Valley Brook Veterinary Hospital

We are always pleased whenever at valley brook , they treat our frank with kindness and patience, he’s a bit of a nervous pup so they really take the time not to rush him into anything, that is greatly appreciated. The staff and vet are awesome , friendly and compassionate. Dr Riskin is great . The office and rooms are always clean . Thank you for your care . Read Less

Everyone at Valley Brook Veterinary is warm, considerate, and compassionate. Both of my dogs love going there, it's no problem getting them in, the hard part is that they don't want to leave! We've been there for everything from regular checkups to more serious issues, and we get the same excellent level of care each and every time. Highly recommended! Read Less

It was easy to walk in and have my puppy be seen. The doctor was friendly and they staff was kind. The doctor talked a little fast so sometimes it was hard to catch everything she was saying but other than that it was a great experience. We'll be back! Read Less

My experience was just fine. Fred was taken in a timely manner and was treated by Dr. Riskin like an old friend (which he actually is). Dr. Riskin's competence as a veterinarian is obvious as is his care and concern for the animals he treats. I always come away feeling that I am giving Fred, an epileptic cat, the best care I can by bringing him to Valley Brook. Read Less

My dog and I love this vet practice! All of the doctors are friendly and knowledgeable. The tech staff is out of this world. I've boarded my crazy dog with them and they still love her! They always recognize her and treat her like a princess. I won't go anywhere else. Sam loves Valley Brook! Read Less

Without a doubt in my mind, there isn't another Veterinary Hospital I would trust with my baby Simba with.I first came across this hospital after doing some research to get my cat neutered years ago and have been going ever since.  The staff is absolutely amazing, compassionate and truly care about your little one. A few years ago my poor cat had a urinary track blockage which is common in male cats due to how small the hole in their uretha is and I almost lost him the first time it happened.  Needless to say I was inconsolable and overcome with utter sadness at the thought of losing my baby. But they were so good and by the third time he was blocked, the hospital suggested for him to undergo surgery.  I agreed to it and since then he has been so good! No more blockages and he is on a prescribed diet as suggested by the Vet.  The cost was more than I expected since I didn't have pet insurance at the time but they accepted Care Credit which helped a great deal!I still take him to take his annual check ups and boy those Simba give them a hard time! lol but again they are super patient with him and somehow manage to cut his nails as well.There isn't anywhere else I would take my Simba and the staff truly remembers you and makes you feel welcomed :) Read Less

My dog is a patient at Valley Brook, and I've been very pleased and satisfied with their care. But, I would bring cat- since she was a kitten- to a well-known chain for her care. One evening Serena, my cat, had an emergency, and was very sick. In a panic, I called her vet and explained the emergency. They could not see her. I called Valley Brook and though they were closing for the evening, they stayed open for Serena. That is dedication. Read Less

THE BEST VETENARY CARE EVER!!!!  IF YOU LOVE YOUR PET(S) DON'T BRING THEM ANYWHERE BUT HERE!!!!!  I love my Boston Terrier, Hogan!  He's not just my  dog, he's my boy, he's Family!!! And that's exactly how Dr Riskin, Dr Rosenbaum, the Vet Techs & the entire staff treated him!!!  Hogan  had to undergo 2 operations to have a Cancerous Tumor removed, after which he developed a deadly  bacterial infection that threatened his life.  I was too distraught​ to care for him, at that point, fearful he would die in my care!  Dr Riskin & Dr Rosenbaum saved his life!!!!  Together with their compassionate Vet Techs & Staff, they worked 24/7 (days, nights & off hours) to give him non-stop care & SO MUCH LOVE !!!  To date, they continue to go above & beyond, doing all they can, to ensure that my boy's infection subsides completely! HE ABSOLUTELY LOVES HIS BUDDY, DR RISKIN,  & every staff member who interacts with him... That's a true sign of how great they really are!!!I CAN'T THANK THEM ENOUGH! Read Less

