CENTRAL VETERINARY ASSOC

I scheduled an appointment and they took me about 20 minutes after my appointment time. The vet then said that it has to be fleas so I needed to buy flea bombs, shampoos etc. even though she hadn't found anything. She then said that since they have never treated my dog that there is no proof that he was up to date with his shots and that every animal they treat must be up to date. I was then told I "had" to buy all the flea prevention items by them which I did pay for and they forgot to give to me. When I called back and told them, they didn't believe me and said they would only give me 1 of the 3 items I bought. After my dog was still itchy and I ended up having to go somewhere else and it turned out to be a skin condition. Wish I would have avoided her to begin with

It was a horrendous experience. Our 120 pound golden retriever collapsed on out front porch in the late afternoon while being taken for a walk. Our Vet was closed, so we made the decision to transport him by dog ambulance to the neighborhood animal hospital. When we were discussing what we should do for him in one of their examining room they had him laying in his own urine. They determined that they should go through some routine tests considering his age, his condition and so forth. The total for this would be nearly $2500 for a 24 hour period. We felt kind of low on options, but did think this was awfully high. In the morning we went back for a follow-up and they recommended keeping him for further tests at a cost of $650 a day. They also recommended acupuncture and other expensive treatments for the dog's arthritic condition.. We sought a second opinion in the morning since our vet was then open. They recommended getting the dog out of there as quickly as possible and that they would treat him and keep him over night for about $300. By the next day, he was walking and eating and generally happy so we brought him home via a very inexpensive dog taxi service. There aren't a lot of options to transport a dog that big. I might say that I wouldn't recommend this hospital to a dog, but that might insult the dog's intelligence.

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I can't decide if these people are seriously incompetent or seriously greedy & unethical people who prey on the distress of others when a beloved pet is sick.  We came home Christmas Eve to find our dog having a hard time standing up, bumping into walls, like she had a stroke.  Since we couldn't get in touch with our vet, and against every fiber of my being because we had dealt with this place many years ago, we ran her to Central because they were the closest.  Right off the bat, it was $1600.  They performed blood tests, xrays, sedation for xrays, emergency visit, IV, antibiotics, and whatever else.  They called to tell me that there was no sign of cancer, they wanted to give her an additional antibiotic, and may want to send her for a CAT Scan & MRI because she could have a brain lesion to which I told them yes to the antibiotic but absolutely no to the CAT & MRI. When I was able to get in touch with our regular vet the next day, she asked me to call them & fax to her the up to the minute on everything they've given her and done for her.  Our vet then called me and asked what they had told me, so I told her.  She insisted that I call them, get copies of everything, & tell them we'll be there & would like her discharged.  She was able to diagnose our dog without seeing her, based on the tests they ran & the conclusion was Geriatric Vestibular Disease, a common thing found in older pets (our dog is 13) almost like vertigo in humans.  Now, you would think that since this is a common thing, Central would not have had a problem diagnosing it.  However, I felt that we were being taken OBSCENE advantage of!  I rate them a "C" for Quality because they do have care around the clock, N/A for Responsiveness & Punctuality because these things weren't pertinent, an "F" for Price & Professionalism because they were grossly, disgustingly, greedy & were more interested in milking every dollar they could then they were for the welfare of our pet, and a "D" overall which I feel is generous. I should give them an "F" because of their lack of empathy. We would SERIOUSLY recommend to anyone DO NOT use this vet service.  Not only did we have a previously bad experience with them years ago, but since then we have heard total horror stories about this place. They have also been taken over and are now a "corporation" as opposed to an independent vet service. If you want an excellent, reliable, reasonably priced, caring vet for your pet, the place to go is NOT Central Veterinary Associates, but rather Broadway Veterinary on Broadway in Hewlett. .  If you need emergency attention for your pet, my recommendation would be Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury on Cantiague Rock Road in Westbury.  ANYPLACE but Central Veterinary! They're thieves and I just wish someone would shut these people down for their unethical practice.

