Village Animal Hospital — Local services in Town of Mamaroneck

This review is in regards to the boarding services listed on their website as a service provided by this location. The 2-star review is only for this topic. For vet services I would give them a 4-5 star as we've never had any issues when making a vet-only visit.

Boarding is listed on the VCA website for this location as 'boarding you can trust' and 'ideal if your pet needs special attention or monitoring'. We didn't anticipate needing these things when making the reservation months ago, but as our day of boarding got closer our pup was displaying some guarding and anxiety issues causing her to growl and warn people getting close to her. The week of boarding I phoned the vet to discuss this. I let them know all my concerns - for the dog, her behavior, the staff's safety, etc. I was clear and communicative about her possibly needing a muzzle or special handling to protect anyone should she show any of these signs during boarding. I very directly asked if this might be an issue we would be denied boarding because of. I was assured that the boarding wouldn't be an issue and that notes would be added to her file and I should also mention it all again upon check in. In the same call I inquired about the 'pet counseling' (aka vet behaviorist) service listed on the website but the staff member I spoke to seemed completely unaware of that service and provided a phone# to a third-party trainer (not vet behaviorist - and I already had a trainer). But I was also told the staff could be helpful in monitoring behavior during the dog's stay.

On the day of boarding, we checked in and communicated all concerns as we were instructed to do. The staff member doing our paperwork wrote 'use caution' on the top label of our check in sheet - indicating she clearly heard everything I'd said. We were placed in a vet room to wait for a vet tech to take the dog to the kennels. When the vet tech arrived, the dog was visibly anxious - having waiting over 45 mins for someone to come and attend to us. She woofed loudly at the vet tech while my husband was still holding her on leash and the vet tech left the room. No one came back to speak to us for 10 more minutes so I left the room to inquire what was happening. It was then that I was informed that their "hospital-style" kennels weren't going to work for my dog and they had decided not to board her. Normally I would understand - except that I had communicated my concerns TWICE to multiple staff members in anticipation of this being an issue. Finding out last minute makes me believe that they either didn't listen, didn't believe me, or wanted to try to get my money for boarding regardless of what I was saying.

Small help - which earned them the 2 star instead of 1 star in this review is that they recommended another kennel in the area and made a phone call on our behalf to see if there was availability for checking in that day. The kennel we were recommended to was wonderful, and had some professional 'tricks' to ease the dog with a game of switching the leash to coax her into their care. And incidentally, she was not anxious and perfectly well behaved for her entire stay, allowing staff handling, walking, petting, etc. So be warned that Village Animal Hospital just wants your money, is clueless about dog behavior, does not have a vet behaviorist on staff, and only has "hospital-style" kennels despite the website information about your dogs "comfortable boarding with additional amenities available".

Note - I previously reviewed their Vet services and was very pleased.

reviewed Village Animal Hospital — 5 star February 26 · Wonderful, caring staff! So great with the animals too. And they take the time to explain options, medications, treatments so you can make good choices for your pets. Even on a hectic Saturday we felt like we got good attention to our well being and our...

We’ve been taking our dog here since we first got her 4 years ago. Up until this past visit, we had nothing but good things to say. This time was different.

Our dog was vomiting for a full day, so we brought her in the next morning and an xray was done. I was questioned multiple times if my dog eats squeaker toys to which I said no, but they (2 different doctors there) insisted there was one in her stomach. They told me feed her chicken and rice for the day and do a 12 hour fast and come back the next day for another xray on an empty stomach to see if it was definitely that or not. I was satisfied w the suggestion and did exactly that.

The next day I came back for her second xray and a different doctor was there. This doctor swore up and down she had a squeaker toy in her stomach as well. This vet told us she needed emergency surgery and told us to go to a vet hospital that didn’t have a scope or ultrasound technology to really check, just ready to throw her into a dangerous surgery into her abdomen. We asked if money wasn’t an issue, would she still suggest this location? We just wanted to know if this was a hospital to be trusted or if it was just the least expensive option. She still said yes and later said she does surgery there herself sometimes. I ended up asking for the xray to be sent to 3 different hospitals as well as emailed to me because I wanted my husband to discuss it with me before making a decision.

Me and my husband decided to play it safe and go up to Cornell Veterinary Hospital in Stamford because they could do an ultrasound on her. Turns out there was no squeaker toy in her or anything else. I asked the doctor there what she thought of the X-rays, because I myself thought they weren’t good X-rays and personally couldn’t see any signs of a squeaker. I’m no doctor, but wanted their opinion. They saw absolutely nothing via the xray. They did an ultrasound and kept her for a few hours.

It turned out to be simply a virus. Village never called us to check up on her to see how she was doing or anything. We are so shocked and disappointed in this animal hospital we are...

I have been a client of VAH since before Drs Gallo and Sykes took over the practice. When my daughter adopted a Pit Bull puppy, Riley, we stayed because we felt their care, love and commitment right away. The ancillary staff has always glowed with their enthusiasm and devotion to all animals. Unfortunately last Tuesday, October 26th, I had to make the hardest decision I’ve ever made- to allow Riley to be euthanized. It was a sudden onset of neurological decompensation. Our attending Vet (my apologies for not remembering names) as well as the techs, were so kind and supportive and gave me all the time (and tissues) I needed. Riley was more than a patient at VAH for 11 years. She actually got so excited when we pulled in to the parking lot. She received not only excellent care, but care given with enthusiasm, joy and love. I wish I did not have to lose Riley how and when I did. I am a hospice nurse and know all of what happens around death and dying. But it is so very different and difficult to be on the other side and not be able to rely on one’s compassionate professionalisms. I cannot put into words my gratitude to your staff. I know I was in shock and likely did not let you all know how much your care and kindness meant. When I am ready, I will be back with my next baby so he/she can be a recipient of your care. With all our gratitude, Kathy Byrne Ryan Donaghy

If you have any way to contact Dr Mary Sykes, please forward this to her. You have my permission to give her my contact information She was Riley’s primary, though never exclusive doc for all 11 years. Riley got from Marythe best of her person and her profession. I know myself how important and difficult that is. And Dr Gallo-you were so wonderful with Riley all these years. I wish I had seen you before Riley left us. I thank you with...