Even though the outcome of what was going on with my dog was not great, the veterinarian and the rest of the staff took good care of him. The vet really cared about my dog and answered all my questions. She was very transparent and kept the lines of communication open. She broke the sad news of my dog having terminal cancer in a very sympathetic yet professional manner. She told me how good my dog was for her and everyone else. The staff who answer the phones were always willing to help get me in touch with the vet. They never once seemed annoyed. If I was told I would get a call back, it would happen. These employees really do care about your fur babies. I appreciate everything they did for my Gonzo boy.
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This is "THE" animal hospital to take seriously injured or sick pets to. They have a staff of specialists whose credentials are outstanding. I had my Corgi there many years ago to repair torn CCL's in both legs and again for removal of a benign tumor yesterday. Pet care is expensive and they do offer financing services through an outside source. The hospital is easy to find....right off the GS Parkway in Tinton Falls. One final note. This hospital is not for routine care, per se, i.e. vaccinations, neutering, etc. It is however, for times when pets need special help such as neurology, critical surgery, etc.
I found the Internal Medicine doctor to be arrogant and this place is very pricey. Same as the big famous Red Bank Veterinary group down the road and personally, I think, Red Bank is better. No bargains here. I just needed a change as I went through, a long, depressing and exhaustively expensive time in Red Bank with my cat a year ago who passed. I won't use this particular doctor again.
I rushed my 4 year old black lab to Garden State early in the morning a few months ago because he woke up yelping in pain with each movement. The vet I saw not only lacked empathy, but the words she said hurt even more "just because your dog is crying doesn't mean he is in pain." I continued to tell her I know my dog, he has never cried throughout the 4 years I have had him, and this was clearly a painful cry. They decided to drain his anal glands and to me, it was just so they could say they did something. I later took my dog to my vet, where they immediately noticed something wrong and wanted radiographs. Radiographs didn't show anything and after a few appointments of pain control, I was finally referred by them to Neurology at Red Bank. They got me in for an appt. that week but at this time my dog could no longer lift his head or walk without yelping. They performed an MRI that evening and found 2 possible cysts, tumors, or fluid filled sacs of some sort pressing against his spinal cord in his neck. They could not perform spinal surgery because of the location. He was on MANY pain medications, prednisone, and a morphine pain patch for weeks. The neurologist is thinking cysts due to him feeling much better after just a few days on steroids. What made me write this long review is just a couple days ago he started with pain again, which means a few more weeks on medication to make sure everything shrinks again, but if the vet at Garden State in the way beginning, the minute I caught something wrong, actually went above and beyond like she was supposed to do, it could have saved him a few more weeks of pain until his correct diagnosis.
I have never written a negative review before online but my experience with Garden State was horrible enough where I feel like I had no choice. You know your dog more than anyone else, if you feel like there is something wrong, there probably is. Always get a second opinion.
The other day my dog had some sort of neurological episode. My regular vet told me to call Garden State because they had a neurologist on staff seven days a week and they were not sure about Westfield. I called Garden State and the woman who answered was polite and friendly. She got me an appointment with the neurologist Dr. Gibson for later in the day. The place is easy to get to and right off of the Garden State Parkway (exit 102). It's a bit tricky to find, but listen to your GPS when it says you are there even if you don't see it.
The waiting area was comfortable and clean enough. I overheard other clients talking about how their pets were in great hands at Garden State, which made me feel a lot better about being somewhere new. All of the ladies at the front desk were nice. Dr. Gibson took a health history of my dog and gave him a thorough examination. I have seen other neurologists give my dogs neurological exams and Dr. Gibson was even more thorough. She was well spoken and handled my dog with care. She explained everything without making me feel dumb. Dr. Gibson did not mind being asked questions and I never felt rushed or unimportant. She advised a blood pressure test and follow up with my regular vet to complete blood work.
