UPDATED REVIEW 02/22/2025 Our Saint Bernard, Scherzer, managed to wound his front foot and copious amounts of blood were all over the place. Of course, we knew to take him to VEG Commack! Once again, our experience was exceptional. He was seen immediately and a team of 6 tended to his medical needs. They allowed us to sit back and watch them work and kept us informed on what was going on. The price was actually very reasonable and we felt welcomed and relaxed throughout the entire experience (which is unusual for me). I suspect this was because of our previous visits with other pups, knowing they were in very capable hands. When we took our boy to his usual vet for a bandage change, he was very impressed with the surgical care he received and told me all about the Vet who founded VEG and how the company has been founded on excellence. I love having TWO places where my 5 Saint Bernards can receive excellent care and we, their "parents", are treated with respect and concern. This was our 4th emergency with VEG Commack and every visit has been an excellent experience with both animal and human care.
100 stars!!! I cannot praise VEG Commack enough. We've been there two times with out elderly Saint Bernard, Vinny. The first time, I never expected him to come home again and he did, but this last time, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go. For as heartbreaking as that is, for the second time, I was astonished by the entire staff at this hospital! From the professional and friendly way the phones were handled, to the take charge attitude of the staff to grab a gurney and get to the car to bring in our 130 pound grumpy boy. The vet who was in charge of Vinny's case was so professional, warm, caring and kind. She took the time to give a detailed explanation of what was going on and gave us several alternatives, couching the fact that the best thing for our boy was to let him go in a very soft way, waiting for me to ask what she would do if it was her dog before quietly nodding and trying to comfort us. Every single person on the staff was just wonderful. When Vinny came in, he was in distress, but the staff had him comfortable in moments. That gave us the time we needed to go over the options and make our decision without rushing. Truthfully, after asking questions, there really was only one correct decision with Vinny's best interest at heart. Sometimes you just need the a few moments to reach that realization and their quick care and detailed information allowed us to know what we had to do. The costs were so reasonable for an emergency hospital and they were able to handle everything for his cremation without us having to worry. I've been involved with thousands of animal health issues as a manager at a high volume shelter and operating my own Saint Bernard rescue and VEG is, by far, the best run facility I have ever encountered. Thank you to each and every one of the staff there. I hope this long winded review helps make someone having to face an emergency more comfortable choosing...
Read moreI had passed the Veterinary Emergency Group several times before. I made note of it because after many years, I was not feeling as positive about the 24 hour veterinary services that are closer to where we live. While they have specialists for ongoing issues on site, for emergencies, it can be very hectic. Fast forward to last night... As a new cat owner, I am learning as I go with my new feline companion. When I noticed some evidence of stitches being visible from her spay in November, I became concerned. I also noticed that my sweet girl was upset about the situation also and trying to pull the undissolved line out with her teeth (yikes). I was definitely worried. I called and spoke with two friendly and AVAILABLE staff members. They were actually REALLY - genuinely kind and helpful and had time to listen and not rush me off the phone. Later in the evening, I decided to take her in. Better safe than sorry. I took my kitten over to the Commack location. We were seen in a VERY reasonable amount of time and I was able to stay with my little girl right into the back where treatment takes place. It was airy and well ventilated. Let's face it, if you are anxious, the last place you want to be is in a room waiting. There was no speaking to two or three people before having my cat patched up. It was a direct route to help for her. I loved the simplicity of it. The vet who assisted us was down to earth, kind, and fixed the issue right away. She even showed me how to clip my kitten's nails. Another thing that I really liked about this facility was that everyone there had a positive attitude and seemed like they really wanted to be there. It really makes all the difference-especially when this kind of energy is not often seen these days It was not a crowded and stressful 24 hour hospital where you have to sit for hours anxiously wondering where your pet is and what is happening. That made all the difference for me. It was about ten minutes further than I would normally travel, but have not felt that warm vibe from a 24 hour veterinary hospital in a very long time. These people do very difficult and emotional work. The employees positivity made all the difference. Authentic. I will never forget the kindness they showed us. Should an emergency arise in the future, and when our regular vet is closed, I know exactly where we will be going. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Gloria was in great hands. She apologizes for the hissing sound during the nail instructional! Thank you so much. Your kindness and help truly changed our...
Read moreCan't thank all of those at VEG enough! My 7 yr old Yorkie has a known diagnosis of CHF and tracheal collapse. Two weeks ago, he went into respiratory distress with rapid respirations, panting, and was unable to catch his breath. My husband and I rushed him to the Commack VEG.
As soon as we were at the door, they had seen in their monitors that he was in distress. They took him right into the treatment area. The staff went to work, they were like a ballet, each member knew what their role was and did it in sync! Catheter, oxygen, listening to breath sounds. The veterinarian, Dr. Cohn came over and listened carefully to me, giving Ranger's prior history. He was put in a 02 bed and sedated a bit to quell his respiratory rate. Once his rate was down and he was less apprehensive, they took him to for an x-ray, which ruled out CHF. They had reached out to his cardiologist for past history and at on point even spoke to him at another clinic. Ranger was having respiratory distress from his tracheal collapse. All of this was going on, and my husband and I were allowed to stay. The staff brought over chairs and water for us so that we could stay with our furbaby. The doctor said she would call at 6:30 am and give us a report, and she did! Ranger case was being handed over to Dr. Healy and report was given by Dr. Cohen, with discharge, planned for later in the day.
When we arrived, Dr. Healy explained everything that was done and what we needed to do to care for Ranger at home. She patiently answered each and every question I had. The staff, I am sorry I don't remember names, but each and every one of them couldn't have been more knowledgeable and caring.
During our stay, a bull dog was brought in that had gone into cardiac arrest at home. Again, this group went into action, like a well-oiled machine, never missing a beat. As an RN, I was in awe watching how CPR was given to a canine. Compressions were given, and the staff was rotated systematically. The meds were pushed via a catheter that was immediately started, and a breathing machine with 02 was given. Every measure to bring that pup back was provided quickly.
After experiencing this kind of care and compassion, I will never bring my dogs to any other emergency hospital. I have already recommended VEG to two of my friends who subsequently used them and felt the same way.
Thank you to all the staff of VEG for saving our Ranger's life! You are...
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