Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Veterinary Care in San Diego
Turquoise Animal Hospital has served San Diego for over 50 years, maintaining its status as a 50-year member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Our experienced team provides comprehensive veterinary care, including specialized services for exotics and pocket pets, emergency treatments, and advanced therapies like laser therapy and acupuncture. We serve Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach, and surrounding communities, combining cutting-edge medicine with compassionate service.Our facility offers boarding, wellness care, and surgical services, prioritizing the human-animal bond through personalized attention and open communication. With four veterinarians, including a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, we deliver tailored care across dermatology, exotics, surgery, and internal medicine.
Services
Laser Therapy
Acupuncture
Boarding
Emergency Care
Exotics Treatment
Pocket Pet Care
Surgery
Wellness Care
Ultrasound
Dentistry
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years serving San Diego with AAHA-accredited care.
- Specialized treatment for exotics, pocket pets, and emergencies.
- Offer free puppy training sessions with vaccinated pets.
- Veterinarians include a Diplomate in canine/feline medicine.
- Non-invasive therapies like laser treatment and acupuncture available.
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What people say
Fantastic care
Loving angels
Best veterinary team
Personalized medicine bag
Amazing staff
Services
Laser Therapy
Non-invasive treatment using light energy to reduce pain and accelerate healing. Effective for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and skin conditions. Sessions last 3-8 minutes, with pets showing relaxation and improved mobility. Combines with Western medicine for optimal outcomes.
Acupuncture
Ancient Chinese therapy stimulating acupoints to alleviate pain and improve circulation. Treats chronic conditions like kidney disease and allergies. Offers dry needling, aquapuncture, and electroacupuncture tailored to pet needs. Delivered by certified practitioners with specialized training.
Emergency Care
Critical care for pets experiencing trauma, poisoning, or acute illness. Staffed with experienced teams for immediate diagnostics and stabilization. Offers surgical interventions and 24/7 availability. Requires advance notice for critical cases to ensure preparedness.
Exotics Treatment
Specialized veterinary services for non-traditional pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Technicians trained in unique physiological needs of exotic animals. Provides routine checkups and emergency treatment. Maintains expertise through ongoing education in exotic species care.
Boarding
Secure, clean facilities for dogs and cats when owners travel. Includes customized feeding schedules and enrichment activities. Allows private tours for client confidence. Staff trained to administer medications and monitor health during stays.
People
Dr. Melissa Reed
Veterinarian
Graduated from University of West Indies in 2011 with exotic animal externships. Specializes in geriatrics, exotics, and alternative therapies. Member of AVMA with 12 years clinical experience.
Dr. Mauricio Guayasamin
Veterinarian
17-year San Diego resident with veterinary degree from Western University. Completed small animal internship. Special interests in internal medicine and exotic care since 2008 graduation.
Corina
Registered Veterinary Technician
Native San Diegan with biology degree from University of Puget Sound. 10+ years experience as RVT. Specializes in canine and feline care. Certified in Fear Free handling techniques.
Cassidy
Fear Free Certified RVT
San Diego native with 10 years veterinary experience. Completed formal RVT training post-high school. Expertise in low-stress pet handling. Enthusiastic about camping and animal behavior.
Sam
Registered Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in San Diego. Completed VA program at Pima in 2019, became RVT in 2022. Specializes in surgical assistance and client education. Passionate about bulldog breed care.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
We provide 24/7 critical care with surgical capabilities. Call ahead to prepare for urgent cases including trauma, poisoning, and acute illness.
Do you treat exotic pets?
Yes, we care for birds, reptiles, hamsters, guinea pigs, and other exotic animals with specialized examination and treatment protocols.
What boarding amenities are available?
Secure facilities with customized feeding, medication administration, and enrichment activities. Private tours available to view our clean, professional kenneling environments.
What advanced treatment options exist?
We offer laser therapy, acupuncture, stem cell therapy, and ultrasound diagnostics for pain management and chronic condition treatment.
How do appointment schedules work?
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm. Appointments required - new clients complete forms online before first visit.
What veterinary specialties are available?
Our doctors provide dermatology, internal medicine, surgery, and exotic animal expertise. Board-certified specialists available in canine/feline medicine.