They're too expensive and I think they find things wrong with your pet. I go to a different veterinarian now. They told me my dog had to have a $4,000 surgery. Then I took him to a different vet and he said we didn't have to resort to surgery yet, that we could put him on a certain diet for gallstones and see how he does. He's been doing fine since. Another vet told me I didn't need to be giving my dog all the shots that Central Veterinarian had me getting for him every year. They might have good doctors, but I think they're more of a money-making operation. I think they take advantage. That's just my view. They're good at responsiveness. You can go there 24 hours a day. They're also very professional.

My dog was fine when we picked him up, although it seemed like he hasn't been to the bathroom in ages when we first took him outside after picking him up. I have to say, I feel like they try to get as much money out of you as possible. We booked him for a stay over Memorial Day weekend and we were all confirmed. Then maybe a day or two before, they called to say they were charging us more because it was a holiday weekend. I was furious because no one mentioned that when I made the initial reservation. Because I got so upset, they said they would just charge me the regular fee. They also charge you for a doctor's visit when they board your pet, or at least for me they did. I'm switching to another verterinarian and I'm hoping that the new one will be better.

I always request Dr. Charos because I like him the best of all the vets, but each I have dealt with get my stamp of approval. The vet technicians are always nice and handle my babies gently. The office staff is always pleasant too. The kitties passed their exams. This is the Valley Stream location. I think they are a bit pricey but, I been using them a long time so don't know costs at other vets are these days , but seniors and people with 3+ cats get a discount.. If a cat is sick I know it will get excellent care here. The bill was the total for both cats including some flea/tick prevention doses we give monthly. I would not hesitate to recommend Central Veterinary Services to anyone.

The only thing that could have been better is if my dog ended up not needing the surgery (which is of no fault of theirs )

My dog was attacked my two other dogs, and he had to have surgery and stitches and had to stay for about a week. The good news is, they fixed him up and he's fine now!

We moved over to Central Veterinary Associates (CVA) recently after a bad experience with our long time Vet. Our 8 yr. old Bulldog Rosie had developed a significant limp in her right leg. In addition, she was lethargic and in obvious discomfort. Her eyes were red, runny and heavy. We were told Rosie was overweight (she is not), probably has arthritis, and was suffering from allergies. We were told to watch her weight and give her aspirin. We started her on the aspirin regime and she proceeded to vomit after every meal. Her leg was becoming increasingly worse and she was unable to put any pressure on it. Her eyes were so bloodshot and runny that she could barely keep them open. Our happy, go lucky, bulldog was losing her spirit and we knew it was time to make a change. CVA came highly recommended to us and immediately it was easy to see why. Rosie met with Dr. Charos who was very well informed and took the time to answer our questions while giving a fair amount of time for the examination, all the while being gentle and caring with Rosie. After being educated on many things that needed attention, we agreed to immediate treatment which included an over night stay. Rosie was given a complete work up which encompassed a full blood analysis, f body x-rays, a biopsy of a growth on her chin, an EKG, and a dental exam which included cleaning her teeth. She was diagnosed with severe arthritis in her spine, the limp in her leg turned out to be a torn ligament that was never properly diagnosed and was now healing itself, and the issues with her eyes were a result of two infected molar. Soon after her release we received a complete diagnostic case report detailing all of Rosie's tests, treatments and results. She was prescribed remedies that took into consideration her weight, breed, age and condition. We received a DVD with her x-rays and a dental chart with photographs showing us where the damage to her teeth was and how it was now corrected. We received follow-up phone calls on a continuous basis inquiring on Rosie's status. The staff at CVA knew exactly what day was her last on the antibiotics and called the next morning to see how she was managing without them. End result, my faithful, joyful clown was back. CVA's expertise and concern cannot be topped. We are beyond pleased by the professionalism of the staff and veterinarians. They treated our pet and us like we are part of their family. As a human I should be so fortunate to find a practice that is this thorough, compassionate and professional and, as an animal lover, I am so grateful that CVA is there.

