Local Veterinarian
I searched the forum and am looking for up-to-date suggestions on a local veterinarian. I have used Hackettstown Animal Hospital in the past, but felt like they over-charged. Besides a veterinarian, does anybody have pet insurance... is it worth it for a dog?
Htown746 
animal lover Tranquility Vet. Hosp -- I love Dr. Michelle Hewitt - my cats - well maybe not so much
5catmom 
Hockeymom115 Tranquility Vet - they're wonderful!
When we first moved here, we tried Hackettstown Animal Hospital, but the woman vet that they gave us was horrible...terrible attitude...and did not seem like she was at all comfortable dealing with felines. Our former vet where we used to live was amazing so we were really upset when we left the appointment at Hackettstown.
Tranquility was a pleasant surprise...very professional, friendly and they obviously love the pets they treat.
Jules 
Joe C. I currently go to Hackettstown Animal Hospital for the past four years. There are many people that feel that they are expensive. Well the first year we had our puppy we did not have pet insurance so after a year we purchased VPI and have been very satisfied with the coverage. My dog has had a few unexpected medical issues and they have paid almost all of the charge. As for the vets there I have had all of them, but our favorites are Dr. Cojocar and Dr. Tyminski. My dog had cancer at the same time found she had a thyriod problem and Dr. Tyminski was just awesome!! Good Luck where ever you decide to go!
golden4 
lsricc Year after year all the same recommendations for vets, doctors, dentists, etc.
He's just a bit further away for some, but my cats see Dr Minervini at Flanders Vet Clinic. Dr Slade and Dr Lovell also very good there. Don't care if he's a bit more or not, I don't even know. He always takes care of the cats one way or the other.
GC We use Washington Animal Hospital. Most say they are too expensive, but we don't mind as both of the doctors and the staff are great there.
If you are looking for inexpensive, try Dr. Blease at Common Sense in Broadway.
Calico696 Pleasant Valley Vet Services in Washington. Best doctor and staff ever!! 689-0773
botheredbyuu2 East Plane.I have taken my dogs and cats there for years.Dr Cojocar at Hackettstown animal hosp. is good with reptiles.
janster Blairstown, very caring gives you a BIG discount no waiting appointments. Stay away from Newton, & Bud lake, Hackettstown too expensive can't get appointments, & they don't know what there doing. Blairstown saved my diabetic cat going on 3 years now & I thought she was a goner. I go once a week for check ups, blood sugar, or fluids cost me under 20. THATS A STEAL
tangerine I second tangerine.... DO NOT use Budd Lake Animal Hospital. Took our 4 month old puppy there for an emergency, she was lethargic, not eating and had "intestinal distress". The vet was very abrupt, never checked her ears etc... pushed us out the door with expensive meds, and never actually answered our questions! In fact when we asked a question, she acted very annoyed and rushed, I would love to find a vet that is doing this job for the love of animals and not the love of money!
Sick of it!!! 
Weebiekins I used to got to Budd Lake Animal hospital and I can no longer recommend it either. The current vet failed to read the chart and would have prescribed a medication that my dog is highly allergic to. I have since switched to Mt. Olive Veterinary (Dr. Sarah Logan) and I've been pleased thus far. Her prices are a bit on the expensive side, but she will spend a lot of time with you, she doesn't push tests or meds, and she legitimately knows her stuff.
Antimony I've heard numerous horror stories about Pleasant Valley in Washington.
Blairstown Animal Hospital is great as will, but a little far. We do not use them for our regular vet, but they did Daisy's knee surgery since our vet does not do orthopedic surgery.
Byram Animal Hospital, Dr. Cruz and Dr. Carlos (husband & Wife) I brought my cat to them for over 8 years. They are both wonderful.
puden15 
Rhonda Another vote for Tranquility. Dr Hewitt is awesome. She has taken care of a lot of my past and present cats. All the vets there are wonderful so if you cannot get Dr Hewitt you are still in good hands.