I feel this is important to say after reading some of the other reviews on here...the cost of the visit was very reasonable and less expensive than RBVH (Red Bank). They even included a complimentary service most other places would charge for. I found out for one test, this place is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the cost I was quoted at Red Bank. After my experience, I would absolutely recommend Dr. Gibson and Garden State.
Everyone here is very caring, very considerate, very consoling. Being here was one of the toughest moments in my life but the doctors, nurses and staff all worked hard to address my questions and make me feel comfortable. They explained everything thoroughly and didn't pressure me about my decisions. I highly recommend them if your furry family needs to be cared for.
A constant with my pets for Cardiology follow ups at GSVS. Never had to wait long from check-in to check-out, always felt at ease, Dr. Goodwin is by far the best and if not for him, my one cat would not have lived nearly as long as he did with his thyrotoxic cardiac disease. Always returned any messages I would leave for him regarding medications, lab work etc. Still going regularly with my other cat since I only believe in the best care possible.
Dr. Flood, thank you so much for the compassion you showed during all of our visits with Mariah and the daily phone updates. I truly felt that she was in good hands and although there was little hope of her improving, I was confident in your skill and knowledge to do what was best for my baby girl. You went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything going on. I miss Mariah so much but I am so grateful for your sincerity and patience through such a difficult time for our family.
When you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras. Well, in our cat's case, it was a zebra prancing through Central Park.
We brought our cat to this clinic from Staten Island for a blood transfusion based on the recommendation of our primary vet. He had to stay 48 hours for observation and a multitude of tests. His diagnosis is one of exclusion, and I'm very thankful the doctor treating him was so thorough. He went down the list of next steps with us and kept us in the loop the entire time.
There is a wait time, but I have no problem with this. I don't want my pet's treatment and exams rushed, so I don't expect them to rush someone else's in order to speak to me.
They do seem expensive, our bill was a tick over $3000, but when you look through the itemized list of charges, they're pretty reasonable. Intensive care and especially testing adds up quickly. It was a financial commitment we knew we were making when we took him in for treatment. He was given great care and attention. I highly recommend them and wouldn't hesitate to use their services again.
Great experience recently with the staff here. They took care of our English Bulldog for a cherry eye surgery, which turned out great. Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating.
They are very passionate and were able to help us in a difficult time. Our 15-year-old Shih Tzu had to be put down 2 days before Christmas. I was happy there was an emergency vet hospital open 24/7 that was there for us. We have used them twice before in the past. They are very thorough and really do a great job.
I just like to say Dr.Pintar and Dr.Rounds are just fabuious. My kitten needed a test to see if she was spay as rescue group told me she was. Dr.Pintar test -ed her and she was not spay. Then Dr. Rounds spay her. She healed beautifully. Great vets. The staff at the desk were great.
I would like to share that we went to Garden State on Friday, 1/31 with my havanese, Oreo. We saw Dr. Pohlit, she could not have been nicer or more compassionate in this very difficult time. She spent over 2 hours with us discussing treatment and long term care. Ultimately we decided to it was Oreo's time, but Dr. Pohlit made it so much easier. I highly recommend her!
The front desk (client service reps) are an absolute nightmare. The older lady, Lori, in particular is incredibly rude and condescending and that s not the kind of attitude you should have while dealing with grieving and scared pet owners. The front desk staff seems incredibly unorganized, stressed and dismissive. I understand how busy they are and how difficult of a job it is but it s no excuse. Also, they re incredibly expensive more so than any other emergency vet hospital I ve gone to. They demand an outrageous deposit upon dropping off your baby for surgery/testing. They have no compassion for those who have very ill pets but can t afford an upwards of $2,000 upfront and refuse to care for your pet who could be dying if they don t get that deposit. I understand it s a business and they need to make money too but it s just heartless in my opinion. Also, it s very hard to get in touch with a doctor/tech for an update on your pet and odds are, you won t get one for hours. The only good thing I have to say about this place is the owner, Dr. Scavelli is excellent but he needs to find a way to implement some changes to his front desk staff and their efficiency and lack of compassion. I would recommend taking your pet elsewhere in an emergency situation.