Horrible experience with this vet. Dr. Charos met with us and all though he was nice he was very pushy (almost salesman like) and made us feel like if we didn't do the surgery today the dog would die. We'd already had 2 quotes from 2 different surgeons and neither of them made it seem like a do or die situation. He then proceeded to tell us that our dog needed to be kept overnight for x-rays and tests and then the next day the surgeon might see him and tell us what surgery was needed. He didn't explain to us why he needed to stay over night or why the x-ray was needed. Why couldn't we come the next day for the x-ray and actually meet with a surgeon?? We felt so pressured and scared that we agreed to leave him. Once we got home and reviewed this vet further we panicked when we saw the many negative reviews he had. When we went to pick up the dog, the vet was very reluctant to give him back, he kept saying the dog needed to be kept overnight but in the end we were able to get him back. Initially we came here cause they advertised $15 dollar vet visits but paid $65 because they said another vet had seen our dog in the hour that we had left him there. Why was this other consult needed and why didn't anyone ask us if we'd be ok with another vet seeing him? Very shady business, it felt like they were only after your money and were trying to increase your bill any way possible. I'm glad we got him out of there while we could.

Experience was terrible. My cat was not eating, was droolong and had lost weight. Brought the cat in, in the evening and saw a Vet. in a relatively short peroid of time. He assesed her and said she was dehydrated and it could be her teeth but they had to do blood work (more then I have ever had done), x-rays and IV's. That bill including the overnight stay was $1600.00. The Vet not only determines the treatment but also calculates the cost? The following day, we were informed that all the blood and other test were fine "for her age" but 6 teeth need to be extracted, the "dental charge was $800.00", when I asked if that was the total amount I would pay when I picked her up the response was "NO". The overnight fee $125.00, drugs $22.00 per drug per administration, waste disposal $8.00 per day IV, IV administration on and on. Theeth were pulled, didn't want to discharge on Sat. because of her age (11 years), don't usually discharge on Sun., but exceptions were made. Refused to discharge her on Sun., wanted to charge for another night, finally agreed to waive charge. Mon. discharge came with a bill of almost $4700.00. Dental fee didn't include the extractions, about $600.00 which they eventually took off the bill. Never spoke to the same Vet twice. The Vet. that discharged her said her thyroid test was abnormal and required additional testing, the initial report was that it was within normal limits.

Dog had her check up and I got taken to the cleaners.

Good service, but I think they over tested. Cost way too much.

WE HAD A PET BIRD THAT WAS SICK. WE DECIDED TO TAKE HIM TO THE VET TO BE SEEN AND THEY TREATED OUR BIRD AS WELL AS THEY TREAT DOGS AND CATS THAT MAY BE PATIENTS.

I WAS UPSET WHEN MY DOG PASSED AWAY AND THEY WERE COMPASSIONATE. THEY EVEN SENT ME A CARD IN THE MAIL. I ALSO LIKED THE FACT THAT MY PETS SEE THE SAME DOCTOR EVERY TIME.

THEY ARE OKAY. MY DOG GOT BETTER. THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE MEDICATION FOR MY DOG, BECAUSE THE FIRST ONE DID NOT WORK. THEY DID NOT EVEN GIVE ME ANY CREDIT FOR THE FIRST MEDICATION I BOUGHT. THEY WERE EXPENSIVE.

I WAS NOT PLEASED WITH THIS VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL. THE PRICE WAS TOO HIGH AND THEY DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB WITH TREATING MY DOG. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING FOR A NEW VET.

I REALLY LIKE THAT THEY COME TO THE HOUSE, IT'S A LOT EASIER ON THE BIRD AND CONVENIENT FOR ME. THEY ARE PRETTY EXPENSIVE BUT IT'S WORTH IT SINCE THEY DO SUCH A GOOD JOB, AND HAVE THE "HOUSE CALL" SERVICE.

THIS OFFICE IS PLEASANT AND CLEAN. THE STAFF IS CARING AND INFORMATIVE. I LIKE THE WAY THEY TAKE THEIR TIME AND VISIT. THEY ASK QUESTIONS TO MAKE SURE ALL YOUR CONCERNS ARE ANSWERED.