Westside Veterinary Center

I have been taking my dog to Westside Veterinary Center for over 15 years, and in all that time I have been impressed with the excellent care and attitude of the doctors, the veterinary technicians/​nurses, and the support staff.
Early on, my dog mainly needed routine exams and care, but at this point, she is over 17 years old with multiple problems. Dr. Cantor is her main vet and has been an excellent diagnostician and a concerned and caring presence in our lives. My dog also sees Dr. Yim for acupuncture, which has helped her arthritis immeasurably – and this is clearly not a placebo effect. Because other issues occur on weekends when neither of these two vets are at the clinic, both Dr. Chiverton and Dr. Lewis have also provided excellent care.
I could say that I do not understand the critical comments on Unilocal,but it becomes apparent that much of the negativity has to do with one’s expectations.
Are they expensive? Yes. But veterinary medicine has advanced immeasurably in the last several decades, with more ailments being treated and more procedures being undertaken. Medical care, human or animal, costs money. And while veterinary care may be less expensive in other geographic areas, so are other products and services. Moreover, when dealing non-​routine or emergency problems, other veterinary clinics in the same geographic area, such as the Animal Medical Center and Blue Pearl, tend to be more expensive than Westside Veterinary Center. Some people are dismayed that they request payment at the time of service. Interestingly all of my medical doctors do the same thing. Why should it be any different for veterinarians?
Sometimes one has to wait beyond one’s appointment time to see the vet. I personally hate waiting. But an emergency can throw the whole schedule off, necessitating a wait. I know that if brought my dog in with an emergency, I would be seen immediately – and that balances out the fact that at other times I may have to wait beyond my scheduled appointment time.
The front desk staff is extremely busy, and does an excellent job of keeping the place running. In addition to all the routine matters of check-​in and check-​out, they may dealing with pet parents who are worried or even panicked about their pet’s problem. When one expects a very attentive attitude, a business-​like «please hold» or «I’ll be with you soon» can be misinterpreted as being dismissive by some, especially if one is worried about one’s pet.
Overall, I am extremely happy with the level of care and caring Dr. Cantor and everyone else at Westside Veterinary Center have provided. I could not ask for a better group of professionals.

I just love this Vet. I was on my way out of town and needed to pick up some medications. I spoke to Ruben who took my call. He is always so personable when we speak. When I came in he immediately recognized me without me even saying anything and jumped up to get my dogs medications. They really make you feel welcome and like family. Happy Holidays to all.

My cat Don Taffy developed a weird lump in his inner right thigh, so I took him in to see VMD Jaime Napolitano. Despite the fact Taffy is more than a handful each visit, she handled him with a great care and provided me a quick biopsy followed by a quick lab result update (it was benign fatty tissue). I was also informed to keep an eye on it, just in case it grows too big to obstruct his ability to walk.
I can’t thank VMD Jaime Napolitano enough :) She’s so wonderful!
Also, I don’t recall the name of the nurse who was helping me hold down Taffy, but she held my cat down firmly like a champ, yet she made sure Taffy can breathe. Thank you!

This review is about the front desk staff — not the doctors. When you walk through the front door, there is a good chance that you will be confronted with chaos, impatience, negative caustic energy, and rudeness. Do your best to disregard the lack of professionalism when you walk into the clinic.
The rudest receptionist is Ruben. Ignore his negative and bitter energy. It is incomprehensible why Ruben continues to work at Westside Vet Center since he seems to hate people and his job. I can understand someone having a bad day, but Ruben is always miserable and rude whenever I take my pooch there. Even though there are always two or three people at the front desk, no one seems to be able to handle their responsibilities. Possibly, they just need training. Sometimes I see the receptionists’ supervisor running around the waiting room like a chicken without its head — the front desk workers reflect the same chaos. In conclusion, the doctors are wonderful. Don’t get turned off or offended after dealing with unprofessional, rude receptionists. They simply lack customer service (people) skills. If you are feeling sad and emotional about a sick pet when you first arrive or when you are paying the medical bill before you leave the clinic, do your best to not let workers such as Ruben throw you over the emotional edge with his scathing, insensitive, and bitter attitude.

