Balboa Pet Hospital - Lea M Del Rosso

This is NOT the same Balboa hospital I have patronized for 3 decades. As the result of a corporate buyout (Blue River) their protocol and priorities have changed for the worse. Their bottom line is their only priority. Their patients and clients are just fodder for profit and exploitation. When this "buyout" took place I was never informed of the dramatic changes in staff and procedures I had grown to rely on for years. Costs have skyrocketed and follow up care and concern are non existent.

If you look at the of the staff photo which appears on their website only Dr. Del Rosso remains. She has always been great but is now forced to adhere to new corporate procedures which, in my opinion, amount to ethical violations of veterinary care. Do your research. It a veterinary hospital falls under the Blue River umbrella, I would suggest that you keep looking.

Avoid this place for serious medical issues. Our corgi had a lump, which was misdiagnosed by Balboa Pet Hospital as something minor. We trusted their word and proceeded as if nothing was wrong. Turns out, it was something much more serious. Fatal in fact. Find a place you can actually trust to take care of your dog.

This vet is completely driven by greed and does not care at all about the well being of your pet. Not only are they the priciest vet in SF but they refused to give me a prescription for antibiotics for my 11year old cat who they have been seeing for her entire life! I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars with this vet over the course of 11 years ( Dr. Starfinder Stanley) and she had a life threatening tooth infection and he refused to see her or write a prescription for antibio tics.

He was rude and condescending and said he had been working long days and couldn't help me! This is just totally unacceptable and I only wish that that the many thousands of dollars I spent with this greedy jerk would have gone to a doctor who has a soul.

I have been taking my babies here for over a decade and have nothing but rave reviews for the Doctors and Staff. Dr Del Rosso ( aka Dr D) is an amazing amazing person and Doctor. My pets love her and her crew. Super competent. Super compassionate. They are busy.and for good reason

Dr Del Rosso at Balboa Hospital is an excellent vet for cats (only had experience with cats). She just has that extra care for your pet that is hard to find elsewhere. She has been our vet for 10+ years. She is a cat whisperer. She was always able to examine our very fidgety and angry cat with her calm demeanor. She doesn't rush to the next patient.

She is always patient with us, explaining her recommendations. We have moved away from SF but still drive our cat over to her for bigger procedures / second opinion. I also like that she doesn't recommend unnecessary procedures, vaccines or products.

I have been bringing my cats to Balboa Pet Hospital and to Dr. Lea Del Rosso for their health care for a little over 14 years. Dr. D. provided care for my very first cat Tabitha for the last couple of years of her life. She was an elderly cat and died at 19 years of age. Dr. Del Rosso helped Tabbie to pass with the utmost ease and compassion. The empathy she showed for me was remarkable.

I'll never forget the support she gave me on one of the saddest days of my life. Within 2 weeks of Tabbie's death, I adopted a wonderful cat whom I named Buddy. When I brought Buddy in for his first check up--he fell head over heels for Dr. D and they have been fast friends ever since. If you want compassionate, professional, care for your animals look no further than Balboa Pet Hospital, which is an AAHA accredited neighborhood institution.

IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH YOUR PET, AVOID THIS VET! After several visits complaining that there was something wrong with my dog, I experienced a revolving door of new/different/incompetent vets coming and going with this company like the wind. I paid a few thousand dollars for absolutely nothing only to be told there was nothing wrong with my dog, because these newbies did not know what the hell they were doing.

After rushing my dog to Emergency Vet in San Jose (yes that's right, San Jose), they did what SHOILD HAVE BEEN DONE INITIALLY by Balboa Pet Hospital. a MRI and CAT scan only to find a 7 inch skewer piercing the inside of my dogs stomach. Needless to say he was on the cusp of death. Had my baby not went directly into emergency surgery which cost me $13,000, he would heave died that day. If you love your pet, stay away from this dirt hole place. There are incompetent and only care about how your going to pay the bill.

