Heron Lakes Animal Hospital

My kitty Persian Silly is very happy that I took him to Heron Lakes Animal Hospital. The Vet and his entire staff go of and beyond to show quality care, comfort, and the latest technologies in Animal Health. Silly the cat says this is purrfect! I will always be a loyal customer. Thank you Read Less

My kitty Persian Silly is very happy that I took him to Heron Lakes Animal Hospital. The Vet and his entire staff go of and beyond to show quality care, comfort, and the latest technologies in Animal Health. Silly the cat says this is purrfect! I will always be a loyal customer. Thank you Read Less

The worst vet experience I've ever had. I have had 3 dogs and I've never written a bad review for a veterinarian. I've used veterinary services from Miami to Delray. I came to Dr. Lera at the advice on my neighbor. She had recommended Dr. Holtsinger, who was amazing, when my French bulldog had issues. So I was optimistic going to Dr. Lera. I didn't realize he was the doctor when he came in because of how he approached us and how young he was. He realized that and his demeanor completely changed. He became arrogant. I'm also in my mid-twenties, but I don't hold age against anyone. I was sociable and pretended nothing happened hoping he would realize it was a misunderstanding. I told him my dog's symptoms and he listed several different tests he wanted to conduct. I asked how much it would cost. He prepared an estimate. I don't remember the exact number, but I remember it was over $2500. When I asked him if he could provide any sort of discount, he gave me an insulting look and said he couldn't. That people don't go to other professionals providing services and ask for a discount...I love my dogs and spare no expense. At the same time, I'm wary of being price gouged by anyone. I asked if we could start off by checking the most likely symptoms and cross it off one by one. He did a needle test and said it was inconclusive. Then he suggested doing a sonogram. The cost of his sonogram versus a sonogram obtained at Hollywood Animal Hospital was $500. I called and checked because I was shocked at the price. My other dog had required one once before so I knew it was odd. He used my fear over my dogs condition to charge me that. Because I could get a sonogram in a hour with him, but since it was end of day, I'd have to schedule another day for Hollywood Animal Hospital. He had some independent party he works with come with a handheld machine and do it. And the result? Inconclusive. My bill was over $900. I was there for several hours and left with no answers or help for my dog. When Dr. Balasky at Balasky Animal Hospital came back into town, I went back to him. He conducted a physical exam and through his touch, said my dog most likely has lymphoma, which ended up being the case. He gave her meds to help her combat her pain and lack of appetite. For the remaining several months, she was back to normal until the weekend before she passed. She was 14. I didn't want extraordinary measures. I just wanted a doctor to help me keep her comfortable until she wouldn't be. The cost? 1/9 of Dr. Lera. I hope this helps someone else in avoiding this experience. Read Less

If I could give them more stars I would. From the secretary all the way to the doctor this vet is amazing. The doctor is so nice and doesn’t do anything they don’t have to do in order to make a quick buck. When my oldest cat got sick he stayed after hours. Highly recommend!! Read Less

Staff is really nice. They consistently don't keep records straight. I also have been accidentally overcharged twice. They fixed once I pointed out on separate occasions. The vet doctor is the problem unfortunately and why 1 star. Makes you wait longer than you should when they aren't busy and than wastes time talking about and sharing irrelevant information that has nothing to do my pet. Instead talks about himself and not the pet. Boarding area is small and dirty. Have gone back on a couple occasions and still encountered the same problem. Won't go back. Read Less

I had a situation where it was important to get my  dog weighed.  My vet was 20 miles away.  I walked into this animal hospital and the veterinarian, Dr. Lera, happened to see me and he was so kind offering his scale and not being a patient of his, welcomed my dog.Sounds small but he was by no means obligated to help me.  But his kindness made my day and in 10 minute meeting I would recommend Dr. Lera for his kindness and compassion!  His staff, as well,  were very kind and loving towards my dog! Read Less

