Nassau-Suffolk Animal Hospital

I’ve been bringing my dogs to Dr Haggenson for decades. I appreciate that he doesn’t upsell care and makes recommendations that don’t feel like a cash grab, which is the case with easily 90% of the vets I’ve been to. He seems like he genuinely cares, and he is a very gentle, kind man who I’ll always appreciate for how he’s cared for all of my dogs over the years. The staff are friendly and helpful. Because Dr H no longer operates, Dr Lee has performed surgery on one of my dogs 3 times (same recurring issue), and she strikes me as a kind and competent doctor whose skill I trust. I now live far away, but after multiple attempts to find a new vet locally, I always end up back at this practice for the big stuff. They are more expensive than the average vet, but I would rather pay more for care I trust and is necessary than be bamboozled by cheaper vets trying to scare me into expensive care.

I take my 2 dogs there and so far one of my cats and I've never had a problem. The staff is great. There is not much one can do about prices. They are a little pricey but I also don't want to pay dirt cheap prices and questionable practices so you have to take the adage of you get what you pay for. And what I pay for is 2 dogs who absolutely get excited to go to a vet's office. And one cat who absolutely hates it ;)

I haven’t been able to write a review but now that some time has passed I feel like this VCA location deserves to know how grateful I am for their kindness and compassion when I showed up with my 15 yr old chihuahua experiencing a stroke. All I can say is the staff were beyond empathetic and honest, did not try to torture my dog with unnecessary testing, and gently advised me of the unfortunate options which meant having to choose between giving my dog a painless journey over the rainbow bridge - or have my dog experience a poor quality of life while trying to remedy her deterioration. It was of course the worst decision any owner could make, but they allowed me to ask as many questions as I wanted. They allowed me to make phone calls and seek second opinions in real time all while keeping my little baby comfortable. I’ll never forget how they treated us, and although it was one of the worst days of my life, I will forever appreciate all of the staff who helped get me through that day.

So I have been going to them for years. I would say it’s more like 4.75 out of 5 rating. It was 5/5 for years but recently has changed and dropped. Cons: Both dogs have the monthly care plan with them. In the 4+ years we have had it they have called ONE time about renewal. To the point where I actually had to ask where why she was calling and the woman insisted they always call I had to explain that it’s never happened and she said they do each year and as I am explaining I haven’t… it’s just not a good look when someone is saying hey we have been paying for years this is a first time.’so that should tell you to flag to make sure we get a call the following year and there on rather than argue. So I was displeased there. So I got one random call and it wasn’t even for the dog that had a price change on the plan. And that was a $30/month increase which to me would warrant a phone call. but we did not receive one. So to the young girl making the phone calls maybe listen to the person and not argue with them. And then on to the random increase and calling about it: The older woman behind the counter/answering phones… will lie to get you off the phone. She has been spoken to about it previously (as per management) but it isn’t just once we had to speak to the staff about her and what she tells us which is lies until the management come in and explain that everything we were told was incorrect and she knows better. So that creates far more aggravation and problems. Once or twice on a whole is one thing but the aren’t the only ones by all account. Why she is allowed to speak to the public or still there after multiple occasions is beyond me. It is exceptionally important for patients to trust the stuff. I actually don’t trust her to make my appointment and for it to be valid since she has just made up crap just to avoid telling patience the truth or dealing with the problem. Don’t work in customer service then if you can’t handle it. I am not sure which younger woman I spoke to last time to get an appointment but I had to repeat myself a dozen times because the young girl on the phone wasn’t listening and she wanted to get me off the phone and use their emergency service wall in. I had to firmly tell her 3 different times I would like an appointment. So finally I got one. It shouldn’t have taken that much work. Especially when we’ve been a patient for several years now. The closer this creeps to 4 stars the more concerned I get. Any lower and I will pull the dogs and travel to New Jersey or Connecticut if I need to. Is the top of the line specialist in montauk? Orients I will drive where I need to go. So I do get concerned as the quality of the front staff and their expectations of said staff has dropped in the last few years. Plus: They are super familiar with bully breeds so I prefer specialists bc it’s a high maintenance breed. We have enjoyed all the doctors. My English bully is very sensitive and emotional and doesn’t like just anyone so she enjoys going here and isn’t upset by the prospect which is a huge plus. My other dog is dumb and enjoys everything so his opinion is less weighed The app is very helpful and I have used the vet chat in it previously it’s good but I prefer to go in person. And with unlimited wellness for a monthly fee they do see my dogs regularly. My dogs have better health care than I do ha! And they are great doctors. I don’t find them condescending or belittling which can happen. They don’t try to preach and force nonsense down your throat. My animals are well taken care of some of them are chubby but if they are in excellent health then they don’t give you crap which is plus. I won’t pay or visit a doctor who does that. It’s shameful. So I am really glad they don’t. Overall: i am concerned some of the less than ideal behaviors of the front and is reflective of what happens behind closed doors and ABSOLUTELY reflects the care my animal will receive. So some concerns to be had.

Place is a scam, not even a second in there trying to sell me a insurance thing they use where I pay them 1800 for two dogs a year and get the shots for free dogs only get them once a year doesn’t add up. Second checked one of my dogs for kennel cough after telling him he doctor I heard him cough and that he seems sick, said he was fine then offered a flu shot like a idiot I got it because they do dog day care not even the next day my dog was twice as sick tried to come back to them because obvs that shot made him very sick, and they wanted to recharge me for a visit because they said since the first visit was my first time that it s a wellness and not a sick visit because they had to check him in. Place seems to care about the money more then the dogs they are horrible.