Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Veterinarians in San Diego
Established in 1996, our hospital has served San Diego's pet community for over two decades. We combine a cozy, community-focused environment with state-of-the-art veterinary care, prioritizing compassionate treatment for pets and exceptional service for owners. Our team of highly trained veterinarians and staff brings extensive expertise in specialized care, including bulldog-specific treatments and feline-friendly services.Committed to transparency, we ensure clear communication, preventative care, and personalized attention to every patient. Our dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in our partnerships, non-anesthetic dental services, and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Services
Wellness Services
Vaccinations
Cat Boarding
Surgery
Diagnostics
Pharmacy
End of Life Care
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Specialists in bulldog airway surgery since 1996
- Certified feline-friendly veterinary practice
- Non-anesthetic dental services available monthly
- Digital radiography and advanced diagnostics on-site
- Kitty Condo boarding with health monitoring
What people say
Excellent care
Good feeling
Trust them
Passionate team
Clean facilities
Services
Wellness Services
Annual wellness exams help detect health issues early through comprehensive physical checks and lab work. Our team creates customized vaccination schedules while monitoring weight, dental health, and behavioral changes. This proactive approach prevents disease progression and maintains quality of life for pets aged 1-7 years.
Non-Anesthetic Dental
Monthly non-anesthetic dental services reduce oral bacteria and prevent systemic diseases. Using ultrasonic scalers, we clean above and below gum lines while polishing teeth to deter plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel. Available for healthy pets with recent exams, this service requires pre-approval and vaccination records.
Cat Boarding
Our Kitty Condos provide safe, comfortable boarding for vaccinated cats. Individual wood-fiber cages with plexiglass windows offer visibility and natural light. Connected compartments allow multi-cat families to interact. Rates start at $40/night for medication-free cats, with 24/7 health monitoring by veterinary staff.
Brachycephalic Surgery
Specialized airway correction treats bulldogs' breathing difficulties caused by shortened noses. Dr. Silvaberg's expertise resolves nasal passage stenosis and elongated soft palates, preventing secondary issues like gastroesophageal reflux. Pre-surgery diagnostics ensure surgical safety for patients with chronic airway obstruction.
Emergency Referrals
While not offering emergency services, we maintain partnerships with three San Diego emergency hospitals. Our team triages urgent cases during open hours and recommends immediate referrals for trauma, poisoning, or acute illness after hours, ensuring continuity of care through detailed medical records transfer.
People
Dr. Christy Silvaberg
Veterinarian
Graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Owned the hospital since 1996, specializing in bulldog care. Gardens and paints in her free time while managing five bulldogs and a newborn.
Dr. Fiona Lair
Feline Specialist
Feline-Friendly Certified veterinarian with radiology and exotics training. Completed internship at California Veterinary Specialists. Focuses on cat-specific medicine and manages three cats, two tortoises, and foster kittens.
Questions
What are your emergency procedures?
We refer emergencies to VCA Emergency, Pet Emergency Hospital, or Veterinary Specialty Hospital. Our non-emergency hospital books 1-2 weeks in advance for routine care.
How do I refill prescriptions?
Prescriptions require annual exams for safety. Contact us 24 hours in advance for refills. We'll notify you when medications are ready for pickup.
What boarding options do you offer?
Kitty Condos provide indoor lodging with individual or connected cages. Pets must be vaccinated and current patients. Rates start at $40/night without medications.
When can I get non-anesthetic dental services?
Available two Fridays monthly by appointment. Pets need recent exams (within 12 months) and full vaccination records. Check our annual schedule for specific dates.
How do I schedule appointments?
Request online or call (619) 224-0773. Wellness exams should occur annually, with vaccinations available during specified weekday hours for healthy pets.
Reviews (7)
W. R.
Jan 25, 2022
Report
I can only speak to my experience but it's always been amazing knowing Sunset Cliffs is caring for our pets. We've been coming here for years, everyone is always so kind and caring, they do a brilliant job in making sure our furry loves are healthy and looked after. We're so grateful for the dedicated, talented, and wonderful people who work here and, if you're an owner reading this - give everyone a raise. I'm not kidding. It's overdue. They've earned it. Raises, now.
Imani Wade
Nov 20, 2021
Report
My dog died in their care. Please, do NOT COME HERE. In addition to dying under Dr. Kristy's watch, she also expressed zero compassion towards me and even accused me of saying she was to blame. My baby Daisee is no longer here because I chose to trust this place. Prior to her moving forward with the surgery, I asked Dr. Kristy if there were any risks about the surgery. She was so cocky that she would be fine and even told me that "she has done this many times on older dogs". I am heartbroken and disgusted by this place and the cold vets here.
DO NOT BRING YOUR BABIES HERE, this place is a death
DO NOT BRING YOUR BABIES HERE, this place is a death
Sean Mouradian
Oct 04, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Hands down the absolute best vet in San Diego. I took my senior boy to quite a few out here and nothing compared to Dr. Lair and Dr. Webb's warmth and love they gave my pup. Very patient, kind and professional. I will always go here as long as i'm in SD.
Hands down the absolute best vet in San Diego. I took my senior boy to quite a few out here and nothing compared to Dr. Lair and Dr. Webb's warmth and love they gave my pup. Very patient, kind and professional. I will always go here as long as i'm in SD.
Bobby McMillan
Aug 12, 2021
Report
So good! So helpful. They keep my dog happy. She hates all vets, including them, but they fit her in on a ridiculously booked day due to an emergency. Everyone was amazing. She is so much better 2 days later. Tried 3 emergency places first. All were at capacity. They were as well, bit at least let me describe the issue. Had me come in immediately to fix before it became an abscess
Rodnek
Aug 11, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
We love Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital! The best we found in San Diego with very professional and caring staff. Only good things to say about them, that's why we recommend them to everybody we know.
We love Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital! The best we found in San Diego with very professional and caring staff. Only good things to say about them, that's why we recommend them to everybody we know.
Heather Thurner
Apr 24, 2021
Report
We LOVE Dr. Silvaberg and staff!!! We have been seeing her for over 15 years! We trust her with our dogs and know she will do what's best for them!
James Sabolek
Mar 12, 2021
Report
If you live in OB the convenience of this location cannot be beat. All the staff is friendly and helpful, and I don't know off hand the credentials of the vets but my dog sees Dr Silvaberg and she comes across as very experienced. Her calm and friendly demeanor is a huge plus. Due to these factors, I would seriously consider continuing to use SCAH as my go-to for veterinary care even if we moved out of OB but a clinic 5 blocks away from home is just too convenient to bother taking my dog elsewhere.
