El Norte Veterinary Clinic

I bought a new puppy yesterday and called this vet to check on prices. The lady who answered the phone was rude and sarcastic. This is why they will not be getting my business. It’s a shame the Dr. loses good income due to their employees.

I called this office to see what I needed to do about my dogs eye. He has pink eye in his eye and I simply wanted to know if there was medication over the counter or if I needed to bring him in. She rudely corrects my terminology, as if I am an expert on pets myself, and would not answer my actual question because she was too concerned with correcting me. When I finally had to assert myself, I got the answer I needed which was to go to the vet. I made an appointment but this receptionist was so rude, sarcastic and condescending that I am not even going there now. I made an appointment at ABC Vet who are ALWAYS amazing and friendly. Learn some people skills and understand that people are calling with concern over their pet, not to sit and argue on the phone with a rude receptionist.

Dr Sergent is awesome. Dog came in with a torn ACL. He knew right away and showed me how he came with the diagnosis. He brought in a surgeon to perform the procedure. One day; my dog came in the morning and was out later in the afternoon. Her scar healed up perfect. Was prescribed some antibiotics and stitches were taken out in 2 weeks.
6 month update* My pitbull is perfect. Doesn’t even seem she ever had surgery. Loving life!

It was a relief to find a veterinarian as helpful and friendly as Dr. Sergent. I was referred to him after my last veterinarian left me me feeling lost and still full of many questions. Dr. Sergent was patient, answered all my questions regarding my dog’s ear infection and gave me tips on how to help prevent them in the future. Not once did I feel rushed which is something I appreciate in a vet. I will definitely be back. (On a side note, my GPS did take me to the wrong El Norte vet initially, so double check that you are in fact at the location where Dr. Sergent works).

I really liked Dr. Sargent, but the staff was getting to too tedious. Last time we went there they were rude to my wife so we haven’t been back. Doc gets 5 stars, staff 1 for a 3 overall. The coffee shop next door is really good… so there is that!

I am with Lisa S on hoping this review will provide a positive change. This clinic is great or terrible depending on who you deal with. The staff here is like jekyll and hyde. I had visited them 5 times before I decided to move on. I made an appointment to have my dog’s nails trimmed and Chrissy (or Christy) was very rude and unhelpful when I was trying to work the appointment into my schedule. I believe she was the one I spoke with before who never returned my call when my dog’s medicine was ready. I had to follow up myself one week later. Not only is she not in customer service but she really shouldn’t be allowed to answer the phone. After thinking about this for a few hours, I decided to find another vet. When I called to cancel, Erica answered the phone and was as sweet and helpful as could be. It is unfortunate that this clinic loses clients due to its customer service because they are certainly not all bad there; though the bad ones are quite enough to encourage you to move on.

Dr Sergent is great, but you will have to face one very unpleasant member of his staff in order to get him. Enter at your own risk…

This is not a review that I am excited to post but I do feel that it is important to share your experiences with the hopes that maybe some positive changes may happen!
I have never been unhappy with Dr. Sergent’s ability to provide care to my pets. What I have been unhappy about is the lack of people skills that I have experienced at this clinic. It seems like the passion for pets is lacking at times. It’s like the staff is just going through the motions and not really enjoying the whole pet experience. People like me do question things and look for guidance. I don’t pretend to be a Dr. but I have had concerns that have not been met in a professional and mature manner. I have opted to switch vets. I was pleased that this clinic was prompt in forwarding our records. I will not pay to take my pets to a place that has lost the ability to understand that sometimes pets get scared and pee on the floor. I was starting to feel like my Dog was the «red headed step sister».

