Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital

Service was simply atrocious. We saw Dr. Spindel for a snake with a respiratory infection. The receptionist with whom I made the appointment was snobby and rude. When we got there, the woman at the front desk seemed nice enough, but we waited over 40 minutes after our appointment time. Waited another 10-20 minutes in the room for the doctor. He was immediately off-putting, staying silent for a long while. He asked us questions to test us! When we gave him answers that he deemed not correct, he just looked down and shook his head and laughed. He made fun of my appearance! He handled our snake roughly, keeping her in an uncomfortable position for an unnecessary amount of time and made her bleed and probably broke a tooth. He sent us home with antibiotic injections at $27 a piece. I was charged over $130 for 0.25 mL of medicine. When I called to question this, she told me it was $40/100 mL. I paid for 25,000 doses of antibiotics for this ""injection fee"". Absolutely insane.\r \r Go to Mattydale if you have a reptile. Unfortunately, this guy knows his stuff, but so does Karen Leshkivich and she treats animals with care, and the hospital does not charge you ridiculous inflated prices. I was charged $12 for a complete round of antibiotics last time. We only went to Animal Ark for a second opinion and to broaden our options, but boy did we pay for it.\r \r I wouldn't be surprised if my snake dies a couple days after their ""care"" like all the other reviewer's animals more

My turtle recently had a terrible fall and severely broke his shell. When I showed up I was hysterical and my turtle was gravely injured. Dr. Spindel was able to put my broken turtle back together. He was knowledgable and truly interested in taking the best care of my pet as possible. It was a three month process of medicines and visits, but my turtle is back to his old self. They are expensive, but I don't mind paying for great treatment. more

My dog died a few days after surgery at Animal Ark. The services started fine, consultation was good if not a bit high pressured, surgery was done quick, but the after care was terrible. My dog had a blockage in her bowel, during surgery the Dr found she had perforated her bowel. Operation was done on a Fri afternoon, but because they were closing at 11am Sat they rushed me to pick her up Sat morning. I trusted if the Dr said she was ready to go home she was - he's the expert, this was a new situation for me. I was given no instructions or a check list of warning signs to potential complications - in fact the Dr only seemed to indicate she was fully on the mend. While still in the Dr's care that morn she was so weak she had defecated on herself. While she was resting in my lap Sunday night she suddenly started breathing erratically and died - we were stunned. She had been weak since being home (but she had been weak prior to surgery plus she had just had surgery, so assumed this was normal), hadn't eaten (I had forced feed her a little), was drinking a lot but figured this was because she hadn't been drinking much prior to surgery. She had no control of her bladder - I attributed this to the IV and her drinking a lot from being dehydrated. After she passed the Dr told me it must have been her heart. But as I did some research I found all these things I described above were signs of post surgery complications. For example, these were signs of internal bleeding (there was also signs it could have been her heart too, but if the Dr was concerned her heart may be an issue after surgery why wasn't I given a list of a things to watch for that may indicate a heart complication from the procedure?). A simple press of my fingers to her gums and watching the color of the gums from the pressure would have shown me if she was suffering from internal bleeding and I would have rushed her back to the ER. I've never had to care for someone after surgery. I have no idea what to expect as far as recovery. I had been given every indication she was on the mend, no worries. If the Dr had provided say a ""warning list"" of things to be on the watch for after surgery, I would have been wary, more on watch, and I believe she would still be alive today. I had given her her pain meds 90 mins before she died - I read online if you think a dog has internal bleeding don't give them pain meds as they increase the bleeding. A list saying ""If you're pet is still weak or weaker X hours after surgery, check for this"" or ""If your pet still can't control her bowels or bladder X hours after recovery then check for this"" would have gone a long way towards saving her life. I've talked to other vets who were surprised she was dismissed so soon, especially given the perforated bowel, and who said they wouldn't have dismissed her until she was stronger and at least eating and passing waste ok and indicated a 2-3 day period under the care would have been insisted upon following such a procedure. When I questioned the Dr about the rushed dismissal, he claimed after care was offered - it was not. Her surgery was very expensive, but a little bit more to assure a 100% recovery would have been no problem - I would have gone the extra mile to save her. I believe when you enlist the help of a Dr for surgery, you expect quality care from start (ie prior to surgery) thru the surgery thru post care. It was like once the surgery was done, the Dr.'s obligations were done. Now I know, and next time I will make sure I'm more educated and not rely on the Dr. alone, even if it costs me more money (like return trips to the ER to be make sure all is ok if I am seeing warning signs the Dr has told me, or I know of myself, to watch for), because 100% recovery is the only goal. Do your research and make sure you get a Dr. who will make sure you are as informed as possible to assure your pets recovery follow surgery. more

i just lost my kitten at 3:40 today i guess u guys said she had to broken hips and a punktier lun we miss u rosey but at lease u are not in any more pain love u more

