If you live in Carlsbad or the surrounding area in North San Diego County, then you have picked the perfect veterinarian for your furry family members. Dr. Michael Schatzle is a licensed veterinarian treating cats and dogs. Your pet's health and well being is very important to us and we will take every step to give your pet the best possible care.
La Costa Animal Hospital is a full service animal hospital and will see emergency cases as well as less urgent medical, surgical, and dental issues. Dr. Schatzle is experienced in all types of conditions and treatments. Beyond first rate pet care, our clinic is kid-friendly and our waiting room is calm and comfortable so your pet can relax and look forward to meeting his or her own Carlsbad veterinarian.
La Costa Animal Hospital is a full service animal hospital and will see emergency cases as well as less urgent medical, surgical, and dental issues. Dr. Schatzle is experienced in all types of conditions and treatments. Beyond first rate pet care, our clinic is kid-friendly and our waiting room is calm and comfortable so your pet can relax and look forward to meeting his or her own Carlsbad veterinarian.
Services
La Costa Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital specializing in the care of both cats and dogs. A fixture in the community since its establishment, La Costa Animal Hospital has been caring for your animal loved ones for over thirty years. While predominantly serving the Carlsbad area, it is not unusual for clients to travel from all over San Diego County to have their pets cared for by Dr. Schatzle.
A comprehensive physical exam may be the most important diagnostic tool we have to care for your pets. As dogs and cats age much more quickly than humans, we feel that twice yearly physical exams are vital for both the short-term and long-term health of your pet. These exams can allow us to detect problems early, potentially before they become clinically apparent to you.
Dr. Schatzle (pronounced Shats-Lee) was awarded his Doctor in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2003. He excelled in his studies while at CSU to graduate first in his class of 134. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of the exclusive Phi Zeta Honor Society. Upon graduation, Dr Schatzle moved back to his native San Diego to pursue his career in veterinary medicine.
When you are looking for a veterinary clinic you should be able to count on superior care and excellent service. We at La Costa Animal Hospital in Carlsbad CA have assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals to bring you the best possible healthcare for your pet. We have a state of the art veterinary facility which is clean, comfortable, and efficient.
Payment is expected when services are rendered. In order to focus on our patients' needs, customer service and minimizing costs, we do not bill. We accept debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) checks and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card. When unexpected illness strikes a pet, unexpected expense strikes as well.
Reviews (27)
S. R.
Dec 28, 2021
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The Vets are great but they get a single star due to their unprofessional front office staff. So rude and unprofessional we decided to leave their practice. When we asked to discuss our dissatisfaction of the front office and address a dental procedure question with the Vets directly, we were told no repeatedly despite several attempts. We suppose they'll figure it out when they continue losing business. Unbelievable.
UPDATE TO OWNERS REMARKS...We understand policy changes, but that is not why we left nor why we wanted to speak with the vets. We decided to leave the practice due to the unprofessional
UPDATE TO OWNERS REMARKS...We understand policy changes, but that is not why we left nor why we wanted to speak with the vets. We decided to leave the practice due to the unprofessional
David Pezza
Nov 29, 2021
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Jenn Undefined
Sep 07, 2021
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Mai Mai
Sep 06, 2021
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I wanted to like this place. Wanted to bring my pup here since having my puggle here a few years ago with Dr. Ecker, he has since left. Dr. Schaltz seemed nice enough.
The reason I will not be continuing to come here is due to the front staff at this vet.
Every encounter has been annoying with them and I’ve in particular have dealt with Dominique on several past occasions and I refuse to do it any more. I have repeatedly had to call back for answers and follow ups on past appointments which hasn’t been many!
The drop off procedure is absurd, regardless of Covid restrictions you want to put
The reason I will not be continuing to come here is due to the front staff at this vet.
Every encounter has been annoying with them and I’ve in particular have dealt with Dominique on several past occasions and I refuse to do it any more. I have repeatedly had to call back for answers and follow ups on past appointments which hasn’t been many!
