Dr Elliot Stetzer is the veterinarian who owns this practice. He's a solo practitioner and he appears to have 3 techs and 2 receptionists. I knew of this practice because he took it over about 8 years... Read More
Dr Elliot Stetzer is the veterinarian who owns this practice. He's a solo practitioner and he appears to have 3 techs and 2 receptionists. I knew of this practice because he took it over about 8 years ago from the vet I had used since 2005, when I moved to Boca Raton. It's not fancy, and the waiting area could benefit from a freshening up, but that's not important. What is most important is their treatment of the animals under their care. Here's some history. I had recommended a friend to Dr Stetzer when she moved to Boca about 5 years ago, and accompanied her to some of the appointments for her dogs. Stetzer was always kind and explained things in an easy to understand manner. He is not the kind of vet who orders lots of tests or procedures to increase his revenue. As an example, my friend had a dog which she brought to another practice and incurred more than $1,400. in tests, x-rays, medications, IV's, overnight hospitalizations. When the dog was still not better I suggested she visit Central Animal Hospital. Dr Stetzer looked at the X-rays and felt the care provided by the other vet was an over-reaction and inappropriate for the symptoms and the x-rays. He explained what he thought had happened and reassured my friend that no more care was needed. As to my experience, I had adopted a sato (look up that breed!) from Tri County Humane Shelter on a Friday and wanted a wellness exam done ASAP, as I had a concern about what seemed to be a cough. My first thought was "oh no, kennel cough. I called Saturday morning, hoping to get an appointment that day. Melanie, the receptionist, advised me that they were all booked, but could get me an appointment for Monday. I asked her to do me a favor and call if there was a cancellation. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a call from Melanie a few hours later advising me of a cancellation! At check-in , BORI was weighed (19 lbs) and his paperwork from Tri-County was scanned. The reception desk was efficient. I was shown to an examination room and promptly met by Nancy, one of the techs. When I told her that BORI was from Puerto Rico, she became excited and shared that she was Puerto Rican. I felt real good about that! She spent time with BORI, getting on the floor, and showed him lots of affection. It made a difference. To me, and BORI. When Dr Stetzer came in, he also got on the floor to examine BORI, and was very sensitive and caring with him. He reassured me that his heart was fine and lungs clear, and that the coughing was attributable to pollen and allergens, likely new to him. While he said he could give BORI medication, he didn't think it was necessary, unless it became much worse. He did a fecal exam, apologizing to BORI for the indignity of sticking a collection swab up his butt. BORI was cool about it. Dr Stetzer spoke at length about his sadness about what was happening in Puerto Rico and how many dogs had been displaced by Hurricane Maria, either lost in the storm, or when their owners could no longer care for them because their homes were destroyed or they left the island. He had tears in his eyes. Dr Stetzer reassured me that I had a healthy and sweet dog, and gave me his cell number if I had any concerns after hours. Hey, how about that? A veterinarian who shows his concern for the animals in his practice by providing his clients with his cell number. Impressive. There's a Yelp offer for a free first time office visit, and I used it. What more could I or BORI ask for? Read Less