I have had animals my whole life, and therefore have been to many different vets, both in NY & out of state. But now that I have found Dr. Balbour, I can never see myself going to another vet. I trust her completely in every way. While she many not be the cheapest vet in town, and my husband and I live on a VERY strict budget, we refuse to compromise when it comes to the health and welfare of our furry kids. I feel that Dr. Balbour is worth every penny she charges, because as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. And in this case, you get what you pay for and so much more. Dr. Balbour genuinely cares about animals, and treats each of our pets as though they were her own. She is generous with her time, both in and out of the office. Due to how great a vet she is, her practice continues to grow and expand, so there are times that we experience longer waits than I would normally accept. However, once we get into the exam room with her, the reason that we sometimes wait becomes very clear: she makes us feel as though we are her only clients. She gives each patient and owner all of the time they need with her. She gives the most thorough exams, takes time to answer all questions, explains everything in detail, and addresses all of our concerns. She also takes time to educate us on anything we need to know to be the best pet parents we can be. Even though she is very busy - sometimes she's moving very fast during the exam - I have NEVER felt rushed or that she was anything but totally thorough in my pets' exams and her interactions with me. During the exam, she explains everything that she is doing, step by step. If I ask her to break down the prices of each element of the exam, she happily does so, and helps me decide what is necessary and what I can afford. She always gives me clear and accurate estimates before any procedure, and the receptionist Dana even emails me estimates for my routine upcoming appoints ahead of time, if I ask. I have NEVER felt that she was trying to upsell me!! In fact, I feel as though she tries to give me the best deal for me & my pets by making sure I know all of my options. I have NEVER felt as though she recommended any unnecessary procedures and tests - like I said, I feel as though the welfare of my animals is her top concern. When I have had to put any of my pets to sleep :( , which is an unfortunate reality of choosing to share my life with animals, Dr. Balbour has handled the situation better than any vet I have ever been to. I have come to completely trust her, and rely heavily on her advice in these situations. I feel as though she weighs trying to give me the most possible time with my beloved animal against what is the right thing to do for that animal. So when she tells me it's time, I know it's true. I have NEVER walked away wondering if I had done the right thing, if it was too soon, or if I waited too long. In my opinion, it is times like this where I believe she most shines. I can see that she feels the pain of the lost of my pet. Both her and her staff are caring, sympathetic, and understanding. They make the experience as easy as possible for me, and explain everything step by step. Then she makes me a paw print, personally decorating it by hand. I have been going to her for almost 10 years now, and I have no plans to ever change. I even referred my mother-in-law, whose cat, Chloe, had been banned from 5 vets & groomers for extremely difficult behavior. Dr. Balbour is the only vet who has ever been able to successfully groom & treat this cat, and she actually seems to enjoy the challenge. Other vets in the past had been mean to Chloe and became easily frustrated with her. Chloe's last vet actually charged my mother-in-law an extra "difficult animal fee" and didn't even do a thorough examination because they didn't want to deal with the "really f**king nasty cat" (yep, that's a direct quote. The vet actually said that to my 70 year old mother-in-law). In the 3 years that Chloe went to that particular vet, they never weighed her, took her temperature, or performed blood work. They would only groom her if she was under anesthesia, which meant that 3 or 4 times a year this poor Persian cat would be knocked out, without ever getting any blood work to make sure it was safe. But now she goes to Balbour, who treats the cat with patience, kindness, love and respect. Dr. Balbour wouldn't even consider sedating the cat, let alone put her under full anesthesia multiple times a year. She charges NO difficult cat fees, and in the 3 years that Chloe's been going there, there have been no incidents. Chloe's behavior is actually improving during her visits, and I am sure we owe that all to the way Balbour treats her. I can say so much more, but I think I have made this review long enough, lol. Suffice to say, I love Dr. Balbour and her staff, and so do all of my animals! read more

I have never had a bad experience. My animals always receive excellent care. I first came to practice in 2015 when my other vet mis-diagnosed my dog. Right away I was met with compassion and knowledge. I have been a loyal client ever since. Doctor and staff are Top Notch read more

island veterinary hospital is the only vet I'll use! Dr balbour is honest and has great bedside manners