Usually I don't post one star reviews, actually this is going to my first -and hoping-last one. I had such a bad treatment at heron lakes animal hospital. In January my dog needed leg surgery. Jamie Lee Giannamore, the technician "helped" us preparing for surgery. The past 3 days before surgery we were at the hospital for cast change $541.47 preparing for surgery $163.51 and $74.00 for doctor visit . She said my dog needed to stay overnight after her surgery. She also let me know how much the surgery will cost and I can't use credit card cash only or debit card. Surgery cost $3229.30 I understood! I dropped off my dog and went to work.: Jamie Lee called let me know my dog doing great, however I did not dropped off my pet seizure medication. I asked if I can bring the medication after work ?-since my pet has to stay overnight- She said no one will be here at heron lake animal hospital after 7pm! I was confused why did my pet need to stay overnight???? She offered to take my dog home and also she mentioned how much she used to charge for dog sitting. I had such a bad feeling from this situation and I said that just leave her at the hospital and I will pick up my dog the next day. Basically my dog stayed there unattended after her surgery! Next day I picked up my pet from surgery, paid the $3229.30 with debit card. The vet said we have to come back for bandaid change and 3months for healing process:) TWO MONTHS LATER!I got a voicemail from Jamie Lee Giannamore that she made an error and I owe $70.00 for the hospital. Not one question about how is my dog doing! She called to ask $70.00 From 1/9/17 till 1/13/17 I have spent $4008.28 at heron lakes animal hospital. And she needed $70.00 more 2 moths later! That is why I had to write a one star review! Horrible service, would not recommend.. Read Less

Sadly we will not be going to this vet anymore. Over $350 a dog for just a check up and sitting through the visit is like attending a time share selling presentation. The non stop selling of extra tests and insurance is insane. The doctor is nice but that doesn't warrant the prices charged. Read Less

Dr. Lera and his team are outstanding. Unfortunately, my dog has some issues so we're there more times then I wish too but I couldn't have picked a better team then at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital. Each and every appointment, Dr. Lera and his staff take the time needed, explaining everything and making sure all of my questions have been solved. You don't sense that they're trying to rip you off and make you buy certain things as you would get a some of the other hospitals in Coral Springs. There have been times my dog had to stay over for a few nights and during those nights, if I was able to, I was allowed to visit my dog, and was in contact with the overnight nurse every time. About a month ago, my dog needed surgery and had a complication and stayed a week under the care of the HLAH team. I strongly believe their actions may be why she's still alive. It's a great feeling to have 100% confidence in your vet's office. Thank you HLAH! Read Less

I wish I could put a negative! Awful, awful!! The fill in doctor today was as awful as they come!Dr. Lera, was on vacation and that was the Dr. We were suppose to see! However, Dr. Unprofessional, was there.1. She Talks down to people2. Not organized 3. Just talks and insults you with every word that came out of her mouth!4. Also, she is a liar!5. I am in the medical field and suggested that our baby was showing signs of, diabetes!6. She dismissed me like I was invisible.I walked out of this office as fast as I could!Our baby girl has diabetes. Brought her to a different office, that was professional and a very smart doctor. This doctor was not in any way threatened by my suggestion that I suspected a diagnosis of diabetes!This was my first and last visit today at Heron Lakes. Run don't walk from this practice! I get better service at Publix!!! Read Less

They provide great care and keep you well informed on the diagnosis of your pets. Dr. Abel is very personable and the staff seems genuinely concerned about the well being of your pets. I do appreciate his approach to treatment and vaccines. That being said, I do feel that every time we go in there (which is frequent) we are being pressured to purchase Pet Insurance. It feels like it may be as much in their best interest as for yours as it lets them sell more services. I only offer this as a caution for both the customer and the practice to be aware of. Still, it's a good place to take your pets and deal with a friendly staff and good service. Read Less

Dr. Lera, his staff and Sandy the groomer are all wonderful !!! I have been going to them for years with both my dogs and couldn't be more happy. They truly care, it's not just a job to them and it shows. Dr. Lera spents so much time in the exam room and doesn't rush out to see another patient. He explains everything and makes sure he answers all your questions. He is not the typical doctor...he is NOT in this only for the money. It is obvious he loves animals. The office even calls the next day to check up on your furbaby if you were in for a problem. They go above and beyond in this office. If you are looking for a groomer ... Sandy is the BEST in her field !!! I have been using her for over 11 years. My dogs are so happy when they see her. People always stop me after I leave Sandy because my furbabies look so good. Read Less