I’ve always talked highly about this vet because we’ve been coming here for 10 yrs. However, the last couple of appointments, I feel have been less that friendly. More so, our appointment today was terrible. NEVER COMING BACK HERE AGAIN. If you truly care about your pet, don’t come here.
We’ve been so worried about one of our cats for the past few days, my sister specifically has been so stressed out. We were really looking forward to the appointment today to get our cat treated. After walking in the door and talking to one of the front desk assistants, she rudely rushed us into the back room and told us that we were late because our appointment was at 11:00. We thought our appointment was at 11:45. We told them this and apologized but it didn’t matter, it felt like they were trying to rush us out. Also 11:45 is an ODD TIME, so how would we misunderstand the time. I feel like they quoted us the wrong time. Even if it’s our misunderstanding, why treat us so rudely about it. They kept telling us that they were about to close up so it would be a quick appointment.
Same thing with the vet. I met him years ago and loved him because he was so friendly. This time, he just told us that because he was on his way out, he wouldn’t be able to do much today, and that we should take the cat to the Emergency clinic (also crazy expensive). I’m upset because I know we were quote the wrong time, how would we make up a 11:45 time. And because of this, they had to treat us rudely and not treat our beloved cat. Even more frustrating, although they said they were on their way out, they had more people waiting in the waiting room.
I hope they would show more compassion. My sister was crying at the end of the appointment. It has been so frustrating because we used to love this place. The assistant, older woman with blonde/​light brown hair was just rude. The other young one with dark hair, was a little more compassionate, and I thank her for listening to our concerns and putting up with my complaint at the end of the visit.
However, this visit truly made us feel defeated and very disappointed. After 10 years of being regulars, we will NEVER come back.

One year ago I discovered two lumps on my Miniature Schnauzer abdomen. I was shocked when I found these lumps on my precious dog. Our dog is a spoiled indoor Schnauzer. I had my old veterinarian examine my dog. They recommended I monitor the lumps to see if they increase in size and not to worry. Over time one of the lumps increased in size and interfered with my dog ability to run. I knew if my old veterinarian performed surgery on my dog they would charge me a ton of money. My neighbor has a Schnauzer who had a large lump on it’s back. My neighbor told me that her veterinarian named Dr. Michael Sergent, El Norte Veterinary Clinic, who performed surgery on her dog and removed the lump. My neighbor dog is happy and health today thanks to Dr. Sergent. My neighbor recommended Dr. Sergent and told me his prices are very reasonable. Dr Sergent examined my dog and told me he could remove the lumps. He gave me a written quote to perform the surgery and clean my dogs teeth during the procedure. The price he quoted was so low that it shocked me. After I gathered up my courage I had Dr Sergent perform surgery on my dog. Today my dog is alive and well thanks to Dr. Sergent. My dog runs well and has shining white teeth again. Dr Sergent is a soft spoken gentleman who deserves praise! I highly recommend Dr Sergent to anyone who is looking for a down to earth honest veterinarian who loves little creatures. Thanks again Dr Sergent for saving our beloved family pet.

Now I remember why I stopped going here a couple years ago — both older receptionist (not the young brunette) rude, act as if you are an annoyance and a bother. «Isn’t it on your paperwork, didn’t we go over it». In answer to your question no, it was the friendly brunette who went over it when we picked up our dog. And as I said, I wanted to confirm something after spending well over $ 1500. Though Dr Sargent is more than competent, his staff needs some tips from their younger counterpart who couldn’t have been more pleasant! Banning you again, and this time for good!

I found this place on Unilocal and couldn’t be happier! Dr. Craig is wonderful! My two dogs loved him! I have one dog that I found about 9 months ago under a car and I never really know how she’s going to do at the vet. She has been to two previous vets so far and I finally found the right one I can trust! Even though it was my first time there, Dr. Craig and the front desk woman (I didn’t get her name, my apologies) gave me such a great gut feeling that I went ahead and booked the surgery to have my dog spayed! It’s taken me 9 months to finally feel comfortable enough to trust a vet staff to spay my dog. That says a lot about Dr. Craig and the staff!
It’s also a very comfortable and quaint facility which I loved! Also very affordable which was a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend this place, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Thanks Dr. Craig and staff! See you in May for the Spay! ;)

I just returned home from euthanizing my old dog. Dr Sergent and his assistant were wonderful. First getting me in soon and being very kind and understanding. Their price was also much less than some others charge for a 10 minute procedure. I highly recommend them. I do a lot of rescue work and will definitely be back.

I moved to Escondido in 2004 and found this small Vet Clinic and liked everyone I met the first time I went there. Dr. Mike Sergent is wonderful with animals and so is his staff. Melony is great and has been working there since I’ve been taking my dogs there for the past 8yrs. They send you cards in the mail when your animals are due for an upcoming appt with ample time (usually a month prior) to due date.