Do not go here especially for testing or any surgerical procedures! our dog had two bumps aspirated. one was a sebacious cyst, the other was a mass cell tumor. balboa pet hospital mixed up the samples. they told us the actual sebacious cyst (claimed it was a mass cell tumor) needed to be surgerically removed and the other bump (an actual mass cell tumor was fine). we had the surgery scheduled but something did not seem right, so we got a second opinion by having the bumps retested and a full body scan. we discovered the bumps tests were switched in balboa pet hospital facility. i was told by another vet, that they do not have organization at balboa due to change in management. also when we called about the test being switched and wanting to make sure the correct bump was surgerically removed they ignored us and expected us to come to surgery anyway. dr. ravn never spoke to us and we had asked for our money back at the very least because of the switch of samples in testing and they refused. our dog could have died, and went through trauma for having an incorrect bump surgically removed. if you have any testing done here, make sure you get a second opinion. otherwise, they could potentially switch up the samples. we had been going here for 5 years. we will never come back.

I found a cat on the street in San Francisco, and came here to check her microchip. What began as a routine attempt to find the owner of this missing cat turned into discovering she had worms, and Ryan was incredibly helpful and knowledgable in assisting me to get the cat in for treatmeant at the last minute and fit me in for a drop off appointment on a weekend day, as well as providing me advice for what to do after finding a stray cat.

All of the staff was very kind in assisting me as an inexperienced pet carer/owner, and I'm very glad they were able to help me on what turned out to be an eventful day.

Easy check-in! They have individual rooms for check-up! All rooms have enough space, not crowded!

I feel so grateful to have Balboa Pet Hospital. Everyone from the front desk humans to the technicians to the vets are absolutely fantastic. I've called when worried, sad, happy and they are always supportive and really care about my pet. Thank you for all that you do!

Absolutely terrible place do not go here. Dr Del Rosso has been seeing my cat for the same skin problem for months and nothing has changed. Waste of $$$ save ur time go somewhere else.

I think Balboa pet hospital is the best vet hospital in SF. My dogs have been sering Dr D for years. Shes amazing and thorough. Plus they love the staff. Two paws up

We are so glad that Dr. Del Rosso has been our vet for Beau since he was a puppy. Dr. D is very thorough in examining Beau and explains everything clearly. The staff at BPH are all great and helpful.

My wife and I have been bringing our cats to the Balboa Pet Hospital for over 40 years. The staff have all changed since we brought our first feline to be examined by Dr. Cleary, but everyone has always been very nice to us and our little ones

They helped right away, gave great advice and listen to all my concern. When I mentioned a budget they did everything to keep it within that budget. They where friendly and great with my pet

Sissy is a 6 year old toy poodle. I am grateful to Balboa Pet Hospital for Sissy's good care. Our examinations are never rushed. I highly recommend Balboa Pet Hospital.

These guys have looked after my babies for years. My litter mates lived 16yrs & died within 6wks of each other. SO painful but Balboa Pet hospital made it gentle. They even made a donation in honor of my cat Nellie Girl McLaughlin. Now? My cat Henry Ford is 9.in this Co-vid period? They Continue to Deliver. The drop-off so easy. The Doctor called me & gave me a thorough understanding of Henry's visit. Henry came back mellow. TY BPH!

I had a very good experience here! I have two ferrets that go to see Dr. Raven and she is absolutely AMAZING! One of the ferrets had a bad reaction to his second round of shots, Dr. Raven and her team worked hard to make sure he was okay and he turned out perfect. During the bad reaction, the team was very communicative by giving phone call updates.

Which helped me relax and not stress out for the little guy! I know Dr. Raven and her team went the extra mile to make sure everything turned out okay. As well as calling my cell a few hours later to check in and see how things were going. Really shows they care! Even with all the restrictions in place, drop offs and pick ups have always run smoothly and timely. And they've always been so polite and nice. I would definitely recommend Balboa Pet Hospital to friends and family.

