Northside Veterinary Clinic

The people who work at this veterinary clinic really take the time to help your pet be healthy. They don't just vaccinate every year for everything, they consider your pet as an individual, and discuss preventative nutritional alternatives to prescription medications. They do use conventional things like antibiotics of course, but when they do, it is with thought and concern about the potential for side effects. I have taken my dog here for the past three years, and even though he is 13 years old now I feel he looks and acts BETTER than he did when he was 10 years old.They are quick to reply by phone or email to any concerns I have had. I wish my own doctor took care of me as well. Pros: They really care more

I have been taking my cats to Northside Vet since I moved to Brooklyn four years ago. These guys are FANTASTIC!! I appreciate their use of traditional medicine as well as holistic healing. Everyone there is extremely caring. For all those who think that they are ""pushy"" about using only good, quality foods- GET WISE! It's only because they want the absolute best for your pets... even if you don't. I would recommend Northside to anyone whether you live in Brooklyn or not. Pros: friendly, knowledgeable, easy to get appointment more

Do your best little friend a favor, and go to this wonderful vet.\r We moved to Brooklyn with our elderly beagle Thurman 4 years ago. We rescued Thurman when he already had health issues, and knew we needed to find a good, quality vet. We first tried the one associated with BARC, and while I love the shelter, the vet left a bad taste in our mouth. Thurman had issues, and we needed someone who would look at him as an individual and care for his specific needs. We then went Northside vet and were seen by Dr. Eisner. Dr. Eisner took a heart-felt liking to Thurman, and cared for him as I would. \r We had to go down a sad and dark road with Thurman, ultimately ending in the toughest decision of my life. I felt that Dr. Eisner was right there for my family, holding our hands (and paws) through a very sad and hard time. She put so much time and thought into what would help Thurman have the highest quality of life he could while we still had him. Dr. Eisner called me at home to help me with heart-wrenching decisions and was willing to try anything to help. When we ultimately had to put our beloved beagle to sleep, Dr. Eisner cried with us, and gave him a loving goodbye. \r I have had animals my entire life and have encountered countless vets. Dr. Eisner and Dr. Leiman are BY FAR the most caring, the most helpful, and have an incredible balance between Eastern and Western practices that specifically address your pets individual needs. I can not praise them enough for all they do for our four-legged friends. Pros: caring, attentive, open to different treatments, they do accupuncture and don't just jump right to the antibiotics. more

I saw Dr. Leiman last week for the first time. I just moved to Greenpoint relatively recently and I had been going to Animal Kind Clinic in Park Slope before. After reading the reviews here, I was terrified of going.. not because I thought they'd harm my pets, it just seemed like there were an awful lot of very strong opinions about the level of care animals were getting here.\r \r I never ever write these reviews, but I'm doing so to say the care was top notch here. I saw Dr. Leiman, and he was amazing. My dogs usually freak out at the vet, and although they were still scared, he just got them under control immediately. That's never happened at any other vet's office I've been to before. \r \r He spent a LOT of time with us and gave us a lot of behavioral advice. He answered all of our questions and was quite patient with us. He's a five star doctor in my opinion. People also seem to complain a lot of about the office staff, but I didn't have any problems with them. I had to wait a bit, but they weren't rude or anything. I'm a little bit unclear on that, but I figure anyone can have a bad day. Maybe that's what's happened in the past?\r \r I'm giving them 4 instead of 5 stars simply because of the following reasons: 1) the office is a little cramped. The waiting area is pretty small- which isn't usually a problem for me- but my dogs were so stressed by being at the doctor, I wished I had more space to control them. One is cat-crazy and I just felt like I was restraining her the whole time. Hopefully they'll get a bigger office as they grow! 2) they charged me for ""medical waste"" which I'm assuming was when they wiped up the urine from my dogs being scared. This seemed unnecessary. It may not have been that, but I've never been charged for medical waste before. They should include it in the lab fee-- it's a little bit insulting to see that on a bill. 3) the costs add up and it gets pricey. \r \r These things barely matter if the doc is good. We'll gladly see Dr. L again. Pros: great doctor Cons: $$ more

