CBX Pet Care in San Diego / Tijuana border — When Your Pet Is Diagnosed With Cancer A cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult moments a pet owner can face. Whether your veterinarian has found lymphoma, a mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma, or another form of cancer, the emotional weight is enormous. Then comes the financial reality.
A cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult moments a pet owner can face. Whether your veterinarian has found lymphoma, a mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma, or another form of cancer, the emotional weight is enormous. Then comes the financial reality.
In San Diego, a full course of chemotherapy for a dog can cost between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the protocol, the number of sessions, and the oncologist. Many pet owners are forced to make impossible decisions — not because treatment is unavailable, but because it is unaffordable.
CBX Pet Care was created to solve this problem. We connect San Diego pet owners with experienced veterinary oncologists in Tijuana who provide the same chemotherapy protocols used in American clinics, at 50-80% less cost.
The CHOP protocol is the gold standard for treating canine lymphoma. It uses a rotating combination of four drugs administered over a series of sessions, typically 6-8 sessions spread across 16-25 weeks. This protocol achieves remission rates of 80-90% in dogs with multicentric lymphoma.
Each session involves a different drug combination, with regular bloodwork to monitor your pet’s response. The veterinary oncologist adjusts dosing based on your pet’s weight, blood counts, and tolerance. CHOP is the most commonly recommended protocol for B-cell and T-cell lymphoma in dogs.
The COP protocol is a three-drug approach that may be recommended for pets that cannot tolerate doxorubicin or for cases where a less intensive treatment is appropriate. While remission rates are somewhat lower than CHOP (approximately 60-70%), COP has fewer side effects and is often preferred for older animals or those with pre-existing heart conditions.
COP sessions are typically administered weekly for the initial induction phase, then spaced further apart during maintenance. The total treatment course usually runs 8-12 sessions.
LOPP is a rescue protocol often used when lymphoma recurs after an initial CHOP response, or as a first-line treatment for certain T-cell lymphomas. It involves oral medications combined with injectable drugs, making it somewhat easier for pets who struggle with frequent injections.
For some cancers, a single chemotherapy drug may be most appropriate. Doxorubicin alone is sometimes used for lymphoma, while carboplatin or cisplatin may be recommended for osteosarcoma, bladder tumors, or certain carcinomas. Single-agent protocols typically cost less per session and may have fewer side effects.
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Text or call 619-914-2990 • Email [email protected]
| Service | CBX Pet Care Price | San Diego Price |
|---|---|---|
| Initial chemotherapy session | $535–$565 | $800–$1,500 |
| Follow-up chemotherapy session | $415–$475 | $500–$1,200 |
| Bloodwork per session | Included | $150–$300 extra |
| Oncology consultation | $80–$150 | $250–$500 |
| Full CHOP course (6-8 sessions) | $2,600–$3,900 | $5,000–$12,000 |
Pricing includes the chemotherapy drugs, administration, monitoring during treatment, and anti-nausea medication if needed. Bloodwork is included with each session to ensure your pet’s blood counts are safe for treatment.
A non-refundable $50 deposit secures your appointment. Zelle payments receive a 3% cash discount. See our full pricing page for all treatments.
Understanding exactly what happens on treatment day helps reduce anxiety for both you and your pet. Here is the complete timeline:
Chemotherapy in animals is generally much better tolerated than in humans. Veterinary oncologists use lower relative doses because the goal is quality of life, not cure at any cost. Approximately 80-85% of pets experience minimal to no side effects.
When side effects do occur, they typically appear 3-5 days after treatment and may include mild lethargy, decreased appetite, or soft stool. These usually resolve within 24-48 hours without intervention. Severe side effects requiring veterinary attention occur in fewer than 5% of cases.
Your aftercare instructions will include clear guidelines on what is normal, what requires monitoring, and what warrants an emergency visit to your local San Diego veterinarian. Our coordinators are available by phone and text after every session.
