Reviews of Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (Veterinarian)

Amanda Valente

We had to take our Shelly girl here because she was in congestive heart failure and we had no idea. They saved her & now we have some more time to spend with her before this disease takes it toll. We aren’t looking forward to the day but we are so happy we get to have some more time with her. She’s only 1 & we weren’t expecting this terrible outcome. The entire staff welcomed us with open arms. They were so kind & caring to our entire family. We would recommend this hospital in a heart beat. It’s nice to know that there are still compassionate human beings left in this world.

Lauren Gillespie

Very impressed with the staff and the vets . Took very good care of my very sick dog. It is expensive but all charges are disclosed before any procedures are performed. It functions as a emergency hospital so be prepared to wait. All medications were explained and instructions were given. Cant thank the staff and Drs. enough.

Caleb Rogers

First off, I was shocked that a few of the reviews state that the doctors and staff don't care or have a lack of interest in the animals they are treating. That couldn't be further from the truth. I have taken my dog to this hospital a few times over the past year. Each time I have met with a different doctor, 3 total. Each of them was as thoughtful and caring as I have ever experienced, I was extremely impressed. I don't recall the first doctor's name, but the other two doctors were Dr. Oliver Morgan, and Dr. Hart. Their thoroughness in the examinations was immediately reassuring. But even more impressive was the time they took to explain their diagnosis. Each doctor was very articulate and provided a detailed explanation of the situation. Both Dr. Morgan and Dr. Hart drew diagrams of bone and ligament structures to give me the best possible understanding of their diagnosis and causes for my dog's lameness and the path forward for her recovery. They are quite obviously great doctors, although, Dr. Morgan is a slightly better artist when it comes to drawing on the white board. I felt fortunate to have had them take care of my dog and will always go back to them throughout the course of my dog's life. I do understand the frustration expressed in other reviews regarding the expense involved in treating a pet. Although, in my opinion, it's unfortunate and frustrating, but it is what it is. I am fortunate to have pet insurance for my dog. If this weren't the case, I definitely would not have been able to cover the full treatment she has needed. But I feel very strongly that this is in no way a reflection of these doctors. At the same time, these are specialty doctors and are the best of the best, and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. I haven't been as impressed and pleased with any of my own doctors throughout my life as I am with the doctors I've met with at this veterinary hospital.

kacie morales

We initially came to put our pit bull down because he was beyond sick , we took him to a clinic and they said he had a stomach blockage. It was 10 grand for surgery and we do not have the money to pay that up front and no hospitals that we know of take pay plans. When we got here they greeted us right away and took care of us right away. The vet took a look at jack our pit bull and said it might not be a blockage and it could be gas. They gave us multiple options , and honestly they helped us and worked with us on so much with adjusting the price. They gave us hope for our dog and we are grateful for that. Not sure the lady’s name but she had short hair , and was very understanding. She is great and so is this place.

Jenn K

They were wonderful with my dog bella. Very caring and understanding with my feelings also. I would highly recommend this place

Amy Heath

Some of the most caring, knowledgeable, hardworking veterinary or medical professionals I have ever met. Patient, kind and gentle - our 13 lab had cancer surgery 3 1/2 years ago and he’s still going strong today - thank you!!

Cathy White

Simply the best - Saved my dog life - My dog had been suffering for a few months with stomach problems, fainting and intermittent eating. She had a tennis ball size tumor in her spleen and other small tumors. I called my own vet and he suggested with the complexity that I bring her here for surgery. I got her in immediately and that surgery saved her as she was internally bleeding. She is now on the mend so Thank you - while I get that it may only be for not that long it was worth everything and the expense. They do things others can't and they are the best at surgery.

Tyler Alcan

My family has used Cornell for many emergency visits for our dogs. Unfortunately my dog had a sudden illness and she passed away on the car ride there. Cornell tried everything to revive her. The vet was very nice and compassionate with me and my family. Thank you to all the staff that tried to save my dog. Highly recommended for emergency care for your animals.

Kathryn Wisse

We had a great experience at the emergency care department. Dr. Arcari was very knowledgeable and made us feel extremely comfortable. He really seemed to have a genuine care for our dog and was very patient with our many questions.

