Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted San Diego Veterinarian for Exotic and Small Animals
Pet Hospital of Penasquitos is a full-service small animal veterinary hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care for animals of all species. Our team of experienced veterinarians and staff share a deep passion for dogs, cats, exotic pets, and pocket pets, combining expertise with compassionate treatment. As an AAHA-accredited facility, we adhere to the highest standards in veterinary medicine, undergoing rigorous evaluations to ensure excellence in care, safety, and facility operations. Our services span preventive care, advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, and specialized treatment for exotic species, including reptiles, amphibians, and avians. Located in the heart of Rancho Penasquitos, we prioritize building enduring relationships with pets and their owners, offering tailored solutions for every life stage. With decades of combined experience, our team holds certifications in exotic animal care, acupuncture, and emergency medicine, reflecting our commitment to continuous learning and innovation.We utilize cutting-edge technology for diagnostics, pain management, and surgical precision while maintaining a welcoming environment that prioritizes animal comfort. For complex cases, we collaborate with specialists and maintain strict sterilization protocols to ensure optimal outcomes. Our AAHA accreditation demonstrates our voluntary commitment to exceeding industry benchmarks, and we actively mentor future veterinary professionals through educational programs. By focusing on preventive medicine, client education, and transparent communication, we strive to deliver care that aligns with each pet's unique needs while maintaining the trust of our San Diego community.
Services
Exotic Pet Boarding
Euthanasia Services
Dental Care
Preventive Medicine
Nutritional Counseling
Highlights and features
- Our team includes certified reptile and amphibian specialists with decades of experience
- AAHA accreditation ensures we maintain the highest standards in veterinary care
- We utilize advanced anesthesia monitoring and surgical techniques for safety
- Specialized care for exotic pets including reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species
- Comprehensive preventive and emergency care programs tailored to each species
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What people say
Specialized reptile care
Compassionate euthanasia service
Knowledgeable exotic specialists
Excellent animal handling
Professional veterinary team
Services
Exotic Pet Boarding
Our temperature-controlled boarding facility provides specialized care for reptiles and amphibians. Daily monitoring includes feeding, weighing, and habitat maintenance with UVB lighting and under-tank heating. Technicians provide individualized attention while maintaining strict husbandry standards to ensure your exotic pet's comfort and well-being during your absence.
Euthanasia Services
We offer compassionate in-office euthanasia services with pre-appointment counseling and sedation options. Our AAHA-accredited facility ensures proper authorization processes while providing private spaces for farewell moments. We partner with West Coast Memorial for cremation services and offer grief support resources to help pet owners through the loss of their companion animals.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include cleaning, extractions, and X-rays using safe anesthetic protocols. Our team educates clients about periodontal disease risks while utilizing modern scaling equipment and polishing techniques. We emphasize anesthesia-based procedures to ensure thorough subgingival cleaning that prevents systemic infections affecting vital organs in pets.
Preventive Medicine
Our preventive programs feature customized vaccination schedules, parasite control, and early disease detection through regular checkups. We provide tailored nutrition plans using Royal Canin products and offer behavioral counseling to address specific species needs. This approach helps maintain optimal health across all life stages for both common and exotic pets through evidence-based veterinary practices.
Nutritional Counseling
Expert guidance on species-specific dietary requirements includes meal planning for reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. We utilize prescription diets and supplements while educating owners about proper feeding techniques. Our counseling addresses common nutritional deficiencies and provides practical solutions for maintaining optimal body condition in exotic and domestic animal species.
People
Dr. Boyer
Reptile and Amphibian Specialist
Certified reptile and amphibian specialist with extensive experience in exotic animal medicine. Recognized as the only specialist of his kind in Southern California, he combines clinical expertise with compassionate care for scaled and amphibious patients.
Dr. Wilson
Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Specializes in marine life and aquatic species with an internship in exotic animal and emergency medicine. Pursuing advanced certification in exotics while offering expertise in alternative therapies like acupuncture for exotic pets.
Dr. Bitter
Veterinarian
Passionate about exotic species care with a focus on gentle, fear-free treatment of reptiles, birds, and feline companions. Provides comprehensive medical attention while maintaining a calm, stress-reducing environment for all patients.
Liz
Certified Veterinary Assistant
CVA-certified team member with over 20 years of experience at the hospital. Balances technical expertise with client education while caring for her personal reptile collection, including a leopard tortoise and bearded dragon.
Alonso
Registered Veterinary Technician
Recent graduate dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine. Combines general practice experience with aspirations for veterinary school while providing technical support for exotic pet cases and community animal welfare initiatives.
Questions
What exotic pet services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive veterinary care for reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and small mammals including diagnostics, surgery, and boarding specifically for reptiles and amphibians.
Are your veterinary services AAHA accredited?
Yes, we maintain American Animal Hospital Association accreditation, meeting over 900 standards for veterinary excellence in care, safety, and facility operations.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
We accept walk-in emergencies during operating hours with an emergency exam fee, though we don't provide 24/7 emergency services or after-hours care.
What payment options are available?
We accept cash, debit, major credit cards, and CareCredit financing but do not offer direct billing or payment plans for veterinary services.
Can you perform dental procedures on exotic pets?
Yes, we provide dental cleanings and treatments under anesthesia using proper monitoring equipment, following AAHA guidelines for safe and effective oral care in exotic species.
Do you offer boarding services?
We specialize in reptile and amphibian boarding only, with prior health exams required. We don't provide boarding facilities for dogs, cats, or birds.
