Downtown Veterinary Associates

Reviews 5

EL

Elizabeth Finn

Downtown Veterinary Associates acted in an unethical manner that jeopardized the life of our dog. They treated our family and our dog with disrespect and condescension. I really wanted to have a good experience, but I cannot recommend them after witnessing such gross medical negligence. As you read this review, try to imagine what would have happened if this had been a child. The terrible thing is that what happened was all about ego (I think? I still dont understand.) We recently moved to JC, so we were looking for a new vet. We took our dog who has Addisons disease to get examined and get a Rx refill for his monthly injection (Addisons dogs must have a shot of Percorten V every few weeks or they will lapse into a coma and die. Its very serious but completely treatable with meds) I let the attending veterinarian know that I filled my dogs Percorten V Rx at an online pharmacy. I explained that I place the order and provide contact information for the vet, and then the pharmacy calls the prescribing veterinarian to confirm. Then the pharmacy ships me my dogs medication. The vet said this was no problem, especially because it was urgent and my dog had to have his shot *next week*. I placed the order that day. A few days later my dogs medication still had not arrived so I called the online pharmacy. They let me know that DVA refused to verify the Percorten Rx. So I called DVA. They were extremely rude to me and told me that there were no on-duty veterinarians who would be willing to confirm the Rx over the phone with the online pharmacy. A flat out refusal. Really? I have a paper script in my hand, they have a record of it, and they would not do what they said they would do. Even if they had confirmed the Rx when I called to check, we would not have gotten the drug in time for our dogs shot. They had the audacity to offer to give my dog his shot for half-price (I do the shot at home so It costs me $45 a month compared to the $250+ Ive been quoted at vet offices. I have no idea what they would have charged me but it wouldnt have been $45). They *did not do what they sad they would do in the first place.* This is unethical behavior and endangered the life of our dog. Not the kind of people or business practices I want involved with the care of our dogs. Can you imagine if this was a child and a doctor acted this way? In the end, I was able to get our Dogs medication in time, but with no help from DVA. Its really a shame because we had a pretty good experience at the place initially. They were fine with taking our $800 but would not confirm the life-saving Rx that *they wrote* for our dog with an online pharmacy. You should know this if you are considering taking your canine or feline family members there for medical care.

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LA

Laura McNally

This review relates almost entirely to the 5-star care I received from Dr. Janirka Ponce and Jane recently at the Downtown Jersey City location. However, I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 because (A) I believe the prices are too high, and (B) the doctors have no established hours in each specific office; they rotate among all 4 locations seemingly randomly and you never know when your preferred doctor will be back in your location. You might have to wait weeks to see your doctor again. Earlier this month, I went to DVA and saw a different doctor for my dogs sudden itchy skin condition. I returned this past weekend because my dogs condition had severely worsened, and I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ponce and Jane. They generously spent time with my dog and me, they were friendly and had good senses of humor, they answered all of my questions, and most importantly, they tailored their approach based on the unique needs of my dog. Dr. Ponce recommended tests and procedures but never once pressured me to make a decision on the spot. Before any steps were taken, Jane and Dr. Ponce brought me a breakdown of all of the costs and explained the pros and cons of each treatment/test before I approved their next steps. Best of all, they treated my (extremely nervous and frantic) pet with attention and love. I felt at ease knowing that my dog was in their hands. Dr. Ponce also promptly followed up with me today with my pets lab results. She spent a generous 20 minutes on the phone with me, giving me a detailed explanation of the results and discussing next steps. I will certainly be back to see her. I cant recommend Dr. Ponce and Jane highly enough. Thank you for your help!

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A

A Private User

First of all, I want to say that my cats got excellent care here. However, I feel that Downtown Veterinary were deceptive in letting me know upfront about their costs. I have two cats, male and female, from the same litter. I had them neutered/spayed two days ago at the Humane Society. Afterward, I noticed that the male cat had tapeworms, so I called Downtown Veterinary Associates because I live nearby. They told me that I could bring the boy cat in to be examined, and that they would give me medication for the female as well since they share a litter box. When I asked the how much it would cost, they told me that the exam would be $68, plus the cost of medication. When I came in, they told me that I had to bring in the female as well, and that they couldnt give me extra medication without seeing her. The finale bill came to about $450 - two cat exams @ $68 each, two deworming meds @$75, two stool examinations @$75, and some cat laxative @$11. The stool samples were not necessary, since it was clear the male cat had worms, and I got them to remove that charge. $300 is still pricey for deworming cats. Had they been honest about the total cost I would have taken them elsewhere.

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NI

Niko Ruwe

Normally Ive had nothing but good experiences with Downtown Vet. However, yesterday I brought my pet in, and the Dr., Dr Helper, which is ironically his name, was scattered, and all over the place. First he said my cat was blocked, and then said he wasnt. He called the wrong Vet, to get my cats previous medical records, and he honestly just seemed like he wanted to go home, and not be bothered. Next time I have to go here, I will specifically ask to not have this doctor. My experience with him was the worst one yet, and I think Downtown Associates would be better off with competent doctors who are present, and care about the well-being of the animal, versus just wanting you and your pet out, so that he could go home. Stay away from this doctor "Helper".

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JI

Jinsun Hong

I just visited there at 7:35 and someone was cleaning the floor up. I asked him whether we were too late to see a vet. He said we were okay to come inside. And then, the old lady showed up from the back, and she muttered oh my god with a very unpleasant face when she glanced at the clock and us. I tried to ask whether I should come back tomorrow, but she ignored me and just kept asking her questions like my dogs name and why were here. It was our 3rd visits there, but were never treated like that before. I do not know whether todays a just bad day for us. But I am sure We were not there for a free meal! We paid over $100. Never going back there.

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