Dr. Lera, his staff  and Sandy the groomer are all wonderful !!!  I have been going to them for years with both my dogs and couldn't be more happy.  They truly care, it's not just a job to them and it shows.  Dr. Lera spents so much time in the exam room and doesn't rush out to see another patient.  He explains everything and makes sure he answers all your questions. He is not the typical doctor...he is NOT in this only for the money.  It is obvious he loves animals.  The office even calls the next day to check up on your furbaby if you were in for a problem.  They go above and beyond in this office.  If you are looking for a groomer ... Sandy is the BEST in her field !!!  I have been using her for over 11 years.  My dogs are so happy when they see her. People always stop me after I leave Sandy because my furbabies  look so good. Read Less

We are new to the area and needed an amazing vet for our basset girl. We are over the moon blessed with our new vet and his staff! Gracie doesn't take to just anyone quickly. It takes her a bit of time to warm up but she instantly loved everyone there! Read Less

We just took in our cat Harry Potter, the visit went very well! The doctor was so knowledgable, nice, and answered all our questions. Everyone working here was really nice and a joy to interact with! I would HIGHLY recommend going to this vet, you won't be disappointed! They truly care about their patients, both humans and the fury ones! :) Read Less

We just took in our cat Harry Potter, the visit went very well! The doctor was so knowledgable, nice, and answered all our questions. Everyone working here was really nice and a joy to interact with! I would HIGHLY recommend going to this vet, you won't be disappointed! They truly care about their patients, both humans and the fury ones! :) Read Less

Best vet I've ever had. Knocking one star because some of the front desk staff is less than knowledgeable and they are pretty bad about returning calls. Dr. Lera is awesome though! Totally worth dealing with some of those at the front desk. Best vet ever! Read Less

I have been bringing my dogs here for the past 5 years and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Dr. Lera and his staff have always provided outstanding service for my pets, to the point that neither of my dogs have ever feared going in for check ups or other miscellaneous visits. Recently one of my dogs suffered from an injury that required surgery and I wouldn't trust any other animal hospital with her. Both the Dr and his staff have always taken the time to answer all of my questions, and when I seek alternate, and more holistic forms of treatment, they discuss my options to ensure that I'm informed with whatever method I decide on using. Read Less

Dr. Lera and his staff are awesome. He is so personable and offers options for treatment and budget. He also offers a great health insurance plan that we jumped at. Finally, an affordable and comprehensive pet insurance plan! We have two rescue cats, a mom and daughter, who are very well taken care of with Dr. Lera. Read Less

We took our puppy to Dr. Lera for the first time and it was an amazing experience!! The staff were friendly, showed us around and gave our puppy a treat to occupy him, which actually occuiped him the whole rest of the day too! The doctor was very friendly, knowledgable, explained everything and answered any questions we had. He was with us for a good hour while we talked about everything and you could tell he really has the animals best interest at heart! He went over pet insurance (he even looked up quotes from insurance companies with us and explained the difference between each policy type and we had a question about one so he called the insurance company right with us to find out), flea and tick prevention and the timing of puppy shots. Also, during our puppies exam he had a concern about his teeth and it just happened that Dr. Lera had a dental specalist come in that day for other patients and he asked the specalist to take a look at our puppies teeth to figure it out. Best Vet. office we have ever been to! Read Less

Giblet and I had a really great experience at Heron Lake Animal Hospital. The office is clean and inviting. The staff is friendly, courteous and informative. All my questions were welcomed and answered and I even got answers I didn't think to ask questions for. Dr. Lera spent a lot of time with us. His style is to be welcoming and relaxed. We never had the feeling that he was impatient to get to the next appointment and we knew could take all the time that we needed for our visit. Giblet was handled with love and care. Overall we, Giblet and I, had an awesome visit! Read Less