I've been taking my dog there for 6 to 7 years. They are nothing but compassionate, thorough, and very kind. My dog was diagnosed with a benign tumor about a year and a half ago, and they helped me through any difficulties that I had with him. When the time came for him to pass on, they were extremely compassionate and sympathetic. Dr Shona Balbour and the entire staff are wonderful and helpful. They ask to call before coming to find out if they are running on time or not and then will change the appointment if necessary. John Tavella read more

I have been bringing my two fur babies, Archie and Chloe, to Dr. Balbour-Lunati for eight years now and I would highly recommend them. I disagree with these negative reviews about the staff. The two receptionist, Dana and Jenn, have never been anything other than friendly and courteous and often engage in conversations about my dogs personalities and their pets as well & other conversations like our weekend plans and our families. They have explained procedures recommended, and the costs for them in advance. Yes, sometimes there is a long wait time because of other pets emergencies that had to be fit in, but I don't mind waiting because the same emergency visits for my dogs have been accommodated as well where other people had to wait. They are not open 24 hours a day And most long-term patients families should know this so when they have an emergency with their pet after normal hours there are several other 24 hour emergency hospitals locally they recommend and we've used them on one or two occasions when the office was closed. I have never had a problem getting the scripts refilled for my two dogs, and they are usually available to me for pick up within a day or so. Anyone who has gone here for a long period of time should also know by now that Dr. Balbour is not in on Thursdays. Dr. Balbour has been nothing but compassionate and caring to both my fur babies. She has taken care of them and their health issues to my complete satisfaction and has ALWAYS been loving and attentive to them and what they need and I wouldn't be going anywhere else.!! read more

My four cats and I love everything about Island Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Balbour is kind, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable. I feel that she really cares about my babies and always provides individualized care to them. Dr. Balbour takes a lot of time with examinations and also in talking to me in person and the phone to make sure I fully understand everything I need to know about my cats' health and wellbeing, medication, etc. I never feel rushed, and I know Dr. Balbour is there for me whenever I need her. The staff at Island Veterinary is top notch. They are responsive, efficient, intelligent and caring. They are so careful when they handle my babies. The office is very clean and wait times are minimal. I've been a pet owner for over 50 decades and this is the best veterinary clinic I have ever used. Dr Balbour has a lifetime client in me and my critters! Thank you, Island Veterinary, for everything you do! read more

Stay away...don't really know where to start..but lets start with the rude receptionist Dayna...Always rude and snippy an obnoxious , very passive aggressive tone and she's been like this for years. She should be fired and should've been years ago.The only reason I've stayed with this office is because I've lived 2 minutes away from this office for the last 30 years...Thank God my none of my dogs never had serious issues because I definitely would've found a new doctor years ago.So aside from this rude receptionist Dayna.. the 1 1/2 - 2 hour wait times in the waiting room "EVERY VISIT!!", and a few mis-diagnosed problems with my dogs,lets get down to the reason for this review.Long story short, my dog, she refused to fill a script for my 16 year old pitbull without an office visit, ,normally this is ok or standard practice , but my dog was half blind, half deaf , could barely walk but she was still a happy dog,been on this same medication and same dose for 8 years!!!! I asked if she could just fill the script without a visit because my dog was on her last legs..and she refused and said she will never treat her again if I didn't bring here in!! ,a few weeks later my dog met her fate, she woke up one morning could no longer walk.I called the office to ask what we should handle the situation, she had to be put down there was no doubt.but I called the office and left a Voice MESSAGE, NO CALL, BACK!! NOTHING !! I CALLLED LATER THAT MORNING AND DAYNA TELLS ME" OH WE DONT DO CALLBACKS ON SURGERY DAYS" and to take her to some other Vet in Setauket ! I explained the situation again and asked her if I could bringmy dog in the next morning , and her response was " NO WE ARE BOOKED " NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU! So I said to her "we even been coming to you for 30 years, you cant help us? She responds "NOPE SORRY!! with and almost satisfying tone of voice like she got us back for not bringing the dog in earlier for that script.THIS IS THE ANSWER WE GOT FROM THIS OFFICE AFTER 30 YEARS OF GOING TO THIS PRACTICE!!! I would never recommend this practice to anyone!!we since then got a new puppy that we take to a new vet along with my daughters new dog who was also patient at Island Veterinary .BUT NO MORE.. !! AND WE LOVE OUR NEW VET !!!! read more

