The Helix Pet Hospital
4.8 (193) 4223 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941, USAHours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
How to Save Money at The Helix Pet Hospital
Schedule Regular Vet Visits
One of the best ways to save on vet bills is to prevent expensive health issues before they develop. By scheduling regular wellness checkups, your vet can detect health issues early, helping you to avoid costly treatments and surgeries down the road.
Price Shop for Pet Prescriptions
Oftentimes our fur babies are prescribed human drugs off-label. Your vet is apt to charge more for these medications than you would pay at your local pharmacy. In fact, big-box or chain pharmacies can offer steep discounts. So it’s best to price shop.
Pet Insurance
Most pet insurance providers will pay between 80% and 90% of the vet bill. You can even get coverage for routine care and things like vaccinations and dental cleanings. If you do the math, you’ll most likely find that pet insurance makes financial sense in the long run as well as gives you peace of mind.
How Do You Choose the Right Pet Insurance Provider?
Pet Insurance Review makes it incredibly easy for pet parents to select an insurance provider they feel good about. You can use our handy comparison tool to get the gist of what a company offers. We’ve also collected over 150,000 reviews of insurance companies from real pet parents like you to rank the top providers in the market. Here is the current ranking of each:
| Rating | Provider | Total Review |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4 | AKC | 889 |
| 4.7 | ASPCA | 11,392 |
| 4.9 | Embrace | 14,179 |
| 4.9 | Fetch | 1,995 |
| 4.4 | Figo | 2,561 |
| 4.7 | Hartville | 164 |
| 4.9 | Healthy Paws | 7,475 |
| 4.9 | Lemonade | 781 |
| 3.2 | ManyPets | 2,145 |
| 4.6 | MetLife | 487 |
| 4.8 | Nationwide | 21,391 |
| 4.3 | Pet Assure | 12 |
| 4.7 | PetPartners | 110 |
| 4.5 | Pets Best | 7,194 |
| 4.3 | Pumpkin | 1,131 |
| 4.7 | Spot | 5,194 |
| 4.9 | Trupanion | 60,280 |
| 4.8 | Prudent Pet | 124 |
Or, you can simply get a fast quote from multiple providers and go from there.
Thinking of insuring your pet?
Get Quotes & CompareGetting to Know Your New Vet: Essential Questions to Ask
Choosing a new veterinarian is an important decision for any pet owner. You want to find someone who is competent, compassionate, and a good fit for you and your fur baby. To help you get the most out of your first appointment, here's a list of essential questions to ask your new vet:
Tell me about your experience with [pet type].
Different vets have different areas of specialization. Some are experts with cats, some dogs, some pocket pets, and some horses. Knowing that your vet has vast experience treating your specific type of pet can bring you peace of mind.
How do you handle emergencies?
You must know what to do in case of a pet medical emergency. Inquire what after-hours policy the clinic has, whether they have on-site emergency care available, and if they have a relationship with any nearby emergency animal hospitals.
How do you communicate with pet owners?
Good communication is key to building a trusting relationship with your vet. Ask how they prefer to communicate (phone calls, emails, online portal) and how often you can expect to hear from them.
Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should be aware of?
Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Knowing what to watch out for can help you catch problems early and get your pet the treatment they need.
Do you have any questions for me about my pet?
This is a great question to ask because the answer will show that the vet is interested in getting to know your pet as an individual and is willing to listen to your concerns.
Bonus question: Can I take a tour of your facility?
Getting a feel for the clinic's environment can help you and your pet feel more comfortable during your visits. Remember, you’re not just looking for a veterinarian, you’re looking for a partnership. Do not be afraid to ask these questions and any others you can think of. Any vet worth their salt will be happy to answer them. Because the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions about your pet's care! And that should be every vet’s top priority.
Reviews from Google
The Office staff is always friendly and greets not only me but my dog as well. I appreciate that. My questions are always answered and I am never waiting an extended amount of time when I arrive for my appointments. The waiting area is clean and comfortable seating is a plus. The doctors are knowledgeable and handle my dog with care!
posted: 05/12/2023
Dr. Larber and staff truly care! From my initial phone call, I felt at ease for my (new) puppy’s care. The staff is very friendly and caring, and make (both of us) feel at ease here! Dr. Larber is very knowledgeable, personable and answers all of your questions thoroughly, and with kindness. I am a new pet parent, but I feel that the costs of care here have been fair. (Also, HPH offers a discount for seniors and military pet owners)! And now, after her spay, vax’s and maintenance care, I feel confident that my pup is receiving the best medical care here. Bella and I are so happy to have found Dr. Larber and Helix Pet Hospital!
posted: 05/25/2023
Overall very friendly staff. Recent visit for my dog’s physical exam & vaccinations was quick & easy. Important to mention very reasonably priced as well. Vet is mellow & seems to genuinely care and answer questions honestly, not pushing products or expensive care. I’ve recommended Helix Pet Hospital to my friends & family members.
posted: 01/27/2023
Thank you Dr. Lorber and Janine for helping our sweet boy Henry! Your quick and accurate diagnosis allowed him to quickly get on the road to recovery. Appreciate your team going above and beyond. I recommend your office to all my friends.
posted: 06/19/2023
Switched from regular vet of 5 yrs to here on 2 recommendations. Fast. Worked within my budget. A vet who was thorough & took her time. They even called next day to see how my dog was. Will return. 9/7/23.Y Vet. Love Dr Ryan (L). Thorough. Helps me with my budget getting things done. Love the staff. 9-9-23: want to add after 3 days after visit my dog is doing great. Ear infection clearing & antibiotics for sore on flank ok.
posted: 09/08/2023
Veterinarians in La Mesa, California
Eastridge Animal Hospital
7750 University Ave suite a, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 465-4600
El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital
6911 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 466-0533
Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital
7750 University Ave STE A, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 465-4600
Fletcher Hills Animal Hospital
8807 Grossmont Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 463-6604
Kristi Freeman DVM Inc
3755 Avocado Blvd #438, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA(619) 741-5366
Our Pet Vets - University Pet Hospital
7134 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 463-9861
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center - La Mesa
5232 Jackson Dr Suite 105, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 462-4800
Pet Hospital of La Mesa: Espinosa Miguel DVM
5336 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA(619) 469-0138