Veterinary Emergency Group

On Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend, our 10 year Siamese cat had a health crisis and our vet referred us to the Veterinary Emergency Group. From the first telephone call, we found a combination of caring and professionalism that helped gets us through the crisis. Because we had no cat carrier, the receptionist offered to let us wait in the parking lot and come get us when the doctor was ready so our poor sick cat would not have to deal with other animals.
Both the vet (Dr. Hwan Lee) and the assistant were helpful in explaining everything as they worked to diagnose the problem, commenting on how beautiful our cat’s blue eyes were. We needed to leave him there, and Dr. Lee called us several hours later to give us an update and to tell us that we could bring him home; when we arrived, he took us back to the area where the cat was being kept, then showed us the x-​ray of his belly, explained what the problem was, and answered all our questions. He told us to call back at any time if we had any concerns.
When our kitty seemed to be backsliding on Monday evening, we did call and were called back by another vet who reviewed Dr. Lee’s notes and the x-​ray and discussed our kitty’s symptoms to help us decide that we could wait until we saw our local vet on Tuesday morning, all the while assuring us that we were welcome to bring our kitty back at any time.
All all points, we fell that the decisions that were being made with were professional and appropriate and that unnecessary costs were being avoided. And every staff member we met from receptionists to assistants to veterinarians were caring and supportive. A valuable resource in times of trouble.

We’ve had two great experiences at this place when our cat got into trouble. He had some nasty gashes on his hind quarters after a cat fight. One wound became infected after a few days and didn’t look like it would get better. The cat was low-​energy and likely in pain. We showed up on a Sunday afternoon and Dr. Lee took good care of the cat — shaved the area, cleaned/​irrigated the wound, injected antibiotics and rehydrated the cat. He gave us after-​care advice and our cat is more energetic just a few hours later. The front desk staff and technicians all were helpful and friendly. On another occasion, our cat had stopped eating. He would approach the bowl and try to eat and then back away. Baffling. We got to the Vet Emerg Group around 10pm or 11pm and the vet figured out quickly that the cat had somehow injured his tongue. She treated the cat and he was soon able to eat again. The vets here are smart, friendly and professional. And they are just what you need when your pet gets sick during hours that your day-​time vet is off-​duty. We left a message with Insta-​Vet but they didn’t call back.

I took my healthy then 10-​year-​old female cat to this facility nearly three years ago after finding her foaming at the mouth late one October evening. I called ahead so they knew I was coming. It was not busy when I arrived (that I could see). I was greeted in a perfunctory manner and told to take a seat. There was one person ahead of me. When I was called and explained the issue a person summarily whisked my cat away with barely a nod to me. I asked the receptionist what was going on and was told my cat would be checked out and I should take a seat again. This was unacceptable and I walked around to the back where I had seen my cat disappear. I found several people standing around a table whereupon my frightened cat was cringing. I asked what was going on and they told me I could not be back there. I said I was not being separated from my cat. I was quickly escorted to an examination room where Dr. Meredith Helfman and an assistant came in and checked my cat over and could find nothing wrong. They took a blood sample and checked it while I waited; everything was okay and we were discharged with the recommendation to follow up with my own veterinarian.
Had I not stood up for myself, and my cat, this would have been a nightmare experience for us both because of the cold, inefficient and dismissive way I was greeted and treated. As it turned out, it was a less stressful experience for both my cat and me because I could communicate directly with the veterinarian and remain with my cat during the examination and while we waited for test results.
When I arrived home I noticed on my statement that my female cat had been listed as a neutered male. Errors happen, but I wanted to correct the record, so the next day I called and was told that the record was corrected and that I would receive a new copy in the mail for my records; I never did.
My pets are too important to me to entrust them to such a facility, so unless it winds up being the only one in the area we will not be going back. Fortunately, we have not had to take advantage of an emergency facility since then, and there are others around.

The Veterinary Emergency Group was wonderful. From the front desk staff to the vet techs and Dr Lewis, they made us feel like my dog was most important and that is all that matters to me. I’m so happy we were able to drive right up and be see straight away. I highly recommend them if you have an emergency.