Terrible place. They don't know what ends up. Very rude Dr. They don't know how to help pets. I've had multiple cats be patient here. We needed a simple procedure for one cat in which they denied to take her back unless we got all the unnecessary bloodwork that has nothing to do with her ingrown nail. Also then with another one of my cats was very sick was going to pass away they wanted us to put him down and when we said no we want to bring him home for our 2 kids can say their goodbyes we will do it the next day they gave us a huge problem. The cat wasn't in any pain and he was a loved member of the family. waste of time make you sit and wait hour's after your appointment time and money. Find a new place if your smart. Save yourself. read more

They're really fantastic. They take great care of my dog and I always trust them. Except for how they can't hold an appointment. Expect to wait for over an hour past the time you have to show up. My dog gets scared at the vet, so she has to sit there terrified. And don't try to make any afternoon plans. read more

This practice was recommended to me by a friend back in 2016 and I've been a happy client ever since. Dr. Balbour and her staff are kind, compassionate people and they take wonderful care of all their patients. I had been to other vets before this one and I've never found the level of care that we get from Island Veterinary Hospital anywhere else. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who wants the best care for their pets! read more

Would love to give more stars!! Dr Balbour is thorough, competent, caring and loving. Her staff is wonderful. She is lucky to have them as they are to have her. I have been taking my dogs there for 14 years, and there has never been a timr that she has rushed me out, always answers my questions and always returns my calls. Anyone who complains about a long wait time, just think your pets visit may be the reason some else has to wait, you cant rush perfection! Shebis kind, professional and the best vet I have been to. Thank you Dr Balbour and Staff for the best care my dogs have ever received. read more

Dr. Balbour is the best veterinarian I have ever been to. She is compassionate and takes a real interest in the lives of my many cats. I've had to say goodbye to many over the years and she handles the end of life issues with respect and thoughtfulness. When I lost my favorite feline, King Edward, she called me a week after the fact to see how I was doing. The staff are also exceptional and always ready to assist me with any issues I have. Dr. Balbour is an excellent diagnostician who has been able to provide my felines with the quality of life they deserve. I highly recommend Island Veterinary Hospital for your pet. read more

If I could've put no stars I would have they are horrible at keeping appointment times and have an attitude a mile long. You're better off letting your dog drop dead and then bring them to this place. read more