I've been with Valley Brook for many years and they are so wonderful. Knowledgeable, professional, friendly staff and doctors. We recently relocated and I'm so sorry that it is just too far to travel with my little doggy now. I will miss you all. Thank you for taking such great care of Trevor Larry! Read Less

Great place and friendly staff. Been taking my 11 year old cat here since he was a kitten, and the same thing for my 4 year old tabby. Clean waiting room, helpful staff, and professional service. I recommend this place to everyone looking for a new vet or getting a new pet taken care of. Read Less

Valley Brook is a very good animal hospital. My animals always had wonderful medical and compassionate care. The staff is friendly and helpful. What we are mostly happy with is that our dog, Houston, loves Dr. RISKIN and pulls to go inside whenever he has a visit. Read Less

We have been going to Fair Lawn Animal Hospital since we moved here. Recently they closed this location but we continue to go to their Valley Brook location in Fair Lawn. They have the same crew working so nothing has changed. Wonderful medical team! We have 3 large dogs, which of one is aggressive. He is still treated as wonderful as our calmer other 2. They remind us when updates are due and stay very current with our records. If I call with something wrong they tell me to come in and make time for us. We also foster puppies for Bonnie's Animal Rescue Kingdom and many times we have had to take them in for care. Rescue puppies from NC don't get the medical care required for good health. My husband and I take very good care of our fosters by bringing them to Valley Brook who cares just as much. Many times we rush in with a problem and are always reassured everything will be done to help them. I love the staff, everyone! I have my favorites but every single person in that office is extremely caring and efficient. We all thank you LeeAnn, Tim, Missie, Troy & Rocky and all our foster pups The Kent Family Read Less

I have been to several veterinarian hospitals over the decades with my animals. I have final found a veterianrian hospital that treat my dogs like there own. The staff is excellent and the doctors are phenomenal. The price for the care they get is better than another place. Very reasonable. My dogs love the vet and the staff. Read Less

Absolutely wonderful! These doctors have cared for all the pets I have ever had. Dr. Riskin was amazing when my dog needed major tooth extraction surgery. They are extremely thorough and kind, and they follow up and stay in touch to ensure your pet is recovering well. Although it is over a 30 min drive from our home, and there are closer animal hospitals, we will always go to Valley Brook. They truly love animals. Read Less

Kept me on the phone, hang up, I call again, kept me waiting again, took every possible detail from me just to say at the end of the conversation 'sorry, we don't have any available appointment today, go to another hospital'Nice. Read Less

