Business Details
49 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Veterinary Care in San Diego
Governor Animal Clinic has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care in San Diego County since 1977. Our team of experienced veterinarians and support staff prioritize compassionate, personalized care for pets while fostering strong partnerships with pet owners. With decades of combined expertise, we offer comprehensive services including wellness exams, advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, and specialized treatments like laser therapy.Our commitment to Fear-Free certification ensures a low-stress environment for pets, and we emphasize preventive care to promote long-term health. As a trusted community institution, we maintain state-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern diagnostic tools and prioritize transparent communication to address pet owners' needs. Our reputation for excellence is built on consistent, high-quality care and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
Services
Wellness Exams
Dental Health
Laser Therapy
Surgical Procedures
Pharmacy Services
Laboratory Testing
Ultrasound Imaging
Fear-Free Visits
Senior Wellness
Specialty Care
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- Established in 1977 with decades of veterinary expertise
- Fear-Free certified staff for low-stress pet visits
- Advanced treatments including laser therapy and digital diagnostics
- Team of experienced veterinarians with specialized training
- Personalized wellness plans tailored to individual pet needs
What people say
Caring and thoughtful services
Excellent care for pets
Calm and gentle approach
Amazing service and compassion
Best veterinary care available
Services
Wellness Exams
Annual physical exams detect early disease signs and establish personalized vaccination/parasite prevention plans. Our veterinarians assess pets' health across life stages, recommend tailored nutrition, and provide behavior counseling to ensure optimal wellness through all developmental phases.
Laser Therapy
Non-invasive treatment for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain conditions. This drug-free therapy reduces inflammation, accelerates healing, and improves mobility through targeted light energy application, offering relief for pets with musculoskeletal issues or healing wounds.
Dental Health
Comprehensive dental services including cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease management. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork ensures safety while digital x-rays identify hidden oral issues. We provide preventive education and specialized treatments to maintain optimal pet oral health.
Surgical Procedures
Advanced surgical capabilities with pre-anesthetic evaluations and modern monitoring equipment. Services include spays/neuters, mass removals, dental extractions, and trauma repairs using CO2 laser technology for reduced bleeding and faster recovery times.
Laboratory Testing
In-house bloodwork analysis and urinalysis for rapid diagnosis. Specialized testing for infectious diseases, endocrine disorders, and organ function assessment supports timely treatment decisions and chronic condition management.
People
Dr. Ronald Schechter
Founder
Established Governor Animal Clinic in 1977, bringing over 45 years of veterinary experience. Specializes in preventive care strategies and practice leadership while mentoring younger veterinarians in compassionate patient management techniques.
Dr. Kirk Feinberg
Veterinarian
Joined in 1987 with expertise in senior pet wellness programs and chronic disease management. Developed the clinic's twice-yearly wellness exam protocol and specializes in geriatric care diagnostics and treatment planning.
Dr. Kathy Kaleka
Veterinarian
Licensed independent contractor since 2001 with focus on Fear-Free certification implementation. Specializes in rescue animal rehabilitation and community outreach programs for underserved pet populations.
Dr. Heather Oman
Veterinarian
Joined in 2003 with expertise in surgical procedures and laser therapy applications. Certified in advanced surgical techniques and committed to minimizing post-operative discomfort through multimodal pain management.
Dr. Marie Benitez
Veterinarian
Added in 2007 with specialization in diagnostic imaging and internal medicine. Interprets complex ultrasound findings and collaborates with specialists for comprehensive care of complicated medical cases.
Questions
What makes Governor Animal Clinic's Fear-Free visits unique?
Our Fear-Free certified staff uses specialized techniques like pheromone sprays, positive reinforcement, and customized restraint methods to minimize stress during visits for anxious pets.
Do you offer specialized care for senior pets?
Yes, we provide comprehensive geriatric assessments including bloodwork, mobility evaluations, and chronic pain management tailored to aging pets' specific needs.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and CareCredit financing. Payment is due at time of service with options for pre-authorized payment plans for extensive treatments.
Are emergency services available after hours?
Yes, our emergency line connects to a 24/7 answering service for urgent care guidance and local emergency clinic referrals when needed.
How do you handle prescription refills?
Request refills through our online portal, email, or phone system. Most requests are processed within 24 hours with options for in-clinic pickup or home delivery.
What diagnostic imaging capabilities do you have?
We offer digital radiography, dental x-rays, and ultrasound imaging with board-certified specialist consultations for complex cases requiring advanced diagnostic interpretation.
Reviews (5)
Christy C.
May 18, 2024
Report
Governor Animal Clinic has kindly and empathetically helped us through the worst of interactions and the best. During Covid we switched to GAC as they were accommodating of an emergency visit. Their staff is beyond kind and works so well with the nuances and needs of each patient. We have two very "vet anxious" German Shepherds and they help us with pre-visit preparation as well as a unique ability to work with the dogs thru their anxiety. The office is spacious and friendly and I'm so grateful for them!
Vanessa G.
Jul 24, 2023
Report
I've had the best experience at Governor animal clinic for over 6 years. Dr. Benitez is by far the best vet I have ever had. They take great care of all my animals, have been super accommodating for urgent visits and last minute questions, and have done a great job explaining and proposing reasonable options when dealing with complex health issues including persistent allergies, as well as cancer treatments for one of my cats who has since passed. All the front desk staff and techs are always very kind and helpful as well.
Katie Marie
Jun 14, 2022
Report
All the staff has had prompt and professional service, I especially appreciate their excellent communication and attention to detail.
Heather Martinez
Jul 29, 2021
Report
I have been taking my dog to Governor Animal Clinic for years. The vets and staff are caring and professional. They do not pressure you or shame you if you question a test or procedure. Recently I had a wonderful experience that promoted me to write this review. My 10 year-old dog was not eating or drinking. I brought him in and the doctor could not find anything wrong. Instead of recommending expensive X-rays and blood tests right away (he just had blood work/fecal done a few months ago at his annual exam), the doctor suggested fluids and an anti-nausea shot and to bring him back for tests if he didn't improve.
He came home and started eating and drinking and is now back to his old self. I drive from Carmel Valley to visit this clinic because I've tried several others and did not get this level of care and consideration and lack of up-selling!
He came home and started eating and drinking and is now back to his old self. I drive from Carmel Valley to visit this clinic because I've tried several others and did not get this level of care and consideration and lack of up-selling!
Ken Padgett
Mar 21, 2021
Report
Governor Animal Clinic is conveniently located at the University City Marketplace. The office is clean and tidy. The folks working there are all friendly and professional. Prices are fairly reasonable for the area.
