Menu (760) 727-7622

Open 7 Days a Week for Emergencies, Appointments (including exotic species) and More! We also offer Senior and Military discounts!

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Welcome to Palomar Animal Hospital
Your Veterinarian in Vista CA
Call us at (760) 727-7622

Pet Emergency? Call us right away at (760) 727-7622!


At Palomar Animal Hospital, we want to make trips to the veterinarian a positive experience for everyone. The comfort of our patients is always our highest priority. Our fear-free approach to veterinary care includes cozy blankets, yoga mats for better traction, and soothing music to put anxious pets at ease. Our level of compassion and personal attention to your family member is simply unmatched. It's these little touches that set us apart, and with our many years of experience we are the veterinary provider of choice in the Vista area


When you choose us, you'll get more than just a family veterinarian...you'll get a lifelong partner in your pet's health care. We're open 7 days a week, so whether you need us in an emergency or just want to stop by for a visit, our door is always open!


Dr. Mark Handel
Dr. Linda Knox
Dr. Jennifer Nissen

Vista Veterinarian | Palomar Animal Hospital | (760) 727-7622

2331 S. Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081

Meet Our Team

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Lost Pets

    Has your pet wriggled their way through the fence or dashed out the front door? When searching for your lost pet, make sure you include these steps in your hunt. ...

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  • Should You Leave Your Cat Alone for a Long Weekend?

    So you have a trip planned for the weekend, but what should you do with your cat? Learn how to best care for your cat while you're away. ...

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  • Flea and Tick Season

    Want to protect your pet from fleas and ticks? These tips can help. ...

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  • Summer Grooming Tips

    Want to keep your pet cool and comfortable this summer? A few changes to your normal grooming routine can help. ...

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  • What to Do If Your Pet is Stung

    Don't get us wrong, we love the bees! But we don't love when our pets get stung. Follow our tips to treat and prevent bee stings on your furry best friend. ...

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  • Tips for Traveling With Your Pet

    Do you dread hitting the road with your pet? These tips may make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable for you both. ...

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  • 6 Questions to Ask At Your Senior Pet's Next Check Up

    Want to keep your senior pet healthy and happy? Ask these six questions at your pet's next check up. ...

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  • Why the Controversy About Pet Vaccinations?

    As with anything, pet vaccinations can be too much of a good thing. Similar to parents who are learning more about vaccinations for children, veterinarians and pet owners alike are beginning to question some of the standard wisdom when it comes to protecting pets. There are certain fatal diseases against ...

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  • Pet Clothes: A Fashion Statement or a Necessity?

    There is nothing cuter than a pet in a colorful sweater, but do our furry friends really need to wear clothing? Although clothing is not a necessity for every pet, some animals benefit from a little extra protection during cold or damp days. Others enjoy wearing festive clothing during holidays or other ...

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  • Introducing a New Pet to Your Current Ones

    Pet Proofing Your Home Introducing your new pet to your current one is only a single part of the equation relating to taking a new pet home. You also have to make sure your new pet is comfortable in your home, which is a foreign environment to the animal. Like humans, animals can experience high levels ...

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Meet Our Skilled Team

Learn Who We Are

  • Dr.
    Mark Handel
    Veterinarian
    From the moment Dr. Handel read James Herriot’s novel All Creatures Great and Small, he knew veterinary medicine was his path in life. 30 years later, he still loves going to work every day to care for Vista’s pets!

    Read More
  • Dr.
    Linda Knox
    Veterinarian

    Since elementary school, Dr. Knox has always wanted to be a veterinarian, and that commitment has never wavered.  When it came to apply for college, she had already settled on UC Davis, the only veterinary school in California at that time. 

    Read More
  • Dr.
    Jennifer Nissen
    Veterinarian
    Although she majored in biology during college and thoroughly enjoyed her studies, Jennifer could not imagine sitting behind a lab bench for the rest of her career. She thought back to her love of animals, and realized veterinary medicine was the perfect way to combine her scientific interests with her passion for helping others!

    Read More

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Location

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Palomar Animal Hospital

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Good facility easy parking, modern building. The Vets, vet techs and support staff are caring and compassionate and take the time to explain everything. While waiting to see the vet I have seen a wide variety of pets come through the reception area. I have taken my dogs here and to their old location for the last 20 years despite moving away from this practice."
    Claire G.
  • "Absolutely the only place I'd take my dogs"
    Jason B.
  • "Ms Knox ....the Doctor was extremely helpful and explained everything, so as I could understand. ...I know my Cat got the Best Care at Palomar Animal"
    Fay S.
  • "Love love love this veterinary office"
    Crystal P.
  • "This is the most respectful 3 Doctors. They tell you exactly what is going on with your baby"
    Tracy C.
  • "I really like Dr Knox, she was very knowledgeable and kind. She took a special interest in my goldendoodle and figuring out what was wrong."
    Kendall C.
  • "Dr. Mark and his staff are the best! Totally trust them."
    Ed S.
  • "Palomar Animal Hospital is a great place to take your animals. Dr. Handel and crew are the best. I've been bringing my dog here for four years and they are wonderful. Dr. Handel saved my brother's dog in an emergency. He was calm and literally brought him back from the brink. You can't go wrong with PAH. Great atmosphere and everyone has your pet's care as their number one priority."
    Michael N.
  • "My husband and I moved here four years ago with two 12-year-old dogs. As our
    girls reached the ends of their lives, Dr. Handel and his staff showed great
    compassion and understanding. During the process it became clear there was
    nothing that could be done. He let us know what to expect and made them both
    as comfortable as possible. He then transitioned from caring for our girls
    to taking care of us. His compassion for his animal and human patients goes
    beyond anything we have experienced previously. We highly recommend Dr. Handel and Palomar Animal Hospital."
    Patricia Collins
  • "Dr Handel and the staff at Palomar Animal Hospital are the very best in vet
    care. We have been taking our dogs to both Dr Handel and Dr Knox since 2005
    and they always take the time to expertly diagnose and treat our dogs in a
    compassionate and caring way. We have come to fully rely on their clinical
    expertise through difficult cases such as cancer, orthopedic surgery and
    diabetes and they bring in great specialists when needed. The receptionist
    staff is always friendly and helpful and the vet techs are wonderful. We
    highly recommend Palomar Animal Hospital for all of your vet needs."
    Greg & Melinda Smith