Fifth Avenue Veterinary Hospital Brooklyn, New York

Okay so...I've been coming for about four years after i need n emergency vet and Dr. A saved my cats life. BUT while he cares and the vet is talented, the business is poorly run. Every time I've been, it's so infrequent i haven't really noticed but recently I've had to come more often so I've paid attention. We've always experienced hour plus waits even when early for appointments but it's incessant. I had the FIRST appointment in the morning for my last few visits and STILL I've had to wait for more than an hour. They also lost my records even thought were long time customers. They also keep calling my male cat she? Idk but that's weird?? I want to support a local business but they're so understaffed and aloof. Side note: they don't enforce mask policy for friends and also dogs are off leash and jumping on people.

I am reviewing based on interactions regarding potential hiring for any applicants, as Indeed and Glassdoor do not have that capability for his location right now. It is not a learning environment from what I saw. The assistant was called useless to her face on my second interview, which promoted me to say that would not continue if I worked there. My potential position was Admin/Tech combo; I currently am admin at 24hr facility emergency and work nights/overnights. I would replace the 20yr+ manager, leaving soon. The night before my interview, I was called to work a 16hr shift in ICU. I called at 6-7am and spoke to Dr. A, explaining I would need to reschedule and he stated the manager would return my call and setup another time. That didn't happen. I received two conflicting voicemails later which stated we are and are not still interested. When I called back wondering why the change when it was going so well, Dr. A told me I was "playing games". This is strange considering I offered to take a significant paycut and I live so locally I could roll out of bed every morning and be on time -- I would practically live there, which was what I was looking for. The manager was a sweet person, and I felt when clients were involved, suitably professional. However, they had nothing positive to say about the Dr, the practice, the staff, anything. The system they run can be easily replaced with a free smartphone app and would have better efficiency. The medicine and facilities are fine, only slightly behind but not effecting accuracy and merely requiring an extra step on the technicians part. It does seem like Dr. A refuses to relinquish control and scapegoats his staff when he's overwhelmed. The facility is reported 24hrs but it was not until someone changed without his permission on Google and now he can never leave the practice. He needs help; it's a shame he seems unwilling to accept it.

Caring people and 24/7 availability don't usually go hand in hand. The emergency visit fee is a bit high over what a regular vet visit would be, but that is to be expected, and it is less than what I have paid previously for emergency visits in the past with other pets. The vet lives in the building, and while he isn't always in the office itself, if you call after hours, he will come to the office and open it for you. Knowledgeable and kind are good descriptors of Dr. Appel. Do be aware that the prices for prescriptions in particular are *really* high - 10x what it costs from other pet pharmacies. If the prescription can wait until morning, get a written prescription and fill it elsewhere. If it is something that can be filled at a regular pharmacy, the difference is even higher. My $85 prescription was only $14.80 at Petco/Vetco. It was worth it to get the prescription in the middle of the night though.

My experience with this emergency vet service after 8pm, wasn't good and had a poor outcome!! There was only one veterinarian on staff and no support staff, that I saw! The Doctor answered the phone, did the paper work, and saw the animals, he does it all after 8pm. That is the worst set up for emergency/ life threatening circumstances!!! He does not prioritze due to severity of the pet at time of arrival! He just says " wait there I will see your pet in order of arrival!! My fur baby health declined rapidly that day, when he arrived he was visibly ill, you could see he needed immediate care! He was never tended to/ triaged, because the vet was in with another patient, with no support staff! It was unreal/ traumatizing!!! Needless to say, my fur baby passed away in my daughter's arms while being kissed and told I love you, right there waiting in the waiting area! I understand that there may have been nothing the vet could have done to save him and the same outcome would of happened! However, I could accept and taken his passing a little easier, if the vet said he is severe, let me triage and access him as a priorty patient! Instead we were told "oh, it look like he was sick for a while, have a seat I will see him the the order you arrived!" The vet didnt touch him until my daughter shouted that he lost consciousness and then he came running out of the room, took him from her, finally seeing him/ touching him, listened to his heart and lungs, then said" sorry I cant save him!" I also forgot upon arrival we we buzzed in, no staff in front, only patients in the waiting are and no staff to be seen. After standing there a few minures we shouted hello, then the vet came from one of the rooms in the back and addressed us! With that being said I am not saying he is a bad vet, it was an emergency/ life threatening situation and the first time I taken my fur baby there and unfortunetly the last! However, when running in an emergency capacity you should have ample staff on shift due to emergencies!!!! The pets taken there at that time are in emergency/ life threatening circumstances, that need to be treated due to severity and treated/ tended to asap!!! Not a wait and I see you in order you arrived mode!!!! Hope this review helps prevent the same outcome from happening again along with the grief and mourning that follows!! Bless you all and Happy New Years!! On a happy note, I was able to see while waiting to make final arrangements for my fur baby, the fur baby the vet was in with walk out on a leash with his/ her pet parent! P.S dont forget to tell and show your fur baby love everyday!! I miss not being able to do so and give him hugs and presents! This is in honor and loving memory of my fur baby, we will always love you and never forget you, love from all of us, RIP my sweet boy! Love mommy!❤️❣️❤️????