We have been using Balboa Pet Hospital services for more than 5 years. Our Jack Russel has been doing well under the careful, considerate, and reliable veterinarian care! I would highly recommend using this place for your furry friends!

They have always been amazing. When my cat Nicky was Sick they helped me for 2 years navigate dealing with his treatments until it was time to put him down. They were great about educating me each step of the way. They have big hearts and everyone there cares so much. They rock

Take care you right away and do a good job and friendly and honest I have three dogs before but I lost two of them when I went to different doctors

When I recently moved out of SF, I was sad to leave these wonderful people that make up Balboa Pet Hospital. They helped get my Aussie doodle puppy ready for the world (vaccinations, tests, nail trims, all that FUN stuff) with gentle kindness and care. I love all of the front desk staff (miss you, Noelle!), the doctors, and vet assistants. Even the phone call, text and email checkups and reminders were super thoughtful. I highly recommend this place!

We love Balboa Pet Hospital! Even when we moved out of the neighborhood 25 years ago, we've kept our pets healthy thanks to the great staff at BPH, who have always gone the extra mile. A special shout-out to Dr. Del Rosso! But really, everyone we've interacted there, and every vet who's seen our cats there, has been first rate.

Had a great experience. Staff including doctors were great and did not feel Nickel and dimed!

I was very pleased and felt like I won the lottery. The receptionist on the phone was very helpful and the technician who came out was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The phone call from the Doctor was wonderful letting me know everything from how healthy my dog was but also what was accomplished from the anal gland being expressed to the nail trim.

The doctor did tell me what I already knew.that Keeno needed to have his teeth cleaned and perhaps extracted. She suggested that I think about having it done. I will do that.

It has taken me almost 1.5 years to write this review due to the emotional suffering this place caused me. my 12 year old, 8 pound, precious dachshund was in last stages of heart failure. out of medications from sage center specialists in san jose/campbell, ca. i made appt. to bring olive in for refills to avoid long drive for her. i made it crystal clear that she had been in emergency hospital in daly city a year before, treated with medications, much love and compassion and in oxygen compartment for 5 days. made recovery and was referred for follow up at sage specialty center in san jose/campbell. she was placed on 4 drugs. her condition was terminal and all she needed was another refill to get her through perhaps another few months. when my dog walked in on her leash she was stable. they insisted on an x-ray, wanted to perform an extremely invasive needle procedure through the bladder for sterile urine plus blood work. pulled charges up on computer. all about the charges. here would have been the results - she is in heart failure with a very short time to live. i reluctantly agreed to x-ray as the claimed they had to see size of heart. why? i can answer that without an x-ray - it is enlarged! she has cardiomegaly. she has a formerly diagnosed heart murmer grade 4 (1 is faint, 6 is worst). i refused the needle urine collection. how ridiculous. they took her back to do x-ray. didnt come out for a while. i kept asking. i was i. waiting room. finally brought her out to waiting room completely limp, unable to stand. she had been so scared without me she went into complete heart failure they actually brought her out to the waiting room like this. carried her. i had to ask for help. another (nicer tech than the ignorant guy who checked her in) gave her some oxygen. i had to carry her home. she never walked again and died a day later in my arms. i have experienced guilt for even taking her in there and allowing any tests and paying them for hastening the desth of my dog. they did not listen, wanted to order unnecessary, expensive tests and they ultimately expedited her death. the stole my money (yes, they charged me) and any time i had left with her. shameful. they didnt charge me for the oxygen. how kind of them to not charge me for something they caused her to need. i should sue them for emotional trauma and malpractice. lets do all kinds of tests on a dying dog so we can charge and ultimately not take into account the subsequent health effects that performing these tests would have on this poor creature. cause and effect folks. they claimed that they can go downhill fast. true, however she walked in and had to be carried out. you do the math. also, it was extremely hot in the exam room. i asked repeatedly to have the door left open. this was not good for the dog. also, i am sure she felt my distrust, having to argue and not being comfortable. i had this girl since she was 6 weeks old. i regret not leaving and going on down to sage in san jose. i didnt want to put her through the drive as i lived about 3 blocks from this uncaring place and i had seen good reviews. bad decision i will always regret. if balboa vet medical center is reading this, please refund the money i paid you for this traumatic visit. it has taken me this long to find the strength to be able to even write this review without thoroughly upsetting myself. you can obtain my mailing address by emailing me. i will write another review if and when i receive my refund. unfortunately you cannot refund additional time i may have had with my dog or refund my emotional grief and guilt i have experienced. if you are considering this chop shop - here is my email address. i tell it like it is. i am a registered nurse in the states of ca and fl and owned a healthcare risk management consulting firm in fl for over 10 years. tziganesgift@gmail.com date of visit - october 19, 2018 date of death - october 20, 2018