I have tried many veterinarians in Escondido in the 34 years I have lived here. I have never had a problem with El Norte Veterinary Clinic. I have 2 very shy dogs. I have taken them here for the 4 years that I have had them. The staff has always been very patient with them and helpful to me to get them in and out. I like this place because they never do any unnecessary work.

This is a review on an awful experience with a worker. Never got to meet Dr. Sergent. She lied and said he wasn’t in.
My wife and I called ahead to see if it was a good time to get a nail trimming for our two small dogs. The man who answered said it would be fine.
When we arrived no one was at the front desk, and we waited patiently. A sign said the doctor may have been in the operating room. No biggie. We were told the time was fine so we were happy to wait.
After a couple minutes a woman came out from the back, and asked us what we needed.
«We’re here for a nail trimming.» She audibly sighed, made an annoyed expression, sat down, and said «Ok. Then you’re just going to have to wait a while» without ever looking at us.
After a 3 minute call, she just asks for a name from behind the desk.
It may be different from vet to vet, but for all the previous vets I’ve gone to they’ve asked for my dog’s name. Three vets, and the animal shelter all asked for the dog’s name first. Easier to pull the file, I suppose.
I give her my dog’s name. Doesn’t come up. She wanted my name. At this point she has become incredibly condescending, openly rude, and openly scoffing at us.
My wife and I exchanged looks. We couldn’t believe a grown woman was acting like this. She wasn’t a snotty teen, or 20-​something. She was a blonde, overweight woman in her early-​mid 50’s!
We got up and told her it was fine, and that we would be going to Shadowridge Animal Clinic.
She was rude for the entire duration of our short time there, and made noises and all but called us idiots. Well, my wife went back in and she heard this person speaking with someone in the back actually mocking us! The woman also lied to my wife when she asked to speak to the doctor. How do I know? A man answered the phone (I know there is a male doctor) and there was a sign that was up saying he was in the OR.
I’m still in shock. I had gone there before. They’re conveniently located for us. I worked with a different woman who was actually quite nice.
This woman didn’t know if we were new or returning customers. She acted even ruder after we told her we had been there before. I’m never going back there. I am going to happily go out of my way for any pet needs to the Shadowridge Animal Clinic.
I also plan on leaving notices at nearby pet-​friendly apartment complexes (at least 3) detailing this awful experience and terrible worker. I’m also going to leave business cards for Shadowridge.
I would like to stress that we did not get to meet Dr. Sergent. I’m sure he is a fine doctor. It is a shame he employs such an awful nurse/​assistant. I would never want someone like her handling, or caring for my animals, and she will never get the opportunity.

I cannot rave enough about Dr. Sergent and his staff. they are true animal lovers where your pet comes first. I would never bring my family dog to any other Vet in the county.

This guy that calls himself a vet is a joke. I came in with a sick dog, told the vet he was vomitting and just laying around. The vet was in the exam room less than 5 min. and was saying he could of swallowed something. Ok. Sir that will 50 dollars i said but he didnt do anything. The end diagnoses was I should switch him to puppy food. My dog was 14 months ok. Buy $ 75 dollars worth the food and a week later it seems he’s worse. I take him to a different vet and they say we need to get a blood test. Find out he is super sick with failing kidneys and has to be put down. I called dr mike Sargent and he had no compassion. I feel that if he had done his job right he would of said lets take a simple blood test and see what happens. I asked since I had to put my dog down and you could figure out what was wrong and another vet had to could I at least have office visit charge back. He response ABSOLUTLY NOT!!!
When I called back his records said that I declined X-​rays and blood work. That’s funny I took him to a hospital less than a week later a paid a lot more but needed to know what was wrong with our pet. THANKS FOR NOTHING DR. MIKE SERGENT.

I’ve been taking my doggies to Banfield at Petsmart for the longest time, but I didn’t like that I didn’t have the same vet every time I went in. So I decided to try a new place, and this was it and it’s awesome!
Dr. Mike Sergent is very sweet and understanding. He’s also thorough and caring. His receptionist and assistant is very nice also. When I called to set-​up the appointment she was very sweet and listened to everything I had to say.
His prices are great too! A lot cheaper than I thought that they would be. Nice place!