The drop off procedure is absurd, regardless of Covid restrictions you want to put
Cara S.
Sep 02, 2021
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Had a horrible experience here. Gave this Vet multiple chances and hundreds of dollars before I realized they just don't know what they are doing. Went to another vet in the area (who charged much less) and the issue was solved in 1 visit. Please don't waste your money and frustration here. There are so many other excellent vets in the area.
Lindsay C.
Aug 24, 2021
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The most compassionate vet we have had the privilege to come to! Kobe our golden, loves Dr S and all of his wonderful staff (Dominique, Sophie, Katheryn, and all the amazing staff). We couldn't ask for better care! Thank you for all you do!! Highly recommend to anyone that is in need of a loving vet! We trust la Costa with all of Kobe's needs and appreciate you setting him up for a long and healthy life!
Rob Spence
Aug 19, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
My dog actually likes going to La Costa Animal Hospital. She has been going there since we got her as 9 week old puppy. She is now 6. These folks provide excellent service and take great care of my dog. I highly recommend this business.
My dog actually likes going to La Costa Animal Hospital. She has been going there since we got her as 9 week old puppy. She is now 6. These folks provide excellent service and take great care of my dog. I highly recommend this business.
Sheila K.
Aug 16, 2021
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Similar to the other reports, I live in the neighborhood and went to the vet for convenience. It's been almost a year and I have never met the vet in person, granted it has been Covid but the staff treats you like they're doing you a favor and if you have questions they get even ruder. I've only ever called the office three times to resolve RX issues and each time I was spoken to rudely and dismissed. One time I got upset because my dog had run out of his prescription due to the frequent confusion they caused and they said they were closing soon & there was nothing they could
Lesley G.
Jul 27, 2021
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I would give 10 stars if I could!! It's unfortunate that a couple of bad reviews were posted on here simply because people didn't like the covid protocol (THAT EVERYONE HAS HAD TO FOLLOW FOR OVER A YEAR NOW!) or because they just wanted to hurry in for a visit and disregard procedures set in place to make sure that Dr Schatzle has any and all records from previous vets to administer a thorough exam. Also, it is made very clear that there is deposit that is required prior to the appt that is applied to your visit. It is non refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Now on to my experience
Now on to my experience
Minerva L.
Jun 29, 2021
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I've been taking my cairn terrier Juniour now, 7 to La Costa Animal Hospital since, January 2015.
I got a referral from the Chula Vista Animal shelter January 09, 2015 when I adopted my 1st cairn terrier.
Dr. Schatzle & staff are always very professional & answer all of your concerns.
I wouldn't trust any other veterinarian with my cairn terrier!!
My cairn terrier this practice & greets all the girls on arrival!! He's very comfortable w/the staff & knows his way around the practice!!!
La Costa Animal Hospital really wants the best for your pet (s).
I got a referral from the Chula Vista Animal shelter January 09, 2015 when I adopted my 1st cairn terrier.
Dr. Schatzle & staff are always very professional & answer all of your concerns.
I wouldn't trust any other veterinarian with my cairn terrier!!
My cairn terrier this practice & greets all the girls on arrival!! He's very comfortable w/the staff & knows his way around the practice!!!
La Costa Animal Hospital really wants the best for your pet (s).
Britta Kinney
Jun 05, 2021
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We have visited this vet for years, only because of proximity. Recently, their vet missed a sizable area of potential skin cancer on my dog’s belly. We had to take her in to have a second dose of a vaccine administered, and they informed us that they would charge us again to look at the skin (although it should have been examined at her physical exam just weeks prior, and I had asked about having it looked at days after the exam when scheduling the second dose of vaccine). When I asked to have her records sent to me to transfer to another vet, they then refused to give my dog the second dose
Austin K.