Incredibly professional and compassionate. Surgically prepared and staffed ²⁴⁄₇. Though expensive, you receive top quality care for your pets. There is also a petssmart a short walk down the road.

I had a terrible experience. Dr. Lisette Lewis was cold, condescending, and judgemental. She was not compassionate or empathetic towards me or my cat. In addition, after the blood test results returned and appeared to show a poor prognosis, she demanded I pay the estimate in full prior to any further treatment. I also was not allowed to leave the facility until it was paid in full.
I have had better experiences there with other doctors in the past. But, I will use another facility in the future.

I was very impressed with the compassionate, gentle and conservative approach Dr. Nair took with my small dog that came in New Years Day with a rear leg injury. He sat on the floor with her so as not to stress her by putting her on a table and did a thorough and gentle examination of her. He did not jump right away to take x rays and took the lets wait and see approach. HE sent her home with steroids and pain meds. I was a veterinary tech 15 years ago, have worked with many vets and felt that my dog was well taken care of and properly managed. The bill was reasonable and I highly recommend taking your animal to see him.

Saved my BeetleJuices life. I’m forever thankful. Dr Lisette Lewis and the entire staff are amazing. So glad I took my boy there he was handled with care as if he were their own and treated right away. I thought I was gonna lose him and Everyone there made certain I didn’t Like I said I will forever be thankfull.

We came home from work after a long Monday to find our new kitten tangled in the lights of the Christmas tree and injured. Our usual vet advised that we take him here immediately to have him seen by an emergency vet, and our experience was extremely positive. Upon arrival, the vet came right out and examined him to make sure he was stable– since there were a few other patients waiting, the receptionist told us that a doctor who had come in for a meeting would be assisting the rest of the staff as well to make sure the wait time was as short as possible! We waited about 30 minutes, and both the doctor and the two assistants were very caring and did everything to make sure he was well cared for. After we left, they sent all of Ray’s documents to our other vet– the expense was more than reasonable considering the short wait time and great care he received. Would definitely return (hopefully won’t need to though!)

The Veterinary Emergency Group is fantastic! We have brought our dogs here when emergencies have occurred and our vet is closed. They are so wonderful, responsive and caring. I can’t say enough about the facility and staff.
Dr. David Bessler in particular is caring and responds with assurance, ease and expertise. I highly recommend this group of doctors and techs. Hopefully you won’t need their services, but if you do, this is the place to go!

I have a herd of little guinea pigs who are the cutest little nuggets. As one might guess, finding proper veterinary care for guinea pigs is not the easiest task.
When Linus, my mini-​bear-​looking guinea pig wasn’t breathing right, I freaked out and called our vet, who was closed. The voicemail of the vet gave the number of Veterinary Emergency Group (I’ll refer to them as VEG) and I promptly called them.
«Do you take guinea pigs?»
«Yes.»
‘Yes’ was surprising to hear because it’s rare to find guinea pig specialists. We jumped in the car and flew over to VEG.
They took Linus back to the emergency room immediately and assessed the situation. They allowed us to go back there with them to watch and see what was happening.
Luckily, Linus didn’t have any major issues, just a minor infection, which VEG treated right then and there and sent us on our merry way.
We feel so lucky to have VEG so close by. The doctors and nurses were friendly, kind and thorough when taking care of little Linus, and we’re so grateful for that!

Back in March 2014, my beloved 14 year old ragdoll cat, Bailey, went into kidney failure. It was a Friday, and my regular vet told me that he needed IV fluids around the clock. Keeping him at their office, which closed at 6pm, would mean I would have to leave him alone for the night. The alternative that they suggested was bringing him to the Veterinary Emergency Group, where I could at least visit him and check in since they stay open much later. I opted for the latter, and I ended up spending the next 14 hours straight by his side. The staff didn’t just allow me to check in — they let me stay overnight. I slept on a chair in the back room right next to the kennel where he was laying. I had my head right next to his and was able to pet him and comfort him throughout the night. Not once did they ask me to leave, even when they were working on critical patients right behind me. They kept me company, kept me updated and informed as to his progress and what his vitals meant, and they counseled me to ensure I could make the best decision possible for my baby. Ultimately, I said goodbye to Bailey the next day, and they remained by my side. I could not have asked for more competent, empathetic care for my pet as well as myself. The staff — not just the doctors but the techs, and even the front desk manager, Sandra — truly took care of both of us that night. They did everything they could for Bailey and provided me with the support and information I needed as a pet parent. I am so grateful to them for letting me keep my promise to my pet that I would be there with him right until the end. As hard as it was to say goodbye, I was comforted knowing that his last day was spent right next to me, as opposed to alone and surrounded by strangers. They have continued their excellent level of care and service every time I have gone to them since. I truly cannot say enough good things about this group of people. Rest assured that no matter what crisis you’re facing, both you and your pet will be in the best possible hands.