Traumatized. I'm traumatized by how my best friend and really my fur child was treated in his last moments in life. First, let me begin with saying, this hospital is a boutique veterinary practice. If I had known, I wouldn't have taken my Max there. I regret my decision to bring him there as I watched him suffer for over an hour and twenty minutes before a vet was available to see him since he was being "fit in between appointments." That's a direct quote from Mary the receptionist.  Also to be fair, the vet tech w/ the purple highlights was fantastic. She treated Max w/ care, love, & compassion. So here's my experience and why I regret bringing my baby here on November 01, 2017:Max was my the equivalent of my child. He was everything to me. I loved him dearly and when I found out that he had stage four Lymphoma I made sure I planned out everything for him with his normal Vet.  I wanted his last moments to be peaceful and for him to suffer as little as possible. Unfortunately, en route to his Veterinarian Max started declining rapidly. I knew he wasn't going to make the trip.  So we found the closest "Animal Hospital" and Valley Brook was it. I called in and explained the situation and specifically asked whether this facility could do an emergency euthanasia. I specifically told the secretary that Max was not going to make it to his vet and his health was on a very rapid decline.  She put me on hold--I presume to see if the vet would accept Max--and then when she came back on the phone she said, "yes, bring him in."We rushed over and arrived around 10:10am or so.  I rushed out of my car to announce Max's arrival.  The vet technicians eventually came out to the car and put Max on a stretcher and brought him in. Then, the worst part of this journey began.  I'm already visibly distressed. At this point I just wanted Max comfortable. Max was in an extraordinary amount of pain on arrival, visibly jaundice, and seizing. The staff was aware of his condition.Mary, the secretary, did the intake and explained that the euthanasia process at their facility included a preselected crematorium.I didn't care about the original proffered number (over a half grand). I only cared about getting Max seen by the doctor. I almost agreed until I was told that the veterinarian recommended cremation service would mean the vet would put my beloved Max in a freezer for two days and that the "pick up" was on Friday.  My boyfriend and I were thoroughly upset of the thought of Max being stuffed in a freezer and then "picked up" like a pile of garbage  two days after he was put down. Needless to say, we opted not to utilize their euthanasia "package." Now, back to Max.  Like I said, we arrived at 10:10 am.  I tried to deal with the paperwork as quickly as possible.  Before Max was even seen, the vet through his secretary demanded payment upfront. (I've never had to pay for veterinary services upfront; this was highly distasteful especially considering the emergent situation). My boyfriend paid by credit card and a receipt was rendered at approximately 10:37 am. Max was still seizing and he still wasn't sedated.Then we waited. We were assured that a vet would be with us as soon as they were done with their appointments.  At approximately 11:20 (Max still has not received any treatment) the secretary popped her head in to tell us it wouldn't be much longer--i begged her to get Max a sedative.  I told her that he was suffering and she just uncomfortably walked away. Finally, at approximately 11:30 (an hour and twenty minutes after Max arrived) the vet, Dr. Gregory Riskin, DVM came in to give him a sedative. When Max relaxed and took what I believed to be his last breath.  He was completely still. The vet checked for a pulse and then Max started thrashing. The vet told me this was normal but I begged for him to please hurry and perform the euthanasia.  Max seized and struggled for breath as the vet struggled to find a working vein. Max started bleeding out of his mouth and I just couldn't stand by his head anymore. I had to move toward his rear.  He thrashed until he eventually let go. I was and I still am so distressed. I don't even know how to put my pain into words. I share this experience not to bad talk this practice. But to make the owners aware that above all else--the pets comfort and well being come first.  Max suffered for over an hour before he was given a sedative.  He sat suffering in pain while the regular non-emergency customers were attended to.  His entire procedure from beginning to end lasted all of ten minutes. A vet who knowingly is aware that a highly distressed patient is sitting in the exam room next door should excuse him or herself to attend to the suffering patient. It's basic triage. Once the vet accepted Max he had a duty to care for him and to ensure he didn't suffer. Here, it just was not the case. Valley Brook failed Max. Read Less