I have been taking my dogs to this vet for over 2 years. Recently one of my dogs needed an extensive surgery in which we made clear we were not financially ready for their pricing so we reached out to ASPCA who ran tests and said they'd be able to do the surgery at their hospital location for thousands less. We never scheduled an appointment for my dog because we were waiting for blood work from ASPCA as a final deciding factor for the surgery. Later in the day I get message from Island Vet saying to confirm my dogs appointment that was never made? Then they called my family saying they are probable to charge us $600 for "scheduling the ortho doctor" - which we never confirmed. In the past, we have had financial difficulties in which they were made aware of. I was accepting the cold shoulder from the vet letting her judge, roll her eyes (if you see this I hope they get stuck like that) at financial remarks, and make life more difficult when rescheduling appointments rather than caring for the overall health of the dog. As a full paying customer who is always concerned about the best services required for my dogs, I would expect all services to be done thoroughly and handled professionally. When trying to cancel my dogs surgery that was never confirmed by my family, the vet had lost her temper, raised her voice at us, and then shortly called us back to tell us didn't want to service ANY of our dogs (not only the one scheduled for surgery) and to get our dog records. Their office was closed over the weekend & the vet told us to pick up my dogs medication the following week Friday. This would leave my dogs an entire week without their life medication. I call again today asking to have the paperwork sent to us sooner, and they tell us sending an email may take "1-2 days" KNOWING that my dogs haven't had their normally prescribed medication in 2-3 days already. They are taking their sweet time to email paper work and putting my dogs health at extreme risk. It's in their best interest to have my paper work sent by tomorrow morning. Furthermore on this uneducated vet, she is not thorough in her examinations as I've had to take my dog back here and was billed for inquiring on things she previously missed and were concerning. At times my parents & I take the dogs to the vet separately due to the COVID limit. When asking for my dogs health information during appointments, she seems clearly bothered to repeat herself and the dogs conditions because she already spoke to someone else about it. Let me make this clear, we're all on the same page, always! So if I asked for information on my dog, it's not because I'm not aware of his conditions, it's because I want further knowledge in which this vet seems bothered to explain. A vet should want to educate her clients on their dogs health not just - "here's everything we did without informing you , that'll be $500 "- I wish I was kidding. I got more medical advice, bloodwork, medication, and knowledge of my dogs condition in one appointment with ASPCA for $50 than I ever did in 2 years of being with this vet. If you are looking for a vet who truthfully cares about the well being of your furry one, is professional, and handles appointments accordingly I promise you WILL NOT find it here. I am happily taking my business else where and will pay triple just so they can never touch my dog again. Better off throwing your dog into highway traffic. read more

This vet is extremely unprofessional and should not be in her profession. Overall poor quality and doesn't provide dogs with adequate medical attention read more

They told me that my cat had heartworms and when I asked what that meant for her health they told me to google it

I have been a customer of this hospital for over 22 years with more then one dog. Dr.Balbour has always been sweet and caring to all my dogs. This past week I was so hurt and shocked with the way I was treated from her office I will never go back there again. My dog Lucy passed away this week. Having to make the decision to put her down was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Lucy was a patient there for 14 1/2yrs. I had made an appointment for her on Tuesday for a routine check up and to discuss her pain meds. The Dr. and I had previously discussed her end of life ( we knew it was coming) and I had asked if when the time came would she come to my home. She said she didn't do home services but she could recommend a vet. But when the time came I wanted her vet the only Dr. she knew to be the one to help her. She was limping around a little bit but otherwise fine. Tuesday morning my daughter got rushed to the hospital and I had to cancel my appointment but still ran there to pick up her prescription. I told Dana ( the receptionist) that my daughter needed surgery and I would call to reschedule. Wednesday morning Lucy woke up and could not walk or barely stand. I called the office immediately. I knew in my heart it was her time to pass and I wanted Dr. Balbour to be the one to help her cross over. I asked if she could see her Thursday ( i was watching my two very young grandchildren because my daughter was in surgery and I didn't want to take a 4 and 2 yr old with me to do that) Dana told me the Dr. wasn't in tomorrow ( Thur) I said to her I think it's time and I don't know what to do. She said the Dr. can fit her in at 3:15 today but there would be a long wait because she was 'squeezing her in' But it would be for an exam not euthanasia . I was desperate so I said ok. But I couldn't find someone to watch the kids so I called back and Dana said she can fit her in on Friday at 3:30 but again there would be a wait because she was booked. I again made the appointment. As the day went on Lucy was getting worse. She was lethargic and now unable to stand at all. I knew she was in serious pain and did not want her to suffer all the way till Friday late afternoon (plus wait in the exam room to die because she was 'squeezed in') we have waited several times in the past for well over 45 min in the exam room when she wasn't booked. So..... I called Lap of Love a hospice service for pets a friend had referred me to and they came to my home first thing Thursday morning. They were caring and concerned for my well being on the phone and gentle and loving to Lucy in her last moments and helped her go in peace. I feel that Lucy being a patient of Dr. Balbours for her entire life that there could have been something someway she could have been the one to be there for her in the end. The whole process took no longer then 10 minutes. I understand she was 'booked' and I understand there were other sick pets and I'm not saying to even come in on her day off. but I have been there when an emergency came in and had to wait and understood and I know in my heart any pet owner would do the same for a situation like we were in. Lucy needed her and I felt like she was nothing more then an appointment. On Friday I got a sympathy message from Dr.Balbour gee thanks. Making the decision to put your loving baby down is soooo very hard. Being treated like she meant nothing to them was heartbreaking. A phone message and sympathy card after the fact doesn't make me feel any better. I would have preferred a little compassion in our time of need. read more