Mark DiRollo

DANGER WILL ROBINSON! AVOID! AVOID! AVOID THIS PLACE AND GO TO VCA EMERGENCY HOSPITAL IN NORWALK INSTEAD (I'm not employed, compensated by nor affiliated with VCA or CORNELL in any way, shape or form). WHY SUCH A SCATHING REVIEW? READ ON.... Not impressed. If I could give this place less than 1 star I would. This is a MONEY MAKING OPERATION THAT WILL GOUGE YOUR EYES OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND GO FOR YOUR LUNGS TOO IF YOU LET THEM. THEIR FIRST AND PRIMARY FOCUS/CONCERN IS MONEY. IF YOU'RE NOT WELL FUNDED THEN YOU BETTER BE PREPARED TO FIND A WAY TO GET THAT FUNDING BECAUSE THEY WON'T PROCEED UNTIL THEY HAVE EVERY GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT - IN WRITING! My first visit with my cat was a week ago on Tuesday, June 25th, 2019. $4,800 for 3 days of care and treatment for my cat with congestive heart failure and I didn't get the kind of attention that would be commensurate with the amount of money I spent. For example - when I picked up my cat the evening I took him home I got a set of typed out instructions that was, for all intents and purposes, read to me by a young and seemingly inexperienced veterinary tech. Being a complicated case I then asked if I could speak with a doctor to whom I could direct my questions which the tech could not answer. Unfortunately, there wasn't a doctor available. Could I speak with the Cardiologist? He's not here. He only comes in on Tuesdays during the day. I was told to call the hospital on the following day to request to speak with the attending vet who was familiar with the case. OK...this is understandable - but why ask me to call an emergency veterinary hospital when everyone knows that there's no way the doctor is going to come right to the phone when I call. It would seem more prudent, and logical, for the technician to have said that they would leave a message for the doctor to call me on the next day - which is what I wound up suggesting. Here it is 2:30 pm the following day and still no call. Hmmmmm.... But worst of all is that I was given instructions to call a compounding pharmacy to make arrangements for my cat's life-saving medications. Then, when I called that pharmacy a few minutes ago, the prescription still hadn't been called in. Another call back to the hospital and was advised that I'd have to leave a message for an administrator who was unavailable. No...I'm not, this is unacceptable - get someone on the phone now. They did. I spoke with Taryn, a hospital administrator who,I have since learned,left the employ of the hospital "abruptly". Too bad because she was on top of her game - which is probably why she left this sub-par outfit. Turned out the attending vets allegedly didn't get the necessary medication info from the roving cardiologist who had performed the echocardiogram the day before. Yet all the information, including the names of, and dosage instructions for, all the medications my cat needed from the compounding pharmacy were clearly stipulated on my take home instruction sheet. Someone dropped the ball. 7/2/19 - my cat was in congestive heart failure again. Waited hours and was presented with another "estimated" bill of another $4,000 for an overnight stay. I asked repeatedly if/why the cardiologist, the one who took my cat's echocardiogram just days prior, was not being consulted. No matter how many times I asked this questions all I got was "we have no way of contacting the cardiologist". I told them too prepare my cat to go back home and then took it upon myself to go outside and while sitting in my car in the Cornell parking lot at 2:30 a.m. I took the initiative to call VCA emergency veterinary hospital in Norwalk. Turns out they use the same cardiologist, readily volunteered his contact info and within minutes he called me on my cell! All while being told by Cornell's vet they had no way of contacting him. Cardiologist gave me 'take home' options and today my cat is doing fine. And for all my effort I still had to pay Cornell $1,000 for last night!!! STAY AWAY! GO TO VCA IN NORWALK INSTEAD (I'm not compensated by nor affiliated with VCA nor Cornell).

Lynn Frigault

I brought my cat in for dental surgery. Dr Hoffman did a good job of giving me all the details I needed to make an informed decision. The staff were kind and helpful while I sorted out what I wanted to do. Some things I didn't like..... They added to my bill a liquid that I would add to the cats water to help with her teeth. I was already home when it occurred to me that my cat was having all her teeth removed. The 70 doll bottle of meds was useless to her. They sent her home with a bandage on her leg which compressed her leg and caused dangerous swelling. I had to rush her to a clinic to have it removed. Another 200 dollars. They insisted on giving her a bad tasting med even after I was very clear that she would not take it. Another 30 dollars. I am not satisfied with the care she received.

Stacey Rivera

As a Veterinary Technician I can say that I have been impressed with the standard of care and quality of medicine provided. Would recommend this facility without a doubt!

Andrew Hellman

Cornell in Stamford is exceptional. The thing that sets them apart, aside from their absolutely top flight medical experts who genuinely care for your pet's welfare, is that the receptionists and technicians are every bit as professional. …

Tamara Ketler

I recently took my 11 year old, Springer Spaniel, Sadie, to CUVS for an eye exam with Dr. Wynne, Ophthalmologist. Sadie had lost her eye sight about a week before her appointment. Through Dr. Wynne's thorough exam and then a chest x-ray, the professionals determined that Sadie had cancer. Although I was devastated with the diagnosis, I was so grateful to have taken Sadie to such a professional, loving and caring place that accurately and very efficiently diagnosed her health situation. Sadie passed away 5 weeks after the appointment. THANK YOU Dr. Wynne and EVERYONE at CUVS for providing such amazing care for Sadie. The exceptional part of CUVS are the many SPECIALISTS that have the most knowledge to help and care for your pet. THANK YOU AGAIN!! In Loving Memory of Sadie!