Jun 04, 2021
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We are residents near this Vet practice. I'm not sure if there has been an ownership change or staffing changes, or maybe even pandemic fatigue, but after years of prior adequate vet service, this business has really changed for the worse. Recent visits have involved unfriendly staff with unreasonable charges and unwillingness to solve disagreements in a professional manner. We will be taking our dog elsewhere for her care and highly suggest avoiding this Vet practice.
The business response to this review is disingenuous, especially since when I asked the front desk staff to speak with the
The business response to this review is disingenuous, especially since when I asked the front desk staff to speak with the
Tom Schuck
May 19, 2021
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Sarah W.
May 07, 2021
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J. J.
Mar 27, 2021
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Dr. Schmatzle,
You're response does nothing to address my complaint, but thank you for the "courtesy" of refunding money that you never should have taken in the first place.
And, thank you for taking the time to inform me of your policies and procedures, but that should have been disclosed at the time the appointment was scheduled. But since you and your staff didn't, YOU WASTED OVER 2 HOURS OF MY TIME!! I think you're the one that should have been charged a security deposit. Ironic that the person scheduling my appointment seemed to have plenty of time to take my credit
You're response does nothing to address my complaint, but thank you for the "courtesy" of refunding money that you never should have taken in the first place.
And, thank you for taking the time to inform me of your policies and procedures, but that should have been disclosed at the time the appointment was scheduled. But since you and your staff didn't, YOU WASTED OVER 2 HOURS OF MY TIME!! I think you're the one that should have been charged a security deposit. Ironic that the person scheduling my appointment seemed to have plenty of time to take my credit
Jayden P.
Feb 27, 2021
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We feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Shatzle and his team while we are staying in California for a few months. We did not have a vet here, and live on the East Coast, so you can imagine when both of our dogs became ill we were very anxious! When I called La Costa they fit us in asap, Dr. Shatzle did the most comprehensive workup of any vet ever, and he found a liver mass on one of our dogs and IBS on the other. Our vet back east had totally dropped the ball on our dogs testing much to his dismay, and if it wasn't for the testing he did we never would have known about either dogs' condition
Rich V.
Sep 28, 2020
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Nikki Gallion
Sep 22, 2020
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I have a baby boy 6 month old Bengal cat. Originally he was going to be an indoors only cat but I decided to walk him on a leash in front of my house and he comes to work. I choose Aviara Animal Hospital at first, and made a big mistake. They traumatized my cat so bad there and made me feel like they were all about the money. The vet even called from inside and said they had a rough time holding my cat down. I took him to La Costa Animal Hospital and was getting ready for another possibly bad experience. Not only did they make it wonderful for Oslo, he was stress free. They did not try to push
Narin J.
Aug 16, 2020
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I first visited this vet during COVID and I was impressed with their protocol to keep pet owners safe. They have you call when you arrive and wait in your car until someone comes for your pet to do a "handoff" - in this case I let my dog off his leash and they put him on a vet leash. The doctor called me from the exam room and reviewed my dogs medical history in detail and also gave some suggestions but didn't force anything which I appreciate. The bill was less than my last vet so that's a definite plus! And my dog looked happy leaving there. We will be back!
Tori De Maria
Aug 13, 2020
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This was the best experience I’ve ever had with a vet. So excited to continue bringing my pets here!!
The vet spoke with me over the phone for about 30 minutes on my dogs care plan. It was very thorough. They were up front about prices. They seem to really care about my dogs and they’re well-being. Really excited to have a new vet for my pups!
The vet spoke with me over the phone for about 30 minutes on my dogs care plan. It was very thorough. They were up front about prices. They seem to really care about my dogs and they’re well-being. Really excited to have a new vet for my pups!
Cynthia M.
Mar 30, 2020
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Kathy B.
Feb 19, 2020
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We're here on vacation when our dog got really sick :( so we looked to Yelp for help. Luckily we were pointed to this pet hospital! We took Jasmine first thing in the AM and they were so fast to get her seen!