My family has used Tranquility on and off since the early 80s. We have always found them to be very understanding, caring and sensible when it comes to pet care.
Good luck !
BrandyB Lol Calico and I had very bad experience at Washington Animal Hospital.
Everyone has their own expectations.
I also currently use Flanders vet (Lovell, Minervini and Slade).
They r open till 7 4 nights a week and till 3 on Saturday.
I have used many that have been mentioned.
Dr. Cruz in Byram is very good. Know her stuff.
Hackettstown vet doesn't have the friendliest staff and I only like dr. Cojocar. I do not like the female vets there as my cat almost died in the hands of one for something minor vI've heard same thing from others regarding the women vets.
Unfortunately, one of my poor cats was one of the casualties of going to Pleasant Valley in Washington. THE WORST!
Blease at Common Sense is cheaper than most, but I wouldn't use him for more than shots.
Heard good things about all the others mentioned.
Nellejoy While I love Dr. Hewitt. (she is awesome) Tranquility Vet ( the proprietor) only cares about making money. The individual vets at Tranquility care about you and your pet. They are fabulous, ethical, and caring, but charge according to the proprietor. The proprietor does not care about your pet; he over charges and screws the customer. I now go to Andover Animal Clinic, and not only are they so much more reasonable, they will stay late to help your sick animal, rather than closing earlier than their prescribed hours, and send you to Newton Emergency Clinic where you will pay premium rates.
observer3 One more thing, when you adopt a pet via a legitimate adoption agency, the State of NJ gives you a discount coupon to spay your adopted pet. It's $85. The goal is to encourage owners to stop the over population of pets - an admirable goal. East Plane Animal Hospital participates in this program. Tranquility does not. They charge full rate over $350 to spay or neuter an animal. What is their reasoning for not participating? $$$$$ and more $$$$$ and more $$$$. It is disheartening.
We recently used a house call vet for our two cats and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. If there is nothing major going on with your dog you may want to consider this. It was a $60 house call charge, the shots seemed to be reasonable and she clipped their nails for free.
http://vetdispatch.com/
ed I take my dog to Barton Heights in Stroudsburg. It's only 45 minutes away but they are by far the best I've been to. They are also an emergency vet so they are open 24/7 365. I like that they do both so no matter what I can always go there or call any time of the day or night. They are reasonably priced, super nice and thorough. They will call to check up on your pet to see how they are doing if you were just there recently. I do have VPI for insurance and it's SO worth it!! It has saved me so much money!
JB0103 We take our puppy and kitten to Tranquility and have been since about August. Everyone is always super friendly and accommodating when I call up panicking about some new symptom I feel my animals may have. We have met 2 of the vets and both were extremely knowledgeable and thorough and answered any questions we had (I usually have 5 each time we go haha). We are still new there, but so far no complaints.
sunshinenj Pleasant Valley took the best care of our dog. Went there after walking out on the rude, ignorant, uncaring, money hungry Washington Animal Hospital. Sorry!
Flanders Animal Care Centers in Flanders. Dr. Hallihan is the best! People may think they are expensive, but I've had my share of issues with two adopted cats and a puppy that I bought from a breeder and thought was healthy, but turned out he had giardia. These were the only vets to correctly treat my two cats and worked with us through the bouts of giardia to get my dog healthy. We also have VPI with the additional Care Guard coverage. The care guard covers about half of the annual vaccines and annual exam, along with a portion of heart guard and dental cleaning annually. With major medical issues, like teeth extractions on my cat, about 95% was covered.
guba618 I've used Hackettstown animal Hospital for over 20 years. Each vet has their own way about them, so I you need to find one you and your pet are comfortable with. Dr. Sue was great with my first dog, who developed canine dementia. I inherited an older dog who had been cared for by Dr. Cojocar, and he was great in helping us adjust to one another. Now I use Dr. C for my new pup, he is amazing - remembers us from visit to visit, gets down on the floor with Piper, really takes his time. The staff knows us and really cares about all my furry kids. I've used other vets as well, and don't find much of a difference in price, but a big difference in care. I would give HAH another chance.