This is THE place, not only in Williamsburg, but in all of NYC to take your beloved pet.\r The vets are experienced, kind, and competent.\r They are not expensive by NYC standards.\r They care about people, too.\r I recently went through a very difficult time with my 16 year old cat who developed a tumor in his stomach.\r Both doctors who took care of him were competent and extremely understanding of what I was going through emotionally. They took their time to explain everything to me, and offered me options as well as their own opinions as to what I should do. The medicine they had me give him allowed him to have 3 good months before he declined. In the end, when I decided to let him go, the procedure was done softly and quietly. (Tears) Believe me, this is a wonderful place. more

We check reviews of our veterinary clinic intermittently to see what people think about us, both positively and negatively. We do this so we can try to improve our service to our clients, and for this reason, we pay special attention to complaints people might have about the care their pets have received.\r I feel I must respond to the negative review by khbal.\r Your not neutered, indoor/outdoor cat , ""Samwise,"" came in with a history of not eating for 3 days. His gums were yellow and he had a high fever. Upon examination, veterinarians formulate a list of possible causes for what they see. In the case of your cat, the differential diagnosis included a bacterial infection of the liver, a viral disease of the arteries, an immune system disorder destroying his erythrocytes, toxic causes, and a parasitic disease of the red cells. Did you really want me to just put your best friend on antibiotics without doing any tests to find out what was wrong? As it turned out, after extensive but necessary testing, your little guy had an immune system disorder of his red cells due to a parasitic infection given to him by fleas. In addition, he also had a kidney infection.\r These diseases would have caused him to die if they weren't diagnosed and treated properly. ( He also had a bb pellet in his side that might be bothering him. Good thing we took an x ray!) He was put on a combination of medications and was feeling better the last time I spoke to you. This condition does not always respond to treatment and therefore needs to be followed in a recheck. And yes, because we are not a charity, you will be charged for a recheck, as there will be a small lab fee. You were not ripped off, your cat got the thorough exam and treatment we would have given our own beloved pets. more

I've been going to Northside since 1999. \r \r Dr. Eisner is amazing & her knowledge of holistic vet meds & nutrition saved one of my cats from recuring kidney/ bladder problems. Her patience with stupid owners is limited. I have not experienced her lack of tact personally, but I have witnessed it in the waiting room. If you can not take what she says personally and follow her advice to the letter, your dog/cat will be much, much, happier.\r \r Dr. Lehman is much more politic. But if you want an alternative medical suggestion, ask for Eisner's opinion. more

The Doctors are kind, both to the animals and their owners.\r Both vets I have seen are special people -warm, caring and excellent doctors. They listen and understand.\r This office welcomes people of all kinds, rich and poor, whose animals need help.\r I cannot recommend this office more highly. more

Highly recommended! Northside Vet Clinic offers a holistic approach to pet health. They are interested in making sure your pet has a healthy life, not just making a buck off of you pet's illness. I feel that the vets are thorough and the prices are reasonable. Some people complain about the small waiting room but it never bothered me. Dr. Leiman informed me recently my cat needs dental work and as I scheduled the appointment with the receptionist, she was very empathetic about the cost because of her personal experience. They are all very caring over there! Pros: dr. leiman, staff more

Saw female dr. esnier-aweful women-left me in room and some tech-think her name was ginger or gingerann-comes in loud talking about food-big attitude for two little women. both of them told me i was basically a bad owner b/c my dog wasnt eating the food that the dr. feeds her dog. was there b/c my dog lost his appetite. Took bloodwork from my dog, but took dog in the back without me. Was told that i make my dog nervous and not them. Tech calls me back with results - dog is anerexic, need more tests. Y didnt dr. call me- was told she is busy. Went to another vet and was told dog sick, gave him antibiotics - within 18 hours dog started to eat again-his food- and doing better. Oh- called them and l/msg to discuss this and still waiting 5 days for phone call. left two messages Pros: Close to house- Cons: aweful workers- more