My experience with Westside was an absolute nightmare. I’m sorely disappointed and saddened by my experience with them.
I have a pet cat that I brought in twice for annual checkups, which went fine. Then I got transferred by my company to London. I visited Westside and got my cat a rabies shot and microchip. That went fine. I learned from the company my employer hired to help me move my cat that I needed to go back to the vet’s office to have some paperwork filled out. I saw Dr. Cantor.
The issues started right away. First, they didn’t give me the right rabies certificate, which resulted in me having to leave work at the very last minute before my flight out to London to go get the correct paperwork. When that issue got sorted out and all parties involved helped me organize the documents for my cat’s move (which were extensive) and get him to JFK, I thought I was set to go. I was relieved to learn the quarantine rule on cats had been lifted in the U.K. and he’d ride with me on the same plane, so I could pick him up and take him with me immediately upon landing.
When I went to the receiving area at Heathrow I had to wait an hour, only for the employees at the facility tell me they were actually going to deport my cat back to the U.S., even though there was no one at the other end to receive him. The issue was that his microchip number — the single most important piece of identification for an animal entering a foreign country — was copied down incorrectly on the paperwork filled out by Dr. Cantor. Thus, they wouldn’t release him to me. I pleaded for them not to deport him and they said he could be moved into quarantine. At that point a certified vet would have to examine him and ensure he was not rabid before they could release him to me. If there were any issues he would have to get another rabies shot (his third in six months!) and stay in quarantine for several weeks. All this would cost me $ 100 or so a day.
Westside Veterinary did, at GREAT urging, send over the correct paperwork to the U.K. authorities but it was too late to have the cat released. Instead in my first week of living in a new country I spent hours a day trying to get my cat back to me. I was unable to see him during this time and ensure he was ok. I was always under the impression if things went wrong at any stage they would ship him out of the country (again, at my expense). Needless to say it was stressful. Fortunately due to the efforts of me, my employer and the company hired to move the cat he was eventually examined and declared healthy and returned to me.
Then the bill came. It was enormous, about $ 1,500, all resulting from the error made by Dr. Cantor in the paperwork. The U.K. vet insisted on doing a blood test and the cost of boarding him and transporting him between two different facilities and my home added up quickly. Obviously, we all thought Westside Veterinary should cover the extra expenses, since they were the ones who made the error. Instead, they obstinately refuse to take any responsibility for the mistake — or apologize for my grief. Instead they are saying they aren’t at fault for «international situations,» even though the entire situation was caused by them. After four months of negotiating with them, they gave the final word from their finance director they would definitely not be helping in any way.
I’d also mention the fact that at each visit, Westside Veterinary doctors and employees pestered me enormously to sign up for expensive teeth cleaning for my cat (which I was told by another vet I didn’t need). I’m left with the impression they didn’t care enough to complete the simple and important task of copying down a number correctly, but cared a great deal about getting me to hand over my pet for this costly and unnecessary procedure.
I don’t know that I’m even angry at Westside for this so much as I’m disheartened by their total disregard for my pet’s safety or my sanity. Honestly, who treats people like this? I hope others’ experiences are much better.

Westside Veterinary was simply great. I have not owned a cat for 10 years but recently adopted two kittens. The male kitty developed an issue with his ear and while it was not a dire emergency I knew he had to see the doctor soon. On a Sunday morning I called and luckily they could get him in that afternoon. I was so impressed with the front desk, nurses and doctor who treated my kitty. Not only did they provide exceptional care but their prices were extremely reasonable! I highly recommend Westside Veterinary.

My pet had good care and the staff was friendly and professional. The vet on the other hand was rude and not professional. She does not know how to engage with owners in the right manor. After this past experience and very upsetting matter I will never come here again.
After we came back to get stitches out the vet was more professional and seemed a little more caring and sensitive to my families needs. We had talked to her about how we felt she felt with the situation.

Professional and courteous service from the minute you enter to the minute you leave. I have been using WCV for over 20 years and I would not bring my pet anywhere else. The staff, from reception to nurses to doctors are all informed, concerned and eager to help both me and my pet. Murray the manager is always willing to help problem solve any special issues that might come up. I highly recommend the amazing services of WVC

We’ve been taking our dog to Westside vet for 10 years, and I’ve sent all of my closest friends to Dr. Kim Rosenthal. She is amazing. When we first went and he was much younger, she sat down on the floor with him until he was comfortable with her. I’ve never heard of that and she certainly bonded with him — on his level.
Dr Rosenthal’s skills as a doctor and — most importantly — as. a diagnostician are impeccable. Her bedside manner with our pup is nothing short of beautiful. I wish she was MY doctor!!! (Funny enough, we both go to the same «human» doctor who I also adore).
The Staff at the front are terrific and very efficient. All of the veterinary aides are so sweet and incredibly capable. The followup is perfect — no need to fret when you are waiting for test results, they get back to you in the most timely manner.
We have friends who travel all the way from Scottsdale to see «Dr. Kim» with their beloved dogs.
It’s so scary taking your «baby» to the doctor, but this team, especially Dr. Rosenthal, make it super easy. No better vet in NYC.

So bad … Left before seeing the doctor
We arrived for our first visit. Naturally my pup was nervous but we were very much looking forward to finding a great vet for our sweet dog. We gathered his records, bathed hm, and poop sample in hand :-)
The reception area was uninviting, but I brushed it off and began the paper work process. Our dog then walked away from us, and the staff yelling that «there was a dog off leash.» I get it, my dog was very anxious and walked away from us for a minute. Can’t we be asked nicely? Ok, I’ll let this pass.
It got worse from here. Long story short, one receptionist (RUBIN) was appallingly rude — non-​stop attitude and insults — that as much as we tried to brush it off, we could no longer accept this, and after a 40 minute wait, decided to leave without seeing the doctor. (It started when he asked for the paperwork back, then proceeded to tell us that we were ‘cutting into our appointment time’ and causing ‘all others’ to run late. really!!! You mean he could not have politely reminded us for the completed forms? Cutting into OUR appointment? What does that even mean? And why the long wait after? He did not stop — no apologies, just more attitude.)
Very dissappointing. I was looking forward to finding a neighborhood reliable great vet for our sweet doggy.
This is NOT the place. Good doctors run good businesses. Go someplace else. I will continue to search … And I am glad we listened to our feelings and walked out. They don’t deserve the honor of caring for our sweet dog.