DrLAF I'm another fan of Tranquility Vet. Hosp -- I love Dr. Michelle Hewitt and Dr. Christensen. Both have been fantastic with my dog and cats. There is one male vet that I got one day when the other two weren't available. He was horrible. Very rude and lecturing me about certain vaccinations that I wasn't willing to give my dog. I co-own him with the breeder and was given specific instructions for vaccinations and how not to over vaccinate. Bottom line, he was an a$$.
I have had good experiences as well at Pleasant Valley. Dr. Mary delivered my boy since his mama had to have a c-section. You can tell she loves animals. I don't go there anymore for regular checks because I need something closer.
Jazzykatt Tranquility Vet Hospital is the best ,, Dr. Hewitt is great , very thorough,she takes a lot of time with us during our dogs visit,, explains everything, very nice person,, I fully trust her with my dog Cody's care,,, and the staff there is very professional ,, very pleased with the service,, Great Place ...
You can call 908-852-7800
BlueFishEd Any newer reviews on Budd Lake Animal Hospital? I see on their website they are giving free vaccines with exams. I'm looking to try them out.
Hopeful I went to Budd lake twice when my vets, Byram animal hospital, were away. The woman I saw at Budd lake was a total ass and recommended about $1000 worth of testing and questioned my vets capabilities. This was just this past august. I will never go back there again.
Byram animal hospital is great! We have four pets that they treat and I have never been unhappy.
Jane123 I was taken in by Budd Lake's offer of free vaccines when I brought my puppy home (2+ yrs. ago). I figured it would be a great time to save since pups need more shots. Unfortunately, they make the cost up in other ways, I didn't find it to be the great bargain I was hoping for. The main reason for switching though, I could not understand the dr. there at the time-she had a heavy accent. I had to ask her to repeat almost everything... and this was just routine stuff, would not want to deal with that if there was a problem. I have been very pleased with Blairstown Animal Hosp.
Davis I use Dr. Anacker at Hodes Veterinary in Mine Hill. I have never been more pleased with any veterinary service in 20 years. They are not inexpensive, but it is absolutely worth it to me
I'm still a fan of Tranquility. I have referred several people there with their pets. I know that now these people use their vets. It is absolutely their business what they charge. I, myself like all of the vets- Dr. Hewitt, Dr. Christensen and Dr Hogke (?) The receptionists always accommodate me quickly and I have never had a wait time of over 5 minutes. As long as I am around, I will be patronizing them. I will say this one time. I have given Hackettstown Animal Hospital many many chances and after this last "deal"; I will never return. There are 2 Budd Lake vet clinics I believe. I have heard that 1 is good and the other not so good.
just the facts maam Does anyone know who the vet is that is doing the free rabies clinic in Independence next Sat.?
just the facts maam - I think the only way you will know for sure is to call Independence in case it changes from year to year. However, White Shoes went year before last and it was Dr Susan Bahr from Hackettstown Animal Hospital.
Tranquility or Blairstown. If you have an emergency after hours or on a Sunday, Blairstown does emergencies and many surgeries that local animal hospitals won't do. They are also opened till 5:00 on Saturdays.
Done That Actually Budd Lake Animal Hospital is owned by Newton Animal Hospital and they will be moving to where Garden State Animal Hospital was on Route 46 since Dr. Shatto finally retired. They bought the practice. There is Mt. Olive Animal Hospital on Route 46 that is a brand new brown building. I don't know anything about them. Again, Tranquility or Blairstown!
Budd Lake Animal hospital was much more expensive then the local ones and tried to give other things that my guy didn't need. had to go there because my Vet was on vacation.
DR Rosen on East Plane st is the best and so caring. Explains all the options and doesn't push additional meds on you. He gets my VOTE.