Really great place. The staff is very helpful and nice. They took excellent care of my animal and fixed her issues. I would highly recommend them for any condition that cannot be handled by your regular vet.
I had to bring my sister's dog here for an emergency visit. This place was very professional the Doctor Who Saw the dog was very good and knew what she was doing. I would recommend this place to anybody pricing was pretty reasonable even with it being an emergency
I have nothing but high marks for Garden State Veterniary Specialusts! They have been cocistant. My most recent visit was with my cat Paulie as an emergency. The staff was very friendly and had caring mannerisms. Dr. Williams was wonderful! And my cat is doing great following a UTI. I also have had past experience with GSVS with my other cat Junior who had the radioactive iodine treatmeant with Dt Scavelli. And cured my cat from hyperthyroidism! Another success! I trust my animals care with Garden State!
Awesome facility and team, The vet took her time explaining what was going on, possible causes and different methods for treatment. Kind, caring and compassionate!
Garden State is AMAZING. Dr Scavelli and staff have saved hundreds of our rescue dogs at Husky House. They are honest and up front about everything and they are AMAZING surgeons. Our rescue comes in contact with vet hospitals all over the country and I am always at ease when my dogs are at GSVS because they are in the best of hands.LOVE THEM!
My dog is being seen by an Oncologist Dr Glasser who has been amazing with taking care of my dog. I had to have an ultra sound done which was scheduled at Garden State and they knew Dr Glasser was the requestor of the ultrasound. When I went to pay for the ultra sound they tried to charge me $189 for the ultra sound specialist to go over results with me which I did not need since Dr Glasser was going to do that with me. I was able to get the charge removed, but shame on Garden State for even charging such a ridiculous fee to have test results read to you.
Treated my pup with the utmost care. Sadly we lost out little puppy man but the staff was amazing. They allowed us to take our pup home after he passed. They always gave us a paw print as a keep sake. Best Animal Hospital I have ever encountered.
Honestly if you have any other option, I would suggest going just about anywhere else. I don t see these people because I want to, I go because my pet is unfortunately sick and needs specialized care. The doctors are alright and know what they re talking about, but literally all this place cares about is money. The reception staff is horrible and will have you waiting 45 minutes just to BILL YOU for a consult (this literally happened to me). Overall, fine doctors, horrible facility and absolutely horrible reception staff. It s taken me 5 months for them to simply update my contact info to call the correct number because they refuse to follow up on anything. Save yourself the hassle and go somewhere else if you possibly can
The doctors are truly amazing. As all of you furbaby moms and dads can attest, there is nothing greater than a confident DVM presenting to you a real solution to your baby's illness/injury. And then making it happen, and fixing your beloved friend. Here, that is precisely what you get. Yes, for a large price, but the quality of the medical attention is unparalleled. The ladies behind the front desk could use a course or two in customer service and courteous customer relation practices, but they are excellent when it matters. At the end of it all, your furbaby is in the absolute best hands at Garden State Veterinary Specialist. Paws down.
I recently took my dog Bella here for what turned out to be a bite. The original vet and then Dr. Linda on the day Bella had her drain taken out and her sutures were both friendly and professional, taking the time to answer my questions and explain everything. After the initial surgery, I called in twice with panicky questions and the front desk staff handled me calmly and got me the answers I needed. While I always know I'll spend big bucks going here, they do what needs to be done in an emergency.
Proven inefficiencies, gave them a couple tries. Disorganized, rude and potentially inept. Save yourself the grief and possibly your pet. Go elsewhere.