Get Your Free Treatment Estimate Today
Text or call 619-914-2990 • Email [email protected]
“Our 8-year-old boxer was diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma. The oncologist in San Diego quoted us $7,500 for the full CHOP protocol. Through CBX Pet Care, we completed all 6 sessions for about $3,200 total. Our boy went into complete remission for 14 months. The coordinators knew us by name by the third visit.”
— Based on real client experience, canine lymphoma CHOP protocol
“My cat was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma. I was told chemo would cost around $4,000 in San Diego and I almost decided against treatment. CBX Pet Care made it possible at a cost I could manage. The vet was incredibly gentle with my cat, and the phone calls before and after each session gave me so much peace of mind.”
— Based on real client experience, feline lymphoma treatment
Veterinary oncology in Tijuana is not a lesser version of what you find in San Diego. The clinics we partner with use the same chemotherapy drugs manufactured by the same pharmaceutical companies. Vincristine is vincristine. Doxorubicin is doxorubicin. The molecular structure does not change because of which side of the border it is administered on.
What does change is the cost of delivering that care. Veterinary clinic overhead in Tijuana — rent, staff, insurance, licensing — is significantly lower than in San Diego. This means the same quality treatment, administered by experienced veterinary oncologists, costs a fraction of the San Diego price.
Our partner oncologists are experienced in treating all common veterinary cancers. They use weight-based dosing protocols consistent with current veterinary oncology standards, monitor patients with pre-treatment bloodwork, and provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Dogs entering Mexico need a current rabies vaccination. Dogs returning to the United States need a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard) and a CDC Dog Import Form ($5 fee). CBX Pet Care fills out the CDC form for you. If your dog does not have a microchip, the clinic can place one during the first session.
Cats have no border requirements in either direction, making the process even simpler for feline chemotherapy patients.
For complete details, see our border crossing requirements guide.
Our coordinators and partner oncologists are honest about when chemotherapy is and is not appropriate. Treatment may not be recommended if your pet has severe organ failure, is in very poor body condition, or has a cancer type that does not respond to available protocols. In these cases, we can discuss palliative care options or help you make informed decisions about quality of life.
We also advise against travel for pets that are in acute crisis or severe pain. Your local emergency veterinarian in San Diego should always be your first call for urgent situations.
A full CHOP protocol for lymphoma typically involves 6-8 sessions over 16-25 weeks. COP protocols may require 8-12 sessions. Single-agent treatments vary based on the cancer type and response. The oncologist will provide a personalized treatment plan after the initial consultation.
Most dogs and cats do not experience significant hair loss during chemotherapy. Some breeds with continuously growing hair (Poodles, Schnauzers, Old English Sheepdogs) may experience thinning or coat changes. Whiskers may fall out but will regrow after treatment ends.
Because the treatment takes place in Tijuana and you remain in San Diego, you are not physically present. However, the check-in phone call allows you to speak directly with the oncologist before treatment begins, and the checkout call provides complete results and updates.
You will receive detailed written aftercare instructions after each session. Our coordinators are available by phone and text throughout the treatment course. If you notice anything concerning between sessions, contact us or your local San Diego veterinarian immediately.
The CHOP protocol achieves complete remission in approximately 80-90% of dogs with B-cell lymphoma. Median survival time with treatment is 12-14 months, compared to 4-6 weeks without treatment. T-cell lymphoma has somewhat lower remission rates but still benefits significantly from chemotherapy.
Yes. We coordinate chemotherapy for cats with lymphoma (the most common feline cancer), mammary tumors, and other cancers. Cats have even simpler border requirements — no microchip or CDC form needed in either direction.
The IV catheter placement may cause brief discomfort, similar to a blood draw. The chemotherapy infusion itself is not painful. Most pets rest comfortably during treatment. Anti-nausea medication is given preventively to minimize any post-treatment discomfort.
San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Poway, Escondido, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, North Park, Hillcrest
Your Pet Deserves the Best Care — At a Price You Can Afford
Call or text 619-914-2990
$50 non-refundable deposit to book • Zelle payments get a 3% cash discount
Last updated: March 2026
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