PET OWNERS

Since 1990, we have been the preeminent, world-class veterinary specialty center in the San Diego area, with top specialists providing exceptional service and care using state-of-the-art technology.

Appointments

Patients are normally referred to Veterinary Specialty Hospital by their family veterinarian. Typically, your family veterinarian will send VSH a referral form. The form will describe your pet’s problem and identify the appropriate specialty department to see your pet.

To schedule your appointment for your initial visit, call 858-875-7500. If you have questions about your appointment only, you can also contact us here. If you have any concerns regarding your pet, please contact us directly.

What to Expect When Your Pet Is A Patient

Prior to your initial visit, we recommend that you download and complete the Client Registration Form. Please bring it to your appointment.

On the day of your initial visit:

Be sure to bring all relevant information including the Client Registration Form, the Referral Form filled out by your veterinarian, x-rays, blood test results, and diet or medication information that your pet is taking.
Please arrive 20 minutes early to complete information for your pet medical record.
Please have your pet controlled on a leash or in a carrier.
In cases of surgery or major procedures, and as directed, please do not feed your pet for 12 hours prior to your appointment (except for very young animals, animals with diabetes, or when directed otherwise). However, you may give water.
Continue your pet’s normal medication schedule and bring all medications with you.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give us a 24-hour notice. We will be happy to reschedule.

After you check in with the receptionist, the doctor and technician will meet with you and your pet to perform a physical exam, obtain a complete medical history, and evaluate your pet’s condition. The doctor may also perform additional examinations or diagnostics in one of our diagnostic areas.

At this point, our team will put together an assessment of your pet’s treatment options, plans, and costs. The doctor and technicians will discuss this assessment with you, and together you will agree to a treatment plan for your pet.

Cost Estimates

When you set your appointment, you will receive an explanation of initial exam fees. The need for additional testing and treatments may not be known prior to the examination, so it may not be possible to estimate all of the costs in advance. Once the doctor examines your pet, you will receive an assessment of your pet’s treatment options, plans, and estimated cost.

Payment Policy

Payment is required at the time services are provided. Cash, check, debit card, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, and Discover Card are accepted forms of payment. Care Credit and Wells Fargo Health Advantage are other payment options.

A deposit in the amount of the minimum treatment plan will be required if your pet is staying at the hospital for evaluation or treatment. Also, a deposit may be required before performing additional tests or treatments.

Online Food Ordering

Our online food ordering program makes it simple to have your dog or cat’s food shipped directly to your home. There are multiple canned, dry, novelty, and specialty foods available from numerous companies. Click here to get started.

Order Vetsource Online Here

Order Purina Online Here

Prescription Refills

Our prescription refill process makes it easy for you to get your pet’s medicine. We refill prescriptions 7 days a week, Monday-Sunday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Requests may be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Requests made outside of our pharmacy hours will be reviewed the next business day. Please allow 2 business days for refill processing. Click here to proceed.

Order Prescriptions Here

FIGO Pet Insurance

We know first-hand how heartbreaking it can be for pet parents unable to afford the emergency or specialty treatment their pet needs. That is why we believe passionately in pet insurance. For a small monthly premium, you can enjoy the peace of mind that you will always be able to afford the best medical care for your pet.

Why VSH chose Figo
As both an insurance and technology company, Figo combines easy and affordable pet health insurance with cloud-based technology to make life easier for pets and their families. After a thorough review of all the available pet insurance providers, we chose Figo because of how thoughtfully they designed both their insurance policies and their technology to meet the needs of the modern pet parent.

When your pet gets sick or injured, Figo’s pet insurance allows you to receive treatment at any veterinary practice, emergency hospital or specialist in the United States or Canada. Figo’s plans can be easily customized to provide up to 100% reimbursement of your pet’s unexpected medical bills.

For more information click here: Figo Pet Insurance

Dog and Cat Blood Donations

Each year, thousands of pets’ lives are saved through blood transfusions. At VSH, blood component therapy is commonly-used for traumatic injuries, parasitic and immune-related disease, for surgical procedures, and many other life-threatening problems. As our patient load grows, our need for quality blood products grows as well.

How You and Your Pet Can Help
Our Blood Donor Program collects dog and cat blood donations from healthy pets. If you are interested in participating in this life-saving program and your pet meets the requirements, we will set up a screening appointment during which your cat or dog will be given a physical exam by one of our critical care specialists. A small amount of blood will be drawn by our Blood Donor Program staff for laboratory screening and typing.

Donor Requirements*

Dogs

Overall good health
1-7 years of age
Over 55 lbs
Current on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

Cats

Overall good health
1-7 years of age
Indoor only
Over 10lbs
Current on monthly flea prevention

*All pets must have an overall good temperament and be current on all vaccinations.

Donor Responsibilities
Every 6-8 weeks (or as needed) your pet will be called upon to donate blood. Please bring your pet in within 1-2 days of the call as we are generally in immediate need of blood.

Donor Compensation
Donors will be compensated at the time of each donation and will receive:

An initial examination with a critical care specialist along with screening lab work
Examinations prior to each donation and yearly complimentary bloodwork

For more information, please contact Shannon Fagerlund 858-875-7500, or contact us by email.
Our blood donor program is a member of the following associations:
International Association of Veterinary Blood Banks
Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine

Thank you to Bayer and Zoetis for their program support.