My dog loves this place. I've been coming to Balboa pet hospital for over 10 years with my last dog and with my current one. Every time we are walking by the vet, she insists on coming in to say hello to the staff. The staff here are always very friendly, professional, and have a deep passion for serving animals. We always get honest recommendations from food to medications and the doctors are patient in answering any and all questions. I think my dog thinks this is a spa for animals because she always enjoys our visits.

My dog has been misdiagnosed three times at this clinic just in this last year. They don't really know what they are doing here. No matter what the diagnosis is, they prescribe antibiotics. Take your pet elsewhere, I know I will going forward.

My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Coco, was badly burned during a dental procedure at Balboa Pet Hospital in December 2018. Dr. Del Rosso, who conducted the procedure, denied any responsibility. When I brought Coco back to the pet hospital one week after the procedure, after open sores had developed on her groin and over the right side of her body, she suggested that she had been attacked by a raccoon.

She told me they were lacerations. Disbelief. At the time, it had never occurred to me that an animal could be burned during a dental procedure. Apparently, a heating pad is used to maintain animal body temperature. I brought Coco back to Balboa Pet Hospital a second time after her supposed lacerations were diagnosed and confronted Dr. Del Rosso. She was hostile, self-righteous and accusatory.

I took Coco to an emergency vet hospital. They diagnosed Coco with severe burns over her entire right side, on her back and on her groin. She was treated with antibiotics, burn cream, pain medication. She was shaved and remained in a cone and protective body suit for the next 5 months. I was physically ill when I learned the truth of what happened.

That Coco had been cooked on a heating pad while she slept. I was astonished by Dr. Del Rosso's cruelty. Even after Coco was properly diagnosed by the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Del Rosso still denied any responsibility. I asked for her to pay for Coco's emergency care and to refund the dental, which cost over $2,000. She refused to refund the dental.

The sad truth is that dogs have no rights. I hired an attorney and the only recourse was an agreement from the insurance company to pay the emergency vet fees. The release read, "We hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Paul Clary and Alice K. Clary dba: Balboa Pet Hospital and Dr. Lea Del Rosso (hereinafter referred to as "Veterinarians and Facility") and all other persons and entities acting on behalf of either of them." I did not sign it and or take payment.

I was disgusted. How could a veterinary hospital inflict this level of harm with a sole focus on their best interests, with zero regard for the life and well being of the animal? It is impossible to express my level of anguish over this. I was so sickened, sad, angry and I felt helpless. And there was nothing I could do in defense of Coco. Coco survived her injuries. Dogs are amazingly resilient. But I do not forgive what Dr. Del Rosso did. Her behavior is unconscionable.

My 19 year old feline friend passed recently. It was a hard day +. However, the team at Balboa were patient and kind when I was a bawling mess. They sent a very kind personally signed card and even made a donation in her name to the UC Davis Companion Animal Memorial Fund. They took care of Lacy while she was alive and honored her memory when gone. I am grateful for the care shown to all of us.