Brought our pup (who is 15 years old) here because we noticed her limping and she cracked her nail. Thankfully it was minor but we brought her just in case it could have been worse. Plus it was a Sunday, and our vet wasn't open. They were quick and friendly. Hopefully we don't have to go back any time soon, but at least there's an ER vet we can go to if needed
Very kind and caring staff and physicians. My Kitty was very sick and they took good care of him. They also gave me detailed info on treatment options so I felt like I was making an informed decision regarding his health. They also respectfully assisted in the process of letting him go... I was given paw prints as a keepsake and a few weeks after I received a handwritten note with condolences and kind words from the staff and the doctors. I think that was a very compassionate gesture and I appreciate it very much. Thank you
We had just put our dog to rest today with the help of Dr. Abed. She is absolutely wonderful. She diagnosed the condition, wAlked us through the options, and gave us as much time as we needed t say goodbye. The staff is wonderful. The facility is clean. And most importantly we felt that our dog was treated with utmost dignity and care. I can not praise Dr. Abed enough.
When my regular vet is away, or if ever in need of a specialist, this is the hospital to go to! Pleasant staff and wonderful doctors, with the knowledge and expertise! Highly recommend!
Never, ever bring your pet to this place. They have you wait for hours for conducting tests without giving an update. The worst experience of my life with any vet I hae gone to
Brought our older Dog in to have his spleen removed. The staff were kind and patient with him. Everything was spelled out up front and things went very smooth. He's doing great and we couldn't be happier with the service.
I walked my thriving Newfoundland into the hospital on June 29,2016. He was going to have a culture/biopsy for a rash we were treating. He stayed overnight. HE DIED 18 HOURS LATER. The morning of the biopsy I got a call that his blood work was normal. He had a slight rise in temperature and once it came down they would biopsy. Two hours later I got a call that his temperature was 105. They were very concerned and they moved him into critical care. I went to the hospital to find my boy dying. Two interns were overseeing his care. There was not a specialist to be seen and no specialist spoke with me. We stayed together for four hours. I watched him deteriorate. There was no reason given. The intern kept saying she didn't know what was happening. As I heard our boy's internist walk the hall, he NEVER spoke with me. I was told we could do an MRI and additional tests. I asked if it would change the outcome and they could not answer me. MY DOG WAS DYING IN THEIR CARE and they didn't have a clue. NO ONE READ THE CHART THOROUGHLY. NO ONE FOLLOWED THE INFORMATION IN THE CHART. The boy I walked into the hospital left us in less than 18 hours. I walked out with a cremation receipt. I got a call from a Vet who had NEVER seen or treated our boy with a justification call. He could not justify anything. WHY was an INTERN, who did not thoroughly read the chart treat my boy? WHY ask for specialized TESTS, if they are not read thoroughly? WHY keep a chart if it is not read? WHY did the SPECIALIST not communicate with me? WHY was a vet who NEVER treated our boy and NEVER read the chart calling me? WHY wasn't the internist making this call? NO ANSWERS! Eventually he terminated the call. One interesting point of information was offered. The vet told me he had an occasion to board his dog overnight at GSVH. When he returned the next day, his dog was dead. There was no explanation. NOT A RINGING ENDORSEMENT! I was given an unsolicited $497 "discount" by the OWNER of the SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL. That was the value of my dead boy to him. MY BOY'S LIFE WAS PRICELESS to our family and as a pet therapy partner for those he served. My suggestion is to travel 45 minutes more to University of Pennsylvania if you need specialized care. We certainly did not receive SPECIALISTS care at GSVH. STILL DEVASTATED!
