Shelter Island Veterinary Hospital San Diego, California

You would be very unlikely to find a better vet anywhere in SD County. I do animal rescue and know many vets. The diagnostics here are superb; Dr. Darnell has a way of getting to the bottom of things that I've seen other vets miss. There are MANY of us in rescue who agree with me wholeheartedly.

Dr Darnell saved my cat’s life. When 2 other vets told us it wasn’t possible, she said otherwise. She went above and beyond to care for our cat and made us feel like she truly cared about more than just her bottom line. I would recommend her to all my friends with pets

So I’ve seen these guys for a few years now and honestly never had a bad experience until now but unfortunately it was enough. Took my dog to them for an allergic reaction and never saw an actual vet, only techs, got prescribed for meds and no explanation. It was all very vague answers to my questions and just get upsold the entire time for more preventative meds having to do nothing with allergies. $500 later with no idea what was wrong with my dog, if it’s any products I use, or food, or just something random from nature. I contacted the better business bureau and they never even responded to them. I know it’s a busy time in San Diego for vets and I don’t want to just complain for no reason. It’s a lot of money for nothing.

I was able to get into Shelter Island on short notice. Being new to San Diego, I was happy to start a relationship with Shelter Island for our dog and for future appointments. I went with Shelter Island, because a couple of weeks prior to this appointment when I called about an issue my dog was having, Shelter Island was kind enough to let me know they were full, but gave me recommendations on other locations. Out of all the locations I called that night, they were the only vet to refer me to other locations. Shelter Island also followed up after our first appointment to make sure our dog was health was improving.

Dr. D and her whole staff are absolutely amazing. I switched all my pets to shelter island, and will continue to recommend her to anyone who is looking for a vet. So glad I found Shelter Island Vet !

So happy with them. They go above and beyond for your pet. I wouldn’t go anywhere else

I would absolutely recommend Shelter Island Vet Hospital if you're looking for somewhere to that your pet! They're friendly, knowledgeable and trustworthy in my experience. I'll definitely be back in the future when my cat needs a vet. Dr D is super personable and smart.

Best place to take your furry family in San Diego. They don't try and scam you and they're very friendly and knowledgeable.

At a time when our cat was very ill, the staff got her in within a few hours of my call. The office was operating under Covid restrictions but the staff was very helpful and kept me in touch by phone throughout the day. She had excellent care and diagnostics which determined a large cancer in her abdomen. Sadly we had to say goodbye to her but it was done with kindness and caring. Dr. Darnell has excellent rapport with the animals. I’m very glad we found Shelter Island.

I am fairly new to the area and took my cat in for some allergy issues and thought this place was great! The staff are so kind and professional, from the receptionist to the room nurse to the doctor. I absolutely loved Dr. Tassin! She was very friendly and understanding and helpful, even helped me save a little money! I ended up taking my cat to a different vet several months later that was a little closer. Although the place wasn't "bad" by any means, they just didn't have that same happy, personable feel and did that usual thing of trying to tack on things you don't even really need. I immediately decided that my cats would only go to Shelter Island with Dr. Tassin from then on. :)

Took my kitty here because I had a voucher for a free spay from the organization I adopted her from and the staff is super friendly and caring! I felt really safe leaving my kitten with them and felt that they really care about all the animals they take in. It’s a little pricey but I’d say it’s worth the service :)

Could not take puppy for emergency on a Sunday at 8am. No space - fine. Could not take puppy for emergency on a Wednesday late morning. They did not have a vet on duty. They were non responsive to request for information by insurance, despite multiple attempts over a month. Back story We got a new puppy during covid. Shelter island was recommended to us from a friend. We have been anything but satisfied with shelter island vet. My puppy got pneumonia on a Saturday morning and they could not take him. 3 days after his antibiotics ended he got it again this time at 10am in the morning we made the decision to go the vet. We called and they said we should find somewhere else to take him because they did not have a vet working. When we were there, people were nice enough. But we're really disappointed with their availability and responsiveness. We have moved vets and they are much more responsive to our needs and call for followups. Would recommend passing over this vet.