Dr Appel treated our dog for a suspected obstruction late at night on Christmas Eve when nowhere else would take her in. He provided her with excellent care and is clearly deeply committed to the live saving work that he does.

Brought in my cat at 1AM because of blood in his urine. This establishment was the only one that was open that didn't have a ridiculous 6+ hour wait. When we met with Dr. Appel, he was super straight forward and transparent with what was needed to be done. He tells you what he recommends, and doesn't force a price down your throat while writing up the cost of work before doing anything to your pet. At the end of it all, the cost of blood work, urine, x-ray, medication, AND shots (since my cat is disabled and needed a steroid for his legs) was only $686.00. Significantly less than ANY emergency animal hospital open during the time. We got in and out in less than 4 hours (since there was some people ahead of us). We felt super comfortable with him handling our cat, and when we got home everything was checked and our cat is now on a prescription diet for crystals. My cat has been recovering extremely well, and Dr. Appel is now our primary vet and we couldn't ask for a better person in our area when it comes to initial care and any emergency care since they are open 24 hours. My wife and I couldn't ask for a better vet who prices fairly and is transparent about what he thinks is best without feeling like you're just a price tag with other emergency animal hospitals.

This is the place to bring your pets if you want quality care. Dr. Appel and his team get things done quickly and professionally. They provided the care my pup needed when I had to bring him in late at night for a splint. The splint was wrapped very well and each follow up visit it was rewrapped and adjusted the padding as needed. At the end of treatment, my pup's leg was good as new with no leg sores.

Our dog had been throwing up for a few days and was misdiagnosed by another vet. Finally, on a Sunday (of course), X-Rays showed a ball in his stomach that needed to be surgically removed. We were referred to a nearby animal hospital that could not operate until Monday and quoted exorbitant fees. We called around and Dr. Appel said he could do it that night at a much fairer price. We brought our dog in. Dr. Appel was short staffed that night but patiently helped the animals on line. Our dog was admitted at around 11. We asked Dr. Appel to call us when the surgery was done. We got the call at 5am. Dr. Appel had stayed up all night taking great care of our pet. We picked him up two days later and in two more weeks Dr. Appel removed the stitches. Our dog is doing great, and never showed significant discomfort. Our dogs in the past were always scared of the vet but Max eagerly went back, tail wagging, to see Dr. Appel. Dr. Appel is unique in my long experience. He seems completely committed to these animals, and is willing to do whatever he needs to to help them. He communicates clearly, honestly, directly and compassionately with the owners. We are so grateful to Dr. Appel. He's a life saver.

Very unprofessional practice. Make you wait endless hours and in the end my cat did not get the services needed for her well being. This practice only cares about money

My first contact did not go well. Ad says open 24hrs. I began to feed a small feral kitten that showed up in yard. It would not come near me for several weeks, then eventually let me get and hold it. Called Fifth Ave Vet on weekend to inquire about costs to get kitten spayed. Ad says open 24 hours. Answering service told me to call back monday, Called monday, receptionist had no idea of costs or age kitten needs to be spayed. Was told someone would call back. No return call. Called third time was told to call back to speak with manager Evenlyn. Called 4th time , she told me she was too busy, said she would return call. No call back. She did all later that day, apologized for call issues, and answered my questions fully. I did schedule a visit for the kitten, and then reschedule as the kitten did not like the pet carrier and kept scratching me. Had to cancel the second appt as the kitten ran away. Evelyn was very understanding. I am hoping the kitten is alive and comes back.Will update again.

I brought a baby squirrel that i saw in the monument park. They turned it away directing me to birds and wildlife in Manhattan... I'm sure they treat pets very nicely but they were the nearest spot i could walk to and had to return the squirrel back to nature...might just be circumstance but I'm not a fan.

Dr Appel and his team give the impression that they do the work they were meant to do on this planet. They're dedicated and provide realistic advise. I lost a beloved pet a few months ago, and they supported me through this heartbreaking process with compassion and care. I am very grateful. Dr's advise is honest and he never hides what things cost, providing options and risks. I will trust him and his team with my new fur babies any day.

They did dental on my cat one day after I called. Very expensive 1500 broken k 9 tooth in front

Brought my dog in after waking up in the middle of the night and noticing she had a tough time walking. Dr. Appel was very professional and knowledgeable on caring for my dog. Even though I hope there's never a situation which we would go back, would definitely return if needed.

