1. Satowski Michalena DVM

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San Diego, CA

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Satowski Michalena DVM

5.0 (1 review)

Services - Satowski Michalena DVM

Pet physical or wellness exam

Pet vaccinations

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3 years ago

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West Coast Animal Hospital - Dr. Gibbings, Dr. Camacho, Dr. Benitez

West Coast Animal Hospital

(482 reviews)

Linda Vista

One month later, I'm so grateful to share that my cat is doing so much better…read more Learning that my cat was in renal failure was heartbreaking. The vet was honest with me about how serious his condition was and the possibility that comfort care might be the only option. After he was discharged from VCA, I brought him back to West Coast so a technician could teach me how to administer subcutaneous fluids at home, who couldn't have been kinder. Dr. Camacho called to walk me through his test results, and I truly appreciated her honesty. She explained that she could order additional tests, but they might not change his treatment or the outcome. That straightforward, compassionate communication meant so much during such an emotional time. Now, after a month of broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, appetite stimulants, and nausea medication, Squiddy has really turned a corner. I don't want to give false hope to anyone whose cat is experiencing renal failure--every situation is different, and we may have been fortunate that he improved after treatment for his kidney infection- even if it's temporary. But I am deeply grateful to Dr. Camacho and the West Coast team for supporting his recovery and helping me care for him at home. Working in human healthcare, I understand how much compassionate service and positive experiences matter. I can honestly say that every person I've interacted with--from the veterinarian and technician to the nurse on the phone and the receptionist--has been amazing. I don't know how they recruit such wonderful people, but I'd love to know their secret. We need more people like them in human healthcare! I also know that cost is a major consideration when choosing a vet, and I've found West Coast's prices to be fair and reasonable. Squiddy's exam, fluids, and medications were much more affordable than what I've paid elsewhere. Some send-out lab tests were more expensive--the urine culture was the largest individual charge--but I appreciated the clear guidance about what testing might actually help. Throughout my interactions, I never felt pressured to pursue additional tests, especially when they might not change his treatment or prognosis. I'm so happy to have found West Coast, and I look forward to bringing my dog, Gracie, in for her first visit soon. Thank you for caring for Squiddy--and for being so kind to me along the way.

I've been bringing my dog here for some years but I'm leaving a review today because whoever…read moreMargaret at the front desk is needs to be retrained or let go because she is rude and argumentative. Secondly I've brought my dog in TWICE and paid TWICE for his leg in the last 2 months that's not getting better after he fell off the couch, we want to move forward with surgery but she said we have to come in a THIRD time and pay a THIRD time for the doctor to tell us a THIRD time what we already know which is he needs surgery on his leg. Why can't we just pay for the xray we both know he needs vs paying you to tell us that? This place just seems like it's going downhill so we are going to be looking into switching. It was a good run while it lasted.

MexiVet Express

MexiVet Express

(501 reviews)

Normal Heights

MexiVet continues to deliver such great service and support. Sending your dog across the border is…read morealready an exercise in trust, but sending your elderly dog with join issues and chronic pain? I was obviously a nervous dog mom. Throughout the entire process, I was in communication with the team. They were quick to answer any questions I had, and I event got photos and videos of my dog throughout the journey, which gave me so much peace of mind all day. My driver, Eugenio was wonderful. He kept me updated as they were crossing back into the U.S. and let me know when they were getting close so I could be ready to greet my viejito on time. He also helped me carry him out of the van and reminded me to make sure to check his medications were correct before he left. There's something really comforting about knowing your dog isn't just being transported from point A to point B, but that there are people that care looking out along the way. MexiVet is seriously a life saver, and I'm so glad this service exists. It has made getting my dog the care he needs in Mexico so much easier and a lot less scary.

Great experience with Mexi Vet! They were able to get my dogs scheduled within a week and made the…read morewhole process really easy. We got their blood work, dental cleaning, and medications all taken care of in one trip. Steph was our driver and she was great! She was very communicative and kept me updated throughout the day. Everything went smoothly and I would definitely use them again.

