Mountainside Animal Hospital Reviews 

I am 75 years old and have had 5 German Shepherds. I’ve had many experiences with vets in my life. But I have never been so overwhelmed by a vet as I am with Mountainside Animal Hospital in Lake Elsinore CA 92530. Words are not enough to describe the experience of your baby being treated there. Kindness, compassion, love, caring…you name it and they are it. The most wonderful staff I have ever met ever in any business. I’ve been treated like a member of their family. From the bottom of my heart I send my deepest love and gratitude to Mountainside Animal Hospital.

Most recently encountered awful service expecting that since my dog was an established patient, that I paid for as part of the deal of any Vet actually seeing any animal, I requested a letter/Health Form to be able to take my dog across the border to Mexico. Apparently THIS VETERINARY OFFICE is unable to provide such a service and their Vets, Dr. Eibey and Dr. Tomlisson couldn't be bothered to talk to me face to face or via phone to discuss the matter.

After being relegated to the office manager Wendy, she stated they do not provide that type of service however as I explained 3 other Veterinarians within 5 mile radius do she certainly had many excuses why they couldn't do it......too many things can go wrong, we don't have the time, and yes we would charge $100 if we did, etc. ?

So I contacted Wilderness Veterinary, 1 block away and they do provide the necessary letter, detailed information about dog's condition and prescriptions in Spanish that is required when taking a pet over the border. Additionally, Wilderness was bewildered why Mountainside couldn't pull that off, ME TOO.

Unfortunately, but as expected I had to establish my dog as a patient at Wilderness Vet and pay $100 that I should not have had to pay if Mountainside was a reputable Veterinarian.

In addition, I found Mountainside Veterinary extremely EXPENSIVE, $1000 for blood work, 2 xrays, 2 prescriptions and consultation......I've gone to emergency services for 1/2 the price.

I questioned an $85 “referral fee” and was told it is a standard fee that all vets charge; so I paid. I later learned that our family vet would not have charged us. When I called Mountainside they said, “…everyone charges this fee…you won’t get a refund.” I then found out after speaking with several clinics and organizations that not every vet charges a “referral fee” and that they had never seen a referral fee that high.

During one phone call Mountainside defended their actions by saying “…we’re transparent…other veterinarians bury their fees in other costs.” That’s not true; the veterinarian businesses we deal with are ethical. Besides, Mountainside failed to be transparent by not informing me that fees vary and perhaps I won’t charged elsewhere.

The money is not the issue; we have pet insurance and the means to pay. What is at issue is being misled and taken advantage of during a vulnerable time. I made efforts to discuss and resolve the issue; after several discussions: no resolution, no refund.

As an aside, the one-star positive are the receptionists and support staff who were friendly and courteous.