Animal Haven Veterinary Center

Reviews 5

MA

Mandy Mathews

We had been loyal AH customers for years. For basic exams and vaccinations, AH is just fine. However for serious problems or anything requiring any type of technology (like xrays or ultrasounds) please go elsewhere. They are not thorough in diagnosis, nickel and dime, charge 3x as much for xrays as other vets in the area, and are technologically incompetent.Our dog had a leg injury, followed by a limp. After a more than brief physical exam, Dr. Brady wanted to xray the leg to check for dislocation. Fair enough. When a dislocation was not found though, she immediately began to interpret the image as possible cancer. We were steered in the direction of multiple tests to diagnose the cancer for sure and trusted Dr. Brady that this was the best course of action. Looking back, we feel that we were manipulated into over $1500 worth of xrays and blood work that still left us without a definitive diagnosis of cancer. Not once did Animal Haven mention that the tests that were being recommended would get pricey. $1500 for a vet appointment is a lot of money, I dont care who you are. What really sent me over the edge was when our dog was prescribed pain meds and Dr. Brady opened a bag of Pill Pockets to show us how to give him the pill. We thought that was a nice gesture after telling us our dog could die a horrible death. Upon viewing our bill though we were charged $10 for Pill Pockets which we didnt even ask for! We certainly wouldnt have bought them ourselves. We have cheese at home! We decided to go elsewhere for a second opinion. We requested all medical records and copies of the xray images that we paid a ridiculous amount of money for. The staff really need to receive proper training on how to use their own equipment. They could not provide us with jpg images to send to our new vet. The images that we got were thumbnail size and not useful at all. Weeks went by. Half hearted attempts on their part to rectify the situation followed by unreturned phone calls really got our blood boiling. Eventually they sent me PHOTOGRAPHS of the computer screen with our dogs images on it. Seriously? Are you that incompetent that you cant figure out your own software? Every vet in the world can send xray images via email. We are now customers at Lums Pond Animal Hospital where the first thing the vet said (when he couldnt read the xrays that AH sent) was if it IS cancer, will you treat it? we said no, that we wouldnt put him through chemo for an extra 3 months of life. He then said Then why would you want to put him through unnecessary tests for a confirmation of cancer? Save your money. well keep him comfortable and if hes still fine in 2 months then well know its not cancer. What a novel idea! A vet who wants to work with an owner for whats best for the animals quality of life. Come to find out that our new vet feels that cancer is highly unlikely due to numerous factors. (of course it still could be, we know this!) But the fact that he laid out all of the things it could be and what he was leaning towards showed me that he knew his stuff and cared about the customer, not his wallet. Do better Animal Haven. You can do better.

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RI

Richard Fairweather

Moving so often, I have been to many veterinary offices. None of them have exceeded my expectations like Animal Haven did! Starting with the first phone call I made to them, the receptionist was pleasant and knowledgeable. Once in their office, I was greeted promptly and with a smile. Next my dog and I were taken back to the exam room by a technician that really seemed to know and love her job. Im new to the east coast so I really needed to get a lot of information on the different vaccines and preventatives recommended in this area and the technician was able to answer all of my questions. I was also very impressed that as she was able to explain everything to me she was also making my dog feel comfortable, by feeding him treats and loving on him like my family and I do at home. Then the doctor came in and performed a thorough exam on my dog and seemed to really care about my dogs individual needs and communicated to me the best ways to keep him healthy. Once at check out I was greeted with the same friendly face as when I checked in, as she explained my invoice to me line by line and informed me of their many payment options. My bill wasnt the cheapest, but I wouldnt take my dog to the "cheapest" vet, just like I wouldnt take my children to the cheapest doctor. It was definitely money well spent because in my family, my dog IS one of my children and I will treat him as such. Overall, I had a great experience at Animal Haven and more importantly so did my dog, Baxter as well.

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ST

Steve Adamo

I personally believe there are two kinds of veterinarians. The first kind cares about the health of their business. They will load up your animal with all kinds of unnecessary services and vaccinations to pad their revenue. They are like the auto mechanics of the 80s. There is a certain three letter vet in the area that operates in this manner. The second type is the kind of vet that cares about the health of your animal. This is a rare breed (pardon the pun). Animal Haven is loaded with people that are concerned about the welfare of your animal first and foremost. It probably costs them increased revenue but in the end, their concern is what really matters. I love my animals and maybe its unfair, but I expect my vet to love them as much as I do. This is how I felt about Animal Haven. When they were in the room with my pets they treated them like there were no other animals in the world. I will continue to take all of my pets (cats and dog) to animal haven and will continue to give them my business for heartworm medications, flee medications and food because a practice like this deserves to be supported by the community.

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DA

Daryl Wolf

I have been using AHVC for my dogs since 2007. My dog at the time was having some issues and I wanted a second opinion. So I stopped in one day and spoke with one of the Techs (Beth...She seemed very knowledgable, patient and caring), and she took plenty of time talking to me about my dog and what the Dr. would probably do if I brought my dog in. After leaving and thinking about it, I felt very comfortable and decided to bring my dog to them. I usually see Dr. Brady during my visits and she always takes time to explain everything and answer all of my questions. She performed emergency surgery on my dog to correct a severe bowel impaction and probably saved his life. He had to stay there for a week to be monitored and the staff looked after him as if he was one of their animals. Everyone one at AHVC is great to deal with always quick with a dog treat and a happy greeting that makes you feel that your animal is their favorite animal. Many other businesses (Not just Vets) could learn a lot about customer service by coming here.

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AS

Ashley Callaway

My dog is my everything and I would not take him anywhere else. Dr. Fagraeus has always provided me with a quick and accurate diagnosis whenever my pup is ill. Also, per the signs that hang in EVERY room, whenever I have had cost limitations, I inform them ahead of time and have still ALWAYS received the best treatment for my babies. Dr. Brady went above and beyond to provide care for my cat who died of FIP and straddle thrombosis. She advised of me of my options, was brutally honest about the slim chance of survival, allowed me to make my own decision, and treated both me and my dying cat with respect. I have never been advised to get additional unneccessary tests or procedures done. Even when I had a pregnant cat that I wanted them to x-ray or something to see how far along or how many kittens, Dr. Fagraeus told me it was unnecessary, squeezed on the cat and was only a day off on the due date. I trust Animal Haven more than I trust any other vet or even the specialty center.

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