Business Details
Emergency
services
Exotic Pet Veterinarians in San Diego
Pet Hospital of Penasquitos is a full-service small animal veterinary hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets of all species. Our team of experienced veterinarians, including specialists in reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals, is committed to delivering compassionate, expert-driven medical attention. As an AAHA-accredited facility, we adhere to the highest standards in veterinary care, ensuring rigorous compliance with over 900 excellence benchmarks. Our services span preventive care, advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, and emergency treatment, tailored to meet the unique needs of dogs, cats, and exotic pets. We prioritize client education, preventative medicine, and personalized treatment plans to support pets at every life stage.Located in Rancho Penasquitos, we serve San Diego with convenient access and a focus on community-driven care. Our teaching hospital environment fosters ongoing education for future veterinary professionals while maintaining a commitment to innovation, safety, and ethical practices. With specialized expertise in marine life, avian care, and small mammals, we provide referrals to board-certified specialists when advanced care is required. Our state-of-the-art facilities include advanced diagnostic tools, modern surgical suites, and comprehensive pharmacy services to ensure holistic care under one roof.
Services
Reptile Boarding
Euthanasia Services
Dental Care
Emergency Treatment
Nutritional Counseling
Cold Laser Therapy
Microchipping
Flea Control Programs
Behavioral Counseling
Radiology Services
Highlights and features
- We are AAHA-accredited, meeting over 900 standards of veterinary excellence.
- Our team includes certified reptile, amphibian, and marine life specialists.
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care for exotic pets during office hours.
- Our hospital provides advanced diagnostics and surgical services on-site.
- We specialize in fear-free handling techniques for stressed or anxious animals.
Associations and certifications
- AAHA
Services
Reptile and Amphibian Boarding
Our specialized boarding services cater to reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic pets requiring secure, species-specific environments. We maintain precise temperature, humidity, and lighting controls to ensure comfort. Clients receive detailed care instructions and health monitoring during their pet's stay.
Emergency Veterinary Treatment
We provide emergency care for exotic pets during operating hours with dedicated exam rooms and rapid diagnostic capabilities. Our team handles critical cases including trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses. Emergency visits include priority triage and immediate stabilization procedures.
Cold Laser Therapy
This non-invasive treatment reduces inflammation and promotes healing for pets with arthritis, injuries, or post-surgical conditions. We use Class IV laser technology to target affected tissues without anesthesia. Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes with noticeable improvement in mobility and comfort.
Nutritional Counseling
Our veterinarians create customized diet plans based on species-specific requirements and health conditions. We offer food trials with Royal Canin prescription diets and educate owners on proper supplementation. Services include body condition assessments and feeding schedule optimization.
Radiology Services
On-site digital X-ray capabilities enable rapid diagnosis of internal conditions. We perform thoracic, abdominal, and musculoskeletal imaging with sedation when necessary. For advanced cases, we coordinate referrals for MRI, CT, and ultrasound procedures at specialized facilities.
People
Dr. Boyer
Reptile and Amphibian Specialist
Dr. Boyer is the only certified reptile and amphibian specialist in Southern California. He brings decades of experience in exotic pet medicine and contributes to ongoing research in herpetology.
Dr. Wilson
Exotic Animal Specialist
Dr. Wilson specializes in marine life and aquatic species with an internship in exotic animal medicine. She is pursuing advanced certifications in exotics and acupuncture.
Dr. Bitter
Veterinarian
Dr. Bitter provides gentle care for exotic pets and cats. She is known for her fear-free handling techniques and commitment to patient comfort.
Questions
Do you treat exotic pets?
Yes, we specialize in reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and small mammals alongside traditional pets.
What are your emergency hours?
We accept emergencies during regular business hours with an additional exam fee for urgent cases.
Are your veterinarians specialized?
Our team includes certified specialists in reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animal medicine.
Do you offer payment plans?
We require full payment at the time of service but accept CareCredit financing options.
Can I board my lizard?
Yes, we provide climate-controlled boarding specifically designed for reptiles and amphibians.
What diagnostic tools do you have?
We offer digital radiology, in-house lab testing, and ECG services with specialist referrals available.
Reviews (7)
Sara K.
May 12, 2022
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Dr. Caron is an amazing vet! My guinea pig was having cardiac issues and she got us in right away. She was so great with my pig, the whole staff was! I definitely recommend this vet!
Jessie C.
Apr 13, 2022
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Such a great experience, found them because I needed a vet who would see my rabbit, and after bringing my rabbit here I knew I needed to bring my senior cat here as well. Really kind and thoughtful care!
Marie Jernigan
Feb 13, 2022
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My hamster had prolapsed cheeks and this was one of the few places that took in small animals. Dr Caron and all the staff here are very kind and caring! I was very impressed and happy to know my hammy was in good hands.
Laura Magana
Jan 24, 2022
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Took my chameleon since it was not looking good. I was told she was cold, poor thing, and i got a lot of information and instructions on what to do to get it better and what improvements i needed to make in her enclosure. I got an appointment right the next day and it was not as pricey as i was afraid to.
Sandy Burbach
Jun 20, 2021
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I honestly don't know how they could make my experience any better. They have cared for my little Yorkie since he was 3 months old. They have always been patient, sweet, and loving towards him, even sending a Birthday card each year. My little Bentley has had a lifelong complicated case, with his intestinal tract. Drs Boyer and Mendez have always been very good about explaining everything to me and following up with me on how he is progressing.
When necessary the don't hesitate to utilize specialists. For Bentley, my tiny 15yr old Yorkie they had an ultrasound specialist come in to check his intestinal tract. I truly trust their knowledgeable staff and expertise.
When necessary the don't hesitate to utilize specialists. For Bentley, my tiny 15yr old Yorkie they had an ultrasound specialist come in to check his intestinal tract. I truly trust their knowledgeable staff and expertise.
Katherine Whitaker
Jun 03, 2021
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Dr. Barton and his staff gave excellent care to our cats and our guinea pig. They were kind, honest, thorough, and fairly priced. We have moved out of state and I am struggling to find another vet that is comparable.
Mark Brems
May 27, 2021
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Our rescued bearded dragon was stressed out and had trouble breathing. We took him to these fine folks, who were able to diagnose him with pneumonia. Unfortunately, we had to leave town, and left our little guy in their care for two weeks. They took great care of him, and when we returned, he was content and chill. they left us with the remaining antibiotic injections we needed to administer, and he seems like a happy dude now. So glad these folks never made it a problem, and took such great care of us.
