I cannot recommend VCA West 86th St. Animal Hospital enough. Dr. Haas, Paige, and Jamila were…read morephenomenal today.
It has been a two-year journey of attempting to get routine bloodwork done for Jax (per my request). Jax is the sweetest and I always warn the staff that he's not mean, but when he's over it... he's over it.
First, VCA's use of technology makes checking in and checking out seamless. There is zero time spent waiting in the lobby with other anxious pets--this is likely appreciated by both clients and their pets.
Second, I have never had to wait. There's never downtime. Any and all opportunities to reduce anxiety among pets is taken.
Now, the hallmark reason I feel obligated to write a post to commend VCA West 86th St. Animal Hospital--the health and wellbeing of the patient is prioritized above all else. Far too many times, animals are pushed beyond their limits and subsequently traumatized for life. Dr. Haas, Paige, and Jamila take all measures to assure Jax remains as comfortable as possible during his appointments. Last year (after our failed bloodwork attempt), Dr. Haas recommended that I request some anti-anxiety medication for Jax prior to his appointment this year. Needless to say, Jax is Jax and I wasted three capsules in my attempts to successfully medicate him.
Prior to my appointment this morning, I received a call from VCA West 86th St. Animal Hospital to see if I was able to medicate Jax. I informed them that my attempts were unsuccessful and I was reassured that we would play it by ear.
This is how I knew I would never take Jax to another veterinarian. Dr. Haas, Paige, and Jamila have NEVER forced Jax beyond his capacity. Jamila demonstrated this from the start. Jax was comfortable in my lap, so Jamila offered to measure Jax's vital signs while he was resting in my lap. When it came time for Jamila to measure Jax's temperature, thermometer probe near Jax's ear = claws out. Jamila immediately withdrew attempts so as not to upset Jax further. I offered to attempt to measure Jax's temperature in private once Jamila left the room, but Jamila responded, "There's no need to get him worked up." Love this!
Dr. Haas was made aware that my medication attempts were unsuccessful, so she knew her time was limited before Jax started to put up a fight. During Jax's exam, Dr. Haas began with priority items: checking lungs, teeth, organs, and finally his vaccines. Everything beyond the necessities was extra, which I am eternally grateful. I reiterated to Dr. Haas that I understand the importance of obtaining bloodwork, God forbid Jax fall ill and we have no baseline to which a comparison can be made. Dr. Haas provided tips for medication administration to me while we made sure Jax was safe and sound in his carrier. Dr. Haas knew that attempts of bloodwork (when unnecessary) would push Jax beyond his limits and offered an alternate appointment opportunity to us when we can assure Jax is in a bit of a better mood.
I cannot recommend VCA West 86th St. Animal Hospital enough!