Cobble Hill Animal Clinic

Doesn't Recommend

itookawalk

Joined 5 years ago

Sneaky with $$$, completely disorganized. 2 things:

1) Our cat, Amos, was a new patient at the Cobble Hill Animal Clinic, so we were unfamiliar with any of the doctors, techs, staff, etc. Amos needed a procedure which would require hospitalization for 2-3 days (we were told the price would stay the same either way by one of the doctors). We were given a verbal quote SEVERAL hundred dollars less than we ended up paying ultimately (there were no complications with the procedure whatsoever and the doctor did do an excellent job). Amos needed distemper and boosters over the course of a few weeks before the procedure could be performed and throughout these few weeks, we started receiving new, higher estimates (one including an unnecessary teeth-cleaning). The day before the procedure, we confirmed an estimate with someone over the phone and had it emailed to us. When I showed up the next day, the estimate I was asked to sign was $200 higher because the person the night before had forgotten a key item...the procedure itself! When I saw the lower estimate the night before, the procedure was listed with $0.00 next to it, so I assumed we'd already paid for it during the previous vaccination sessions.

Anyway, I finally agreed to sign this new, higher estimate because I was told that the person who gave us the lower estimate was "new" and made a mistake. We were offered a $30 discount off an $800 procedure (woohoo!). When we came to pick Amos up three days later, there were two NEW charges to the bill. One for the 3rd day of hospitalization (remember we were told the price would not be affected by a 3rd day by one of the doctors), and one for an antibiotic not included on the form I signed on the day Amos was admitted. We were also told that the person who was originally supposed to perform the procedure was not available so Dr. Green (apparently a VERY highly-esteemed surgeon) stepped in. We were reminded of how great he was when we went to pick up Amos - Dr. Green wanted us to know that he normally charges $200 more than he charged us. So thank you Dr. Green for the charity, I guess?

The manager agreed to refund the "accidental" charge for the third day, which we appreciate, however, after all of this runaround, this hospital, while Amos was very well-cared for, is more than a little slippery with their billing. That, or their system is completely incompetent.

2) I give a second star ONLY because our beloved Amos is seemingly recovering VERY well and is in good spirits only three days after surgery, so it's apparent that Dr. Green and the vet technicians did a great job and took very good care of him.

I'm disappointed that everything else was SO unprofessional and incongruent, because Dr. Green seems to be every bit as good as we've been told (many, many times). Sadly, we will not be frequent fliers of the Cobble Hill Animal Clinic in the future...

I hope this review helps people out there who are considering their services - make sure you stay on top of them, because they certainly needed babysitting in our case!

Doesn't Recommend

New York Secret Shopper

Joined 3 years ago

Money Hungry Deceptive. These people try to create the illussion that they care about you and your pet but when I brought my pup in they just saw dollars signs. They act nice but if you're not carefull they will screw you with a smile.

Thats goes for greedy LoBasso and his wife.

Doesn't Recommend

bklynlover000

Joined 3 years ago

Dishonest. My pet was returned to me dirty and smelly after an operation. Very uncaring practice. Also, the procedure cost $600 MORE than what they said it would cost.

Doesn't Recommend

Janet Allison

Joined 3 years ago

Calling Dr. Maddox.. ripped off by a vet. I brought my cats in, expecting the same treatment and courtesies extended by Dr. Maddox. Instead, I found Dr. Lobasso with $$ signs in his eyes, ready to charge for every unnecessary thing. My Bengal HAD JUST HAD HIS CHECKUP. Several days later he seemed to be uncomfortable, shaking his paw. I came in

half an hour before closing to ask for advice, and was charged $55 for an office visit -- after which Dr. Lobasso said sorry, I can't examine the paw without tests, sedation, ,and x-rays! BUT it could be a serious virus, so this can't wait. Then I paid over $100 for blood work, prior to sedation, before remembering that Dr. Maddox had neutered this cat beautifully, with sedation and NO blood work. Back home, without the pressure from Dr. Lobasso, plus a distressed cat on the examining table (and no one even looking at his paw), I thought better of subjecting him to unnecessary sedation, x-rays, and a "hospital stay." So I saved about $250, but lost $150 in the process. And my cat is fine. He did not have a virus. He didn't have anything. Think twice before you use these people.