The team was friendly, sympathetic, and efficient. Dr. Ecker was kind and made sure we understood everything and our options to help make our dog feel better.
They made sure to call back the day after and check in on her. Happy to report she's feeling much better!
The team was friendly, sympathetic, and efficient. Dr. Ecker was kind and made sure we understood everything and our options to help make our dog feel better.
They made sure to call back the day after and check in on her. Happy to report she's feeling much better!
Jenn C.
Jan 07, 2020
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Several months ago, my 12-year-old cat, Ophelia, experienced a sudden, unexpected medical emergency. She was yowling in pain and dragging her legs. I drove her here immediately, because it was close, and had good reviews on Yelp. We were seen quickly, and I was advised by Dr. Schatzle and staff that although further studies (e.g. ultrasound, I believe) could be undertaken, they felt based on her presentation, it was very likely she was experiencing feline aortic thromboembolism. Dr. Schatzle explained the options, and the fact that the prognosis was poor, and euthanasia was recommended.
It was
It was
Sheri Sachs
Jun 03, 2019
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Stefanie B.
Apr 18, 2019
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Such a professional, kind, and knowledgeable staff!
After moving to California, I've had to find a new vet for my two dogs, which can be hard and nerve wracking trying to make sure you find a good fit.
As soon as I walked into La Costa Animal Hospital I was welcomed with a warm greeting which was really nice. And during our appointment with DR. Ecker and Amber I believe , they answered any questions I had, were super informative and didn't make me feel pressured into services I didn't want. Also they were super patient and gentle with my dogs which can be hard with their high energy
After moving to California, I've had to find a new vet for my two dogs, which can be hard and nerve wracking trying to make sure you find a good fit.
As soon as I walked into La Costa Animal Hospital I was welcomed with a warm greeting which was really nice. And during our appointment with DR. Ecker and Amber I believe , they answered any questions I had, were super informative and didn't make me feel pressured into services I didn't want. Also they were super patient and gentle with my dogs which can be hard with their high energy
Jm S.
Jan 03, 2018
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In December 2017 I had a visit for an eye infection. I had already been a patient here since 2010.
It was the first time that I had seen Dr. Ecker and I felt that I had a better rapport with him than Dr. Schatzle. He took time with us- and although we had a miscommunication about a test that I didn't think was necessary it was a fine and productive visit when I left armed with an anti-biotic eye drop for my pet's eye infection and they told me I could sign into a website in order to get a second RX he needed for canine dry eye. When I left, the office staff did not mention that they
It was the first time that I had seen Dr. Ecker and I felt that I had a better rapport with him than Dr. Schatzle. He took time with us- and although we had a miscommunication about a test that I didn't think was necessary it was a fine and productive visit when I left armed with an anti-biotic eye drop for my pet's eye infection and they told me I could sign into a website in order to get a second RX he needed for canine dry eye. When I left, the office staff did not mention that they
Tammy H.
Feb 14, 2017
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LCAH has been so helpful and accommodating in regards to my very special feline kidlets...
Both my very special cats came with URI's which just seemed to transfer back and forth and I was at wits end as one of my new cats is a Bengal....
"Brittany" at LCAH recommended I get the "Wellness Plan" which was the best recommendation EVER! Thank you Brittany!!! You KNEW "Ponto" needed that and I am so happy I chose to sign up for that.... not only do I NOT hesitate to call regarding ANY LITTLE THING!
I can have your clinic trim his nails and give him a check up anytime
Both my very special cats came with URI's which just seemed to transfer back and forth and I was at wits end as one of my new cats is a Bengal....
"Brittany" at LCAH recommended I get the "Wellness Plan" which was the best recommendation EVER! Thank you Brittany!!! You KNEW "Ponto" needed that and I am so happy I chose to sign up for that.... not only do I NOT hesitate to call regarding ANY LITTLE THING!
I can have your clinic trim his nails and give him a check up anytime
