I am so extremely disappointed with this hospital....

I am so extremely disappointed with this hospital. I had rushed my dog here from another emergency hospital because that other location was not 24/7 and was closing at 8am. I had to make a decision to either bring him to Red Bank which was an hour drive away or bring him here. I wasn't sure if he'd make the long drive so I brought him to AERA based on the good reviews. The check-in process was fine, and I was even okay with having to pre-pay for services just to try saving his life. After check-in however everything went downhill. The Dr. told me upon initial examination that my dog would need to see a cardiologist, and unfortunately theirs was unavailable at the moment. She said she would contact the cardiologist and ask if she would be able to come in as an emergency request, since my pet was in critical condition. I did not hear back from her until 6 hours later. I had called at least 3 times during that window to try and get an update, and also made it clear to the receptionist that I was trying to get a cardiologist appointment elsewhere so I needed to know whether AERA's cardiologist would be able to come in as an emergency request. By the time the doctor called me back, I had already missed every chance to get my dog to another location to get his echocardiogram done so I had no choice but to leave him here overnight since he was oxygen chamber dependent.

This was infuriating, as he was literally on the brink of death, and his condition was worsening by the hour by staying at AERA without getting the right treatment. Not only was the lack of communication from the doctor unprofessional, but so was the behavior of the receptionists. I had to literally beg for an update, and every time I called (only 3x within a 6 hour period) was told "well, we're really busy with walk-ins right now so...". How is that an acceptable response? I would understand if my dog was admitted for a broken bone, but he was in a critical state. After receiving my first update after 6 hours, it then took another 6 hours to get my 2nd update. I can't believe this is how they operate. I understand that things can get busy, but there should be more than 1-2 doctors on staff during the same shifts if they know they always get busy.

After realizing my dog would die if left him there over the weekend, I checked him out immediately and rushed him to Red Bank. The check-out process was a disaster as well. I had called 2 times prior to checking him out to let them know I'd be coming at a certain time, since it was urgent for him to be ready as soon as I arrived. Not only were they not prepared upon arrival, but after leaving the facility they still had not sent over his paperwork to the other hospital until I had to call and remind them. Guess what their response was again? "Well, I was busy with some other patients". I really trusted this place based on the reviews, but I cannot believe the horrible experience I had. I will never bring my pet here ever again or refer any of my friends and family here. My dog only survived because he left this place and got the proper diagnosis and treatment at Red Bank Animal Hospital. If you can make the drive, then definitely go there instead.