Heart Of Chelsea Animal Hospital

05/12/2008 Posted by templeph

I recently found Heart of Chelsea online and WOW! I cannot stop sharing my truly wonderful experience with everyone. I walked in with my 7 year old anxiety ridden, barking, growling dog 10lb. dog and everyone we encountered was so warm and accommodating. They made every effort to move us swiftly to a room where we would be comfortable. I did not feel like I was being pushed through our appointment and that they were genuinely interested in my Rambo. Dr. Cohen gave me unlimited time to share concerns about my dog's behavioral/anxiety issues and offered solutions. Since then Rambo has gone back for a teeth cleaning and after both visits Dr. Cohen personally called to follow up. I have never had such a positive experience at any doctor's office(human or animal)!! Thanks to everyone at Heart of Chelsea for the kindness and love of animals!!

Pros: Genuine Love of Animals

03/26/2008 Posted by moralynyc

After a traumatizing and terrible experience over at Lexington Veterinary Group with Dr Steven Silvers, I went to the vet that my pet store (Parrots and Pups) recommended from the start, Heart of Chelsea located on 18th and 8th. From the minute you walk in, you can tell you are in a top notch place and in safe hands. The place is run to a tee- never have I called and the phone rang more than once before someone's cheery voice answered. The office is always full with friendly, professional staff and though I have had appointments with all the doctors, I must say that my favorite is Dr Lara Cohen. She is so fun, kind, experienced and the dogs are always thrilled to see her. She has a calmness, easy going way about her but she is on point with every detailed examination she gives. I have been to other vets offices that are cold and sterile, but Heart of Chelsea is really filled with love. Everytime I go in there, parents of the puppies and cats are talking to eachother, not just sitting there hands folded in lap waiting to be called. People even stop by with their pets as they go on their usual walks because it is just that kind of place, a neighborhood place. All the ladies behind the reception desk are wizards at how they remember all the animals names. So again- I can not emphasis how happy I am with Heart of Chelsea. They are on my speed dial on my phone and they are willing to answer any question at anytime. They are wonderful, but don't take my word for it, just stop by and you will see the place is filled with professional, happy pet owners who want the best for their animals. Go try it out for yourself and you will see. PS- If you forget Dr Cohen's name when you call to make the appoinment- just ask for the doctor with the amazing mermaid like long curly blond hair. She is the best!!!!

03/03/2008 Posted by OtisJohnson

My dog is a complete lemon, and seemed to have several problems his first year. At one point we were considering leaving Heart of Chelsea, but then we met Dr. Cohen. Besides being very professional, trustworthy, she is very loyal and dedicated to the pets. She is very funny and makes going the vet somewhat entertaining. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants a more personable experience at the vet.

Pros: Pretty easy location

Cons: Some doctors seem to be moody.

02/18/2008 Posted by JoanBennett

Two years ago I switched to Heart of Chelsea because my other vet kept trying to get me to spend a lot of money, yet got impatient when I had billing questions. ($4,000 for an MRI because my dog lightly knocked her head playing? Are you serious?) I switched to Heart of Chelsea after a breeder recommended them as the best she'd ever seen in New York. She was right. The Front Desk is ALWAYS friendly -- they are smart, they answer questions thoroughly and with a smile. They laugh with each other, showing they enjoy being there. One of the reasons they're so good is they schedule appointments well: the waiting room is never overcrowded, so the staff isn't overwhelmed. Consequently, they have time to pay attention to my pet and me. The facilities are very clean, costs are reasonable, and I can get an appointment easily with their convenient hours. When something is wrong, the vet offers lower priced options before immediately insisting on high-priced surgery. I'm never made to feel guilty about asking 'how much?' -- as if only bad, bad masters care about cost. One last thing: at Heart of Chelsea, even the helpers have class. At my old vet, the staff looked like THEY'D been rescued... from a Reform School!