Traumatized. I'm traumatized by how my best friend and really my fur child was treated in his last moments in life. First, let me begin with saying, this hospital is a boutique veterinary practice. If I had known, I wouldn't have taken my Max there. I regret my decision to bring him there as I watched him suffer for over an hour and twenty minutes before a vet was available to see him since he was being "fit in between appointments." That's a direct quote from Mary the receptionist.  Also to be fair, the vet tech w/ the purple highlights was fantastic. She treated Max w/ care, love, & compassion. So here's my experience and why I regret bringing my baby here on November 01, 2017:Max was my the equivalent of my child. He was everything to me. I loved him dearly and when I found out that he had stage four Lymphoma I made sure I planned out everything for him with his normal Vet.  I wanted his last moments to be peaceful and for him to suffer as little as possible. Unfortunately, en route to his Veterinarian Max started declining rapidly. I knew he wasn't going to make the trip.  So we found the closest "Animal Hospital" and Valley Brook was it. I called in and explained the situation and specifically asked whether this facility could do an emergency euthanasia. I specifically told the secretary that Max was not going to make it to his vet and his health was on a very rapid decline.  She put me on hold--I presume to see if the vet would accept Max--and then when she came back on the phone she said, "yes, bring him in."We rushed over and arrived around 10:10am or so.  I rushed out of my car to announce Max's arrival.  The vet technicians eventually came out to the car and put Max on a stretcher and brought him in. Then, the worst part of this journey began.  I'm already visibly distressed. At this point I just wanted Max comfortable. Max was in an extraordinary amount of pain on arrival, visibly jaundice, and seizing. The staff was aware of his condition.Mary, the secretary, did the intake and explained that the euthanasia process at their facility included a preselected crematorium.I didn't care about the original proffered number (over a half grand). I only cared about getting Max seen by the doctor. I almost agreed until I was told that the veterinarian recommended cremation service would mean the vet would put my beloved Max in a freezer for two days and that the "pick up" was on Friday.  My boyfriend and I were thoroughly upset of the thought of Max being stuffed in a freezer and then "picked up" like a pile of garbage  two days after he was put down. Needless to say, we opted not to utilize their euthanasia "package." Now, back to Max.  Like I said, we arrived at 10:10 am.  I tried to deal with the paperwork as quickly as possible.  Before Max was even seen, the vet through his secretary demanded payment upfront. (I've never had to pay for veterinary services upfront; this was highly distasteful especially considering the emergent situation). My boyfriend paid by credit card and a receipt was rendered at approximately 10:37 am. Max was still seizing and he still wasn't sedated.Then we waited. We were assured that a vet would be with us as soon as they were done with their appointments.  At approximately 11:20 (Max still has not received any treatment) the secretary popped her head in to tell us it wouldn't be much longer--i begged her to get Max a sedative.  I told her that he was suffering and she just uncomfortably walked away. Finally, at approximately 11:30 (an hour and twenty minutes after Max arrived) the vet, Dr. Gregory Riskin, DVM came in to give him a sedative. When Max relaxed and took what I believed to be his last breath.  He was completely still. The vet checked for a pulse and then Max started thrashing. The vet told me this was normal but I begged for him to please hurry and perform the euthanasia.  Max seized and struggled for breath as the vet struggled to find a working vein. Max started bleeding out of his mouth and I just couldn't stand by his head anymore. I had to move toward his rear.  He thrashed until he eventually let go. I was and I still am so distressed. I don't even know how to put my pain into words. I share this experience not to bad talk this practice. But to make the owners aware that above all else--the pets comfort and well being come first.  Max suffered for over an hour before he was given a sedative.  He sat suffering in pain while the regular non-emergency customers were attended to.  His entire procedure from beginning to end lasted all of ten minutes. A vet who knowingly is aware that a highly distressed patient is sitting in the exam room next door should excuse him or herself to attend to the suffering patient. It's basic triage. Once the vet accepted Max he had a duty to care for him and to ensure he didn't suffer. Here, it just was not the case. Valley Brook failed Max. Read Less

We'd give them 10 stars if we could.We normally see Dr. (Max) Rozenbaum, who is such a kind vet, he's like a very dear friend who just happens to be an animal doctor. He deals with our needy Maltese dogs - three energetic puppies and a zany old-timer - with both compassion and professionalism. He gives honest, realistic advice about which treatments can be put off and which have to be done right away. This really helps from both a budgeting and a planning perspective.While we've seen the other doctors less frequently, they share the came caring approach. We trust the techs, too. You can see the love and attention they give our dogs. Read Less

Simply the best..... Vets, Vet Techs and Office Staff. Always available, always get promised callbacks and, most of all, you and your " best friend" always come first. Don't go big.. go for the best- Valley Brook Read Less

The entire staff is conscientious!Front desk personnel is efficient, caring, professional and phone response is excellent. Dr. Riskin is superb in every way. He treated us tenderly with undivided attention, did not rush through consultation, and listened with empathy.  Dr. Melzer-Press takes pride in her work and it is obvious her heart overflows with love for animals. She is dedicated. She has a persona that is contagious and is profoundly efficient and people oriented.                          Overall this entire facility deserves 10 stars! Read Less

