North Florida Veterinary Specialists

Over the years, our dog Rufus received such kind, attentive, specialized care from NFVS. Rufus had multiple illnesses and special needs; Dr. Schmidt and staff did so much to keep Rufus healthy and comfortable. I was always informed of everything, including cost, and Dr. Schmidt was always willing to answer questions/concerns. Compassionate and very helpful! Read Less

With owning 4 pets at a time, over the last 19 years, I have had a few experiences with cancer, and internal problems with two of my dogs and one of my kitties. When I asked my vet who would you go to? Who is the best? They recommended Dr Crystal and Dr Schmidt and they were right. I get this feeling that the whole team was invested in making sure my pets got the best care, and were also compassionate with me. I realize they can't save every pet, but I sure feel good about knowing that I've brought my pets to the best. Read Less

I've read the other reviews and must say my experience was quite different. Everyone was very positive and extremely helpful. They made sure I knew what was going on and explained everything in terms I could easily understand. My furbaby had to stay overnight and they were extremely pleasant each time I called to check in on him providing me with detailed information. This was an emergency visit and I feel they all cared for much for my animal and they also understood my emotions about my animal. They are extremely expensive but you can't put a price on your animals life as they are part of your family. Read Less

This is a specialist veterinary practice in the same building next to the Animal ER. They are affiliated with the Animal ER and will admit your pet for evening and weekend monitoring and care if needed. The front desk is not going to be the same as your regular vet's office in terms of big smiles and fawning over your pet. They seem to be about efficiency and getting your pet back to see the doctor. The person working the front may come across as rude or brusque, I can't tell you what they are thinking, but in my case I didn't take it personally. I had been referred to them in an emergency situation by my regular vet and my pet was seen by the doctor faster than I'd expected. In the heat of trying to figure out what was wrong with my pet Dr. Schmidt was efficient and thorough as my pet received an ultrasound and endoscopy within the first 90 minutes and I had the results. His colleague explained options and was careful to ask my permission and provide an estimate before proceeding with further treatment. Again, pleasant doctors with the air of professionalism and providing me with as much information as possible. Dr. Shmidt, and his colleague Dr. Voisine, personally called me each day with updates. My pet was admitted by them to the Animal ER. I was permitted to visit my pet to help encourage him to eat. Caveats: The young African-American "tech" who came into the waiting room to take down my information was condescending and poorly trained. She was unaware as how she was coming across. Rather than noting my questions and telling me that she'd provide them to the doctor, she turned and lectured me on the practice's role and how it was different from my vet. I was taken aback. I was very worried for my pet at the time and had asked two questions not knowing if she had information as to whether he would be receiving a specific treatment based on the referral. While in a waiting room or in the lobby you may notice that there is a lot of door slamming and boisterous laughing and talking. The offices are a build out and the doors slam closed into the thin walls and frames. Like any office the workers are probably very used to this and don't notice it. I sat wondering how sick pets in the back reacted to the elevated noise levels. Laughing and talking I think are a good sign of a health office, though out front I witnessed quite a bit of standing around and gossiping. Again, I don't care about the subject matter but I'd rather not see it as a customer who has brought a sick pet in. Conclusion: Dr. Schmidt sent my pet home believing that our home would be a better place for recovery as he was beginning to show signs of recovery. Dr. Schmidt was correct and within three days my pet was back to his usual self. When my pet was referred to NFVA I was out of sorts and very worried about him. Yes, I'm one of those people who looks to their pet as a family member. Through experience with other pets and emergencies I've learned not to let my emotions dictate my reactions and to listen and observe vet professionals and judge them by their actions. Overall this is a professional practice with a lot of patients and as is pretty typical of these types of businesses the front office isn't necessarily trained or coached by the medical professionals. Often there is a disconnect. Regardless, my pet is doing well today and I believe it is due to the efforts of both my regular vet and Dr. Schmidt and his colleagues. Read Less

I haven't been given any update on my dog since 5 pm the night before it's now 11 am. I tried to call up here twice they told me they didn't have my dog. They told me he wasn't in surgery that an EGD isn't surgery which I'm a nurse I know it is. They told me I wasn't supposed to show up here that the doctor would call me. Yet when I called for a pick up time they said my dog wasn't here and kept telling me to call a number which told me to call another number. This went back and forth. My vet told me just to show up to get my dog because the secretaries are obviously incompetent and rude. This will be the last time I bring my dog here. Unfortunate because the Veterinarian and vet techs were excellent with my dog. Read Less

Took my dog here for a difficult surgery to heal a fungal infection in his snout. Long story short he's never been the same since. Took over a week to even recover from his anasthesia and still never solved the issue, after weeks of being unclear, rude, and all in all didn't seem to care about my dog. In their defense they said it may not be 100% successful in the first surgery. Two years later I went to a vet in NYC where we moved when he started having the same issues and was told he'd have to undergo surgery yet again. The vet not only hung out with him and me for a while before he surgery to make him comfortable, and then walked me through every phase of the process. Something North Florida did not. He then discussed much more successful treatments and a procedure that North Florida didn't even do to eliminate the cause at the source. Finn walked out of anasthesia (I had to carry him from NF) and was fully recovered a day or two later. And the surgery was half the cost. IN NEW YORK CITY. This place is a profit factory and does not have animals best interest at heart. I'm sure there are good doctors and nurses here but feel like I and my dog were taken advantage of.Read Less

