Yorkville Animal Hospital

Dr. Michelle Meltzer prescribed my 15 year old senior dog a daily dosage of nearly 500 mg of clindamycin per day for 1-2 weeks for a minor mouth abcess. He may be a senior dog, but before these antibiotics were given to him he was very active had no issues walking, eating, drinking water, etc.

We came from a previous vet on 80th street and 2nd ave, who claimed they felt there was a growth of some sort in his abdomen. That vet wouldn't do an xray or ultrasound to confirm those suspicions and was pushing us to euthanize him instead without even seeing if this was the case. We then took him here hoping that this vet would actually do xrays on him, hoping she would be able to help my dog. We were told that no imaging scans could be performed because the person who does them only does them every 3 weeks!!! Basically a don't call us we'll call you scenario. Imagine bringing your dog here for anything where xrays are needed and you literally cant get them done so you can help your dog not be in pain. That is so neglectful to pets who are in need of medical care when you are supposed to be specialized in that.

My dog is now dead thanks to Michelle Meltzer. During and after this course of high dosage of antibiotics she gave him, he became unable to use his hind legs and barely move. We carried him to another vet who did xrays on the spot and those showed that he had a cantaloupe sized mass in his spleen and it had spread to his heart as lymphoma. He was unable to be saved at all, and the high dosage of that medication led to his organ failure. That medication should not be prescribed without making sure the dog has any internal organ issues. If Meltzer would have paid more attention, done any scans, or the vet before her, there may have been a fighting chance for him to live longer and cancer free. Vets are supposed to help your pet get better not be neglectful.

DO NOT go to this vet/hospital they don't care about what's actually wrong with your pet, they will mix your dogs charts with another dogs, and they will kill your pet under the guise of compassionate preventative veterinary care while they take your money with glee. There are other places in this city to take your loved one. Other reviews everywhere, not only on Unilocal,will tell you all you need to know about Michelle Meltzer. The people who are pointing out the bad reviews on here that other owners have left about her, and specifically calling the owners names out in their review, are people who either work at this place, bow down to her, or they are her friends. Even former employees say they are all about making as much money as they can off of pet owners and that it was a toxic environment.

I have had pets all my life and have had several vets over the years. Dr. Meltzer and Dr Shoen who have been taking care of my 2 cats for several years are the best. They care so much about the animals they care for. I am moving overseas and I can’t begin to tell you how much paperwork goes into bringing pets to another country. Well these vets rock so much that my pet moving company told me, your lucky your working with them. Since there very organized and know what needs to be done. She started telling me about nightmares she has had with other vets. Take advice from someone who loves his cats like there his kids. You will thank me if you use Yorkville Animal Hospital vets.

Dr. Meltzer is very caring and considerate.
Our puppy is always in the best care with her.
Will be back!

Based on other reviews, I think I must have come in on an off-​day… A very off day. As a matter of fact, the receptionist said to me, «usually Tuesdays aren’t this crazy here!» I actually had a pretty bad experience here. Dr. Meltzer was clearly way behind and in a huge rush. She had zero interest in getting to know my dog or her medical history. She was in such a rush with us that I couldn’t get a word in. In fact, when she did ask me a question about something in the chart, she interrupted me saying «we don’t really need to get into it…» as I attempted to elaborate. Honestly, I was totally caught of guard. Only after the visit was complete and I waited in the reception area did I learn that Dr. Meltzer had been referring to my other dog’s chart the entire visit!!! Upon discovering the mistake she commented «Damn it! I didn’t know you had another dog.» Meanwhile, I referenced my other dog twice during the visit. Totally and completely unacceptable. This practice made a really bad impression. I loved my old practice on the west side, but chose this practice due to convenience. This visit hammered it home that quality care is worth the inconvenience of traveling across town. I won’t be back.

My rescue sheltie, Ginobili, has been a frequent patient at Yorkville for the last two years. He is the light of my life, but he is a little bit high maintenance in the health department. My husband and I travel frequently and our preferred boarding facility requires bordetella vaccines every six months, so between my dog’s proclivity for developing little medical issues (like a stubborn infection in his derrière, thankfully resolved now with lots of tlc from Yorkville animal hospital) and the bordetella, we are here a lot.
I have to say I love Dr. Schoen! She clearly cares deeply for her animal patients and wants them to be healthy and happy. She is great at explaining to me what she thinks is going on and describing possible treatments. I really appreciate that she always provides a printed out estimate that shows line by line how much each item recommended costs so there’s no sticker shock at the cash register. I think vets have a duty to show you the ideal/​textbook treatment plan, but Dr. Schoen respects that we don’t live in an ideal world where everyone has tons of extra money lying around for pet healthcare. From this list you can have a conversation with the vet to determine what’s necessary today and if anything could be a «wait and see» item, like if the dog isn’t better by next week from this lower cost treatment, let’s do the more expensive treatment next week. I find that this estimate is not overdone at all – I have never had anything presented to me that I thought was excessive or completely unnecessary. Dr. Schoen understands that we love our fur babies and we try to provide the best care we can afford, but that is different from person to person. Also, I have never ever been up sold on anything like baths or chews or vitamins. Absolutely nothing. My dog has been on a certain brand of heartworm preventative that they don’t stock, and they send in his prescription to an online retailer that sells if for cheaper than they could get if they ordered it for me themselves. I really appreciate that effort to help save me a few dollars.
In my many visits, I’ve only had a long wait once. I’m always able to get an appointment the same week (if only it were so easy to get into my own doctor when I’m sick!), and the vet techs always remember my dog and a few of his little personality quirks. The techs are very sweet to him.
I’m glad I have somewhere I trust to take my little guy when he’s feeling not his best.

