Criteria that is of utmost importance to me as a pet owner includes expertise in a field or specialty, bedside manner and consideration of a client's concerns.
One of the first questions I'm asked by the owners of a new puppy is, "Who do you recommend as a veterinarian?"
Criteria that is of utmost importance to me as a pet owner includes expertise in a field or specialty, bedside manner and consideration of a client's concerns.
When it comes to service, I am particularly hard to please. I think this is because of the high standards I set for myself and my employees.
To be included in my list of top veterinarians, all veterinary offices must meet stringent standards of care regarding the handling of pets, minimizing stress during visits, good understanding of animal behavior, post-treatment care and follow-up with client/patient.
Over the years, I have interacted with many veterinarians. Here, I have listed those, who -- in my opinion -- are some of the best in the state. The recommendations are listed by county.
ATLANTIC COUNTY
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (24-hour)
535 Maple Ave.
Linwood
(609) 926-5300
rbvh.net
Veterinarians: By specialty
Specialty: Multidisciplinary
* * *
ESSEX COUNTY
Animal Emergency and Referral Associates
1237 Bloomfield Ave.
Fairfield
(973) 788-0500
animalerc.com
Veterinarian: Emily Levine, D.V.M.
Specialties: Multidisciplinary; behavioral
* * *
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Animal Hospital of Sayreville
257 Oak St.
South Amboy
(732) 727-7739
sayrevillevet.com
Veterinarians: Joe Spinazzola, D.V.M., and Melissa Beck, D.V.M.
Specialties: General practice; diagnostics
* * *
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Garden State Veterinary Specialists (24-hour)
1 Pine St.
Tinton Falls
(732) 922-0011
gsvs.org
Veterinarian: Thomas D. Scavelli, D.V.M.
Specialty: Multidisciplinary (referral only)
Colts Head Veterinary Services
15 Hidden Pines Drive
Clarksburg
(732) 780-7563
coltsheadvet.com
Veterinarian: Elden Klayman, D.V.M.
Specialty: Equine medicine
* * *
SOMERSET COUNTY
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (24-hour)
210 Route 206 South
Hillsborough
(908) 359-3161
rbvh.net
Veterinarians: By specialty
Specialty: Multidisciplinary
* * *
PENNSYLVANIA/SOUTH JERSEY
Penn Vet | Ryan Veterinary Hospital
3900 Spruce St.
Philadelphia
(215) 746-8387
vet.upenn.edu
Veterinarians: By specialty
Specialties: Multidisciplinary; teaching; behavioral
Karen Fazio is a professional behavior consultant and owner of The Dog Super Nanny in Keyport. She also is head of the behavior department at the Animal Hospital of Sayreville in South Amboy.
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