Colina Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Guajardo and staff are excellent and prices are very good. Dr. Guajardo recently removed a grapefruit sized tumor from my 14 yr old Golden’s chest successfully and I can’t thank him enough!!! Best kept secret in San Diego!

Brought my Great Dane in at 8 in the morning for a UTI but I didn’t have an appointment and I had never been to this office before. They worked with me to get my dog in and checked out very quickly even though they could have sent me somewhere else. They didn’t try to give me anything my dog didn’t need, just the meds to clear her infection up! Will definitely be returning here for all my pets medical needs.

First time here with my cat. The front desk folks were very kind and efficient. We had a vet named Sara. She was very nice and did not pressure us into any services we weren’t ready to do. We will come back here for any other needed services. Our cat usually cannot function at vets, he pees himself and goes into a crying shock. But the vet managed to put Todd (our cat) at ease. He was scared, but was much better than at our last vet. That was a huge win. Plus the waiting room, did not smell!

Colina Veterinary Hospital is not your best option for animal care. The building is rundown and the interior feels like a Siberian gulag prison. The staff are friendly but don’t seem very well trained. We usually only get to see Dr. Jesus occasionally as he delegates most work to them. We were getting meds refilled for our dog recently and they cut her dose in half without telling us and charged us the same. As if we wouldn’t notice or they weren’t paying attention… not sure which. We’re looking around for a new option.

I hate finding a trustworthy vet who knows their stuff. Took my dogs here a couple times over the last five years. The doc has correctly diagnosed my dog’s condition every time. Even one time I thought something else was wrong, he got it right. I will continue to bring my pack to Colina.

It is really a excellent vent for animals. I have one cat that do regular check in here every month. The doctors are nice and kind. The most important thing is cheap. I think here is cheaper than emergency with same quality test. And for the appointment, normally easy but it is better to do it before serval days. Really recommend. Best vent ever!

I needed to get my dog’s teeth worked on, not to mention her super stinky breath, I called many clinics that claimed they were having a special on teeth cleaning with extractions. The amounts ranged from $ 800-​$ 1,400 for a small dog. I read some reviews of the Colina Vet hospital and they were by far the best price and their care was great. I highly recommend this clinic. There will never be a clinic or hospital that will not have a few matters of sad outcomes. So over all having been to many different clinics and various experiences, I am glad there is one out there that does not take monetary advantage of pet owners and is highly professional.

I’m so happy I found this place for my dog, Ren. The Vet could not have been nicer and explained everything that is going on with my little fur baby. I feel very comfortable coming here and glad that they also take Pet Assure, which means I get an even better price on their already low prices.

It’s a small office and they’re open pretty late. I can get my dog in and out with little wait time. They’re friendly, clean, and affordable!

I had suffered enough outrage from our previous overcharging, item pumping vet, and looked for a new place. Glad to have found these folks. Dr Guajardo was very gentle and pleasant, no simpering or pushiness as before. Dog needed 3 teeth pulled with anesthetic, and the price was rational and moderate. Care was great. Dog’s fine. This is our new veterinarian. Thanks.

I brought in my cat for a UTI. I didn’t have a long wait even though there were other clients before me. The Dr was direct and to the point. He did the exam, was kind and courteous to us and to «Peanut» (my cat). He prescribed the meds he needed and the tech was clear as she explained how to dose the meds. I had been afraid that I would be told my cat needed lab work and other stuff that other vets sometimes try to push on you. The cost is very reasonable for both the consultation and for the medications. I am happy, my cat is now back to normal and I will be returning to Colina vet hospital for all my other pets medical concerns. I recommend this clinic and Dr. Guajardo.