UPDATE: As you can see from the reply, still no apology but rather an accusation that their unprofessional and appalling behavior was somehow «misinterpreted.» I’m sure the veterinarians are good at Westside for basic vaccines, but unfortunately, getting through the road block of attitude and rudeness is an instant disqualification in a vet clinic. I’d suggest removing the staff from the front and replacing them with people who show concern and empathy. Also, when I was told they’d see Rosie in 30 – 45 minutes, she was already in surgery by then. So, no «misinterpretation» on my part, but rather yours. Fix your front desk staff.

We LOVE Dr. Chiverton & Dr. Rosenthal!!! And the rest of the staff is friendly and caring. They are kind & always have time for us. Our guy is an «older» rescue & the crew @ Westside were just great about helping us get him settled with the right food for his wonky tummy. Four years on, they have kept him going despite a diagnosis of Cushings & some weird seizure disorder. They are not cheap, but this is Manhattan. ..

Love Westside Vet Center. When I moved from the East side I didn’t have a vet close by and by luck came to see Dr. Napolitano with my kitty. Not only have I now been there for six years, but have referred multiple friends as well.
I don’t have a specific story because my cat has also been healthy and fine, but maybe that is testimony in itself?
In any case, don’t think twice — come here for your pet’s needs.

Don’t know how much more that I can add that hasn’t already been said. Excellent service throughout. Front desk is friendly, helpful and patient, even at 8:30pm when you know it’s been a long day and everyone just wants to go home. Same for the med staff. My dog Josie has been seen for check ups and quirk issues and she couldn’t have been in better hands. Shout outs to Drs. Lewis, Napalitano, Colby and Bodkin. Patient, good listeners, kind, and thorough in their exams. There’s always a follow up phone call which means so much. Thank you, WSV!

Dr. Kim Rosenthal saved my cat’s life. Pure and simple. Hitch Kitty had been misdiagnosed and mistreated at a vet downtown, tested, poked, and prodded to the brink of death. My wallet was almost killed too — to the tune of over $ 6,000.
When I brought her to Dr. Rosenthal she had fluid in her abdomen, fluid in her chest, four collapsed lungs (one possibly twisted and/​or necrotic from all the fluid), was anemic to the point of nearly needing a blood transfusion and on a feeding tube in her neck for hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Dr. Rosenthal told me that if she were to take my extremely sick kitty on as her patient, I needed to understand that any decisions made for her care would be for her. Not for me. As a pet lover, it was a hard thing to hear, but exactly what I needed to hear. I needed to be sure the decisions I made were for my cat, not for me — not exactly an easy task when you’re so emotionally attached and exhausted.
Within a week of being under Dr. Rosenthal’s watchful and caring eye, my cat started to come back to life. Now, three years later, I refer to her as the miracle cat, but really Dr. Rosenthal was the miracle. If she ever retires, I hope she won’t mind me showing up on her doorstep with my animals because there is no one I would trust more with their care.
Go to Westside, request Kim Rosenthal, and don’t take no for an answer because she is the BEST!

The vets are great, but the front staff can come off as rude (if not,) at times.
Particularly Ruben.

Consistently excellent. Our two dogs are regular patients here over there last 3 years.
They have both had surgeries & critical care monitoring there, in addition to annual exams etc.
The front desk staff is super friendly and courteous.
They are quick & efficient with any needs, even faxing records to groomers.
The best part is their team of super smart, capable, professional & caring Veterinarians & Surgeon (s). We’ve not once been disappointed. I can’t recommend them enough!

Staff are super friendly. When I called to make the appointment I asked for a rough estimate on what the visit would cost given my dog’s needs. I expected them to be cagey about their prices but they were super transparent and walked me through exactly how much the exam, shots, and tests would cost.
My dog saw Dr. Lewis and she was very kind and reassuring. My dog wasn’t feeling well so she prescribed her some medicine. A couple days later I got a phone call from her checking in to see how my dog was doing. That really impressed me and I know my dog’s needs will be well taken care of here.

I cannot say enough good things about this practice. I have two dogs and I have seen three different vets and unfortunately had to be seen once for an emergency. Everyone is perfect from the front desk staff to the nurses, and the vets. My dogs also stay in doggie daycare when we go out of town and there has never been a problem. You know a place is good when your dog gets excited when she sees the door to the vet’s office. I will never go to another vets office. I have been spoiled and so have my pets.

Wonderful, thoughtful, caring, dedicated vets. The docs really get to know the dogs and truly care about their health. I have never had to wait too long when we have an appointment. Their prices are a bit high in general (I’m not from Manhattan), but certainly comparable to the area. The vets are also very good about coming in after hours during an emergency.