Astoria Veterinary Group

Dr Smith is absolutely amazing . I live in NJ now and bring my animals to Astoria to see Her .She's compassionate , knowledgable , and open to trying different approaches to a problem .\r \r The vet techs are also wonderful . \r The whole staff helped me through the deaths of my 2 elderly cats with incredible kindness .\r I also rescued a feral cat who had been badly abused and they helped me with payments . \r Sorrel the office manager appears tough but has a heart of gold . more

I recently switched to this Vet after several situations led me to believe the standards at my last vet were more about the bill than my pet's welfare. I am VERY happy with Astoria Vet for several reasons. Dr. Smith is very caring and thorough. She also discouraged me from overvaccinating my dog, suggesting less intrusive alternatives to get him safely through tick and flea season. (when was the last time a vet DOWNsold you?) The hours are excellent (they are open on Sundays!), there is a lab on premise, and the cost is less than those of my previous vet. The medications are also less expensive here than at websites offering the same product (K9 Advantix was 10% lower than the web best price). I highly recommend them. more

I went for a visit because my cat was losing weight and never saw so much equipment and doctors get involved. Within 45 minutes Lucy had a though exam, x-rays, an ultrasound and some of the blood values related to Lucy's health available. Everything was well explained by several doctors. What's more they didn't charge me for the ultrasound and I watched while they did it. Very pleased and would recommend to anyone. They also recommend other vet hospitals if you want or need different care. Am now in Florida and all records were given to me for the vets I chose. more

I followed Dr. Weltz to this faciliy from the Humane Soceity because in my 57 years i have never met such a caring doctor who really cares for the pets and their health and will also suggest some holistic advice if your pet is terminal. His bedside manner is quite professional!!! The reason I am never going back because the front desk staff are rude and unprofessional to say the least. The owner of this vetinarian establishment should realize that your front desk can make or break your business. If Dr. Weltz or Dr. Smith ever leave this establishment I will definitely follow them because today you cannot find a caring yet good veternarin. more

I have been going to AVG for 6 years now and am very happy with their services. I never ask for a specific vet every time I go, so I see whomever's appointment they are able to fit me into. I have no complaints against any of the vets. The vets have always been fairly conservative with treatments and never trying to do super expensive treatments righ off the bat. They have all been very caring with my animals and really took the time to explain to me what is going on with my pet.\r \r I started their with my cat 6 years ago and in the last year have been bringing my new puppy. Dogs definitely seem to go to the vet more so I did get pet insurance. However, I neglected to mention I had it and bring in the forms so then months later I called in to tell them and they were SUPER accomodating getting all the paperwork filled out. They had already been paid in full so it wasn't like they were so accomodating because they were going to get something out of it. Also, I had a few claims rejected and the vets were great about calling the insurance company. In fact, for one of the claims the insurance company told vets that I had to call and give them permission to speak. AVG left me two messages asking me to do this and then they'd follow up. I just got so busy at work that I forgot to do it and one day they called again and I apologized for not doing it yet. They actually were calling to say they had tried again and got the insurance to process the claim. I was really impressed with this persistance. I wish I remembered that specific vets name. I think it was an Irish name. I was pretty impressed with their persistance.\r \r They also have great hours: past 5pm and weekends. Which is super helpful for my working hours.\r \r All around fantastic vets. Before going to them I read all the reviews of vets closer to me and they were really concerning. I read AVG's reviews and gave them a try and I have never been dissapointed with the services they have rendered or felt that they were price gouging me. more

I've been to a few vets here (Sakal, Smith, and my favorite--Dr. Jay). Everyone thinks of the pet first and how to minimize pain and stress. For example, Dr. Jay traveled to my house to put my elderly dog with bone cancer to sleep, so I didn't have to put him through the stress of a vet visit. Dr. Jay doesn't make big dogs sit on the table, bc it's slippery and makes them uncomfortable. She feeds nervous dogs healthy treats while she examines them. The best part is, everyone at this office understands when you're on a budget and cam help you come up with a plan that best fits your budget and you're pets needs (e.g. cheaper painkillers if needed, free medication samples when they can, etc). They dont encourage unnecessary tests and dont judge you if you don't wanna go for all the extras, and help you figure out how you can do what is needed. Front desk staff is friendly and great. The hours are great. If you need to come in for an emergency, you always can. If you need to call the vet with a question instead of paying for an office visit, you can. If you want to order your meds from somewhere online for cheap, you can! This place is great is all ways, especially Dr. Jay. I don't understand the negative reviews, maybe it was with a specific vet I havent been to--because even my neurotic dog friends, and entire 'dog societies' (e.g. sunnyside) recommend them! Pros: Great hours, vets accessible by phone, friendly office staff Cons: none.. small-ish waiting room? more

Not a good place - choose to go elsewhere if you can for more holistic care. Pros: they are local Cons: lack of good patient care, focus on expensive procedures more