For customer service at the front desk and all around experience I give 1 star and that is still too much. Very cold, curt and unwelcoming. Upon scheduling our first appointment with Fernando, we were told appointments for first time visits are forty dollars. The girls at the front desk very coldly said no and their policy is forty dollars before 7pm and fifty there after. I am not sure why Fernando didn’t correct himself after our appointment was made and why the verbal agreement was not honoured. Sadly that wasn’t the last time they didn’t communicate effectively. When convinced to purchase the kitten package for both my kittens Logan and Starbuck they said everything was included and mentioned neutering. I thought that deal was too good to be true and it was. I scheduled the neutering appointment for both kittens at the office, received three confirmation calls for their appointment and checked them in the day of their appointment. Did they once mention (in those 5 opportunities that prrsented themselves) the procedure was $ 70 dollars? No, they did not. I’ve worked in the medical industry and anytime a Co pay for services or goods is required you inform the patient of said cost. You can imagine my disappointment when I was told the bill was $ 140 and I was lucky there weren’t any complications. On top of that, they didn’t provide a cone at no cost. You could purchase one however for an extra $ 30. I expressed my frustration with the girl at the front desk all she said was sorry. Handed me the paper with services offered with kitten package and put her hand out waiting for my card. Didn’t ask me if there was something she could do to help or speak to vet. This office does not care about animals and seems more interested in taking advantage of lovings owners that would do anything for their furry loved ones. They are rude, inconsiderate, uncompassionate and thieves taking advantage of owners. Shame on you Colina. Reading other reviews comforts yet infuriates me that I am not the only one you’ve manipulated for money. I will be advising the rest of my Hernandez family that have been going to you for services for years and will no longer send new patients your way. You deserve to be shut down. SHAME ON YOU.

Very friendly, very clean and give military discount! I highly recommend them for any dog treatment :-) nice place with plenty of parking space

So I moved to SD last year and needed a vet for my Yorkie zuzu. This place wasn’t far from my house so, I thought it was a win win situation. She was brought here for a few issues, a dog attack, and a doggie hysterectomy. No issues or complications. Then in December of last year seemingly out of nowhere, she wouldn’t eat, or do much of anything. Naturally I took her to the vet. They kept her for a few days (175 a night) and put her on an IV. The dr would not release her until she ate solid food. I brought her in on a Monday, they kept her till Wednesday and stated that her test showed nothing abnormal or alarming. The following Monday my Yorkie passed away… I called the dr to see exactly what they test stated, and all he gave me was that she was a bit dehydrated. So you mean to tell me a dog with a clean bill of health a few months prior, just dies out of nowhere and the test revealed nothing? I feel like they took my money and did nothing to help my pet. The service I received prior to this was decent, the reception staff was always awesome, the dr. always struck me as shady though… Just beware…

I will never take may dogs anywhere else, the staff is wonderful and the vet is amazing. They are so very helpful and very polite they are so sweet to my dogs. This a vet that you keep bringing all your animals too, you know that they receive the best and honest care here

I really don’t care how fancy a place is, as long as they treat animals with love and respect and provide quality care at a price normal people can pay. That is what you get here. I brought my cat in with a puncture wound in his paw, which required draining, antibiotics and suturing. He is now perfectly healed. I am grateful for the care he received at Colina. And something else to note: They don’t keep you waiting forever. If you have an appointment, you can expect to be seen promptly, which was a huge relief, especially since I had to bring my cat back in for several follow up visits to change bandages, etc.

I want to thank Dr. Guajardo personally. He took care of our dog Cooper for several years prior to his recent passing. Dr Guajardo, upon discovering our dog’s serious illness, gave us the hard news that our dog Cooper had multiple tumors, was inoperative, and should be put down asap as to avoid his unnecessary suffering. This sent my ex-​girlfriend who co-​parented our dog in to a hysterical crying episode, running out of the office with the sick dog. So being a veterinarian isn’t all about making easy money! On that note there are some vets out there that would have offered very expensive treatment options but Dr Guajardo isn’t that kind of person, he delivered the bad news and recommended the natural course of life and death play out. We had several positive experiences with this vet office over the years, they do a good job and the prices always seem reasonable for the professional services provided. I would definitely recommend this office, and specifically Dr Guajardo, especially to people living anywhere near College Area.

We have been taking our miniature schnauzer here since we got him and cant say anything bad about the vet. He is a super nice guy named Jesus and has had to operate on my pup twice and both times my dog has made a full recovery and cant even see a scar. Thwy have extended hours and making appointments is painless. They accept United Pet Care insurance — one of the few in San Diego that do. The place could use some updating but the prices are low and the place is clean which is much more important than modern amenities.

