More than anything else, I am seeking to understand the differing standards of care that I have seen in the last week at two different veterinarians. Prince Charming is a 5 year old male cat that was neutered at 6 months of age. He is an American Grey cat. Prince Charming started to develop minor sores on his face around three weeks ago. I had decided to attempt to feed them wet wellness beef food. It didn't immediately dawn on me that this might be a problem as I was literally just trying to get them some variety in their wet food. They went away, we thought, but on Friday, November 15, we noticed that Prince Charming's chin had developed an angry, kind of weepy sore and his ear was turning hard and crusty on the inside. Plus he was a little lethargic, and he wasn't playing with his kitty buddies. We bought a wound treatment solution at Petco and said that if he was not better by Monday we were going to take him to the Vet. He was drinking a small amount of water and had a decrease in appetite, but he was still eating and pooping normally. Monday came around and we made an appointment at Dr. Jacobson's on Kings Highway. I took him in, and initially saw a Veterinary tech who looked at the wound, looked in Prince Charming's ear and saw crusty growth that was turning his ear very hard, and took a rectal temperature which was 102.7. The veterinarian came in and took another rectal temperature which was 103.2, Looked briefly at Prince Charming's chin and glanced at the ear. Asked me about changes in environment. I shared about the Wellness wet food. The vet was concerned that Prince Charming had such a "dangerously high fever" and wanted to immediately get bloodwork done, administer steroids and antibiotics. She said she thought it was an unusual presentation of EGC. She left to write out her recommendations and have the vet tech bring me an estimate. When the tech brought back the estimate, it included a "Senior Cat blood test." Prince Charming is 5, and when I asked about why a Senior Cat blood test was being ordered, he couldn't adequately explain that to me. So I asked to see the Vet. Instead, the office manager was sent in. While she was in the hallway, I could hear her say, "If he doesn't like it, he can go elsewhere." When she came in, she introduced herself as the Office Manager. At this point, I said, "I asked to see the Dr." The office manager responded with, "She works for me. I was called because you have a problem with the bill." I incredulously responded, "The licensed Veteranarian works for the office manager? Are you a licensed veterinarian?" "No." "Can I please see the Vet? I'd like to know why a Senior Cat blood test was ordered for Prince Charming as he is only 5." "It's a more comprehensive test." "But he's only 5. What is the medical reason he would need a Senior blood test?" At this point, the office manager left and sent in the veterinarian who said, "A senior cat panel includes a thyroid test and you said he has a decreased appetite, so I want to make sure there's nothing additional going on because your cat is very sick." I was in exam room 2 which shares a glass partition with exam room 1 where I could hear another vet tech talking about how she thought I was rude. That was it for me. I packed my kitty prince into his carrier and walked into the hallway to go pay for my office visit and leave. While walking into the hallway, the office manager said, "Where are you going? We changed the estimate." To which I replied, "You said here in the hall before you even came in, 'If he doesn't like it, he can go elsewhere.' So I'm taking your advice l, and that's what I am doing. I'm taking my cat an hour and a half on the subway back to the vet we used in Harlem. Because if you are gonna stand in the hallway and speak like that about me, your office is going to mistreat my cat and I don't have time to do the time that would result in." The office manager screamed at me and said, "I would never say that." At this point, the Veterinarian whose name is on the office came out and asked me to explain what happened. I did. She offered to treat my cat. I said, "I'd appreciate it if you'd just administer antibiotics to my cat. I will take him to my old vet for the rest." So we went back into the exam room, And the veterinarian looked at his ear for a second and said, "Oh. He has allergies?" To which I replied, "I honestly don't know. I don't know what is causing that. That's why I am here." The best part about the whole place was the receptionist. Bill: $65 for Office Visit. $60 for Covenia. I made an appointment with Harlem Animal Hospital and asked to see the head Veterinarian/owner: Dr. Kiani. I took Prince Charming up there two days later. Two weeks later, he was better: they cleaned and dressed his wounds, taught me how to care for him, and treated him for an allergic reaction without a $500 blood test. read more