Appointment Tuesday September 15, 2009. 8:30 AM for my dog for removal of a fatty tumor on his leg. Mr. Sorrel vet technician, manager and groomer wanted to take my dog and put a catheter and do hemoglobin test . I asked if Doctor Sakel was there? ""He said no"" And I asked him what happens if Dr. Sakel doesn't show up? Mr. Sorrel said that he'll pull out the catheter. I told him he's not to do anything until Dr. Sakel arrives there. I planned weeks in advance that my friend could be present until my dog was sedated and it was agreed upon with Dr. Sakel. Dr. Sakel was about 25 minutes late for the appointment, I talked to Dr. Sakel and he said ""that this was his day off and that he wasn't getting paid. I told him he's getting 500.00 dollars out of 1600.00 that I paid by credit card as soon as my friend arrived there. Dr. Sakel passed my dog and didn't even acknowledge him. We waited one hour in the waiting room until 9:35 AM. Mr. Sorrel vet technician, manager and groomer, again wanted to escort my dog inside, without my friend being present as planned ahead of time when the appointment was made. It was agreed upon that my friend could be present until sedation when I talked it over with Dr. Sakel. My first quote was 600.00 to 750.00. The day before the appointment I was told by manager vet technician and groomer Mr. Sorrel that the actual cost could be between 2000.00 2500.00 for the operation of a fatty tumor on my dog's back leg. Mr, Sorrel said ""If I don't have the money don't bring the dog, that they will not operate. A couple of hours later Dr. Sakel, Dr. Kammer and Mr. Sorrel came up with the amount of 1600.00 I agreed to this amount to be paid in full on my credit card and they agreed also.My friend took two days of work to help me with my dog. I have two pets for many years that I've been taken to Astoria Veterinary group for many years, and have recommended many friends there. I can't believe the way I was treated. I would never recommend anyone there again. You don't mistreat my dog ever! Pros: Non Cons: Rude staff more

My first visit to Astoria Veterinary Group was this past Sunday, 31st May 2009. I made the difficult decision to change vets; I'd been going to Park East in Manhattan for around 15 years, but since I moved to Astoria, trips to the city with my cat became problematic. I saw some of the negative ratings for AVG, but since most of the reviews on this site and all of the reviews on another site were very positive, I decided to take a chance. I couldn't be happier.\r \r My cat was examined by Dr Kilkelly, and I had a good feeling from the start. The office was modern and clean, the staff was polite and I didn't spend an inordinate amount of time in the waiting room. I have a 10-year-old cat who's recently had some serious health problems. She seems to have recovered now, and is in need of a dental cleaning and probably an extraction, but after checking the cat's records and blo0d count, Dr Kilkelly actually suggested that we postpone the dental work just to make sure that the cat's health is stable enough for the procedure.\r \r A veterinarian's office is a business like any other, and if they don't make money they won't stay open. A certain amount of upselling seems to be unpleasantly inevitable these days, and I certainly experienced that at Park East on occasion, but I felt none of that at AVG. I was the perfect candidate to be talked into more tests as well as the dental work, but I felt no pressure at all. I was also very pleased that Dr Kilkelly returned my call almost immediately when I called in for results.\r \r And I almost forgot: my bill was around 30% less than what I was used to paying.\r \r I am definitely going back.\r \r PS I had to write blo0d because the word was ""inappropriate."" Isn't that funny? Pros: Caring, professional staff; no sales pitch Cons: None so far more

Dr. Kamer and Dr. Smith are the worst vets I have ever encountered in my entire life. They take advantage of sick pets and in my experience even give shots and pills that are not needed. They love to ADD to the bill big time! After my cat, that is now passed away, was given a shot unnecessarily by Dr. Kamer, he got extremely sick because of it. When I took my cat to another vet, this vet believed wholeheartedly that it was because of this shot that my cat got sick and a few months later died. After loosing my beloved pet and tons of money on vet bills, there is noting that I can legally do. However, all of you should know and think twice about who you have treat your pet. Dr. Kamer and Dr. Smith are not to be trusted. All they care about is adding to the bill even if that means your pet will get sick and can die from it! more

If you care about your pet and their well-being , this is not the place to go. EVERYONE IS SO RUDE! the staff the vets, everyone! I agree with other review-writers, they charge alot of unnecesary things and are only worried about getting paid. The receptionists are snotty and I would never board or groom there.\r There are other friendlier places in astoria. You haver been warned. Cons: all more

