I highly recommend Smithaven Vet solely based on the work of Dr. Vincent Baldino. He is one of the kindest, most honest, caring vets I have ever had the pleasure of taking my pets to. I drive more ... Read More
I highly recommend Smithaven Vet solely based on the work of Dr. Vincent Baldino. He is one of the kindest, most honest, caring vets I have ever had the pleasure of taking my pets to. I drive more than 20 miles from my home to reach his office, probably passing dozens of other vets on my way because of the quality of care and kindness provided by Dr. Baldino. My interaction with the other vet, Dr. Coiro, has been limited but he has always been cordial.However, among the support staff, an elderly blonde haired woman in particular has been rude, nasty, and far from helpful. My husband and I took our dog for a lepto vaccine and Dr. B. said he would need a follow up booster shot 2-3 weeks later. The doctor said no appointment was needed, we could just bring the dog in, and that there would be no additional charge at this subsequent visit on top of the fee we already paid. Knowing that we live 20+ miles away, he said that even though the follow up shot would be free at Smithaven, if we didn't want to take the drive, we could go to a local vet or petco and ask for the follow up booster which was not expensive. When I brought my dog in 3 weeks later for the follow up booster, I started explaining my circumstances to the receptionist. She cut me off as I began attempting to explain what Dr. B. had said. She very nastily yelled at me "Oh no! Dr. Baldino would NEVER have told you that the follow up booster was included. You have to pay, you are mistaken." I asked to speak to Dr. Baldino or any other available vet to clarify his statements in case I did in fact misunderstand or was "mistaken" as the woman said. My husband, who was with my at the initial appointment, also said that Dr. B. said the booster would be included in the initial visit price, there would be no additional charge, and that I did not misunderstand. If we had been wrong, if we had misunderstood, that would have been fine, but the way this woman handled it being so rude and nasty and not even giving me the chance to speak to a vet when I asked was inexcusable. It cost me more in time and travel than it would have to go to the local Petco for an inexpensive booster, I wanted to return to Smithaven Vet because of the quality of care Dr. Baldino provided. I was told flat out by this woman "NO, you can't speak to the vet." She then told me I had to pay BEFORE the service was rendered by a vet tech, which I have never had to do at any vet in my entire life. When I questioned why I was asked to pay in advance when that had never been the case before, the woman snapped "Some services have to be paid in advance, like if you need euthanasia services you have to pay upfront." Dumbfounded, I retorted "Thank you. I will keep that in mind if I ever need euthanasia services from you." This woman's nasty attitude and unprofessional behavior would have been enough to cause me to never return and take my business elsewhere if not for Dr. Baldino.Luckily, there are several other support staff members who have been kind and helpful. If you can avoid interaction this unpleasant rude woman you will have a 5 star experience at Smithaven Vet. Read Less