When my husband and I adopted our nearly 3 year old Schnauzer a few years ago we brought him here because it was the only vet in the pet insurance network I had through my employer. I was a little hesitant about the neighborhood when we went in for his initial check up but the dr seemed knowledgeable and friendly, and the prices (even without our «insurance» discount) were great so we stuck it out.
Our little boy has had 2 surgeries here to remove fatty masses over the last few years and has been in a few other times thanks to a major case of stress tummy. We also bring him here for his vaccines and flea medication.
The surgeries have all gone great and the incisions are invisible now. Each time we’ve been in to diagnose a problem I’ve neither felt patronized or taken advantage of. He’s been honest and kind each time.
My only issues are that despite the fact that they have a note on our chart about our discount we have to remind them every time, and I really hate paying for the heartworm test each year to renew the prescription for his flea medication. The medication is pretty pricey to begin with so it almost doubles the cost.
We don’t live close by, and the neighborhood is rather sketchy, but he’s received great care here and we will continue to bring him to Colina for a long time to come.

I’ve been taking my pets (cats) to Colina Veterinary Clinic since 1998 and have not had one complaint, suggestion to improve anything there. The Veterinary doctor and his employees are compassionate and skilled and try to accommodate within your budget. Please give them a try if you need good care for your pets!

After adopting a five year old cat we took him to Bodhi because they offered free checkups for adopted cats and it was nearby. Sadly we learned our $ 11 cat needed 1 – 2 teeth extracted. Bodhi gave us an estimate… anywhere between $ 500‑1500! I thought that range was unacceptable so took him to colinas based off of a friends referral. Like everyone says, no frills at this place but they get the job done well. The vet gave us as estimate of $ 540 – 560 but we actually paid less than $ 500 after the procedure. Our kitty is doing well and had no complications. We will definitely be returning! I wish all vets could be no nonsense and treat their clients as caring people doing what’s best for their animals, rather than trying to milk us for every penny.

I would NOT recommend in an emergency situation … our dog was having difficulty breathing, panting, and had a fever … they made no effort to help us. They gave priority to people picking up their animals or those with appointments. We had to finally leave and find an emergency hospital on our own. I didn’t appreciate the nurses saying «good luck» sarcastically when we were leaving because they would not help us. They are obviously in it for the $$$ and not to help animals suffering.

Doctor is amazing! It’s to the point and prices are THOUSANDS less than a boutique vet.

Dr. Guajardo is informative and empathetic. It feels like the way vet offices used to be: warm, simple and reasonable. Every case is different, but it seems like dogs and cats are equally welcome. Forget about bells and whistles. They keep it simple here, hence the 5 stars. Last and not least, the staff is welcoming and the service is prompt.

Well, this place is about as no frills and no nonsense as you can get. No two page quotes with line items you don’t need no b.s. play on your emotions as most vet places try to angle by offering ‘premium comfort package’ for your pooch. The admin staff gets the job done, but don’t expect them to oogle after your pet and tell you that is the cutest _​dog they have ever seen.
I thought car dealerships were bad with the upselling and B.S., Veterinary Hospitals are a very close second. People, shop around. The cost of veterinary care is ridiculously high and varies quite a bit.
So this brings me to Colina. Again, not in the best part of town nor do they serve you lattes and tell you how cute your dog is, but what they have is a quality veterinarian.
I saved over 50% compared to the other quotes I received and my dog was in great hands.
Dr Guajardo is professional and as informative as any other vet I have consulted with in the past. The main difference is that his prices are very reasonable. Matter of fact, its a lot lower than most because he doesn’t add all the b.s. charges that other vets do and not because of a lower quality of care.
I highly recommend this place and Dr G, I will bring my dogs here from now on.
Thank You, Colina.