Recommends

sekaer

Joined 4 years ago

The nicest most conscientious vets I've ever had. I have never had a vet call me later after putting a pet to sleep to see if I was OK. They are all angels

Recommends

Esmerelda

Joined 4 years ago

Positive Review. Given some of the negative reviews, I wanted to weigh in. I also was a huge Maddox fan. But, I have had good experiences with both Dr. Lobasso and Dr. Park. Dr. Lobasso detected what he thought was a mass in my cat's belly, which upon further testing turned out to be lymphoma. He was very helpful in reccomending options and specialists for us, and he also called to find out how my cat was doing. When it ultimately became time to put my cat down, we saw Dr. Park, and her bedside manner was truly impeccable, especially considering that I was borderline hysterical. She was incredibly gentle and sensitive. So, I for one would certainly reccomend that folks continue with Cobble Hill.

Recommends

sunday1508

Joined 4 years ago

Professional and caring vets and staff. My dog recently had serious vomiting and diarrhoea. I took her into Cobble Hill, she was seen within an hour. She was quite ill and the vet decided to admit her for tests, and then, later, overnight as she needed an IV. Although Dr LoBasso had been working all day he called back to the surgery late that night to check on my dog. Luckily, the next day she was allowed home -- after lots of discussion with me about the pros and cons and precise advice about what to do if she relapsed on a Sunday when the surgery was closed. Everything was explained carefully and I was given time and advice before making a decision. All turned out well. I felt I had the best possible care for my pet and would highly recommend Cobble Hill to anyone wanting really professional care for their animal.

As well as Dr LoBasso, the support staff are terrific.

Recommends

ser66

Joined 4 years ago

caring Vet. Maddox was awesome no doubt. He was very caring and reasonable. I was hesitant to continue going to Cobble Hill after reading so many bad reviews. I went back and to my surprise it was great. Yes, it is different, you can no longer just walk in you must make an appoitment. The billing is up to par with all other vets which is a drag but fair. I think others were spoiled by Dr. Maddox SInce he was so personable and affordable. However I am confident In the new staff and I wish them the best. I have only dealt with Dr. Park who has been very kind and willing to listen. She even made a follow up call to see how my pet was doing. I have been going to this Clinic for over 12 years and will happily continue. My best to Dr Maddox I haope he is enjoying retirement.

Doesn't Recommend

deidre30

Joined 5 years ago

New Doc NOT Recommended. Dr. Maddox the former vet was an exceptional vet and cared more about the animals than money or even people. The new ownership is the exact opposite. I ordered my cat's insulin as usual through Petmeds and receieved a phone call from Petmeds informing me the new vet that had taken over refused the prescription. I receved no letter or phone call from the new vet informing me of any changes. When I called the office I was told that the new vet would not honor Dr. Maddox's prescription without another visit and a full workup. I asked if they could please just fill this order and then I will bring him in since I am very pregnant and not able to trek my cat to the office and would have to wait for my husband to have time off to do it . I explained I would be out of insulin before that could happen. Although Debra (lovely office person) plead my case she phoned back to say the vet refused and I would have to bring my kitty in. I did find another vet who wrote a new prescription and even the office personel there was confused as to why no one notified me or at the very least offered enough insulin until I could get my cat out to visit. All I can say is...I miss Dr. Maddox and would suggest not using this vet since money seems to be a deciding factor in all things not an animal's well being.

Doesn't Recommend

lindsjoyr

Joined 5 years ago

Fleecing me by ordering every unnecessary test in the book. What a shame for Dr. Maddox to leave...he was honest and laughed at how many expensive unnecessary tests my old vet ripped me off for, which I appreciated.

But now there's a new doc - who's doing the same thing I was trying to avoid - ordering tests "for good measure" that cost upwards of $150. I've spent over $1,000 on my cat in the past month - it was a liver problem, no wait it's his kidneys, oh gosh gee now it's his bladder. The cat is 10 years old and running around playing, eating normally, going to the bathroom fine, nothing is clinically wrong with him. I'm not Rockefeller and can't afford this, and don't like subjecting my cat to multiple poking and prodding.

Find someone who cares about the health of your pets and not their balance sheet.