Carol 
happiest girlTranquility vet is terriffic.
Used hackettstown animal hospital for 15 years.
Nice staff, but Always had to wait a LONG
Time!
Plane street Dr was nice (from hackettstown animal hospotal originally) but never answers the phone!
Tranquility vet is the best.
Funny lady Dr Rosen and staff at east plane animal hospital are amazing! They are the kindest most caring people. I wouldn't go any where else .
Sandy222 Dr. Rosen is a very nice man and he has always been nice to me. Problem is that he doesn't have regular office hours like the other animal hospitals. Always struck me as "odd". No matter. I will never leave Tranquility. They are consistent with myself and my pets. Always cheerful with my pets and so professional always.
Does anyone know of a local veternarian who gives a discount for elderly rescues? We adopted a ten-year-old bagle hound from the Wantage pound yesterday. We've already priced out a few of the local offices but I wanted to make sure I checked here, too. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Here's a photo of our old boy, Winston.
fuji you could try Karen Dashfield - Vet on Call: Karen Dashfield DVM is a 1991 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her love of animals and deep respect for the human animal bond has led to her desire to provide loving affordable veterinary care in an at home setting.
Dr. Karen offers senior citizen and multi pet discounts, and has a special interest in shelter medicine and wildlife medicine. In her "spare time" Dr. Karen enjoys teaching Animal Control Officers, Wildlife Rehabiltators and Shelter Volunteers / Workers skills to both enrich the lives of animals in their care and keep them healthy. (973) 841-0987
I've worked with her in the past and I'm sure she would be fair to you.
Iris Aw, he looks like he's ready for his new adventur! Congrats and that's awesome you adopted a senior!! :) <3
I second Mt Olive Vet with Dr. Logan or any other there Dr Alteri or Dr Lee all wonderful!!! They spend so much time with you never push you out the door & the entire staff is wonderful!!! Easy to get an appt. they have late nights & they are not expensive. They take such good care of my 2 dogs. 973-691-9333 the best!!
Jcann1 Thank you for the tips, 4catmom and Jcann1! We'll be exploring these options and more over the next couple days. And thank you, Iris and weebiekins! So far he seems very happy in his new home. He's already made himself very comfortable in our bed and enjoys long walks around our property.
Good Thread! I should have read this before going to the new Budd Lake Vet on 46. - Rude- misleading prices- no charge for shots they say and then try to have you perform unnecessary tests for a perfectly healthy puppy. Thanks for the great thread.
This is in response to happiest girls question earlier in this thread, I found out last year that Tracy from east plane animal hospital died two years earlier. Her obituary did not mention her husband at all, perhaps they were divorced? I felt so bad as I really liked her, and him too.
RAS Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that there is AWESOME new vet in our area:
Brian Civatte BVMS, MRCVS
now practicing at:
Pleasant Valley Vets
Washington
908-689-0773
I cannot recommend Dr. Brian highly enough.
I called Pleasant Valley (my usual vet office) yesterday requesting a pretty urgent appt. for our GSD Serena who seriously sprained her ankle running down a hill. I normally see Dr. Mary, but she has quite the following, and was pretty booked up this week. They offered me Dr. Brian, whose first day there was today!
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Brian. Excellent diagnostician, did the right imaging -- but did not do any 'over testing' which sometimes happens around these parts, if you know what I mean. I like to get a very thorough run-down of what a vet is thinking clinically, and boy did he give it to me. Took all the necessary time to explain his thinking, what we should do next for her, and basically talked me through every single possible option we have to best treat our girl.
I still adore Dr. Mary, and she is for sure the area's reproductive vet specialist, but because she is so in demand (and we aren't planning any upcoming litters!) I will now be bringing all of my dogs and cats to Dr. Brian. Which means he'll probably be seeing a lot of me. What a great new local veterinary asset!
Rebecka 
AJMS Commenting is no longer available.