Amici Pet Hospital of Little Italy - Amici Exam Room

Amici Pet Hospital of Little Italy

(252 reviews)

Little Italy

I can't recommend Amici Pet Hospital and Dr. Lafey highly enough. My dog has been a patient here…read morefor over seven years, and the continuity of care has been invaluable, especially managing a chronic condition like pancreatitis. They fit us in the day before the 4th of July holiday after I noticed some subtle changes in my dog's behavior. Thanks to a thorough exam and same-day lab work, we caught an early pancreatitis flare and started treatment immediately. Dr. Lafey took the time to explain everything, answer my questions, and develop a clear plan. I'm incredibly grateful for the compassionate care, excellent communication, and the peace of mind they gave us heading into the holiday weekend. Thank you to Dr. Lafey and the entire Amici team! Appreciate you!

Third visit is my last. I moved my pups from another clinic because they didn't have weekend…read morehours. However, moving to Amici has been anything but good. I brought one of my pups in for what was supposed to be a Cytopoint injection for allergies. However, I told them to add the Bordetella. That little change took the vet tech 30 minutes to process before they even got to me and my pup. After they finished with my pup, the vet tech came out and told me my dog will need to be tranquilized on my next visit since he is too excited for them to perform their vaccination services. They were able to give him what he needed but I told them I refuse to tranquilize my dog to get vet care and that I would find a new vet to take them to. On my previous visit they could not perform the gland expression because he needed to be tranquilized. But the groomer by my house was able to do it no problem. What I have determined is that the vet techs at Amici are not qualified to do the jobs they were hired to do. Furthermore, they have ZERO empathy for animals nor do they know how to deal with the various breeds they may experience. Jack Russell terriers are known for their rambunctious attitudes, but when the vet tech tells me to tranquilize him just because they don't know how to deal with him, tells me they need a new job and should not be working at a Veterinarian's office. My dog was petrified of that vet tech and dogs are excellent judges of a person's character. They know when someone can be trusted and when they cannot. My dog loves people, but not the vet techs at Amici or one vet in particular. I will be finding a new vet after my third and last disappointing experience.

B Street Veterinary Hospital - Waiting area

B Street Veterinary Hospital

(640 reviews)

Golden Hill

B Street Veterinary Hospital is the best of the best. They are a neighborhood vet and it really…read moreshows in their compassion and love of the neighborhood dogs. My dog Petrie (Pug, 8 years old) was suddenly vomiting blood and also had it in his stool. I was panicked, because in the 8 years I've had him, I've never seen him sick like that. I rushed him to an emergency vet even though B street is his primary care vet. The emergency vet had us wait for two hours just to hand us a pamphlet of where else we should go (in all fairness I'm sure there was more emergent medical issues going on there that they had to tend to first, and I was going to be on a long list of waits) but B street was at capacity that day and after I told them the issue they squeezed us in. They even gave us a private waiting room where the air conditioning worked better to wait in because my pug is a brachycephalic breed which usually do not do well in hot environments. During the first visit Dr. Olsen was very helpful and comforting to Petrie. She went over all the issues she thought it could be, all while petting my dog and making us feel comfortable. After labs/tests came back she explained everything in detail and very thoroughly about probiotics/antibiotics. Unfortunately I had to bring him back a few days later because his itching got worse (I'd assume unrelated to the first visit, he's just always had allergies) but he had a scratched so much overnight he had a horrible hotspot the next day. They told me I could come in the next day without hesitation and no appointment. The Doctor that saw him that day was Dr. Elena. She was just as professional and compassionate. She gave me tips and tricks on how to treat the itching better, and put him on a few more antibiotics after they shaved and cleaned the hotspot. I received two follow up emails reiterating treatment and what we spoke about in person. Not automated, real person to person emails. I really appreciated that. Petrie is doing much better thanks to these amazing women! Of course along side their brilliant team of techs and receptionists. The whole operation is so dialed in and kind!! Can't sing their praises enough.

