North Florida Veterinary Specialists

With owning 4 pets at a time, over the last 19 years, I have had a few experiences with cancer, and internal problems with two of my dogs and one of my kitties. When I asked my vet who would you go to? Who is the best? They recommended Dr Crystal and Dr Schmidt and they were right. I get this feeling that the whole team was invested in making sure my pets got the best care, and were also compassionate with me. I realize they can't save every pet, but I sure feel good about knowing that I've brought my pets to the best.

I've read the other reviews and must say my experience was quite different. Everyone was very positive and extremely helpful. They made sure I knew what was going on and explained everything in terms I could easily understand. My furbaby had to stay overnight and they were extremely pleasant each time I called to check in on him providing me with detailed information. This was an emergency visit and I feel they all cared for much for my animal and they also understood my emotions about my animal. They are extremely expensive but you can't put a price on your animals life as they are part of your family.

This is a specialist veterinary practice in the same building next to the Animal ER. They are affiliated with the Animal ER and will admit your pet for evening and weekend monitoring and care if needed. The front desk is not going to be the same as your regular vet's office in terms of big smiles and fawning over your pet. They seem to be about efficiency and getting your pet back to see the doctor. The person working the front may come across as rude or brusque, I can't tell you what they are thinking, but in my case I didn't take it personally. I had been referred to them in an emergency situation by my regular vet and my pet was seen by the doctor faster than I'd expected. In the heat of trying to figure out what was wrong with my pet Dr. Schmidt was efficient and thorough as my pet received an ultrasound and endoscopy within the first 90 minutes and I had the results. His colleague explained options and was careful to ask my permission and provide an estimate before proceeding with further treatment. Again, pleasant doctors with the air of professionalism and providing me with as much information as possible. Dr. Shmidt, and his colleague Dr. Voisine, personally called me each day with updates. My pet was admitted by them to the Animal ER. I was permitted to visit my pet to help encourage him to eat. Caveats: The young African-American "tech" who came into the waiting room to take down my information was condescending and poorly trained. She was unaware as how she was coming across. Rather than noting my questions and telling me that she'd provide them to the doctor, she turned and lectured me on the practice's role and how it was different from my vet. I was taken aback. I was very worried for my pet at the time and had asked two questions not knowing if she had information as to whether he would be receiving a specific treatment based on the referral. While in a waiting room or in the lobby you may notice that there is a lot of door slamming and boisterous laughing and talking. The offices are a build out and the doors slam closed into the thin walls and frames. Like any office the workers are probably very used to this and don't notice it. I sat wondering how sick pets in the back reacted to the elevated noise levels. Laughing and talking I think are a good sign of a health office, though out front I witnessed quite a bit of standing around and gossiping. Again, I don't care about the subject matter but I'd rather not see it as a customer who has brought a sick pet in. Conclusion: Dr. Schmidt sent my pet home believing that our home would be a better place for recovery as he was beginning to show signs of recovery. Dr. Schmidt was correct and within three days my pet was back to his usual self. When my pet was referred to NFVA I was out of sorts and very worried about him. Yes, I'm one of those people who looks to their pet as a family member. Through experience with other pets and emergencies I've learned not to let my emotions dictate my reactions and to listen and observe vet professionals and judge them by their actions. Overall this is a professional practice with a lot of patients and as is pretty typical of these types of businesses the front office isn't necessarily trained or coached by the medical professionals. Often there is a disconnect. Regardless, my pet is doing well today and I believe it is due to the efforts of both my regular vet and Dr. Schmidt and his colleagues.

Took my dog here for a difficult surgery to heal a fungal infection in his snout. Long story short he's never been the same since. Took over a week to even recover from his anasthesia and still never solved the issue, after weeks of being unclear, rude, and all in all didn't seem to care about my dog. In their defense they said it may not be 100% successful in the first surgery. Two years later I went to a vet in NYC where we moved when he started having the same issues and was told he'd have to undergo surgery yet again. The vet not only hung out with him and me for a while before he surgery to make him comfortable, and then walked me through every phase of the process. Something North Florida did not. He then discussed much more successful treatments and a procedure that North Florida didn't even do to eliminate the cause at the source. Finn walked out of anasthesia (I had to carry him from NF) and was fully recovered a day or two later. And the surgery was half the cost. IN NEW YORK CITY. This place is a profit factory and does not have animals best interest at heart. I'm sure there are good doctors and nurses here but feel like I and my dog were taken advantage of.

Over the years, our dog Rufus received such kind, attentive, specialized care from NFVS. Rufus had multiple illnesses and special needs; Dr. Schmidt and staff did so much to keep Rufus healthy and comfortable. I was always informed of everything, including cost, and Dr. Schmidt was always willing to answer questions/concerns. Compassionate and very helpful!