My highest recommended for veterinary clinic/ hospital. Dr. Darnell is the absolute best.

We've only been here once so far. But they were very helpful in treating the myriad of troubles our new kitten came with. They even contacted the adoption source to pay for xrays she needs to do an obvious injury sustained before adoption (we were never notified and noticed on our own). The doctor was rather upset at this fact and contacted them for us so our kitty can get the xrays and care she needs, which was definitely above and beyond. We hope to continue using them in the future if anything else arises, or just routine care.

This place is not what is used to be. It's overpriced and no one in the office knows what they're doing. I paid $82 for a senior exam for my ShihTzu that consisted of checking her eyes and taking her temperature. I was so disappointed and will never go back.

This vet and her staff are very caring and ALWAYS go above and beyond for our pets. We couldn't be happier as we know our pets are safe and well cared for.

Spectacular family vet. Our whole family uses Dr. Darnell. A few years back we were 100% sure we would need to put down our beloved shih tzu. She talked us out of it and simple therapy made a huge difference. Although he did later pass for other reasons, we gained quality time with my wife's very special friend. We have had major injuries and minor checkups and the staff is always great. Very caring. I could not recommend more highly!

These doctor are literally angels. Unfortunately my dog was having seizures and my original vet wouldn’t even call me back. You can imagine the panic inside of me, wondering what was wrong and feeling as though no one would help me. On a whim I googled “vet near me” and it ended up being the biggest blessing. I first saw Dr Darnell and I can’t tell you enough how appreciative I was of her compassion and empathy for my situation. She spent so much time with me explaining the possibilities and customizing a medication protocol for my dog Jack. The second time I came in a few days later I had the other vet who went above and beyond to help me figure this out. My nightmares had come true and I knew I was losing him. She was honest with me about every outcome and encouraged me not to lose hope just yet. They followed up with emails of concern and couldn’t have been more knowledgeable as a whole.

Kind and caring assistant’s helped with check in, very easy. Took our new puppy in for his first check up. The Vet took her time going through his results as well as discussing proper care and training. Great experience!

They took good care of Biskee's ear problem.

I am so thankful for Dr. Darnell. She is THE BEST. I had previously mentioned to two vets that I believe my cat had serious teeth issues. Both other vets did an oral exam, saw nothing visibly wrong and told me she just needed her teeth cleaned. Dr. Darnell actually listened to my concerns, did x-rays and found major internal cavities that were inside her teeth (not visible when doing a regular exam) that could eventually lead to bone infection and massive bone loss. Turns out my baby also suffers from severe juvenile periodontitis. I am beyond thankful to Dr. Darnell for being such an incredible vet and wonderful person. I would not take my fur babies anywhere else. So, if you're looking for a vet who is talented at what she does, and is passionate about genuinely caring for our fur babies, go see Dr. Darnell of Shelter Island Vet Hospital. You will be very glad you did.

Barbara, the veterinarian, is very professional and knowledgeable on cats with the disease FIP. I felt at ease after the care she gave my daughter-n-law’s cat, Ivy!

Love this vet. Always know what my Frenchie needs and they are all so nice.

Great place, friendly staff. Love cats and dogs.

Excellent service, always full of happy pets and happy people. Quick and efficient scheduling, reasonable prices, especially considering the quality of service and care. Leonidas loves the catnip and fresh water machine! I love the coffee and happy faces!

They killed my pet! I only wish I could give a negative rating!

The people were nice but it's a VCA clinic beware.....

Great staff. Very professional and kind. The doctor seen my dog within 10 minutes of being there. She was gentle and she listened. The price was the best I've experienced in San Diego. I highly recommend.

Thoughtful and helpful people that care about our furry loved ones.

Took my little dog there for regular check up and dental work. Did not realize how expensive that would be but can not complain. Doctor and staff exceptionally caring and kind. They called a number of times while she was recovering. Great experience overall and would recommend without hesitation.