I cannot say enough good things about the care that my 4.5 year old Cairn Terrier received on 10÷16÷15. Our little dog spent most of the week leading up to our visit sick as a dog (literally) because she was taking medications to help ease the pain related to a ruptured ACL. Although we had spent much of the week in relatively close contact with our regular vet by late Friday afternoon our dog seemed to be getting worse.
We arrived just ten minutes before six o’clock and the receptionist, Sandra, greeted us and got our dog checked in quickly. We were told that the vet was not due to arrive until 6pm so we sat down to wait. Within minutes Dr. Lee arrived and came right out to greet us. After a quick chat in the waiting room he brought us into an exam room and examined our dog.
Dr. Lee even examined her injured knee (altough that was not the reason for our visit). During the exam he explained that he believed our dog was simply dealing with an unpleasant set of side effects associated with her current medications. We spoke briefly about the orthopedic surgeon who was set to operate on our dog the following week (Dr. Lee said wonderful things about him) and a bit about her upcoming procedure. Dr. Lee ordered some blood tests to ensure there was nothing else going on, gave our dog fluids through an IV and sent us home with a medication to help with her upset stomach.
Lisa, the assistant who took our dog back to draw bloods, and clean her up a bit, was just as wonderful as Dr. Lee. While our dog was in the back getting fluids, Sandra was plesant and talkative. She shared stories about her own pets and assured us that our dog would be okay. We were all able to go home that evening fully confident that our dog would not get worse over night, and that we had done all we could to help make her feel better. Dr. Lee and the staff at the Vetrinary Emergency Group were nothing short of amazing. While we hope to not need their services again we are all comforted knowing that they are available, and such a thoroughly competent group.

Place is amazing. Everyone is kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend bringing your pet here in the case of an emergency.
Thanks for treating Capone like your own!

I brought my cat ebony here as an emergency it was a very tough time and they made it very nice for me and comforting to me. Ebony passed the same night I brought her in their assistant Dylan was extremely comforting and made sure that I comforted. Definitely pricey but the care they give you is excellent

The doctor was cold, impatient and useless. We were clearly nervous about the well being of our kitten and he seemed disinterested and agitated by our concern, as if we were inconviencing him. We went there for help which he did not provide! He looked at our kitten for 30 seconds and told us our only option was to cut her open. After he stood there and did nothing for another 5 minutes, we decided to go see our own vet tomorrow because we were completely uncomfortable letting him do anything to our cat. We left there with a bloody scab hanging off the cats stomach, low enough that it touches the ground, which he did NOTHING about. When asked if the kitten would be safe if we waited overnight he could not even give us a straight answer! Its outrageous how unhappy we are with this visit. I wouldn’t let this guy near a pet rock. I will most definitely spread the word to my friends and family and tell them to NEVER visit this facility.

My cat is very much a senior of 17 years, on a holiday, he seemed to be very lethargic and not eating. I had driven by this clinic many times and knew they were an emergency vet and that they would be open on the holiday.
When I arrived it was literally packed! The waiting room was standing room only. I was greeted by a woman behind the desk who could tell that I was upset and she was very helpful and kind. I honestly felt that this was my beloved animals last day.
The wait not nearly what I expected. It wasn’t long before I was in a room and the vet was examining my cat. He did give me his professional opinion and explained what my options were. After the blood work was done, I was given more options as to how I wanted to continue.
When I came out of the exam room to wait for the blood results the entire waiting room was empty. I couldn’t believe that they had seen everyone in what felt like a short amount of time. They also had a nice selection of coffees, teas, snacks, things to comfort me while I waited. I really appreciated this as I was not in a very good place emotionally and it just felt like they cared.
I’ve been to many vets, being I have both dogs and cats, this emergency clinic will get my business again should I need one. I felt they were all very professional, kind at a difficult time and the prices seemed reasonable given it’s an emergency clinic.
In my 17 years of visiting vet offices in California and now NY, for the last two, I had a great experience at this one under the circumstances.

