All Creatures Veterinary Services

Reviews 3

LA

Larry Gold

I have been a Customer of All Creatures Veterinary clinic for the better part of 30 years, actually when the first opened their doors in Long Beach i was one of there first clients, I have never in all my life found a more caring and dependable Doctor as Dr Lee Gelfand, he has a heart of GOLD no pun intended, I have a back ground that includes breeding and raising Horses for racing as well as all kinds of farm animals and dogs, i have lived on farms most of my life and i have worked with every kind of farm animal there is as well, I have breed dogs for many many years when I stopped breeding and racing my horses, I then began breeding Golden retrievers for many years, Animals are in my blood I know veterinarians very well, I dealt with them on a daily basis when i was still on the farms I was working on, when I found All Creatures veterinary clinic i not only found a friend and a vet who actually cared about there clients, and when i say clients I mean the animals, as well as there owners, he not only helped the animals I would bring in with various issues but is also helped ME deal with them as well, he would treat the animal at the same time treat the owners of their animals me included, his bedside manner so to speak is incredible, he cares as much about the animal he is helping as he does the owners of the said animals, his skills are second to none and I have worked with some of the best vets in the country with my horses and other farm animals, my knowledge of animal care is quite extensive so I understand what he tells me about my dogs or any animal for that matter, and when he tells you things you can bank on him being right, i never in my 30+ years have meet anyone who is so willing to help in any way he can, a little side note he has in the past when i was breeding my Goldens come to my house to help make sure the birthing went right and as easy as it could for my females i dont know many vets around here that would even think of doing that, sadly recently lost a pair of Mastiffs from congenital issues no one could have prevented, but Dr Gelfand gave me more time with them than I would have had just by knowing what to do to help my dogs and give us time together, he gave me years and showed me what to do to help myself as a person to deal with my dogs illnesses and he helped my dogs live as long as they could comfortably. If I ever had to do it over again i would stay the course I have been on with Dr Gelfand, no reason to deviate from what works right and Dr Lee Gelfand is RIGHT take it from someone who knows animals, he knows his stuff you are in GREAT HANDS with him. I now have to travel a much longer way to get to him since I moved out of Long Beach about a 45 minute to an hour drive but i would not have it any other way, no one touches my animals but him EVER!!! Never less i am in the process of starting my breeding again this time with Tibetan Mastiffs and you can be 1000% sure he is the only one who will ever touch my dogs and pups when the time for my litters are to be birthed! If you want a recommendation from someone who is more than happy with Dr Gelfand email me, i would be more than glad to talk to you and try to ease any apprehension you might have about him and his Veterinary clinic!

MA

Mary K

I have personally known Dr Gelfand since 1983 when I got my first German Shepherd Dog. Dr Gelfand has consistently been the "best vet" that I have gone to. He has a genetics degree, he is excellent at diagnosing all kinds of things, he is excellent at orthopedic surgery (first gsd had 2 hip surgeries for dysplasia at about 1 year old, and she lived to just a few days shy of her 12th birthday). Our friends and neighbors in NJ who have gone to Dr Gelfand for a "second opinion", have all had Dr Gelfand perform the surgery on their dogs (driving to/from Jersey City NJ-Long Beach NY. They have all been very, very satisfied. Our friends dog had widespread cancer which the local vet in JC diagnosed as a "sprain". It really kills me every time I see someone complain about the cost. First, All Creatures always has the most updated equipment. While you might not care when going in for yearly shots, one would most definitely care if your pet needed that updated, costly equipment while saving your pets life. Second, no one "makes" a client go to All Creatures. The people who make appointments there do so of their own free will. You can always ask about the cost BEFORE you go there. And personally, the difference in cost between the local vets by my house and All Creatures has been negligible; the difference in quality is incalculable. You need more examples of the quality of Dr Gelfands work, you say? Two hip dysplasia surgeries, one shoulder fracture that required surgery (local vet surgery was "sprain"), 2-3 ACL surgeries, correct diagnosis of widely disseminated testicular cancer (local vet said "hip sprain" in the absence of any known injury), humane treatment of lymphoma (local vet diagnosis was "not sure"), correct treatment x 3 for anaphylatic shock (was at big important vet in NYC when my dog started having symptoms of anaphylactic shock, I told the receptionist (I knew what was going on because it had happened before) and they left me in the waiting room -->I called Dr Gelfand and he told me what to do to stop the reaction and saved my dogs life, etc, etc. Have I sometimes found the front desk folks not helpful? Yes, yet I can personally say that when there was a big problem, it was addressed, permanently. I have to wonder whether stress or anger (at things other than All Creatures) plays a role in the negative comments. Even after 30 years, I have nothing but respect and trust for Dr Gelfand. Dr Gelfands attributes: very intelligent (genetics degree plus veterinary degree), kind, caring, goes out of his way to help, is thorough, performs a methodical exam and leaves no joint untouched (limping dog? Check ALL of the dogs joints, not just the one you think might be the problem), answers emails, excellent surgeon, compassion (just ask my first dog)... I could go on but you get the point. Emergencies aside, would you hire a contractor without asking at least an estimate for the cost??? No, so stop complaining about the price, please. 5 stars for Dr Gelfand, every time!

MI

Michael Solomon

It is difficult to write a recommendation for All Creatures Veterinary Services because it has become a home away from home for all of our 5 dogs and 7 cats for over 30 years. To use a single word it would have to be superlative in every respect. The offices and clinical areas are always spotless and every person with whom we have come in contact was always professional with that special scoop of kindness. Dr. Gelfand began as the veterinarian for our first dog and subsequently a personal friend. We found him to be an exceptionally caring and gentle person, who not only treated the pets, but who also their parents. He has saved the lives of several dogs who otherwise would have to have been put down. He is highly knowledgeable and always described the particular problems and most realistic manner to treat them. His soft spoken communication is without description. Over the years he made house calls. Amazing as it sounds going to the vet for a "visit" was exciting for our guys and gals. A dog cant fake a feeling. They call it as it is and my wife and I often looked at each other wondering if they wanted to be there instead of being with us. We wish to emphasize our current pet. He had a terminal illness. Dr. Gelfand did not telephone us with the news. He, took the time to come to our home, explained everything, and guided us through a very difficult decision regarding an amputation. During the operation his office called us several times to assure that everything was progressing well. Subsequently we further learned that our guy had developed myeloid leukemia. With incredible treatments and chemotherapy he is currently in remission. Without All Creatures and their staff we would have lost him. Dr. Gelfand called us early each morning to advise about laboratory results and progress. He treated us as well as our pet. His love of animals and respect for their owners is the cornerstone of his practice. Dr. Geltman too is an outstanding veterinarian. He also possesses great care, diagnosis and procedures. It has always been a pleasure to have him treat our animals. Kindness and tenderness to pets and parents is a characteristic shared by all. The staff is wonderful and commensurate with the tone of the office. Monique, Adele, Dawn, Michele, Susann, Marissa, Lisa, Jamie, Eileen, Bill, Perry and Adam pay more attention to our pets than to us. Many have visited our home to see how Caleb is progressing and instructed us regarding diet and medication. I think if they had a choice each one would adopt him and just leave us a note. We could write volumes with greater accolades, but in ending, all that can be said is if you love your pet, and want them to have exceptional care, expertise and tenderness, there is no other place to go than All Creatures. They have earned our love and respect many years ago and we want to make sure that your pets are getting the best. Michael & Jayne Solomon