This is the best veterinarian team I have ever had the pleasure of taking any of my pets. Dr. Lera and his team are awesome. They are very professional and Dr. Lera has a great bedside manner. They helped my 4 month old puppy come back home healthy. I owe them my gratitude and they have a loyal client for ever. Read Less

lEveryone is very friendly and very professional . Dr. L spends a lot of time with me and my furry animals and makes us feel very comfortable and at home . So yes Vets are on every corner but in my opinion when you find a place that you get a warm fuzzy feeling from the staff to the Dr its worth 5 stars And definitely worth the drive. Read Less

Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice to have options and NOT just steroids. They are willing to take time with you and answer any questions you may have. They actually give you a CHOICE!!!  Refreshing to see the "inside out" approach with supplements rather than antibiotics. Even though it's a hour away there is no doubt they are the place to go!   I've been to a lot of Vets and Heron Lakes is the place for us. Read Less

Dr Lera and his staff are worth the trip.   Sandy is a fantastic groomer and takes special care love and patience with my aging dogs.   I always feel comfortable with dr Lera's approach to keeping my dogs healthy and happy and never feel like he just wants to drain my purse as I have felt at other animal clinics. He has diagnosed situations correctly and prescribed the correct method to deal with the situation. I would also like to mention that the front desk is very efficient and is always knowledgeable = Read Less

OMG  - this place is awesome (and i know vets because i have pets with chronic disease that needs constant monitoring). The staff is warming, welcoming, and friendly. The Vet Tech is personable and knowledgeable. The Doctor is caring, educated, and is on top of current trends and medicines for the treatment of cats and dogs. They all took the time to get to know both us (the humans) and our pets.The Doctor doesn't try to over medicate or over test the pets (i don't like tons of testing or vaccines) - the Doctor practices evidence based treatments and understands that no two pets are the same and each one can and does require a personalized care based on that pets lifestyle and response to treatment.I have a total of 6 pets (4 cats & 2 dogs) and all of them will now be cared for by Heron Lakes Animal Hospital Read Less

Recently moved to Parkland, Fl from NYC and was in need of a vet for our cats & dogs. I got 2 recommendations and when I saw the reviews on google for this business I thought to myself they can't be legitimate no one can have over 40 reviews and all of them are 5 stars - so I tried the other vet (hated them so much) the next time I tried Heron Lakes. OMG these reviews are all true - this place is awesome (and i know vets because i have pets with chronic disease that needs constant monitoring). The staff is warming, welcoming, and friendly. The Vet Tech is personable and knowledgeable. The Doctor is caring, educated, and is on top of current trends and medicines for the treatment of cats and dogs. They all took the time to get to know both us (the humans) and our pets. The Doctor doesn't try to over medicate or over test the pets (i don't like tons of testing or vaccines) - the Doctor practices evidence based treatments and understands that no two pets are the same and each one can and does require a personalized care based on that pets lifestyle and response to treatment. I have a total of 6 pets (4 cats & 2 dogs) and all of them will now be cared for by Heron Lakes Animal HospitalRead Less

This place is pathetic they don't care about your pets health at all they're more worried about the money, paid 120 just to hear what i already knew with no temporary vaccinations or anything, on-top of that they have the audacity to make me do all the work to get my cats urine sample, so i have no clue what i just paid for, but hey if your willing to pay more then 200 for cat UTI then be my guest.. Everyone in this vet can suck it i'll never go back again..i wish i could give NO STAR Read Less

Wonderful office!! Everyone is professional.friendly and helpful. If you love your pet and want them to have the least stressful visit to a Doctors office as possible where they treat you pet with love and kindness instead of the usual factory this is where to Go!! The Dr. takes his time to get to know your pet and to  educate himself on it's history and current health. If you don't believe me look at the long list of positive reviews on his website. Read Less