Even though it's been a good 15 yrs since I brought. My cushings dog there, they totally messed up . I don't remember exactly what , but Cushings treatment coupled with secondary diabetes can be tricky. I just remember having to find another vet to fix there messup. Guess they haven't changed
If I could give a zero I would. I brought my Japanese chin there for not eating and excessive panting. Right away the dr wanted to do an MRI. Never mentioned a simpler X-ray to start. She determined my dog had a back issue. Sent us home with steroids and gabapentin. Two days later my dog is no better and has either a grand mal seizure or heart attack and passes in my arms. Horrible experience. Would never go back there
My 1 year old cat was sick on thanks giving and we had to rush him in. They took us in a back room and brought my cat somewhere to examine him. They came back with some xray showing a black spot in his stomach and stated that there was a chance he was going septic though they really couldn't determine anything unless they performed surgery where he had a 50/50 chance of surviving. We asked if they could wait a little longer and re xray him to see if the black spot moved or anything and they were pretty a demnet that we put him under the knife but agreed to wait a few more hours. They kept him on an IV to hydrate him as he was sluggish and didn't want to eat or drink and sure enough that black spot was just a large hairball he passed. $2500 later for an IV and an overnight visit for examination.
The second animal is more tragic. My 8 year old pug had a surgery to remove a few teeth at a local vet and everything looked good. A few days went by and he started to not do well he was sluggish and out of it and his blood sugar wouldn't stay up. A few trips back to the local vet and they said to bring him to here again as an emergency. Again they took us to a different room and came back with he was going septic. This time instead of an xray they put a needle in him and extracted fecal matter in the fluid around his stomach to determine this, without first even asking us if that invasive procedure was ok. So he went to surgery and they said that they fixed a very tiny pin hole in the lining of his stomach and he was in recovery. The next day when we were aloud to see him he was butchered from the surgery and in pain that was expected. The day after he was walking around but didn't seem to recognize us which was a bit disturbing. That night at 2am they called and said he had a seizure and they had him on anti seizure medication we would be allowed to come in the next morning and they would have a specialist look at him. Well we get there at 8 exactly and when we walk in they said he just passed a few minutes ago. We were devistated but having almost a year to think about it they neglected him as he suffered. He had to have had a stroke before they called on that night because he didn't know who we were the day before. They left him there to die scared and alone in a cage as we were not allowed to come and be with him. The $7500 spent for a dead dog isn't the bad part it's the feeling that our precious baby died by apparent neglect at their hands
I will never forgive them for this and urge anyone to be skeptical if they come back within an hour after they examined your beloved pet and tell you that they need an expensive surgery and hope that you can learn from our tragedy.
Amazing and friendly staff. Dr. Goodwin was an Angel sent into out lives. He helped my fur baby with her heart issue. Would make the long 4 hour drive of ever i needed to again, and would recommend with out a doubt.
Excellent place. Dr. Schavelli is the best. After going to three other vets for my pet, who was having trouble with her hind leg, he saw her for five minutes and knew the problem. Put her on some medicine and she was back to normal in a few days. Also go there with my other dog who has heart issues. Dr. Goodwin has been treating her for a year and she is holding her own. A little expensive, but your pet will get the best of care.
We were here today with Dr Marshall for my elderly dog. We knew going into the office we would be having to put my dog down. She was 14 and showing signs of end of life. We were treated so kindly and warmly from the front desk to the nurse who out her IV in and finally with Dr Marshall. She made such a bad situation that much more bearable by her kindness. She talked us through everything before and during it happening and made sure our dog was comfortable and made sure we were ok as well. Thank you to Dr Marshall and staff for making a bad situation as good as possible
Our cat Holly tore her Achilles-tendon. Holly is a great cat but, a ferocious patient. All the Doctors and staff were amazing with her. Thanks to them she is back on the road to recovery.
This is a very well run hospital. Our regular vet sent us during a crisis, and they diagnosed our dog who is on his way to recovery. It is a busy place, and not cheap, but they know what they are doing.
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!!!! WARNING!!!!! If you care about your animal please read. My wife and I are heartbroken. Our cat very unexpectedly fell ill and we had no choice to put her down. They offered with the cremation a paw print. We were very sad that we were losing our beloved cat, but we felt comforted that we will have her paw print with us for the rest of our lives. When I went to pick our cat ashes. I was told that they didn't do the paw print. I was shocked and very sad. The receptionist told me that they forgot to do it. She also said that they are really busy and it most of been overlooked. Now I have nothing of my cat. I asked to speak to managment and she said no. Please don't bring your loved pet here. I will never forget what happened here.