I have been a customer of Dr. Jacobson's clinic for over 20 years; my current dog is the third dog Dr. Jacobson has treated for me. I would never go to any other veterinarian. Dr. Jacobson is always a pleasure to see - she has a great smile, she is exceptionally friendly and she remembers who I am, even when I've been away for over a year. More importantly, she is always very kind to my dogs, even when they are being difficult (and it seems that I specialize, unintentionally, in difficult dogs). It doesn't matter how much my large, super-strong dog struggles, or how many threatening, blood-curdling shrieks or blurry, super-fast bite attempts my little ninja-poodle makes: Dr. Jacobson always takes my dogs' bad behavior in her signature calm, cheerful and matter-of-fact style. More importantly, she knows her stuff - and she delivers all information, including the bad news and the tough choices, with sympathy and an excellent "bedside manner". I have to mention that during the lifespans of my three dogs, never once did Dr. Jacobson misdiagnose a potentially fatal condition, nor has she mistreated any illness, whether life-threatening or even mildly annoying. In addition to all that, Dr. Jacobson has surrounded herself with other more-than-competent vets, as well as a team of veterinary technicians who are not only experts at holding my struggling dogs very still, but who always care directly for my furry girls with compassion, kindness, and love. I know that as long as Dr. Jacobson and her team are available, I will continue to take my dogs to be seen - and cared for - by them. And if I ever adopt a cat, I will bring that cat to her clinic as well. Dr. Jacobson is the "standard" against which every other vet should be measured. read more

I have been going to Linda Jacobson for many years. Recently, while on vacation, my dog became ill. He has a history of health issues so I became very concerned. I called the Clinic and it was Linda's day off. Within a few minutes Linda called us back from her cell phone to see what the problem was with our dog. After speaking with Linda she suggested we take him directly to a hospital. We informed her of the hospital nearby and gave her the information. By the time we arrived there all of our information regarding our dog's medical history had been faxed to the hospital. After the initial examination the hospital called Linda on her cell phone and discussed a course of action. This communication continued between Linda and the hospital for the next few days. On Sunday night we were able to pick up our pet, we had a tel # from Linda if there were any complications - which there were none - and we were the first visit with Linda on Monday morning. Anyone who loves a pet knows It is difficult and anxiety provoking to be isolated from your medical support system when he is sick. But those fears were quickly resolved when it became apparent I was 'away' but not 'isolated' because Linda was always at the other end of our calls for help. I could not conceive of any other veternarian caring (almost) as much as we do for our Max! read more

I went and rescued a dog from a shelter (pitbull/boxer) for my daughter. The dog was in a kill shelter and rescued she was only 5lbs. I was told she had kennel cough and was treated. when I came home with her that night she was coughing, and her body was very hot. I immediatly called Dr. Jacobsons office the next morning and spoke with the manager their and was told to bring in her immediatly. The office staff there was very nice, caring and took her in and ran xrays. Only to find out our poor dog (HOPE) that's what we named her. has annomina and it didn't look good like she may not make it. I started crying and the staff was very caring and sympathic and said not to worry they will do their best and she will pull through. 21/2 weeks to 3 weeks they kept her and treated her and gave her so much love. Our HOPE is alive and full of spirtit and every time we go there she its like a second home to her. She loves them all and looks foward to kissing all of them when she goes there... THANKS GUYS for giving us our HOPE read more

I have a 15 year old rescue dog that Linda Jacobson has cared for over the years. He has recently lost his eyesight and developed diabetes. He had a growth on his tail that we tried to treat for some time but given all his issues would not respond to non invasive therapy. Linda, after trying a number of approaches, suggested we have surgery as it was becoming overwhelming to our dog. She monitored his sugar and allowed me to stay with the dog until he was ready for surgery. Not many veterinarians would have taken this case due to the extenuating circumstances. My family and I were amazed at the results of the surgery. It looks like a new tail! I have always found Linda to be comforting and supportive to the most traumatized dog. Her voice is reassuring not only to the pet but to the people who have brought him to Linda for help. We have always found Linda to be professional, responsive and successful in the diagnosis and care of our pets. read more