I was so impressed and grateful for the care my dog received from Dr. Abel Lera and his team at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital that I felt I should share my positive experience with other pet owners.My eight year old dog was examined and X-rayed elsewhere. She was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, which broke mine. I was sent home with under a week's worth of antibiotics, and no mention that she may have other complications. Due to her persistent cough, less than a week later I took my dog to Heron Lakes Animal Hospital, where Dr. Lera spent a good deal of time examining her, reviewing the records I had brought along, delving into what the radiologists finding were (that I was not formerly made aware of by the other hospital), and getting a thorough background. It was obvious by his level of care and concern that Dr. Lera is dedicated to his patients. Dr. Lera informed me that my dog had pneumonia and recommended that she stay on antibiotics for six weeks. There was no mention of this at her prior exam performed elsewhere even though I had allowed them to do blood work. I am a woman in her fifties that has owned many pets over the years, treating my pets with different veterinarians; I believe that Dr. Lera does what is in the best interest of the pet, and owner vs. pushing services that may not be needed just to make money. I am confident that my pet will receive the care she needs with Dr. Lera and his team at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital. He's understands that we love our Pet's like family. Additionally, I was introduced to their convenient Pet Portal link on their website, which allows pet owners to search an extensive pet health library, review pet's vaccination due dates, and check health records. With my hectic schedule this will come in handy moving forward.Jeana GiordanoCoral Springs FL Read Less

Heron Lakes Hospital is amazing! I had my first experience with Heron Lakes, when my three year old beloved llhasa-poo, Pumpkin, became suddenly ill.  The vet that I was using gave up hope and wasn't supportive or considerate of the family and did not offer any suggestions or useful help.  A friend of the family recommended Dr. Sands and I immediately took my dog to see Dr. Sands.  From the moment that I walked into the establishment with my Pumpkin we were greeted with concern, compassion, and a genuine sense of wanting to help.  Although, Pumpkin did not survive his illness the time that he spent with them in the hospital was amazing.  They did everything they could for him, in fact, during his weekend stay, one of the young ladies actually brought him to her home so that he could have constant 24 hour care.A few months after Pumpkin passed, our family welcomed a new member of the family, Rocco.  The incredible care still continues, in fact, Rocco gets excited when approaching the office, he loves all of the staff and especially the resident kitty.  I honestly feel as though I am a part of a family when going there.  Everyone knows my name and those of my family.  At any given time they remember my daughter and where she is going for undergrad and they ask how she is doing.   Friends ask me why I drive almost 45 minutes north to go to a vet, I simply respond, there is no distance I wouldn't travel for this type of care.Great Job Heron Lakes!!!The Jones Family Read Less

Wow! Very nice, clean facility But the vet, Dr Lera is awesome. Having watched over 25 vets at some point To have one that does a true, complete physical head to toe is amazing!!! Looked up something in VIN Worth the drive from Miami!! Read Less

I had a bit of an emergency and needed to bring my dog in as a new patient; Dr. Lera saw us immediately. He spent a great deal of time with me, and was very thorough and gentle with my dog. His entire staff is fantastic. I would highly recommend this very caring group. Read Less

Abel and his staff are great. Their approach to people and their animals (in our case Zoe Havanese) is above the level of Dr., Patient relations. Zoe is under the care of Heron Lakes practice since we got her eight years ago. She had excellent care under the helm of Dr. Sands, and now that Dr. Abel took over, we are confident that the same attention to care will continue. Read Less

After my previous vet moved out of state, I wanted to find another good, holistic vet.  Over the past 30 years, I have dealt with 6 other animal hospitals in the area, some just for special needs, like ACL surgery.  Doctors Lera and Sands are kind, compassionate, and highly skilled.  It's obvious how much they love animals.  South Florida is expensive for any medical bills, whether for humans or animals.  I highly recommend getting pet insurance from ASPCA.  They have the best rates and the customer service is wonderful.  Heron Lakes costs are reasonable; I have dealt with other animal hospitals that are much more expensive, and don't have the level of genuine concern for your pet.  HL also has a very cost-effective wellness plan that gives you all bloodwork, and unlimited office visits for a very reasonable price.  I give them my highest recommendation. Read Less