I highly do not recommend this place. They use their bathroom for the X-ray machines so the staff won't let you use it. They say it's not for the public. We waited an hour and a half and were in no way Compensated for our time even when asked. Then the blood draw was $115 so we left paying $215! This is for a rabbit. I will not be returning. To top it off they told me they would be mailing me the antibiotics but they didn't even have a diagnosis yet. read more

This is the worst place ever. They make you wait an hour to been seen and are beyond unfriendly. Dont bring your pets here. Save the drive and money for a better place read more

Great Veterinarian! The staff is wonderful. Alicia and Dana are very helpful and make us feel like family. Truly the best Vet around!

Dr. Balbour and staff run an amazing hospital. I have been coming here for at least 10 years with my dog. My dog is extremely nervous, anxious and is always treated with kindness and care. Dr. Balbour always answers all of our questions, never rushes through our appointment, is very knowledgeable and always places a personal follow up call when additional issues come up. Recently (November 2015) i boarded my dogs for 10 days and he had a great experience. read more

The doctor is extremely thorough, kind, informative & competent. Unfortunately, we had to recently euthanize a family cat, and we brought her to Dr. Balbour. She explained the entire procedure & politely shared her opinions on the case, which matched our own, all in a calm, caring manner. We weren't left wondering if we had made the right decision after. Also, we asked for a paw print, and what she gave us was lovely-our cat's paw print imprinted in clay along with a little angel wing charm, our cat's name & some other little colored beads and the Rainbow Bridge poem-it made me cry when I first opened it. I would absolutely recommend Island Vet. to anyone. read more

Do not go anywhere else Dr Balbour is wonderful staff also. If you love your family member use this vet

If you have 2 hours to wait (beyond your appointment time) to have your ill pet looked at and you think that this is good business practice, then this is the place for you. read more

I have been going there for almost 7 years and I am furious at how Dr. Balbour treated me when I came to her with an unhappy experience we had. In the past visits that she has given my dog check ups she will go through the exam not be clear into what needs to be done and the cost for it; only to walk out of the exam with a big bill to pay. This year I made it very clear that I only wanted the required services to be given to my dog. The receptionist gave me a list with prices on each. The day of the appointment I called again to let them know that I only wanted the services that was agreed upon for my dog and the receptionist had it documented with reasons being because of finances. When the appointment was complete we were charged not only for the services i had asked for but more than what was agreed upon. When I finally spoke to Dr. Balbour she not only tried to continuously cut me off as I was explaining my frustration but took no accountability for anything. She continued to say that she did nothing wrong and that her staff was very clear in what was being done. To make matters worst she seemed unsympathetic and had no care in the world that even though I have been with her for 7 years if she can't make us happy to go to another vet. Out of the seven years this has been my only complaint and I would think she would have handled matters better. Do NOT go to her. She is a vet that will talk you into needing services that you might not need right away only to bump up your bill. Be aware! Also.... I found another Vet closer to my home and asked to fax over scripts and records so that the new Vet can order my dog's eye drops and Dr. Barbour refused to fax script over. That comes to show how much she values a 7 year relationship we had with her and the "love" and compassion she has for animals. Not to mention we would drive 30 minutes out of our way regularly to see her. read more

Dr. Balbour is not only a competent vet, she is an awesome person. She has cared for my beloved dog for years and brought her through a bout with breast cancer and other medical problems. She has been so compassionate and gentle with my Coco that I never worried about bringing her to see Dr. Balbour. Additionally Dr. B has been so compassionate with me, patient with my questions and allaying my fears. After almost 14 years my sweet dog became unable to walk and we had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep. As awful as that was, Dr. B made the process endurable. I will never forget the kindness of Dr.. B and if I ever get another dog no one but she will be caring for it. I will also recommend her to anyone looking for a wonder vet. Love you Dr. B. And your staff is great too. read more