Susan Lydem

Our foster girl, Mercury, experienced complications following heartworm treatment and needed round-the-clock care for several days. I work in the veterinary field, and decided it was worth an hour drive to have her cared for at CUVS. From the moment we walked in the door, every staff member we worked with was exceptional! We were seen immediately, Mercury was thoroughly and quickly evaluated and a care plan was in place. The treatment protocol was thorough, well thought out and did not include any unnecessary diagnostics. The doctors and techs took the time to answer every single question (and there were many!) and were so kind and patient! When the doctor called late at night, within hours of admission, to tell me they had already completed a sedated tracheal wash and gotten samples out to the lab, I could hardly believe it! Where most other facilities I have worked with would have stabilized her and waited for the next day to perform this type of testing, they were on top of it before the sun came up! I was astounded and deeply grateful! My sincere thanks to Dr. Merchant, Dr. Gradilla and all of the amazing techs in the Critical Care Drpartment. You were a godsend and I am so beyond grateful for your kindness and skill! We won’t hesitate to come back the next time we need emergent care for one of our beloved pets. You all are exceptional and have set the bar high for the rest of us in the veterinary field!

Alison Rooney

Top facility with top care. Very attentive staff and very responsive. We unfortunately made several trips here and sometimes we waited and sometimes we were seen quickly but in every case the doctors and nurses were good and took their patients care seriously.

Deborah White

Make no mistake: CUVS is the best there is. My dog receives exceptional, ongoing care from his dermatologist and internal medicine specialist here. I wouldn't go anywhere else -- even though it's an almost two-hour round-trip drive for me. …

mckotlar

This place is beyond amazing. The staff is so wonderful. My dog became paralyzed on September 21, 2018. It was one of the most traumatizing experience in my life. My dog is my baby and such a huge part of my family. I was referred to CUVS …

Rafael Gil

Very good place, we had to rush our pet there and they were very helpful

Ronda Baron Karp

I'm sure they're a great animal hospital but the prices they charge require you to take out a new mortgage! They are an emergency hospital and since they have a captive audience, they charge astronomically high prices! The quote I got for …

Dana Garcia

The best! Dr. Wynne, Zach and the staff are awesome. Our Shelby had cataract surgery and Cornell saved her eyesight. They are very caring and it is greatly appreciated. Sidenote..the hospital is immaculate!!

Christine Lang

This place is awful and they lie to get negative reviews removed. Most important to them is the $$ very sad to say the least!!

alaina figueroa

We took my dog here because he started limping and not being able to put weight on his back leg. Both the tech and the nurse had absolutely no personality and as the tech was taking his vitals, I had to keep asking if they were normal as he didnt tell us. Then the nurse that saw him diagnosed him with a torn ACL or as he said "blown out knee" but he just kept saying "I think" or "in my opinion." We asked if there was an actual vet to diagnose and there wasn't. We asked if they could do xrays and was told that the people on staff "weren't good at orthopedic xrays." My dog only cried in pain when he pushed into his paw and made no noise when he was manipulating his leg but the guy made no mention of his paw being the possible cause of his pain. Then he said my dog was so overweight that he needs to lose 30-40lbs. Meanwhile, hes a large Newfoundland with very broad shoulders and a large bone structure and could not ever go down to 110-120lbs. They weren't encouraging or warm. We left and went to Norwalk animal hospital and my dog was diagnosed with a sprain/bruised toe, not a torn CCL! My dog is already doing better but I will never come here again! Take the extra 10 minutes and go up to Norwalk for your vet emergencies! They might have good vets/staff there but on a Saturday night, it was definitely not the case. Acted like we were more of an inconvenience than anything else.

Christy Buscemi

Cornell Animal Hospital in Stamford is full of kind, compassionate, competent and knowledgeable staff! After visiting another hospital that told us there was nothing they could do to save our dog Slugger, we decided to bring him to Cornell. …

Shon Dill

Such a selfless facility full of real human beings. The care I received was such a heaven sent place to be. I cannot express how much gratitude I just give thanks to the most high for a place like this. May there doors remain open forever and they continue to help heal our animals in such a angelic way. Love Love Love ❤️ them and I am so happy they helped me and my animal. I’m so happy I found a 24 hour facility like this. I just want to spread the word and acknowledge the great hearts and souls that work here...

Sarah J

They are professional & have compassionate staff members here. I brought in my 14 year old pitbull Rocky from NYC who had to be put down. They have a comfort room for you and your pet to spend your last moments together and say your …

James Laird

Incredibly responsive and professional. You never want your pet to end up here, but if you need them there is no better place. Moose is happy, healthy and safe thanks to CUVS! Dr. Mazzaferro was wonderful and its obvious that the entire staff cares dearly about each pet that comes through their doors.

alan becker

Total lack of interest/concern/follow up. Receptionist make things up. Specialist Dr. Foreman could not even give me the name of a general vet in his office. Sent me back to the vet who initially harmed the dog. Zero follow up with us after bad reaction to meds, So you see a specialist once, pay big $$, then get lost. Dr. Foreman possibly the worst disinterested doctor I have ever met. Would NEVER bring my dog back, never returned emails until I asked in the email why they don't respond to my questions. Stay away save your dog and your $. Cornell so very concerned about my experience they wrote me, please call our customer service manager tomorrow.. Why doesn't the customer service manager call me??? Just shows the lazy, lack of interest.....