Its upsetting that this is the only specialist all the Jacksonville veterinarians refer a pet owner to. After 4 local veterinarians told me my sick cat was just over weight he started to have seizures. After you get into a meeting room they  take your pet away from you and you never see any treatment performed. The medical records often conflict with the invoice. Example $60.00 miscellaneous medication (you prepay to have your pet returned). Medical records do not list any medications. Florida state law requires medications be listed in the medical record. They told me my cat had a fever but stated it was probably caused by the seizures and they refused to give my cat antibiotics or seizure med. My pet died at this clinic and I do not believe they were truthful with me. They never allow you see your pet exam ed or treated they only focus on stressing you out to pay more money. No compassion by the veterinarian but that veterinarian no longer works there. Read Less

Absolutely love the vets and staff! They have taken such good care of our girl Jewel and have been available for questions and concerns. Not all vet's have been as concerned with the animals in our rescue once discharged or as willing to check on them like they have. We at Poochie's Pet Rescue Inc love this place and would highly recommend them! Read Less

Great people who care about their clients and pets. We have been seeing Dr. Schmidt about a year now with our pets Ollie and Sia. He went above and beyond for both pets, even though our Ollie can be a bit of a handful. Read Less

Thank you Dr. Schmidt for taking so much time to explain my pups disease in depth and explore the treatment options. Yes, I did have to wait more time than I anticipated to see the doctor but the ladies at the desk proactively came and apologized for the wait due to emergencies. If it was my pet that had an emergency I would hope the person waiting for their appointment would understand also. Dr. Schmidt was very understanding about the costs but also found ways to do chemo without it costing an arm and a leg. Thank you so much! Read Less

The Vet Robin Hopwood flat out lied to us and told us our dog would die right away if we took her home. The dog was to ill for surgery but she was trying to push us to spend close to $8,500 and could not promise dog would live. We chose to take dog home with antibiotics and that was 2 weeks ago. The dog is doing great and to think we almost put her to sleep because Robin lied about the diagnosis is horrifying to us. She wanted money for either surgery or cremation. Thats how much she cares about the actual animal. We googled the diagnosis when we got home and found that you can treat with antibiotics and usually works. Don't go to this place, they are untrustworthy!!! Read Less

Pros: Staff is friendly, the doctor that helped me was very friendly. Once I finally got an answer they told me everything I needed to know and I was able to finally move forward after 2 weeks. Cons: The prices are ridiculous. You can go to St Francis for a simple ultrasound (granted you don't get the flair etc of a specialist) for $250. Had I known that I would have taken my cat there first instead. $700 for an ultrasound and twice as much for some of the tests I had done at a Vet Clinic I know and trust. Same tests, half as much. I understand the difference, but I feel that they should have said find a cheaper alternative. The Office Manager not only didn't listen to me about the money situation, but she guilted me about it. She made me feel like I didn't want to spend the money at her establishment to save my animal. She made it sound like the only place to save my animal was there - which obviously wasn't the case. She then argued back with me when I demanded to speak to the Vet, told me she felt no sorrow for my situation only for my cat - there was no empathy in her whatsoever. Every time I talked to her she tried to talk over me and she was extremely rude. Like I said, she was HORRIBLE, the rest of the staff was fine. Summation : If you got thousands to spend here go for it, if you are living on one income STAY away and go to St Francis. Read Less

Pros: Staff is friendly, the doctor that helped me was very friendly. Once I finally got an answer they told me everything I needed to know and I was able to finally move forward after 2 weeks. Cons: The prices are ridiculous. You can go to St Francis for a simple ultrasound (granted you don't get the flair etc of a specialist) for $250. Had I known that I would have taken my cat there first instead. $700 for an ultrasound and twice as much for some of the tests I had done at a Vet Clinic I know and trust. Same tests, half as much. I understand the difference, but I feel that they should have said find a cheaper alternative. The Office Manager not only didn't listen to me about the money situation, but she guilted me about it. She made me feel like I didn't want to spend the money at her establishment to save my animal. She made it sound like the only place to save my animal was there - which obviously wasn't the case. She then argued back with me when I demanded to speak to the Vet, told me she felt no sorrow for my situation only for my cat - there was no empathy in her whatsoever. Every time I talked to her she tried to talk over me and she was extremely rude. Like I said, she was HORRIBLE, the rest of the staff was fine. Summation : If you got thousands to spend here go for it, if you are living on one income STAY away and go to St Francis. Read Less