After reading J.S.'s review below, I strongly disagree with it...all of my pets, past and present, have been patients of Dr. Balbour for about 10 or 11 years now...in this tight economy, Dr Balbour, along with everyone else, is always aware of what items & services cost, and in comparison to other services, her prices have changed very little in 10+ years I have been a client. While she may encourage certain testing in certain instances if a disease or condition is suspected in your pet to properly be able to treat it, or to stay ahead of problems that can happen in older, aging pets as part of yearly exams, as human doctors do with us, she NEVER pushes or pressures any owner into any testing they can not afford...she will ALWAYS try to offer an alternative solution that an owner can comfortably comply with. That most definitely falls under the category of being sympathetic to a client's financial needs, not "unsympathetic" as J.S. claims. I have received estimates drawn up by her (Dr. Balbour), if further procedures were recommended and or if further blood work or other testing has ever been recommended for my pets if I did not wish to do them, or could not afford to do them the day my pet was there for an exam. I don't believe a receptionist has ever just given me "a list of prices." as J.S. claims. And If J.S. didn't even accompany her pet to the exam, (as per Chris L's rebuttal review below states), and J.S. allowed whom I'm assuming is her adult husband to make "grown up" decisions in the best interest of their dog's eye health, how does J.S. justify complaining about a conversation she wasn't present for and any procedures that her husband fully authorized??? Be "furious" at your spouse J.S. for not adhering to YOUR instructions...not a receptionist or Dr. Balbour! The current state of health of a person's pet can not be diagnosed from a phone call. Also according to Chris L's rebuttal of J.S., obviously J.S. did not follow up and or complete medication in the recommended dosing time prescribed that was required to solve her pet's eye problem. Reading J.S.'s review she states: "In the past visits that she (Dr. Balbour) has given my dog check ups she will go through the exam not be clear into what needs to be done and the cost for it; only to walk out of the exam with a big bill to pay." Beside J.S.'s review being an overall grammatical headache to read, it seems she couldn't grasp what was or is still wrong with her pet...if J.S. felt Dr. Balbour was as per her words in her review "not be clear into what needs to be done and the cost for it" why wouldn't you ask questions J.S. in what you clearly didn't understand in 7 years of exams involving your pet?? Dr. Balbour is very approachable and pleasant which is probably why J.S. did "drive 30 minutes out of our way regularly to see her" for almost 7 years...seriously?? Personally, I wouldn't drive 30 seconds out of my way for a Dr I thought was trying to talk me into "services" I didn't need, but hey, that's just me. And J.S. complains Dr. Balbour wouldn't fax over "scripts" she wrote for J.S.'s dog, to her new Dr...umm, what??? Dr's fax medical records over to other Dr's offices...not scripts of former patients. If J.S. wanted a script for her dog's eye medication, that is her new and current vet's job to write her a script, not her FORMER vet, Dr. Balbour . After reading Chris L's rebuttal, I find J.S.'s review and unrealistic expectations just baffling, starting first and foremost with why would anyone continue to see a Dr for 7 years that they felt tried to "bump up their bill" with services they didn't need and left them perpetually confused on what their pet needed??? Hmmm... Sounds to me like someone was having a bad day and looking to blame others for their own shortcomings in caring for their dog...shame on you J.S. for writing such a misleading and unfair "review". I do not know you but if I had to review you as a pet owner, you would get low marks for letting your dog suffer so long with eye problems, and then trying to get around proper testing after the condition had worsened, since your pet had been off the medication it needed for so long, but expecting the medication to still be filled anyway. And when it wasn't , you looked to place blame on a competent, caring Dr for doing her job properly, and when you still didn't get what you wanted, you go on a public forum and try and mislead the public with a tainted "review". I'd rather have a Dr who does the right by my pet, like Dr. Balbour, than one that just whips out the script pad and hand out scripts, sight unseen...good luck with that new Dr, J.S...if they are worth their salt, chances are they won't be blindly writing scripts out for you either. read more