Hawthorne Animal Health Care Salem, Massachusetts

Great place. They treat my dog like family

Let me start by saying that I NEVER write negative reviews, but my experiences with Hawthorne Animal Health Care absolutely warrants a very constructive review. First visit: we brought our 3 month old lab puppy for his vaccination/wellness appointment. Due to COVID, we were not allowed inside (which is understandable). They took him inside. Not even 10 minutes later, they brought him out, which I thought was a very short visit for his first appointment... especially since the "exam" cost $75 not including cost of the vaccine. The vet called me from inside and gave me a quick review of his weight and what vaccine she gave him. She didn't ask if I had any questions. She almost hung up before I could even tell her that I had questions. She also seemed annoyed by my questions. A visit in between for additional vaccinations was similar. Third visit: we brought our puppy in because it looked like he had ringworm. I have had dogs that have ringworm and my husband also tested positive for ringworm. Before even looking at him, the vet said that she needed to do a $90 PCR test to confirm, which I thought was ridiculous before even examining him. She then took him back and said that it might be ringworm, but that I still needed to do the test to confirm. Even though it was not confirmed, she gave me a shampoo to use. I asked what else it could be and she laughed at the question as if it was ridiculous to ask and then said " I don't know". How can a trained vet not even have a guess as to what a rash could be? Then I go to pay and not only do I pay for the $90 PCR test, I am charged an $80 fee for a "visual diagnosis exam" that lasted no more than 10 minutes. If you can't give my a diagnosis, I don't thinks it's fair to charge such a high fee. Not only that, but she explained that she shaved the infected area, but couldn't get all of it because my dog was "crazy." She referred to him as "crazy" without laughing or making a joke of it. He was 4 months, he's not crazy.... he's a puppy that has never been around a razor. I also did not appreciate her shaving him without asking me. Such poor bedside manner. Final interaction: *Puppy is 6 months at this point* I called Hawthore because I never received my puppies rabies vaccine tag, which is typically provided after rabies shots. The receptionist checked his records and let me know that he hasn't received his rabies vaccine!? Of course, I panicked because they are supposed to be given around 14 weeks! I asked why he hadn't received it and she said because of this previous infection and that he would receive it when it cleared up. He should have received it way before he even got the infection. When I told her she said that they are a "holistic vet" and that they do not give shots all at once, which is fine but NO ONE EVER told me about this or explained the vaccine schedule! No one ever told me to call and schedule a next appointment for the shot either. The receptionist was not empathetic or understanding of why I was concerned. If I didn't call to get his tag, I would have never known that he didn't receive his rabies vaccine and he probably would have gone 6 more months without it! The irresponsibility of the vet, lack of beside manner, lack of communication is astounding. Needless to say, we are changing vets.

Dr. Freedman gives excellent care. So glad I come here!

Great care and great team!

Dr Freedman has cared for my family's pets for as long as I can remember. His love for and dedication to his patients is evident in every encounter. There's no better place north of Boston to take your dog or cat.

Very understanding, caring, and organized. I really appreciate how the whole staff work to ensure me and my pet kiddos were taken care of, promptly, safely, and kindly. I am very thankful to have found this practice after moving and know the fur kids are in great hands. In particular, their chief administrator Keri is wonderful and Dr Freeman is so smart and caring. Highly recommend!

We absolutely love Dr. Freedman, He sees my cat Salem since we brought him home and I couldn't go anywhere else. He takes his time , ask questions and He's never in a rush, my cat is always comfortable with him. Healthy kitty! Thank you!

Dr. Freeman is an incredibly caring doctor and amazing human being. He checked over my retired War Dog, Sergeant Rey for a second opinion on a tumor and was so kind to explain all the tests and options. He even gave her a Veteran discount, no charge for a warrior and hero who served her country.

Dr. Freedman is amazing. So thorough and caring. Such a wonderful Vet.

Everyone here has been super accommodating and really friendly, even during these stressful times. I never have trouble getting seen on short notice and the care my pup receives is always top notch. This is one of the best pet clinics in the area for sure.

they are a wonderful place that loves animals

First visit with my 15 y.o. cat. They were able to get me in for a semi-emergency visit, next day. Dr Freedman was wonderful, despite all being by phone while we waited in our car due to COVID19 precautions. No hysteria, just calm, sensible care. I think we found our new veterinary practice.