Balboa Pet Hospital is clean, and efficiently run. They're always kind to me, and my furry friends. Thorough, too. I've brought several of my cats here over the years, and they all lived healthy long lives (17+ years), even with kidney issues, or dental problems, all supported by all the great staff there. My kitty is an indoor cat, but they suggested I get him a Rabies shot anyway.

There was a moment when my cat needed dental surgery and I had to be in hospital, too. They offered to board my cat after his surgery for an inexpensive rate, but he had to have the Rabies as a precaution. I respect that. Though I'd rather never board my baby, this was the best option, and they took great care of him. Also, when I did have elderly kitties pass some years ago, Balboa staff were so very understanding and supportive. We received a hand written card a week after, which was pretty special, I thought.

Service was very good still a have a space to improve not a 5 star yet I like the hours the front desk was helpful I have my 2 dogs being care for it by them - I wish the accept and processed the ins claim And they need to pay attention when the customer bring new dog to make sure the name of owners is on the bill Last time was there they put my dog bill on my wife's name a had a bit of problem w my dogs insurance Records need to match

This clinic has exceeded my expectations in every way. I've called with emergency appointments and they've found a way to squeeze me in within a few hours or less. Every time I talk to someone (vet, receptionist, etc) they're extremely thoughtful and helpful and I never feel like I'm bothering anyone with how detailed I get about my dogs' health.

The vet (can't remember her name) is fantastic, she has the best bedside manner of any vet I've ever seen. She's extremely gentle with my dogs and treats them the way I do - she even talks to them in the same voice! The best part is that they email me after to check on my dogs, and not a generated template- I can tell someone took the time to write it. I lucked out by moving so close to this place, but no matter where I move I would make the drive because I easily found a lifetime vet.

I have only great things to say about the Balboa Pet Hospital team. I have a rescue English Bull Terrier that struggles with allergies and he had terrible experiences with vets before we found Dr. Emilie Ravn. Dr. Ravn is incredibly caring and knowledgeable, we couldn't be happier. Sharky, my dog, adores her and so do I! I'll be always grateful for the amazing care Dr. Ravn gives to Sharky! We tried many vets before we found her, and I can tell she is the best vet in San Francisco, hands down!

They are professional and dedicated to take care of the pets. It is my our first time have pet dog and they are actually helpful guiding us to have a healthy baby dog. Thanks for the staff for being friendly and approachable. Keep loving your work and people will most likely to appreciate you

I'm always reluctant to trust a new pet hospital, since my uncle is a vet who occasionally takes care of my family pets. However, I adopted a bunny rabbit about a year ago and my uncle is extremely allergic to rabbits! So I had no choice. After doing a lot of research, I decided to take my Louie for his one year check up at Balboa Pet. I missed the first appointment I made due to prior obligations, and completely spaced to give them a call saying I won't be able to make it in.

One of the nurses gave me a call about an hour after my scheduled appointment to ask if everything was okay, and if i would like to reschedule, which I did. They made me feel very welcomed, and the waiting room is very clean and quiet. A nice little touch was the welcome board which had Louie's name and all the names of the other pets that were coming in today.

This isn't the most convenient location for me, but after coming here, I would rather make the commute than take my bun to a vet that doesn't care. It's hard to find a vet that accepts rabbits and knows how to properly handle them, especially in the city, but I was very pleased with my visit today. Dr. Russo was very gentle with Louie, and checked all the things I was expecting her to check (ears, eyes, teeth, nails, paws, digestion, weight, lungs, heart, temperature, etc.). Louie normally gets stressed out around strangers handling him, but he was very calm around the Dr. and let her do everything she needed to (even butt thermometer!). Thank you Dr. Russo and the rest of Balboa Pet, i will be coming back!

I love Balboa Pet Hospital! They have been amazing with my cat. Dr. Harrell is our vet and my Sirius loves her! He's always so happy to see her and I trust her with his health implicitly. When you bring your fur baby to Balboa Pet Hospital, you become a part of a family. You won't regret trusting your babies to their capable hands!