The veterinarians, veterinary techs and front staff at North Florida Veterinary Specialists have been caring for my parents and treating our black cat for five weeks now. We were referred here by our primary vet because chest x-ray films had shown fluid and a possible mass in the cat's chest. NFVS somehow worked them into the schedule that same afternoon for a consult and then kept the cat overnight to do more evaluation, testing and treatment. They diagnosed our cat with a condition that can be treated but requires really close followup and almost always has a terminal prognosis. So, our cat has been seen again five times for followup/treatment since the first visit - sometimes scheduled and sometimes on the spur of the moment in an emergency situation like happened this morning.  She is spending the night there again tonight because we weren't sure if her condition would be stable overnight at home. I live in California but I've been fortunate to get to be with my parents two different times when our cat was being seen. All three of us have had consistently excellent experiences and been treated so well every time we've been in. I've met the vet specialists Dr Schmidt and Dr Voisine and I've met the vet techs Kate and Kristen. All of them are friendly and easy to talk to, compassionate and kind, honest and understanding. They are very good about clearly laying out options and explaining choices and talking realistically about what to expect going forward. The front staff I've met and with whom I've spoken-Nicole and Carol -are so nice as well, always friendly, polite, concerned- definitely a really good first (and ongoing) impression.There has been solid and extensive communication from everyone -in person in the consult rooms and also on the phone. I've called once in the past and then again this afternoon to talk about future treatments and to get information because I live away- the vet tech Kate who returned my call both times has given me a clear picture of what is going on and then time to ask questions without feeling rushed. These specialists are extremely honest and fair about pricing. Estimates are given up front and include a high/worst case side and a low side. There is no pressure whatsoever to do extraordinary procedures to try to extend life (although they can do them and will discuss as an option) - there is no shaming or acting like my 83 and 84-year-old parents didn't really care about their cat if they were concerned about costs. For our cat, they've done ultrasound-guided taps every visit to drain fluid from the chest cavity. Today she needed oxygen for hours and they provided that through a couple of different methods of administration. They've done additional chest x-ray films and an echocardiogram, given injections of steroids and diuretics, advised us on a dietary supplement that has been proven useful in other cats with the same condition and all of the various ways to give it. They switched medications from pills and liquid forms to injections because this cat was rejecting anything we would try to give by mouth- taught us how and when to give daily injections and then provided needles and syringes and the medications to take home - everything we needed.This type of ongoing treatment is expensive but it has made it possible for us to have some good stable weeks with our cat that we wouldn't have had otherwise. The veterinarians and vet techs have done whatever they could think of to make it possible for my parents to care for her at home and keep her safe as long as possible. It's clear that these specialists have understood the situation and minimized costs where they could. Their knowledge and treatment have given us time to make a choice instead of having to deal with what probably would have been a sudden overnight unexpected type of loss. Also, the vet techs have been very sensitive and considerate and given space and time in a consult room for my parents to come in and visit our cat during the days when she was being kept overnight, which is so kind because this cat is their life and it's like being torn apart when they are separated from her. It was especially kind of the staff to work it out for my parents to visit our cat late this afternoon (and Carol and the vet tech Jessica got out of there late/were there after hours because of it) because right now our cat is into the roughest patch yet and her life might need to be ended peacefully tomorrow to avoid an even worse situation for her in the future. I've wanted to write a review of NFVS and its vets and staff for awhile. Our experience with them has been so positive and excellent. Whatever happens overnight or tomorrow, I feel so grateful to everyone who has cared for our black cat so carefully and professionally throughout this time and even more grateful that they have treated my parents so nicely from the start and all the way through. There aren't enough words to say how much I appreciate this team. Read Less

Everyone has and continues to be so amazing! We brought our dog to them Oct 1 st of last year . She was on her death bed . Are dog has come a long way due to the love and care of everyone at North Florida Vet Specialists. They have shown how much they care for our family pet and much as we care for her. I would recommend everyone I know to them. I want people that are taking care of her health to care and show compassion for my pet . With that being said . We have a dog that is still enjoying life . Thanks to everyone at NFVS! Read Less

Truly kind and caring group of professionals. My cat Bo was 6 mos old when he was diagnosed with diabetes and our vet told us he probably wouldn't survive but our best chance was Vet Specialists. So we rushed him there. Dr. Crystal was open and honest with us about his chances and want it would cost to try and save him. He is now 15 years old, slowing down but still so sweet. He has given us much joy and we are so grateful for their loving care!! Read Less

Yes they are expensive but they give you a estimate before they even start on tests and treatments. The staff calls your pet baby. My Simon was so sick and they handle him with love and treated me with so much kindness. There was no hope for my cat since he was HIV positive. What they did for me was the kindness thing anyone could have done. I am so appreciative. Thank You, Thank You! Read Less

When you bring your dog or cat to this clinic they take your pet away from you to 'examine' them.  They will then meet with you and take a history without your sick pet. Next the veterinarian will send staff in with an outrageous invoice. The invoice is not negotiable and the price is inflated. You are not allowed to see your sick pet again until you sign the invoice.  NF Vet Specialist separate the pet owner and sick pet to induce anxiety in both and then they will not return your pet until you sign an outrageous invoice that does not treat your sick pet. They are high price. The day my cat died in their care they were joyful--very sick money worshipers at this clinic. Read Less