Cornell University Hospital-Animal

Reviews 5

BR

Bryan Conover

Cornells wildlife emergency response team acted poorly for a dying baby cottontail rabbit. Around noon, I emailed a local rehabilitation center (I know I probably should have called) and waited. An hour later, I checked again and they emailed me back saying to call Cornell. At this time, the baby was not bleeding or showed any signs of injury. I still wanted him checked out, so I waited till morning because I was exhausted from the shock. I called the number on Cornells website first thing in the morning, and directed myself to the emergency response section. There I waited for the nice woman to direct me to the wildlife personnel. Took quite a long time before she responded that she couldnt contact anyone. She told me that when they get the message, someone would call. About an hour or two later a man called and I explained that my cat attacked a baby cottontail, and that we rescued him. Of course I held him in a darkened, safe, quiet environment with a timothy hay nest and chopped carrots. The man directed me to an online list of rehabilitators that included Cornells team. I was very confused, I then assumed he was part of the domestic branch and let it slide. I then called two of the numbers on the list. One did not answer and the other recommended me to Cornell. The man over the phone said to follow the prompt to the Wildlife clinic. I thought "but, last time I called there wasnt a prompt for the Wildlife clinic, just the emergency hotline." Me being very anxious right now just said "ok thanks" and let him go. I called Cornell again and this time I got no answer at all. I gave up then and thought to care for the little one until tomorrow (Monday) when I could take him in. After going out to buy groceries, I came home to check on the little fella. He did not make it. He was lying in the shallow bowl of water I had given him, stiff and lifeless. I feel that it could have possibly have been avoided if Cornell had taken him in immediately instead of redirecting me to other rehabilitators. I thought they were the best for the job! I thought THEY were rehabilitators! It was very disappointing and I hope this will be noticed by Cornell, and that they will act by making their phone prompts more clarifying (domestic and wildlife clinic) or by having separate numbers for different bureaus. I hope they can specify which clinic the caller is speaking too at the moment someone picks up, and direct the caller to exactly what they need. I am not placing one star ONLY because the woman and man acted responsibly.

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JA

Jane Smith

These people are cruel. They claim to be a school and to be an institution for animals? I dont think so. I came to them for life saving help for my dog and they were cold. 100% about money. I could not afford care credit because Im a cancer patient. I already have maximized my benefits. I explained politely and asked if there was any other options or payment plans through the school. They coldly said no and I explained that I would have to euthanize my best friend while Im on chemo. they said that it "happens". With plenty of money through tuition ect ect you would hope they would be at least a tiny bit flexible like medical schools and dentistry schools. No, no discounts, no payment plans, no loan system, no exceptions. Pony up or its the needle. I never expected a free hand out. Never on my life. I have dignity. But I was looking for at least a manageable payment plan to save my best friend. I get to euthanize him in an hour and then go in to chemo at strong to come home to an empty bed. I wish I could empathize with their reasons. I cant. Perhaps Im less of a person for doing so and less for not having $8,000 for surgery up front. He is a young dog with nothing else wrong. He just cant walk due to broken knees and is in excruciating pain. I was praying to at least get one of us out of pain. Looks like my prayers went unanswered. I hope this sheds light on future people decisions on where to take their animals. If they are only about money with no exceptions I wonder what other things go by the way side to meet a bottom line.

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LA

Laura Pelletier

I worked with Dr. Cheong, and a resident, Dr. Donnelley. Everyone I interacted with was pleasant, professional and forthcoming with information. I waited less than 10 minutes before being seen. They were able to see me on the days I requested at the times I needed and offered real-world advice on testing, even though what I should do wouldnt necessarily earn the practice money. Every time I checked out, I received an itemized list of costs. AWESOME to receive from a vet clinic. They compared the cost of a package versus a pay by the visit plan that would cover my needs no matter what avenue I chose to pursue. The receptionists were knowledgeable, friendly and willing to page the doctor to deliver my results over the phone while I waited. Every test done on my animals was done after receiving permission and in a location where I could see what was happening. My test results were delivered at or before the stated time that they would be available. I expected the Cornell Vet to be more expensive than my current small town vet, but their charges not only stacked up, but were sometimes a THIRD the cost. I highly recommend supporting this institution, even if you have a drive to get there. They set the industry standard, for sure.

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AS

Ashlee Sherwood

Our chinchilla, Aspen, somehow managed to get a string wrapped around her toe, cutting off the circulation. We contacted the Cornell Animal Hospital and the next available appointment they had was in December (as you can imagine this was not a matter that could wait a whole month). We were forced to look elsewhere and found a place that was 3 hours away, but still had to wait a week for an appointment. We sent that vet photos of Aspen and they immediately called Cornell and told them we had to get in that day otherwise our chin may lose her toe. Cornell had us taken care of within 5 hours (including wait time, paperwork, initial exam of Aspen, procedure, and recovery). The women in the office, our resident, and Dr. Morrisey were all fantastic and so easy to work with. Never having dealt with any health issues for Aspen I was a nervous wreck but even with the risks explained we were still more than comfortable having Dr. M perform the procedure. Will absolutely return if ever we need a vet for our chin again.

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TE

Tereza Wasson

I write this review only one day after having put my beloved German Shepherd to rest at Cornell Animal Hospital, as a way of providing assurance to anyone thinking of bringing their animals to this facility and for my own grieving process. Dr. Lucia is an angel! I have never met a more professional, caring and flexible veterinarian. I would not have been able to make the choice to put my dog down if I didnt have the trust and respect that I have for her. We made the journey from Rochester, NY to Ithaca just so that Remi could have the most compassionate and best care in his final moments. Not only is this facility top-notch, but their costs are so much more affordable than any other similar organization. Thank you to all of the staff at Cornell Animal Hospital for providing the comfort and care that my family and I needed yesterday, and for everything else that you guys do on a daily basis! We will be back!

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