This is an honest review and a valid one. It is not bogus. Whoever heard of a vet that treats your pet as if it were their own? My dog Max sees Dr. Jacobson and his tail starts wagging! he must be the only dog that pulls me to go into her office whenever we walk past! I found max on the street one very cold and rainy day and the pooch was infested with all kinds of parasites! Linda treated him for hook worms; round worms; heart worms and when we found Max had cancer - he was treated with so much love and respect. i can never thank her enough for the way she helped him through all his neglect. When you find a vet for your pet you want to be sure the animal is comfortable with the vet; that you are comfortable with the vet; that the vet is consistent with both you and your pet. This is why when I found another dog to rescue we came right back to Linda! read more

At a time when most vet clinics have become corporate businesses, where the first thing they want to see is your form of payment, Linda Jacobson's clinic feels like home. The pets and people she takes care of become part of a warm extended family, and they not only receive attentive medical care but loving care. Linda's own home always houses several adopted strays, and she regularly falls in love with her 4-legged patients. She understands and has tender patience with the attachment and worry of the animal lover, rather than reading a script from a pet-owner-psychology textbook. She will not only treat your pet but get to know him. Her skills and heart have seen us through more than three decades and helped more than a dozen cats live out their full lifespans. Not a combination easy to find in today's world. read more

My mother and I have been using Dr.Jacobson for more than 20 years for cats and dogs. You cannot get a better doctor or staff like them. They not only take care of your pets they also take care of you. My dog was a very sick dog from a puppy. She had a lot of serious life threating illness, and if it wasn't for Dr. Jacobson to work so hard in finding medicines and treatments that she did my dog would have never lived to 13 years old. Dr. Jacobson gave me the most precious gift of all my dogs' life. She's a wonderful and dedicated Vet and a loving person that I have ever seen. My dog has past but I could never forget her great care that she gave. She now takes care of my new dog. I highly recommend Dr. Jacobson and her staff to all my friends and family. I love them, they're the best. - Dawn Russo read more

What do you look for in a vet? I want one who is available to help me in my hour of need not someone who is so protected by staff that you can never reach her or see her. Linda Jacobson is either available or will return your call promptly. I prefer to have Linda treat my animals because she is calm and centered and the animals seem to feel that as she gently checks them for cause of discomfort. She explains everything to me as she proceeds and I have learned a lot about my animals because of ehr generosity in sharing her knowledge. Many other vets take your pet into another room and deliver them back to you with very little information. Linda is not like that and her staff is helpful in providing me with information about medications and their use. read more

Linda Jacobson has been our veterinarian for twenty-five years, maybe more. In that time she has cared for 7 of our cats with outstanding professionalism and sensitivity. Several emergencies occurred and every event was properly diagnosed and treated. Not only did she save them, her expertise extended several of their lives through proper diet and medication. Most of our friends have switched to Linda and her staff for the care of their animal companions. It seems somewhat odd that she has stayed in Brooklyn since her reputation could easily allow her to expand her practice into Manhattan. That is not what she is about. Linda's integrity, empathy and dedication has earned our respect and has become a treasured member of the community. read more

i live in Manhattan. For 24 years i have traveled to Brooklyn with my many cats. Dr. Jacobson is the best there is, knowledgeable, compassionate, cautious. When i started with her i had pretty much run the gamut of vets in Manhattan. Big names, big egos, big fees, poor results. i almost gave up hope of finding a vet i could trust. When i got Archie from Westhampton Airport i needed someone who could make a house call. The NYS Veterinary Association gave me Linda's name. Boy have i been lucky. She really cares. If you end up waiting past your appointment time know that she answers ALL your questions and you won't be rushed, and that my dear takes time. read more