We have been taking both of our dogs to see Dr. Riskin for 5.5 years now. He is the best veterinarian I have ever been to with any of my pets throughout the years. On top of numerous visits (and by numerous I mean we basically pay their rent) he has handled our one dog's seizures so they are no longer a major issue, and a difficult biopsy surgery for our other dog that thankfully turned out to be benign. For both instances we knew we were in the best hands (and his staff is very sweet which is appreciated during the really tough office visits). On top of being extremely knowledgeable with an impressive background, he is compassionate, honest, and shows a genuine love for animals. We will be using him for as long as he's in practice and kind of wish he was also a pediatrician for when we have human kids ;) Read Less

I bring my Westies, Murray and Buffy to Valley Brook...we love Dr. Melzer-Press...she's the best!!! She really cares about the animals! You can tell she loves being a Vet! Thank you Dr. Melzer-Press. Also the front staff is very helpful and flexible!!! Read Less

Dr. Risken is the best. Dr. Risken took care of my dog for her whole life of just short of 15 years. My dog had a lot of ailments and Dr. always knew how to treat her. He knew what medications to keep my dog going as if she was a puppy.His bedside manner is terrific.  He calls to follow up. Dr. Risken makes you feel like you are his only patient and that your pet is really part of his family.The office staff is wonderful from the receptionists, to the techs to the other doctors.I would feel confident in whichever doctor I used at Valley Brook. Read Less

The staff and Dr.s are very caring and compassionate. They really love the animals and it helps to keep our dog Bella calm and less stressed. I have been going to Valley Brook for over 20 years through multiple Vets and with multiple pets,dogs cats and guinea pigs. Veterinary care is expensive but they always work with me by spreading out the care in a safe way that allows me to budget. We are very happy there.Read Less

We bring our tabby cat to Valley Brook and they are excellent. We saw Dr. Greg last night and he was very gentle, nice and great. He answered all our questions. I just didn't like how they took my cat into the back without us to take her blood work and give the cat her shots. I would of loved with be with her to make sure she wasn't nervous but it was really no big deal. Read Less

Valley.brook is the best vet hospital I have have used. The doctors and staff are kind and compassionate. They don't push unnecessary tests or vaccinations. They return calls in a prompt fashion. The products that they sell such has flea and tick and heart worm are very competitively priced so no need to go elsewhere or order on line. Can't say enough good things about valley brook! Read Less

Very disappointed with their care. Waiting forever to return calls for my sick dog. My second call was never returned. Pushed me to get leptospirosis vaccine which makes my dog very sick. Can't explain symptoms even after blood work is done and abnormal. Knowledge outdated or just dirty money making business . Read Less

8 years ago we found the great place to take care of our dog - Benny The Beagle. Knowledgeable doctors and very friendly staff, what could be better? Dr. Riskin is the best! We are so happy with Valley Brook Veterinary Hospital services and using them for last 8 years. Thank you all for your exceptional service! Read Less

They are all great. Patient, compassiate and professional. All of the staff is helpful and supportive. The doctors are great whether it is a rountine appointment or dealing with the sadness of having to put a loved one down. I recommend them to anyone who wants first-rate service. Read Less

We have been married for 49 years and have always had 2 or 3 dogs at a time. Our current dogs, Abby and Daisy, have been taken care of by Dr. Risken and the two other Doctors, they are 12 and a half years old now and have lived the longest of all the dogs that we've had and I believe it's because of the care that they have received at Valley Brook by Dr. Risken and the entire staff. As soon as I see any change in their behavior, I call and bring them in. Both dogs currently are on medication, Daisy for an enlarged heart which she has had now for several years and Abby who had a torn ACL and was operated on several years ago. You would never know that there was something wrong with her back leg. When Dr. Risken does blood work on either dog, I hear from him the next day. Some of my own doctors don't even do that. I consider Dr. Risken an excellent doctor and both he and his staff are very caring and concerned and make us feel special that we're not just another patient. I would definately recommend Dr. Riskin and Valley Brook Veterinary Hospital for your animals health needs. Read Less

