Otterkill Animal Hospital

Reviews 7

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Lia Matthews

I moved to the Hudson Valley 8 yrs ago, and have been searching for a veterinarian ever since! Just as you would search for a family practitioner when you are in a new location, my search for a veterinarian has been long, tedious, and suffered through the normal trials and errors that come with shopping around. As the mother of 4 dogs, 3 cats, 4 birds, 1 hamster, 2 crabs, fish, and the occasional wildlife animal I have been fortunate to care for before its release, finding the right fit is VERY important, and I believe I finally found a vet for all of my critters, both exotic and domestic. +++ (positives): They have several vets on staff, yet they rotate, so it is not a huge practice where you and your animal receive assembly-line care. There is always someone available to respond to concerns, by phone or email. The support staff is extremely knowledgeable and caring. Their online services are fantastic as well - I can email a question or a change in scheduling, and will usually receive a reply or call back within the day. As a relatively new patient, I feel very much at home. My animals and I are welcomed, and when I recently lost one of my dogs to kidney failure, the entire staff at one time or another made a point to show me their compassion and sympathy at my time of grief. My animals and family are very important to me, for this reason our family physician and veterinarian (with his/her staff) must meet the very high standards Ive imposed for those I love most.

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Mike Fisher

As usual our experience with Otterkill Animal Hospital was excellent. Our Bernese Mountain Dog came about with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) which there is no cure. DR.Zgoda was Isabellas vet for her entire life. She had a special bond of love and trust with DR. Z and she always looked so happy to be with him. DR.Z advised us of the illness that had befallen our dear Bella and he counseled us on what to expect, DR.Z was there every step of the way for Bellas last 27 days on this earth. Isabella passed away at home in her sleep and when I contacted Otterkill Animal Hospital on a Sunday ( closed for business) I did not know what to do with her remains. DR.Z was contacted by his service and called us at home shortly after the state of Florida. That is what I call a first class Doctor. His entire staff are excellent caring and animal loving people. They stress compassionate medical care for all animals and they treat every pet not just like a pet but more so like an extended family member. Otterkill Animal Hospital has been the designers of our animals , pets and extended family members health care and welfare. We are so happy to have had this outstanding relationship and medical care for many years! Thank you to the doctors, the Vet Techs and support staff and a special thank you to our friend and office manager Lauren for all that you did for us and for our dear Isabella your friend and NEW Berner Angle who will always be watching over you. Mike & Sharon Fisher

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Kay Cole

I am not one to post bad reviews, but I had to post this one. I am a dog owner and I know Id want to be aware of certain uneducated and unethical practices. My girlfriends dog, her whole life; was recently diagnosed with Cancer. She changes her dogs pain patch weekly, otherwise it will burn his skin. She was horrified last Sunday, when she went to remove his most recent pain patch and could not because IT WAS STAPLED to her dog. This was done while he was awake and while he is suffering from cancer. What kind of idiot staples something to a conscious animal?!! Doesnt stapling the pain patch to your animal defeat the purpose of PAIN PATCH?! Obviously Otterkill needs to re-evaluate their vet techs. I will be spreading this story for a while, so that no more pet owners have their animals treated as inhumanely as my friends dog was. I would steer clear of this house of horrors. P.S. I called up to inquire into this and the receptionist was completely snarkey and told me that it was common practice to staple pain patches to conscious dogs (suffering from cancer) and then hung up on me. Yeah, way to go Otterkill.... I wonder how many animals youve subjected to un-necessary pain and anguish.

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Susan Banchetto

ll is wonderful!!! We retired & relocated to the Hudson Valley within the last year. We had lived in the city & Long Island our entire lives. Our two dogs were 13 years old & had a litany of health problems. We were so lucky to get a recommendation to Otterkill. Even though it is at least a half hour drive from us, we would not go anywhere else!. Among other health issues, our Zak has had arthritis for almost 8 years & he seemed to be developing some dementia. We were preparing to make a "quality of life" decision because of his disability. Under Dr. Zygodas care, he is still with us, comfortable & enjoying his geriatric years. My neighbors immediately noticed the change in his condition....it was so striking. Unfortunately, our Bo Beagle was diagnosed with lymphoma in May & we had to make that "quality of life" decision anyway. Dr. Zygoda clearly explained all our treatment options & respected our decisions. The staff was there for us throughout Bo"s last days, with understanding & compassion....& lots of tissues for all ! Otterkill Animal Hospital truly is a family & we are very thankful to be members!.

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Stacey Lemaux

This is the best Vet service I have ever worked with! I own seven dogs and a cat and could not imagine bringing my pets anywhere else in the Hudson Valley. Dr. Zagoda and staff are always very helpful, attentive, respectful and informed when dealing with my pets. My pets LOVE the whole staff at Otterkill. I love that when I get to the vet office, they know my pet by name, they check up and ask about my other pets. When one of my dogs was diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Zagoda went above and beyond with helping us choose the best choice for treatment for our girl. He and his staff helped her live another 11 months and she had wonderful quality of life the whole time! If you are looking for a vet that truly cares about animals - then you need to bring your pet to Otterkill!

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Paula Terranova

I am bringing 3 dogs to Otterkill and have been most impressed with the quality of the practice. Office staff, vet techs and Doctors all get 5 stars from me. I brought in my newly acquired 4 year old dog and they picked up on an eye condition that had never been diagnosed although seen by several different vets in the past. They take the time to make friends with the dogs before examining them which I think is important. The facility is clean and comfortable. I drive over an hour to get there and pass many different vets along the way. I actually have 3 different vets within 5 minutes of my home but do not care for the way they practice so it is off to Otterkill I go.

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Eva Whorley

I have been a client of OAH for over 9 years now. The staff and Doctors are the most professional, welcoming ,caring, sensitive, knowledgeable and skilled that I have had the pleasure of dealing with. They take the time to answer even the most silly questions and educate you on your pet. They offer options and assist you in every way. When we have sadly had to lay a loved one to rest the outpouring of love and caring from all was unprecedented. When we have brought new critters into our home they rejoice and celebrate with us. I would have no other facility take care of my pets regardless of cost.

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