I am so happy I discovered Colina! I have two schnauzers — one with horrible genes that results in bad teeth and allergies. The other is pretty hearty, but she is the troublemaker of the two. Even when I’m prepared for it, I always dread the big bill that comes with good vet care…
Not anymore! I had both dog’s teeth cleaned for way, WAY less than I paid anywhere up in North County. In fact, their starting price is less than half that of other quotes I received.
Of course, this does make me pause — you get what you pay for, right? After reading the bad reviews here, I admit, I was nervous — especially since teeth cleaning requires anesthesia and that can be risky. But they both came out with beautiful pearly whites and as happy as they can be. What more could I ask for?
Oh yeah, good service! And they give that too — no frills, no pushing to sell you things. The vet pointed out a couple of things and was great about explaining what was needed and why.
PS — Don’t come here expecting to be coddled — the staff at the front desk can be a bit curt, so if you’re easily offended by this, this isn’t the place for you.

I’ve been meaning to write this review when I first moved to SD a couple of years ago! I was looking for a vet for sometime and Dr. Guajardo was recommended to me and I also Unilocaled him and there was nothing but positive and nice things said about him!
I have a pug and he seems to be at the vet all the time with skin allergies, ear infections, tummy aches, and a tumor. My dog has been one of the most expensive asset I have.
I love coming to Colina Vet Hospital because their office visit prices are reasonable and Dr. Guajardo doesn’t try to sell you things your pet doesn’t need. He’s one of the most genuine Doctors I’ve worked with. Always looking out for the best interest of his patients! I appreciate that greatly!
Prices are great and the staff is so kind!

I took both my dogs here. They’re both long haired chihuahuas. One is a male and the other a female. We brought the male dog in for neutering in the morning and were able to pick him up in the late afternoon. I took the female in because she was itching like crazy. They gave her medication that is supposed help with the allergies and fleas. They were informative and kind. It didn’t take too long to get my dogs checked up and ready to go home. They gave me options with what I wanted for my dogs unlike a previous vet who automatically slammed a bunch of useless stuff into my bill. From that experience to this, I can say it is a lot better. The previous vet wanted to charge us for over $ 500 for a visit (I was able to narrow the bill down to $ 150). The staff here didn’t try to overcharge us or add any hidden fees so I was happy. I liked that I wasn’t pressured to get extra services done for my dogs. The reason I docked off one star was because my mom took in my female dog earlier and the doctor wanted to give her meds. My mom wasn’t sure and asked if she could talk to me about it and he told her to come see him in the afternoon once she has made a decision. When we came back, the girl at the front desk told us we had to make an appointment. She kept urging us to make an appointment and we couldn’t see the vet. After insisting her to ask the vet, she finally had to cave. It was annoying but she was decent about it. Luckily the other lady working took care of us and got what we needed.
UPDATE 4÷14÷14 — 2:37pm
I’m tempted to give this place 3 stars because the lady on the phone is rude. However, I remain leaving this at 4 stars simply because the vet himself is just fine. But seriously, how do you expect to keep a client if you’re going act like a b-​word over the phone? I hope they fix up the staffs’ manners at the front desk because ²⁄₃ I’ve spoken to sucked.

This is a must for pet owners!
I was looking for a reasonable veterinary in the area because too many are overpriced! This was exactly what I was looking for. Not only could I get an appointment when I needed one (on the weekends or evenings), but they were able to address all of my pet needs at a decent price.
My first visit was with two puppies who received their shots, microchip and airline certification to travel for less than $ 200. For both! The second visit was with their mom who was spayed and her mom who needed arthritis medication. Both received flea and tick treatment and heartworm testing. Although it was expensive to pay for everything, I know it would have cost nearly twice as much anywhere else.

I have to thank Dr Guajardo for his common sense and practicality! That’s something that only comes with years and years of experience. In my first 30 seconds with him, I had more faith in his judgement and knowledge than all the dozen or so doctors we’ve seen at the Mission Valley and La Mesa VCAs combined! (not to mention our old vet clinic!) He actually phoned me personally on my cell to report lab reults on my dog! I wish I could get my own primary care MD to do that! I will never take my dog anywhere else. Dr. Guajardo has been at that clinic for 20 years, 6 days a week from 8 AM to 8PM. That is DEDICATION. Rare, professor, very rare, indeed.
If you love your dog as much as you love your children, then bring them here to Dr Guajardo, may he live forever.