Brought our newly adopted Lab to Hawthorne and had to wait 45 minutes in the waiting area to see the vet. Our new puppy became extremely stressed and none of the technicians or the vet were understanding of why he was stressed. When we finally saw the vet, he seemed as if he had never seen an anxious dog. He was not friendly towards our dog or me and would not attempt an examination because our dog was so anxious around him. The vet told us to leave and come back with our dog medicated. We attempted three more visits before giving up on Hawthorne and making an appointment at All creatures vet where they were able to do a full exam on the first visit! The technicians and vet at All creatures are extremely friendly and seem to enjoy their job which is the complete opposite of Hawthorne. I would recommend avoiding Hawthorne if you have an anxious dog and want a vet who is friendly.

I have been going to Hawthorne Animal Health Care now for over 16 years and have had outstanding care for my dogs. Dr. Freedman and his entire staff have been wonderful. I wouldn't consider going any where else

Dr Freedman has cared for all of our dogs (a couple of which had complex, challenging medical issues) for more than 30 years. He is the most patient-focused, knowledgeable, dedicated, thorough provider of health care (canine or human) I've known. Over the years he has built a thriving practice by surrounding himself with an amazing team that demonstrates similar values. I wouldn't bring my pets anywhere else.

Very nice got us in right away fixed Bella right up????

For the past 3 years HAHC has provided excellent care for our dog, who is a rescued Shih-Tzu/Bichon Frise mix. All the veterinarians, Dr. Freedman, Dr. Rotner and Dr. Thomas have treated Bongo with love and skill. I appreciate that this practice offers the best in traditional animal medicine as well as alternative modalities. Aside from my husband and me, the only other person who looks at Bongo with such love in his eyes is Dr. Freedman. Finally, the front office staff is awesome! Every appointment, paperwork request, and worried Dog Mom question has been handled in a helpful, respectful manner. One more thing; the facility is immaculate. Make this practice your pet healthcare home.

We take our cat and both dogs to Hawthorne. Our experience has always been great for routine and emergency visits.

Doctors and staff are compassionate, kind and professional. Recommend highly.

Offering holistic alongside traditional veterinary practice, with compassionate Care for their animal clients and equally as much for those animals' humans.

Staff very helpful and pleasant. Callie had claws trimmed. It was a very good experience.

This were I take my dog

Have trusted them for years to take excellent care of my fur babies.

Had wonderful care for 14 years with my last cat. Just brought my new kitten in & seems that she will have the same great care.

This vet truly cares about your pets!

Love the dedicated and skilled staff.

30 yrs with Dr Friedman. Our pet 'is' his patient. Great care, followup & seeks alternative solutions if best 4 patients. Will go the extra mile...

Had an emergency with my 11 year old lab on a Friday at 5. Dr Freedman fit us in immediately. I thought we would not be leaving with Moby. Prescribed Moby with pain meds and anti inflammatories. Within one day Moby was back to his old self. I have a 3 month old puppy too and didn't know what I was going to do. Not only am I so happy with Moby's 11 year treatment, I am lucky to have found Hawthorne to bring my new pup here, as well.

Trust Dr. Freeman and his staff with our Furbabies ????????

As a new Salem resident, I called the Hawthorne animal care looking to make an urgent appoinment for my very sick cat. The woman who at the time answered the phone, told me that they were taking urgent care appointments I told her that I was on my way. When I arrived, completely desperate and looking for some sort of help, the front desk woman was careless, rude and unprofessional. She kept on having a non work related nonetheless urgent conversation with another woman, while I was standing right infront of her, waiting with my poor cat. She completely ignored me and neglected to at least acknowledged me when I entered. When I finally was able to get her attention, she told me that she couldnt help me, because there was no one there that could take a look at my cat, and that I needed to go somewhere else. Since I was new to the city of Salem, I asked her if she knew of any other vet office or hospital that was in Salem or near by. She limited her self to say : NO. I was surprised and sadly disappointed. I thought that this practice calling itself "Holistic" was going to have more of a compassionate and helpful staff working to help our little family members. I will never go back there againg. At the end, I was happy to find The New England Veterinary Clinic in Salem, and was able to get not only excelent care, but also a group of compassionate people that moved everything in order to help me and my cat.