An average vet overall, but good to know what to expect before you go. They operate as walk‑in…read moreonly, so be prepared for a long wait -- sometimes hours. They stay pretty busy, and the waiting area is small, so I prefer waiting outside or in my car since it gets crowded inside. They also take your dog in the back without you well before the exam, vaccines, or procedure. Just a heads‑up if that's something you care about or prefer to be present for. The staff themselves were very friendly -- upbeat, bubbly, and kind -- which definitely helps the experience. I was referred here by the rescue, so I came in for two vaccines. Even though the wait was long, everything went smoothly, and I got a call a few hours later to pick up my pup. Overall, a busy walk‑in clinic with friendly staff and straightforward care, but plan ahead for the wait and the drop‑off style.

Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital - Dr. Kurowski with Mojo and Milo

Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital

(254 reviews)

Scripps Ranch

Most amazing veterinarians and staff one could hope to find…read more These folks are the kindest, most caring, helpful, attentive and knowledgeable professionals our family has had the privilege of taking our fluffy loved ones to over the years, and we have lived all over the world and been to many a veterinarian office. Dr. K, Dr. C, and the rest of their fabulous gang are the BEST of the BEST.

Hi, my name is Esther. I've been a cat rescuer for many years and am currently the cat mom to five…read more This review is especially for my most beloved cat, Sassy. Sassy is a chunky snowshoe breed, 10+ years old. Her previous owner passed away from Covid, and she became part of my family in 2023. In 2025, I was devastated to learn that she has Stage 4 renal disease. Her liver is failing, and without proper treatment, her life would have been cut short. Dr. Karen Kurowski and her incredible team--Lindsey, Nate, Sunny, Hyda, and the other compassionate vet techs--have been a lifeline. They gave me a clear plan to follow, supported me with each step, and have truly helped sustain Sassy's life. She is now on the right medications, and I give her fluid injections every other day as her "second kidney." Because of their care, Sassy has been able to live not just longer--but better. What I love most about this hospital is that it feels less about money and more about what's right for the animal. Veterinary care can be expensive, especially when you have multiple cats like I do. But here, I have always felt they try to keep costs reasonable and make sure I'm not overwhelmed. They are honest, practical, and thoughtful--always focusing first on the well-being of my pets. That kind of integrity means the world to me. Today, Sassy is thriving in her "fourth quarter." She doesn't know she is ill. She lives with joy, gratitude, and happiness every single day. It is my honor to care for her, and it is thanks to Dr. Kurowski and her team that she is enjoying this chapter of her life so fully. For anyone looking for a veterinary office that combines expertise, compassion, and fairness, Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital is that rare place. I will always be grateful to them for the care and love they've shown Sassy--and me.

San Diego Bay Animal Hospital - Pride is year round at San Diego Bay!

San Diego Bay Animal Hospital

(398 reviews)

Midway

I really appreciated this place contacting me quickly after my daughter's cats decline. They were…read morevery patient and kind to her and her boyfriend as they took in the cat and let her know his quality of life was no longer good. Andrea's texting to get information and her email was very helpful in our sad time.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PET HERE. STAY AWAY!!!! I would give a 0…read morestar if I could. This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a vet. I brought my dog in for an ear infection and somehow ended up paying almost $1,000 after they ran a bunch of tests. In the end, I walked out with a small bottle of medicine. The doctor even told me the problem could keep coming back, so I would probably have to come back again for more medicine. A few weeks later, I came back because the medicine was finished and my dog needed another prescription. That's when things got really bad. They took my dog to the back without me, which I found extremely strange and was not comfortable with at all. I wanted to be there with my own dog, but they took him away from me anyway. Then they started pushing more tests and more charges. I told them I did not want all these extra tests, but they kept trying to convince me. It felt like they were looking for every possible way to charge me more money. The staff was extremely rude and disrespectful. I did not feel listened to, respected, or like they actually cared about helping my dog. I felt like all they saw was a way to make more money. I already spent almost $1,000 the first time, and instead of simply helping with the same problem they already diagnosed, they immediately wanted to do more tests and charge me again. This place feels like a complete money grab. I would never trust them with my dog again, and I would never recommend them to anyone. I am taking this seriously and plan to report my experience to the California Veterinary Medical Board and BBB to make sure other pet owners know exactly what happened to me so they don't go through the same and do not get fooled by these money hungry profiteers. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BRINGING YOUR PET HERE. I WISH I HAD.

Satowski Michalena DVM - vet - Updated October 2026

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