I met Dr. Meltzer. She was great and reliable person. She explained me what to do this annual check-​up so nicely it’s easy to understand each shots my dog needs.
And when I have a question, she emailed me and gave so many useful information.

As a very frequent customer of Yorkville Animal Hospital, I can say that I am quite satisfied. We have a very challenging 6 year old English Bulldog named Toby. When Toby first came here almost a year ago his ears were nearly shut with infection, and he had hives. Through her exceptional attention to detail, Dr. Meltzer and her team have helped us slowly but surely solve all of Toby’s ear and allergy issues. Yesterday, they got us a last minute emergency appointment because Toby had severe diarrhea that wouldn’t stop. Today, after some IV fluids, some meds, and some gentle food Toby is feeling much better.
They are very accommodating here. They make sure to keep the wait time down to a minimum even when they are busy. Toby is friendly, but is a bit owner protective and has been known to nibble on shoes and get over excited. They recognize this and are willing to work with him. Toby loves it so much here, when the building is in sight he starts running towards the door!
This place isn’t cheap, but I wouldn’t say their pricing is unreasonable. Every cost has been clearly explained to me, and Dr. Meltzer always works to find possible alternatives if cost is an issue.

Dr. Schoen is great and seems to really care about the animals. They are pretty eager to provide additional services so they can charge extra, but just about every Vet does that. My issue with Yorkville is their inefficient office operations. Last time I brought my dog in for his annual checkup they called two days before to confirm, but then when we showed up, both of the Vets were not in for the day. How they did not tell us that beforehand is beyond me.
Bottom line is I would probably find another Vet, but their office is just too convenient to my apartment.

To be fair, I want to update my review to include the following:
1.) The vets care about the animals. Dr. Schoen did spend about an hour wrestling my 40lb 6 month old puppy in order to get drops in his eyes to check for abrasions. I have always gotten the sense that the veterinarians care about the animals.
2.) The office did call me and seemed genuinely and deeply concerned about my complaints. They wanted to know what they could do differently — I appreciate that.
3.) While I won’t be returning, I was always happy at their Boerum Hill location (in Brooklyn), and hope that Yorkville updates their invoicing/​billing policies for future clients.

The receptionists are super nice and had put me in a great mood. BUT… These vets and people behind the money operations are con artists and definitely only after your money. Plz pay attention to Alon and Jen’s review below — so accurate and on point with my situation also.
A good amount of the positive reviews here are definitely fake! The most recent good reviews (Alli M. and Kailo M.) are so obviously written by the same crook working within this place. Whoever it was felt the need to name everyone working there «Christina and Michelle; Dr. Meltzer and Dr. Schoen». And both fake accounts happen to say similar things and use «top notch» to describe the facility.
They need that stupid Unilocal deal which looks like you save $ 25 just so they can scam you out of hundreds to thousands.
Avoid this place! There are alternatives that are much better in the neighborhood — and the trek out to harlem is absolutely worth not getting ripped off/​scammed at Harlem animal hospital.

UPDATE: they emailed me confronting me about my Unilocal review (in my opinion its unprofessional and awkward if i ever went back, but to each his own), saying they’re sorry i feel this way, they’re a small business and a single Unilocal review can decrease customers… and the probiotics should have been half the price of what they charged me and i can call and get a refund. possible it was a mistake, but based on what happened there, i doubt it.
i have a hunch that some of their Unilocal reviews are sponsored or friends, like the ones in mid june — look at the context (defending against my review much?) and if you look at users profile, their reviews at other places happen to all be 5 stars
not trying to burn bridges — just hate people getting taken advantage of!

This place is way over priced! I took my dog in for an annual check up and ended up spending nearly $ 300. Also, they recommended anesthesia for my dog and have a teeth cleaning. All in all my trip cost me $ 2K. Do yourself a favor and use someone else.