I am very picky when it comes to the care of my French Bulldog puppy, and not only did Dr Leiman put up with all my questions, he asked me a lot of questions about my baby. I was worried about a skin issue, and not only did Dr Leiman not take advantage of my fears, he reassured me and explained everything very clearly.\r In addition to this, my puppy loves the nurse who gave him treats and now he loves to go to the vet!. The prices are reasonable for Brooklyn, the place is clean and I heard they even do acupuncture. more

I figured if Tannenprintz can call Dr Eisner names, loyal, appreciative clients of Dr Barbara can call idiots like tannenprintz names too.\r What Ms Tannenprintz doesn't get is that Dr Eisner's focus is simply to help your cat. So what if she doesn't pull punches or ignore things to make YOU feel better? I don't know about you, but I am paying her to take care of my cat, not to be my friend (or in your case, a psychiatrist) \r Dr Eisner is ahead of the curve on the issues concerning pet care, so she could come off as a little wacko sometimes, no question. She told me 5 years ago my indoor cat didn't need vaccines every year. It made me nervous, but I listened to her. Now everybody is saying annual vaccines for indoor cats are a mistake. She thinks canned food is better than dry; she even gives out a 3 page handout about it to every new client.\r For 2 of my cats on that topic, boy was she right! One cat had been on insulin for 2 years for diabetes- nobody told me to get him off his dry food. Incredibly, 1 month after changing to canned food, his diabetes was gone. My other cat, a big fat boy, has lost 2 pounds since I switched him to canned food last year.\r Try to find another vet who is as bright and, yes, as kind as Dr Eisner.\r Good luck.\r Vincent T\r \r Pros: ahead of the curve in veterinary and general pet care more

I brought my dog in to get treated for what turned out to be ""HGE"". Within a matter of an hour, they had screened her for a dozen illnesses, given her an IV, and started her on her way to a full and total recovery. My dog is 17 years old, and she looks like a puppy now. I've been bringing her here since I adopted her at 13 years, and the difference is incredible. Everyone thinks I take really good care of her, but the truth is, the vets at Northside are amazing. Thank you, Norhtside! Pros: Prices are great--especially compared to Manhattan prices! Cons: Pets don't have insurance more

Took my dog to this clinic last week for a long standing arthritic condition.. I cannot say enough about the caring and quality of care here. The doctor called me about his tests the next morning and spent maybe 10 -15 minutes discussing dietary changes and supplements that could help him. This is what I wanted from a vet. I wanted to share this with other people.\r Yes the waiting room is small, but so what. The people here will help your pet, more

Our family loves the Northside Veterinary Clinic. We would not trust our dogs to anyone but Dr Leiman. He is friendly, very knowledgeable and honest. I really like how he explains his train of thought and just does what it takes to make your pet better without trying to squeeze an extra buck out of you. It is obvious how much he genuinely cares about animals. My chow is very nervous and Dr Leiman somehow calms him down before he examines him. His staff is very gentle and professional as well, and they were great with my new puppy who needed nebulization for kennel cough. A few months ago my chow had lyme disease and could barely move. Dr Leiman cured him and now he chases after his ball like he always used to -it is great!\r I highly recommend this clinic. Pros: Dr Leiman, more

I am new to the area and brought my puppy in and the Doctor was so nice and he new that I was a student and didn't have much money. he worked within my limits and it was a very good experience and I even made some friends while waiting. The assistants in the rooms were really nice and informative and the woman at the front desk had baby kittens that were so cute. I really like the office and will be back.\r \r Thank you northside Pros: very nice people more

I'm stunned by the latest review. I have been going to see Dr Leiman and Dr Eisner for approximately 4 years now. Yes you do have a wait! Thats because people are moving into our area so fast and they just walk in without appointments. These Doctors are very caring and cant say no to our sick pets. If you have had to wait for a while you will clearly see that the staff never stops. The phones are constantly ringing and there is always someone leaning over the counter asking for advice. The front desk is always smiling and always open for conversation to make your wait time less painfull. I do see that there has been a change of staff, new Doctor, new receptionist and a few new assistants but they are all GREAT! Instead of complaining because your day wasn't so grand think about them, they are the ones that your venting at. Try smiling back and thanking them for working so hard to make everyone happy. Maybe Northside should stop accepting new patients this way the already established clients would not have to read this hogwash.\r I will always go back no matter how long the wait because they are simply the BEST. Pros: Happy friendly & Caring Staff Cons: Wait time (bring your own magazine) more