I must say going to this animal hospital was the worst experience I've ever had with a vet. They focused on the cost rather than my dog. Horrible bed side manner besides. My poor dog died there, and I will never forget their mistreatment.
God willing, I'll never have to step foot in this facility ever again.
In an emergency, I had to take my cat here about a month ago. They wanted to charge me $900 for an MRI, so I declined and left.
Several weeks later, after a surgery that my cat had, I was forced to bring my cat back here due to the fact that they were the only place open that could help me. They informed me that the only chance of saving my cat's life would be a surgery that would cost $9,000, and that even that probably wouldn't work.
Most unfortunately, we wound up putting our beautiful cat to sleep that day. They charged us $900 for the visit. We didn't have that kind of money to spend, and they put us on a payment plan.
We got a call the next day (While we were extraordinarily distraught over the loss of our beloved pet) to inform us that they would not be sending our cat out to be cremated until we were paid in full. Essentially, they were holding our cat's corpse hostage until they got their money.
Garden State Veterinary Specialists are evil, callous, money-grubbing thieves. On top of the heartbreak of losing our cat, they added insult to injury throughout the process. I would never in my life recommend that anybody entrust their beloved pet to this facility.
Thank you Dr. Irausquin for taking such great care of our baby! My dog has been a special case with her multiple digital flexor tendon issues. Dr. I had been extremely kind, caring, and understanding during this entire ordeal. My dog can finally act like a normal dog again thanks to Dr. I. Also, thank you to the kind women who made Eve feel so comfortable and loved during weekly bandage changes.
Dr. Goodwin (Cardiologist) is extremely kind, caring, knowledgeable and just an all-around pleasure to work with. We brought our 8 year old English Bulldog, Clyde in to see him on an emergency basis and he quickly diagnosed the problem and came up with a treatment plan that got Clyde back on track and feeling better. Dr. Goodwin and everyone that we have dealt with at Garden State Veterinary Specialists are just wonderful and I would highly recommend them to all of my friends and fellow pet parents!
Dr. Henderson is a great doctor! I highly recommended her to everyone. My cat has a rare fungal infection and I've gone to many other vets to have them help her. No one had any idea what it was. Dr. Henderson saw my cat she was almost dying rapidly losing weight, not eating, and very fraglie. I thank her so much that she was able to find what was wrong with her. Thank you Dr. Henderson!
my dog got stitches here after being attacked, they took great care of him but one of his stitches opened up. Dr. Perley did an amazing job with him and was able to put staples in my dog in spots that he would never let anyone else touch. very impressed with this doctor specifically
I have had very good experiences each time I have gone to garden state veterinarian Specialist. Dr Goodwin(the cardiologist ) is wonderful, knowledgeable, caring and genuine. My little dog gets nervous and he actually gets on the floor to talk to her to calm her down. She has major heart problems requiring many medications-he sutggested they wouold be much cheaper at walmart. He did extensive testing and our dog was given a poor prognonis. Slowly she began to get better-her prognosis went from poor to guarded and eventually to fair. My dog is 25 pounds and her heart was the size of a heart of a 120 lb dog--it is now the size of a 40 pound dog. I trust Dr. Goodwin implicitly. He explains everything in detail and doesnt sugar coat anything. He never rushes us and answers all our questions. Yes, they are expensive but any good doctor is. I have insurance which makes it much easier. The entire staff is pleasant and makes us feel welcome. I dont know how some of the people say they are rude. I go on saturdays so maybe it is a different staff for the weekend but we are very pleased with everyone there.
The people selling can be very nasty not all some the owner is nice but they should tell the vendors to be nice if you look at something and say no thanks not intrested some vendors yell at you very abusive behavior
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