One of my cats, Itchy, used to LOVE the vet. He loved the car. He loved people. Then, he got sick. He had to stay over the vet’s. He had so many procedures. It changed him. Now, I have to sedate him to take him to the vet or when we move. It’s awful.
Itchy is on prescription food for his urine crystal issues, so he needed an appointment to get a new bag of vittles here in NYC. (In PA, any vet would sell it to us, no Rx needed). Since he is 11-​years-​old and he was just sedated in October to move from PA to NYC and we’re moving again in June, I hated the thought of sedating him again. YAH is right across the street. It doesn’t smell like animal.
So, I took Itchy on a trial run with a leash. I got him over his jitters. We came back home. Then, we went out again for his vet appointment.
The staff was very sensitive to Itchy when I explained his problems with the vet. Everyone was great. Dr. Schoen was THE BEST. She was calm and sat and talked to me and pet Itchy little by little. She gave him a treat. No exam table. No shots. We kept this a good visit.
She gave me an estimate of how much his tests would cost next time. (YIKES! $$$) She discussed things like flea control if we move to a pet-​friendly building), not over-​vaccinating an older pet, using herbal calming methods vs heavy sedation… She was great. The best thing is: she went at Itchy’s pace. I was so happy he had a good experience. No sedation. No days of fighting with Chula (my other cat) when he got back.
I was so happy. He may not like his next appointment so much (blood work and urine test), but just knowing that he wasn’t stressed and upset that one time elated me. I know leaving him for his tests next week will be tough on him, but I feel good knowing he is in such compassionate hands.

This place seems to be a hit or miss. For me, it was a miss and way too much time wasted trying to get through the issue and getting a copy of my records for my new vet. I’d only go here if you already have a good relationship or have no other choice. Otherwise, they are more expensive, unorganized, and unprofessional than all of the vets I have visited in NY… so might as well go to a vet that explains things and doesn’t see other patients during your appointment.
I’ll try to make this short and sweet:
1) call to make appointment and confirm twice whether price includes shots and annual visit. They confirm, I confirm appt.
2) go to annual check up for both cats. Told that price doesn’t include shots. No apology. Told I must be confused.
Awkward moment when receptionist asks for records and says she cannot find info for my old animal hospital in Boston. I Google on my phone and give her exact info.
Check up starts and old hospital calls to apologize. Receptionist hung up on old hospital so they do not know where to send records… Give phone to vet to give fax info /​email info for records.
3) vet disappears in middle of our scheduled appt time to see other pets and doesn’t come back for around 20 minutes… During which we keep asking receptionist for vet.
4) vet finally comes back and gives us list of recommended shots and prices and disappears…
5) ask receptionist to explain the quote… She tells us to wait for vet…
6) another half hour later, vet finally comes back to explain quote. At this point, we have been there for 1.5 hrs of which we have been waiting 1 hr to speak w a vet or vet tech.
7) no use crying over spilt milk. Agree to pay for everything rec. Another 15 min before vet comes to take cats away for shot.
8) once cats return, we have to ask how recommended medicine should be administered.
9) pay the not cheap price… Thank God for the Groupon and leave.
10) three months later, I call for a copy of cat’s records for new hospital. Yes, organized and professional hospitals with same prices in UES available. Shocker!
The receptionist takes down my info and I request asap.
1.5 hrs later… Call back. Request records for both cats at this point because I’m tired of dealing with this place. Put on hold for 15 min.
New receptionist. Tells me vet has to finish putting notes on records. Asks for email again.
30 min later, call back to ask on status. Receptionist mutters, «oh my God» on the phone as soon as she hears my name. I ask her not to swear and ask for records.
Ten minutes later, get one page emailed… Page says 1 out of 2… No notes. Only one cat. Call back. Send a nice and clear email of the two things I need: records for both cats…
Currently waiting.
Update: another call and Unilocal review later… I get my two page records for both cats… Summary: 3 hrs to get four pages after multiple requests. Not sure what happened. Definitely did not appreciate the swearing on the call, when I am just trying to get records for my cats to forward on to a vet hospital that respected appointments, had friendly and organized receptionist and were cheaper in the same neighborhood.

My dog is like me: always hungry, prone to stupidity and hates the doctor.
But thanks to Yorkville Animal Hospital, he doesn’t hate the doctor anymore. (I’m working on the other two)
Since moving my pup out here from California, I had put off vet visits — pls don’t report me to ASPCA — because I didn’t want to go through the painstaking process of finding the «right» vet. Well, I eventually did and thanks to Unilocal,I landed on Yorkville Animal Hospital.
Everyone I’ve met here from Dr. Schoen and Dr. Meltzer and all of the tech assistants and receptionists are on point. Super nice. Super helpful. And just… well…super.
The doctors take a thorough look at your animal pal and in my case, educated me on all the different shots/​health practices/​dietary recommendations on how to keep my dog friend happy and healthy. I should have tipped them for giving me an impromptu Dog Owner 202 course.
They explained cost and worked with me to stagger the different shots and were very transparent on pricing. No scams/​swindling/​upselling here.
The receptionists worked with me on filing claims for my pet insurance and were helpful with all the paperwork. They’re as sweet as the chocolate chip cookies they serve in the lobby, as an added bonus.
So while I’m still battling my own demons on going to the doctor, at least my dog no longer has to.
Love these guys!