I wish I knew I didn’t have to spend almost $4,000 just to know that I had to eventually put my dog down.

Horrible experience, only care about money. Have no compassion as to us being scared for our pet. Did not let us into the room to see what was going on, my dog was crying a lot. Never ever going back again. If I could I would give this 0 stars. I asked him what was wrong with my dog and he said it’s no big deal completely brushing me off... very very disappointed with the service especially after paying $850

While the doctors had no help or assistance. He did a great job taking care of my pup. It's been a week and my pup seems to be a lot better.

Called about my dog needing help and they wouldn’t take my dog or help him I do not recommend this vet

He’s A scam please please don’t go he will overcharge you and pull sh$$ out of his A$$ to get you to pay more. It’s so horrible he dosent know what he’s doing and will prey on your emotion to get you to pay for more. For example he said “we’ll if you cared for your pets life you’d do it” i hope they close this place down. He also dosent treat his staff with respect. I’m not the only one this has happened to.

Had an emergency with my disaster cat who we thought swallowed a bell. Later, her stitches got infected because her sister groomed them when we weren't looking. We were an emergency walk in, and Dr. Appel was nothing but kind and understanding. He was very communicative and worked with us to make sure that our cat recovered smoothly! Even when we had to take her back in due to my mistake (not realizing that her sister had torn her stitches), he made sure that she was okay. There's usually a bit of a wait to see the vet and to get in contact with the office, but that's only because he's busy making sure that other animals are also getting the same level of care. It was a scary time, but Dr. Appel did a lot to make me feel better about my cat's recovery!

The Dr is all about his animals.very satisfied of his service.????????

They guy was in a rush to hang up and misdirected me to another vet wich was closed . Not cool i was scared my dog was dying :(

The vet is clearly a scam artist. We brought our dog in because he couldn't use his hind legs. The vet asked to first do X-rays to see what the problem is. ($) We agreed, and after seeing the x-rays and not finding anything in particular such as fractures or broken bones. He insisted we keep the dog overnight for "observation" ($$) We called the following day to check up on him and the vet said we need to admit him the hospital and needed a $4000.00 emergency surgery right away. ($$$) We did not take his advice and decided to take the dog home instead. When we went to pick him up the same day. We asked to see our dog. and saw nothing but fear in the dogs eyes. We asked the vet to release the pet to us right away. Our intuition was correct. He tried very hard to discourage us from discharging our dog and getting visibly anxious. He insisted that we have to admit him to the hospital (He recommended Blue Pearl) for surgery or else he will be paralyzed for life. He even demonstrated how the car ride home will jolt him by throwing himself against the wall. Yes he did. Almost $1000.00 bill for the check up, x-ray and overnight stay. A month later, our dog is back to 100% and running and jumping around like nothing had happened. This is not a hospital, this is a one doctor clinic that preys on people's emotions. If you care about your pet, avoid this place like the plague.

Awful place. Had an outstanding bill and there was an issue with payment since my insurance is under my sisters card. I asked if they could send me a bill, and they responded that they don’t do that and that they would not return my pet until I pay. They gave me absolutely no choice. I was distraught and hysterical. These people are money hungry monsters. How disgusting. Not only that, but 10 minutes of waiting with payment, going around looking for someone who I could cash app the money to & someone kind helped me, and a woman came in with a payment bill!!! Unbelievable.

I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone having an emergency with their pet. This veterinary has no idea how to prioritize. We constantly told them that our guinea pig needed help as she was in distress but they told us that they needed to take care of the appointments first. Despite the fact that our guinea pig had a medical emergency and was seizing they told us the wait would be 1-2 hours because two dogs need to get their vaccinations and four puppies needed surgery. After waiting an hour with our guinea pig she died in our arms.

Great doctor . I recommend him to take care of your pet.

Dr Appel, we thank you for your honesty since it’s quite rare among doctors these days. Thank you for the service you gave to us and the honest word on to putting our cat, Busiya ,down instead of charging money for useless procedures. As for others always give more attention to your pets because losing them is a great pain to handle.

At first I was frustrated couldn’t get too much info as to what’s going on with my rabbit. I thank heavens for Dr Kappel. He saved my fur baby life. Each day at a time my fur baby is getting better.

Not happy with there services

Our baby (Australian cattle dog) got bit by a pittie at 3am. We called and the doctor answered the phone no hesitation. Love the fact that it’s 24hrs. Doctor seems to know what he’s doing so I had full faith in him to fix our girl. She wasn’t having it though so we did have to sedate her to finish but other then that 10/10 experience. And the office helper dog the small black and white furball is so curious but kept us company as we waited