Let me begin by saying that I had 2 cats that I loved very much in Dr. Kamer's care for several years. They have since passed away, but all this guy cares about is GETTING PAID. He gives the appearance of being a caring individual, but do NOT let him fool you. Joanne (who at that time was at the front desk, now I believe she is a vet?) was nice. I have since heard many negative comments about Dr. Kamer from more than one person, and that upset me quite a bit. My exp only. My younger cat was diagnosed with kidney problems and been hospitalized off and on at the clinic. I had to hospitalize her again after having her in the clinic for about a week or so. The bill had come to almost $1,000, and it was paid in full. Again, when I brought her home, she had to be hospitalized again. Joanne knew me and how much I loved both my cats. She knew that a huge bill was just paid . When I brought my cat back in, they again admitted her with the agreement that the amount would be paid off .This was agreed before I signed the paperwork. I came to pick her up and they refused to release my cat, I exp that I had cleared everything with Joanne- but they still would not release my cat without payment. I did not have the money, but I would have it in the next week I told them that it would be up to them to board my cat and to make sure she had all of her medications until I picked her up, as they were legally responsible for her. Boy, they did not like that AT ALL. They agreed to release my cat and I swore never, EVER to take my cats there again. I even went so far as to see if I could place a complaint against Dr. Kamer and his clinic. Oh, and the ending to this story is- my cat died at home the next evening, and I paid Dr. Kamer what I owed him. He then reported me to a collection agency and destroyed my credit. With all of the decent vets out there, you decide whether or not to trust this clinic and/or Dr. Kamer. I will never forgive him for taking advantage of my situation. Pros: The only one I can think of is Joanne. As I said in my review, she was at the desk at that time- now I believe she is a vet with that same clinic. Cons: Read my review- my opinion and my opinion only- Dr. Kamer does NOT get a positive review in any way shape, or form. more

dr kamer is my favorite doctor in the practice , he is kind and sympathetic. I have sent many friends and family with pets to him and they are all very satisfied. the doctors are all very caring and don't recommend proceedures just to make money, they truly care and go out of their way to please and do what is best for your animal. my dog was very sick and i swear they brought her back to life, they hospitalized her and let us visit her as often as we could. i felt very comforted knowing she was in good hands. i highly recommend this practice to anyone. more

I brought my cat to Astoria Veterinary for a second opinion as she was diagnosed with cancer. I quickly noticed that all they wanted to do was take advantage of the situation with unnecessary expensive treatments for my kitty instead of helping her. I feel that they do not care about pets and their staff is rude. I do not recommend. Cons: Expensive more

I?ve been taking my pet to Astoria Veterinary Group for 5 years and I will now never go there again. They are fine with pets that have no underlying issues with their health, but once you have a pet that is sick, they do not know what they are doing. DO NOT TRUST THEM WITH YOUR ILL PET. They will escalate your pet?s illness by giving them the wrong shots and tests that your pet does not need. They like to add unnecessary treatments for you to pay a higher bill. Listen to my words and don?t go to them them; your pet will thank you. I have an extremely sick pet now because of them. You?re much better off going to Dr Hatzi; she truly cares for pets. Pros: Nothing. Cons: There are too many..... more

I've been coming to this group for about 3 years, since my cat was born, and the doctors and staff are great. Very reasonably priced and do they love animals. They even recommend cat sitter's and have kitty condo and kennel services. If you live in the area it would be a mistake to go anywhere else. \r ...I guess the secrets out now. LOL Pros: Great services. Cons: Not that I can see. more

This place was great!!! From the moment I entered, the receptionist was pleasant and helpful and I felt she cared about my dog as if it were her own. Then when I saw Michael Weltz his professionalizm and the way he diagnosed my dog's problem made me feel very comfortable and hopeful that my dog was going to be alright. When I spoke to the manager Sorel about the cost of my dog's theraphy he was straight to the point and spelled it out for me in black and white. I did not leave the hospital with false expectations in regards to the treatment and the cost. This whole experience made me feel like someone was holding my hand through this whole ordeal. Thank goodness I found such a great Vet, and wonderful Staff!!! Pros: Excellent medical care and professional Staff Cons: They should have emergency overnight hours more

Dr. Smith and Dr. Kamer have both seen my cat at different times and I felt very comfortable with both of them - they are quick, friendly, knowledgeable, and answered all my questions. The rates here are extremely reasonable compared to what I've paid elsewhere. The staff is equally good. I boarded my cat for 10 days at one point and he seemed very happy (you know, not the usual neurotic crazy cat behavior that so often crops up when you've been away for a while).\r \r Note that parking can be an issue and the bus is the closest public transit, so it feels a little bit out of the way. That said, I wouldn't take my cat anywhere else. Pros: great docs and service Cons: no subway close by more

Have been to this vet over and over for years with many animals. However, the lack of caring and compassion ends with the doctors. The hospital manager is a mean man with no patience and little tact, the receptionists are distracted, unhappy and tense. I don't need a ""home town"" feeling in a vet hospital but I do need to feel welcomed and thanked especially when I spend large sums of money on my pets. This hospital has never been known for it's staff. Thank god for Dr. Smith who seems to understand both pets and people. When will she open her own practice? I for one would support it. Pros: Great docs Cons: Horrible Service more

I took my dog to Dr. Smith a couple of times and am SO impressed. The staff is lovely, Dr. Smith is so caring and has such a great presence and bedside manner. She is very warm and also very professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice! Pros: Great Staff, Great Vet! more