I have been very pleased by Dr. Jacobson, as well as her associates Dr McGettigan, Dr. Gaberman and Dr. Stewart. They are all very professional and have taken care of many difficult situations that occured with my loved ones over the years. They are always friendly and treat my little ones so gently and with great kindness and compassion. These people really love animals and really enjoy their work. I am greeted -by name- as are my pets when we walk in. I truly entrust my little guys to Dr. J and her staff. I also want to commend Ed Chan, one of the assistants for the special care he always provides. I couldn't think of taking my loved ones anywhere else. read more

I have been going to Dr. Linda Jacobson for over 15 years and I honestly can say without reservation, she is a priceless veterinarian. She goes above and beyond. When most vets, like most doctors, distance themselves from their patients, she always shows her warmth, compassion and heart. She took care of my dog Samantha from the time she was little to the time I had to put her down at 14 yrs. old. The gentle nature of Dr. Linda Jacobson shows as you watch her work. Her dedication is amazing. I think of her as a member of my own family. This is Thanksgiving, and I must say, "Dr. Linda Jacobson, we are so very thankful that you are here." read more

I started using Dr J about 31 yrs ago for my dog. She took care of Magic for 17 yrs until Magic died. When Magic had trouble breathing I called the office and they called Dr J. She called me and told me to come right over. Dr J came in right after me and got to work. Now Dr J takes care of Muffin, who is a handful. I can only say that Dr J, the other drs and the entire staff are kind, caring and professional people. Sometimes there is a long wait but there are emergencies and some animals may take longer than anticipated. My dogs have had great care and if I felt something was wrong I would talk to Dr J. read more

This note is in appreciation for the gentle and thoughtful care Dr. Linda Jacobsen gave my cat Jerome. She was very generous with her time which I appreciated so very much. My cat received tons of attention plus a thorough examination. My boyfriend Arthur and I knew her for many years and she took great care of our other pets as well. Her office has the most beautiful blue colored floors which are calming to one's eyes. Her present staff includes other doctors, technicians, manager and a receptionist, who are nice and also well qualified. Thank you Doctor J. :) read more

My wife and I found a litter of kittens and a bunch of other vets kept telling us to have them put to sleep. Linda and her staff cleaned them up; stabilized them and showed us how to take care of them. 2 years later we have Prince Harry and Princess Pumpkin (who turned out to be a maine coon!) living happily with us. The going was tough and we had to keep calling her office for advice and guidance but they were always patient with us and even had us bring them in for follow up visits. These cats would not be here today if not for Linda and her staff! read more

Some of the benefits of using Dr. Jacobson's clinic in a nutshell: All animals whether friendly or aggressive are treated with gentle care. No animal is turned away The pet's family is in the same room throughout the examination The condition and treatment are discussed without rushing the caretaker All X Rays are explained to you while you and the doctor see the Radiograph Clean and orderly reception area These are some of the things I appreciate including Worker friendly hours and availability This is a Reliable, Competent and Compassionate Veterinarian! read more

Many veterinarians won't touch a cat or dog that is not completely cooperative. Linda and her staff have worked on some of my cats who were ready to tear them apart. They did not restrain the animal forcefully, they were careful not to be bitten but were compassionate about the animal's state of mind. Who does that these days? This veterinarian deserves to have as many reviews posted that correctly portray her practice as possible. Please don't filter this true and honest review by someone who has taken her share of ferals to be treated and spayed. read more

Anyone who cares for a pet understands how difficult it is to find an outstanding veterinarian you can trust. Once I met Dr. Jacobson several years ago, I have never felt the need to seek health care for my pets anywhere else. Dr. Jacobson is highly knowledgeable, caring and professional. There are other veterinarians in her clinic who clearly maintain the high standard she has set. The technicians, receptionists and all staff at the clinic are wonderful. I have recommended Dr. Jacobson and her veterinary clinic to anyone I know who has a pet. read more