such great care of Titus for us. They didn't overcharge us and actually refund part of our deposit as they didn't need to use all of it - thank you Doctors and Staff of the Escondido Animal Urgent Care.

Highly disappointed due to poor communication. After wait time was initially established, there was no notification wait time had increased to an additional 4 hours. I would not have found out had I not called to inquire on an eta.

Took my cat in yesterday for an abscessed bite wound after calling 4 other veterinarians who said they were all booked and only taking life/death emergencies. The staff on the phone was super compassionate, and Dr. Kim was a saint for my cat and my nerves. Super professional/open communication, and very kind staff. We had to wait ~7 hours to get our cat back after being admitted (COVID has got things backed up), but they told me I was more than welcome to go home and they'd call me back when he was done and ready to be discharged. Cost was less than I had anticipated, which was a pleasant surprise. For Oceanside people like me, it's a bit of a drive, but worth it for quality care. Animal Urgent Care is walk-in only and triaged based on urgency, so there's no need for an appointment.

Me and my cousin Had came here for her puppy with a very big surgery emergency and they did not do nothing to her they just drudged her up put her to sleep and just exam and told us that they had fix everything when me and my cousin saw they just relaxing at the front desk with my cousin pup on drugs.

A month ago our dog, who hadn't felt well for a week and had been to our general vet for tests, went downhill quickly. Our vet recommended Animal Urgent Care above other pet emergency hospitals. The doctor there was empathetic, knowledgeable and quick to act. Unfortunately we had to have our beloved little dog put to sleep. We appreciate how we were treated and how everything was handled in the process. The doctor didn't rush us but gave us time with our dog until we were ready to let her go. When the time comes that we eventually find another little dog friend we will be going to this pet emergency when needed.

I am an anesthesiologist so I appreciate patient care, attention and thoroughness. THis place is AMAZING!!!! The Doctors, The Staff, EVeryone super friendly and Helpful and you can feel their cheerfulness, knowledge and joy in helping you. We were first at another faciility in Carlsbad a VCA, lack of communication, VERY EXPENSIVE (more than 3X the cost) and I feel the care and attention was way better here in Escondido.. Our 3 1/2 lb puppy had parvo and if she was not taken here to the Animal Urgent Care in Escondido, I don't believe she would have survived. Doctors called me on every shift change to inform me of her progress, and I could call the nurses and staff night and day, where someone always answered and gave me an update. Prices are reasonable and Care is TERRIFIC. Without Question, I would take my pet here in a heartbeat if they need urgent care. Thank You is NOT ENOUGH for all the care, love, and attention you gave my pet, and she survived that horrible Parvo Virus, Thanks to YOU.

Such a supportive and helpful 24 hour vet line. I called for advice about my dog who recently had surgery and started acting a little different. They reassured me that she was likely fine and to just monitor her at home overnight. This was a huge relief and set our minds at ease immensely. I was also happy that they suggested following up with her regular vet if nothing else happens in the mean time. The staff clearly cared about my animal and my situation and I was relieved they didn’t try to make me come in as I’m sure it would have been expensive and likely unnecessary Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This is the worst "urgent" care!! If ypu really really hate your pet this is the right place to kill them...

I brought my 5 month old puppy here after she fell off the couch and had hurt her leg and wouldn't put any weight on it. Although we called ahead 15 minutes and there was only 1 car ahead of us, we waited over 2 1/2 hours to even be seen and by the time they checked us out it had been almost 4 hours. When I would periodically call to check on how long it would be, they would repeat that they were taking emergencies first. How do you know that my dog's injuries are not an emergency if you don't bother to look at her for hours? Also, after waiting for hours, they refused to let me use the restroom and claimed it was "out of order". How do you work in a place that doesn't have a working bathroom? On a Sunday night at 11pm there is no where else to go! Turns out she broke her knee and will require surgery. She will go to her normal vet in the morning.

So glad I found this place. After waiting 3 hours at another er hospital I decided to come here. Despite them being super busy they were able to see my dog quickly and even kept him there at no additional cost until I was able to come get him in the morning. Their prices were super reasonable and the staff was extremely polite. Wish I found them sooner.

So thankful that I was able to find this place after I tried getting my dog seen by 2 other emergency hospitals this weekend only to be turned away because it was "not an emergency". My dog was in a lot of pain and the staff here took my concerns very seriously and was able to get my dog seen right away despite a lot of other clients waiting in the parking lot. Dr. DiLorenzo was very informative and figured out what was wrong without having to do a bunch of expensive tests. My dog is feeling so much better and I could not be more appreciative. Only wish I found them sooner.