Pros: Staff, Hours, Good Treats

Cons: None

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/17/2008 Posted by kevgermcc

I recently switched to Heart of Chelsea and am thrilled with the quality of care my two cats are receiving. My Veterinarian, Dr. Lara Cohen, is excellent -- she is smart, thorough, caring, patient, and has a wonderful demeanor. She is thorough and doesn't rush me, and takes time to answer all of my questions. For more complex matters she will consult with other experts and her follow-up is strong. I have dealt with a lot of Vets in my 20 years in NYC and can honestly say that Dr. Cohen is one of the best.

Pros: Dr. Cohen, on-time for appts. friendly and efficient office/admin, clean

Cons: small waiting area

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/30/2007 Posted by danaandkevin

I only have positive things to say about the care my dog received at Heart of Chelsea. Dr. Nguyen is extremely caring, thorough with his examinations, and follows up after appointments. The staff has always been very friendly and helpful. The hours are convenient, and I have never had trouble getting an appointment. I highly recommend Heart of Chelsea for veterinary care.

11/30/2007 Posted by melissa328

I have recently started taking my two small dogs to Heart of Chelsea and we love it! The staff is always really friendly and informed. One of my dogs is a nightmare at the vet and they are always sweet to him, giving him treats and reassurance. I also love the fact that they are not quick to re-vaccinate, but check their blood-levels first. They really care about what is best for your pet, they don't have Hills Science diet in the waiting area like most vets! They recommend all natural diets and treats which is something I really appreciate. It's reassuring to find vets that are on the same page. Thanks Heart of Chelsea!

Pros: Great staff, wonderful vets, friendly service

Cons: small waiting room

10/06/2007 Posted by naturopunc

Bookings are every 20 minutes, I arrived to find a jam packed waiting room (one client waiting with three huge dogs in the middle of a very small waiting area) all seats were taken. I was invited to sit outside on a bench in very hot weather. This is not a calm, healthy environment to bring a terrified pet. I was expecting professionalism, consideration, and respect when I entered. I walked into a chaotic, over-crowded mess. I canceled and left. I arrived a few minutes early and gave notice that I was leaving, more than The Heart of Chelsea staff offered me. Perhaps Heart Attack in Chelsea would be more fitting. Obviously lots of money to be made is the life force running through their veins.

Pros: Staff is kind and friendly

Cons: Owners are about big money. Policy is to over-book, not notify clients, expect them to wait forever.

09/05/2007 Posted by s_shopper

I am a licensed veterinary technician although I don't work at Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital and I have to vent that people frankly complain too much about cost of veterinary medicine. I have a college degree, a license and 10 years experience and most hospitals offer me a salary of $17,000-$18,000 per year. This is because people rarely have pet insurance so they have to absorb the cost of everything INCLUDING a nail trim. Do you realize that when a clinic performs a nail trim, it takes at least two technicians (2 salaries) along with the overhead, the receptionist salary who made your appointment, the chart that they had to open up and the purchase of the table, the nail trimmers and the quickstop just to give your pet that "20 second nail trim". Veterinarians are NOT rich by any means. Most hospitals use the same quality medicine you would find in a human hospital if not better and they have to hire additional staff to restrain your pet which is different than human medicine. In addition, vet school costs more than med school and it pays very poorly so you can rest assure that most vets do their job out of love NOT "highway robbery". You should maybe spend a little less at Bloomingdales and the hoyty-toyty Manhattan restaurant and be willing to spend a bit more on your pet's livelihood because most animal hospitals are pretty much a non-profit organization. With my college degree, license and 10 years experience, my salary affords me to live in a bad neighborhood with no health insurance, retirement or sick pay. So much for the "highway robbery" you were complaining about.

08/30/2007 Posted by Premier

My pup has been going to Heart Of Chelsea ever since I got him 2 years ago. The staff is extremely sweet and caring and Dr. Gabriele is wonderful. Even though my dog is very timid of going to the vet, Dr. Gabriele is very nurturing to him. No real problems with Heart Of Chelsea other than they are real costly. $18 to trim my 5lb pup's nail & $37 for Heartgard medication where these things are significantly less elsewhere. I love Heat of Chelsea but I might have to start looking at other vet's.

Pros: Dr. Gabriele, Convenient Hours, Friendly Staff

Cons: Too costly