Brought my cat here recently and they gave excellent care. We had a short wait and they were very informative. I felt like my lil guy was in good hands and I would bring him here again.
They have a tv, coffee maker, nice restroom. Overall I was very pleased. Not to mention it was much cheaper than I expected for the service rendered. Definitely recommend.

My wife and I had owned dogs as children. We soon found out that owning a puppy is much harder than playing with the puppy that your parents had bought for you. Our 9 week old lab was at her regular vet for a check up last week and was diagnosed with a respiratory virus. When she started breathing very fast and heavy on a Saturday night, we turned to the Veterinary Emergency Group.
We were in the waiting room roughly 10 minutes before a Dr. David Bessler came out to meet us. He had one of the best bed side manners we have ever witnessed and a true love for animals. He even went above and beyond making sure the prescription dosage we received last week was the correct amount for our labs size.
Upon leaving, we learned that this facility was previously owned by a group of 22 vets that would rotate shifts. We were happy to hear that Dr. Bessler had recently purchased the practice from them and he will be on call there every night. We would not hesitate to bring our puppy to him again… hopefully we won’t need to!

It troubles me to write a one star review of a place, let alone a Veterinary Clinic, and I believe in my 4+ years of Unilocaling this is the first one star review I’ve written. But the truth must be told about my experience here, and the mysterious reason as to why a multitude of their one star ratings are filtered by Unilocal.
First of all, when my pet became ill, and it was in the middle of the night, I knew that my only option was to seek out an emergency vet. I grabbed my cell phone and Unilocaled for such services. Suffice it to say, I was drawn toward Veterinary Emergency Group based on its stellar 5 star aggregate of reviews.
We arrived and everything went downhill from there. We were met by an understaffed facility with only two people on hand and a room full of sick pets. Our condition was dire and out pet was running out of time.
Suffice it to say we had no other choice. While they stabilized our baby, I noticed the Vet answering phones and talking to people up front and the receptionist walking around. While our baby was on it’s last legs. I was furious and asked the vet if they could give our pet its much needed attention.
Wait. It gets worse. The receptionist then comes into our room with the option of «saving» our pet and in a cold, sterile manner, hands us a bill for $ 4000 and tells us that «they may be able to save him.» Sorry, but I think this should have been handled by a vet, and approached more sincerely and gently, and by someone who could answer our questions. I happen to be a physician myself.
By this time I was able to get in touch with my vet on his cell, when I explained the diagnosis, he was very firm that my pet had no chance of survival and that trying to save him would be costly and futile. When we mentioned this to the vet, they told us that the they believed that even if my pet survived this time, that it would probably not last more than a few months due to it’s grave condition.
I proceeded to ask the vet why they offered to «save him» for $ 4000 rather than euthanize him, or why they weren’t able to explain the odds of survival, the complications and risks after surgery, and the fact that they would never walk again, before sending a technician/​receptionist as if that were the only option. And the guilt associated with not «saving him.» The vet finally admit that it was an option, and an option they would have offered to their own client, but not to me. (Seems they have vets on rotation here)
I then looked up their filtered reviews and read very similar negative experiences that happened to other people. Then it all started to make sense, especially when reading this office’s filtered reviews — they were exactly what I was experiencing, and I’m not sure why people weren’t able to read them. It would have saved me a lot of heartache.
It was horrible. It was my second time there and it will be my last. I think its hit or miss and it depends what Vet is working at the time. This place needs some serious lessons on compassion when working with people in desperate times of need.
From now on, I will simply go somewhere else. I suggest you do the same, and that you read the filtered reviews to see what really goes on in here.