My dog had a minor issue and I made an appt to see the vet. Upon waiting a long time for my appt, I had nothing better to do but observe the front desk since its right in front of me. Their magazine selection was awful. Front desk does seemed chaotic and bit stressed like the post below had mentioned. They were complaining to themselves that it is too overwhelming. I sat their in amazement of their irribiltiy of their job and their many complaints. Very comedic. I saw the vet, got some medicine for my dogs ear, was told I needed a expensive test in which I declined. Technician Ginger explained alot to me, she was informative, but a bit pushy, high-and-mighty like. Sorry, I didnt go to vet school. But whatever, didnt bother me that much. Finished my appt, went to get bill. Bill wasnt ready, told to give them a few minutes. They asked me who I saw so they can track down the Dr. This took about 10 minutes. Desk finally got bill and proceeded to work on it as I stood their slowly losing my patience, my dog begins barking with another dog. The girl explains she can't couldn't read the bill, had to get up and ask Dr. again. Came back, I paid the bill, walked out frustrated. After walking two blocks, nevver got my ear medicine. Returned back and was told I did get it, but I flatly said I didnt. Other receptionist says as she holds up my medicine is this yours. Yes, it is. IF I am in a bind and they are the only vet availble, I will go there, but I am looking for a new place. This neighborhood needs some new veterinaly practices because the popultaion growth is is getting hut of hand. Pros: Dog's infection went away Cons: front desk, long wait, small waiting room. more

On the plus side, I found the vets & staff to be knowledgeable, friendly, & helpful for the most part. However, I'm afraid that I have to say that the clinic is lacking in the customer service department. \r \r My first complaint arises from picking up my pet from surgery, and having to wait over half an hour to PAY because the vet and staff couldn't seem to work through office chaos and answer another customer's questions at the same time (there were at least 4 people at the desk at all times, and there was only myself and the other customer being assisted). During this time, my pet is in a carrier, and I'm freaking out hoping that he isn't attacking his stitches, just wanting to get him home where I can keep an eye on him.\r \r My second complaint comes from the same visit, during which services that I was told were performed free of charge were, in fact, charged on my itemized receipt. Given the fact that it took so long to pay in the first place, I didn't even want to deal with the hassle it would have been to have this error fixed. It's not as if I requested free services, I was perfectly willing to pay, I just don't understand why I was told I was being treated one way when that wasn't the case.\r \r Thirdly, while I appreciate the fact that the clinic will see walk-ins, I do not appreciate waiting 40 minutes for my scheduled appointment while someone who walked in a few minutes before me without an appointment goes ahead of me. I would be completely understanding and empathetic if it were an emergency (which it was not), but otherwise I feel that customers who make appointments should be priority. If I make 7pm reservations at a restaurant, I do not expect that they will give my table to someone who walks in off the street at 6:55. I would hope that my veterinarian could at least be held to the same standard. Pros: Knowledgeable vets & staff Cons: Chaotic office, lack of administrative efficency, walk-ins treated before appointments more

Took my cat the other day to vet - she was licking her paw obsessively. Dr. Asst comes in and spoke to me in a matter of fact way. She spoke down to me, assumed I did not have any knowledge about animals. Dont know her name as she never introduced herself to me (quite rude). She had short reddish hair & very loud. Proceeded to tell me the tests that were going to be necessary. She isnt the DR. how is it that she is telling me what needs to be done. Then told me what she feels is her diagnosis. Didnt like the way she handled my pet. Just grabbed her and threw her on the scale. How about a little pat on the head first. \r Dr. came in and he was was nice and diagnosed cat. Wasnt the same as Dr. Asst and we didnt have to do any tests. Unfortunately will not be returning. First impressions last. Dr. Assts should jsut be that assistants and not try to be doctors. I know they have alot of infomration, but theyy don't have the degree to diagnose. Pros: nothing Cons: dr.asst rude, can't get through on phones- busy all the time, waited 45 minutes to be seen more