I have had two wonderful cats before my current furry buddy and all have been treated at Yorkville. The care and compassion there is unmatched and I couldn’t recommend them more highly — they get my vote for 5-​star excellence. From receptionists to vets to techs, they’ve never let me down. Whenever I have questions or concerns, I know I will get advice and guidance in a timely, compassionate manner. My current furry friend has ALOT of issues — Dr. Higgins (Yorkville’s late founder) used to tell me «don’t call him difficult, call him feisty»! Dr. Meltzer is superb — as a vet and a human being. (I’m sure Dr. Schoen is as well!) Don’t go anywhere else!

I absolutely love Yorkville Animal Hospital.
We have a very sensitive pug puppy who frequently has reactions to her vaccines. Dr. Meltzer and Dr. Schoen are godsends for her. They always take special care and are very cautious. Several times, they have allowed me to drop our pup off in mornings for vaccines and will then keep her to monitor throughout the day while I’m working at no extra charge in case she does begin having a bad reaction. Dr. Meltzer also performed the spay on our pup and was very diligent and cautious given our pup’s history. Someone from the office has called the day after every visit to make sure there haven’t been any complications once we made it home, which is something that I really appreciate and they are always quick to return calls if you have a question or emergency.
I’ve never been stuck waiting an obscene amount of time for an appointment.
Several reviews mention that the prices are a bit high. The cost of the exam at each visit does seem a bit excessive, but it’s still less than $ 100 and you get great service and attention from the staff. Otherwise, the doctors are very upfront about costs for procedures, vaccines and products (none of which are outrages in my opinion).
I highly recommend you bring your pets here. I got extremely lucky this was the first office we visited after bringing our little girl home. Haven’t had a negative experience yet.

This facility is immaculate. All of the staff are super friendly and responsive. They call me after every visit just to check up on how my baby is doing. The vets and vet techs are knowledgeable and answer all of my questions promptly. Thanks a bunch for your high quality service! Highly recommend!

We had previously been to One Love in Brooklyn. After moving back to Manhattan we had trouble finding a good vet we were comfortable with for over a year. After finding out about One Love taking over the Yorkville Vet it was no question we were going back here. The drive from the Westside to the Eastside is totally worth it.
As others have stated prices are a tad bit on the high side, but you definitely get what you pay for. They keep detailed recoreds, notes, follow up and appointment reminders so you don’t even have to think about it.
From time to time they offer Unilocal deals that you can pick up beforehand to make it a little more cost effective. Take advantage of those.

New to NYC and because of good reviews and closeness to my apartment thought I would take my pup there for his annual shots.
Really great service. Prices are a bit high but that could just be from me not being used to NYC pricing yet. Vet visit fee was half the price in Dallas.
I like that theybare open weekends. Made it convenient to get an appointment. Very friendly team there.
I wish they had the cards they gave you with shot info. My vet in Orlando did that and it was great especially when you have a dog that needs grooming. The card is credit card soze with a picture of your dog, the date of all his shots, the date the shots expire and the vet contact info. Made things really simple.
No complaints though. We will be going back.

Just wanted to sing the praises of Yorkville Animal Hospital and its entire staff — especially Dr. Meltzer who was absolutely amazing in both her care and affection for our 15 year old basset hound. She honestly went out of her way on several occasions to make sure everything was going well when he got sick the last year of his life.
And when we had to make the final decision to put him to sleep due to cancer (at the Animal Medical Center, rather than at Yorkville Animal Hospital since AMC has an oncology department), it was nevertheless Dr. Meltzer who called us, unsolicited, to let us know we were making the right decision. (we had kept Yorkville advised of the progress since they were our primary care vet)
Dr. Meltzer really didn’t have to reach out to us since our dog wasn’t even under her care at the time … it is just the type of person she is and it meant so much to my girlfriend and me.
I’ve read Renee C.‘s review of Yorkville and the Dr. Meltzer and Dr. Higgins she is describing sound like bizzaro universe versions of the doctors I’ve met. I have no idea what happened in Renee’s case… but her experience is completely opposite to anything I have ever seen or heard of ever happening at Yorkville. It definitely has not been my experience.
I would highly recommend Yorkville, and especially Dr. Meltzer, when looking for someone to take care of your pet. We would never trust anyone else.