Valley Brook Animal Hospital is top notch! They always go WAY above and beyond in helping my family. Weather it's giving belly rubs to my boxers or explains in detail what going on with them ,to me and my five year old daughter. They take their time and make us all feel like we are their only patient. Everyone from the front desk to the techs and all the doctors are just nothing short of amazing! I know my dogs are in amazing hands! Thank you for all you do. Read Less

I have taken both my dogs to Valley Brook Vet Hospital and found them to be very thorough and caring. All their staff is very helpful. Our dog is a rescue and gets overwhelmed at the vet and they allow us to keep him by the side door to go in and out to make it less stressful for us and our dog. Would recommend Valley Brook to any pet owner! Read Less

Dr. Riskin and the entire staff at Valley Brook are very caring and approachable. My dog has a chronic condition, so we are often there and we are always comfortable and well taken care of. We are grateful for the kindness and excellent medical care that we receive.Read Less

I love coming to this vet. Dr. Riskin is so patient and takes his time with you and it's obvious how much he cares about the animals under his care. The added plus is the front staff who are super efficient and very friendly. Read Less

Valley Brook is  the best veterinarian we've ever been to.  Across the board, the staff really cares about your pet and it's evident in every visit.  When our dog had a liver problem when he was a puppy, Dr. Riskin did a ton of research on the disorder and went above and beyond what I was expecting from a vet.  He even coordinated consultations with specialists in Manhattan and researchers at Cornell.  Together, we created a program that has our dog happy and healthy today.  I would recommend this practice without reservation.  Your pets will be in great hands! Read Less

After some 11 years of being Dr. Riskin's patient, alongside with four rescue dogs in various degrees of medical problems I am happy to say that he is great as a care giver for both the animals and the humans attached to them. He brings good news and news that are less than great with aplomb and care. Read Less

Very friendly staff and excellent vets are why we keep bringing our four legged friend back when he needs it. Our dog is a trouble maker and needed several visits here early on while he learned what was actually edible. Each time, they took great care of him, especially when staying overnight. The vets are very knowledgeable and great with the dogs. Hershey actually enjoys going because he knows how many treats the staff will give him. Read Less

I've been taking my pets here for over four years and love the vets and staff. My dog has so many medical issues and has been hospitalized there many times over the past few years. They are so compassionate and loving to my dog and go over and above helping him. I highly recommend this veterinary clinic! Read Less

My family and I have been to this hospital with all of our dogs and cats. Dr. Riskin took care of my sisters shepherd mix who lived to be 15 years old and survived multiple health crisis.  He aslo took care of my two cats who lived to be 15 and 13.  Dr. Meltzer-Press saved my adopted Cocker Spaniel from Pancreatitis which could have taken her life. My mothers 14yr old Chihuahua is also cared for by Dr. Riskin.  I also have two other dogs that Dr. Meltzer-Press takes care of and they are doing well.  So we have lots of experience with this hospital.  I find them to be caring, intuitive and reasonably priced. Highly reccomend them. Read Less

Valley Brook is the home hospital for my beloved cat, Toby. Toby (and his loving parents) have experienced nothing less than phenomenal care at Valley Brook. In his two visits, he was seen both times by Dr. Meltzer-Press, who was extremely caring with him. She was very knowledgeable about cat health and was able to help us find a food that would not upset Toby's stomach, and a food schedule so that he could lose weight without sacrificing his delicious yum-yums. Her diagnoses have been spot on and her care for Toby and for us has been exquisite. I would highly recommend her and Valley Brook Vet Hospital for anyone with a pet in Bergen County! Read Less