I would like to say that the care for birds was exceptional. We ""had"" a sun con yard that had surgery yesterday for an egg that was outside the womb. It was successfully removed. We picked up our beloved bird several hours after the surgery. She was ok but something went wrong over night. By 5:45 am the next morning we could tell she was in serious trouble. We call our vet and were told to contact the emergency vets and were told that there was not an avian vet available and we would have to take our bird to Cornell. This is the 2nd time in 2 years we were told that. Sadly there was not time to drive 2 hours to Cornell. Our bird died a terrible death at 7:29 am today in the parking lot of our vet, who was suppose to open at 7:30. Once they opened the doors we were told he was not there and was at another office. We are deeply grieved by our bird's death. After we buried her we called the ""emergency"" vet only to find out that they have never had an avian vet on staff and that the only place for emergency service for an avian emergency was indeed at Cornell. I called our vet's office to advise of this. Our vet is a ""great"" vet but unfortunately their answering service and vet need to advise ""if"" there is any emergency the only place to go for help for our ""birds"" is Cornell.....Owners of birds bewarned... more

I have been taking my dogs to Animal Ark for nearly 20 years and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Caring, comapssionate and competent veterinarians, techs and staff make each visit extremely satisfying. They fully explain every procedure and treatment regimine so I can make an informed decision about my dog's care. A year ago at Thanksgiving, my 15 year old dog was very sick. Dr. Lindley recommended an ultrasound at Cornell to assist with her diagnosis and persevered to get us in the day before Thanksgiving. While at Cornell, the doctors told me that my dog wouldn't live until Christmas 2011. With aggressive and imaginative treatment by the Animal Ark staff, she is still thriving over a year later. I can't say enough good things about the Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital and Kennels. more

I highly recommend the Animal Ark, as the most caring compassionate veterinary hospital from the Central NY area. Dr Spindel and his staff are caring professionals who truly care about the well being of animals as well as their caregivers. When my family cat got ill, Dr Spindel provided me with options, alternatives and realistic course of treatments. Dr Spindel even gave me hope and the opportunity to see the medical miracles first hand when removing the spleen on my precious family cat. The Animal Ark will always hold a special place in my heart. They definitely treat everyone and every animal as their own. ;-) Much appreciation to a wonder caring facility. more

I recently left my dog with this place for the weekend, and want to warn any Dog owner's out there to look else where when looking for a place to bring there dog for boarding. My dog was left here for the weekend and when my fiance` picked him up he had sores on his mouth and scabs on his legs. We had called the vet a couple times while away and were told that everything was fine. We also had an exam done(recommended by vet) and none of these things we noted on the exam, but took us only a couple secondsto find them. Also the exam price was changed from what we were quoted over phone. When we our dog home he drank an entire bowl of water in about 2 minutes like he had not had any all weekend. I would not bring him back ever, and encourage all you dog lovers out there to do the same! more

My Bird escaped outside for 24 hours and then ended up sick when i finally got him back. I took him to my vet which is good but i dont think he knows birds to well, so i went to the Animal Ark. This was the best experience i have ever had at a vets office. I would highly recommend these folks. I am in the customer service world and from what i see you can not ask for more from these people. I am not only taking my bird back to them i think i am going to take my dog to them as well. more

Although I'm sure my pets would be well cared for if anything was seriously wrong, I felt like I was being talked down to the entire time the doctor was in with me and my critters for their annual vaccines and checkup, and there was really no reason for it. Unfortunately this is pretty much the only option for anyone with an exotic pet--otherwise I don't think I would be coming back. more

We went to Animal Ark with our new puppy. We saw a traveling vet the first time we brought our brand new puppy in. The second time we saw the vet when he swallowed a Popsicle stick and there was alot of blood on the stick. The vet which was the Vet of Animal Ark stuck his finger down the puppies throat and said that he thinks there might be something down there or possibly not and to keep an eye on the dog's throat to make sure there is no swelling. This took about 2 minutes and he said he needed to leave to catch a plane! This visit cost us over $100.00 as well as the first visit. We also had a quote to have the dog neutered. This was over $500.00!!!!! Also heart worm medication was over $15.00. We decided something was not right and called Liverpool Animal Hospital which the visit was $44.00 including all taxes and the neutering was $200.00 heart worm medication (same exact medication) was $5.00 and the staff was wonderful and answered all questions and gave pointers with a new puppy!!! They were caring and helpful!! I would highly recommend the 5 minute drive to Liverpool!!!!! more

i have been going to animal ark a few years now \r its a little costly but then i have a few too many animals ..he know his stuff and the staff is helpful and kind, i like that they also match internet prices for products they sell because i have 1 dog that takes medication and if i find it online cheaper i just print out that price and shipping if applicable and they give it to you at this price including flea and heartguard stuff .so that saves on the prices -if im concerned about any of my animals they always squeeze me in \r i think its a great place and my animals are not scared either to go there even my dog that takes meds and seems to have to go to see them often actually likes going there ,he has to make the rounds and say hello , and he has had a few things done to him , so even your pet `s will tell u too.. they get 5 stars from me and my chihuahua`s`s`s`,... Pros: available when needed more

Right from the beginning, my experience with Animal Ark was outstanding. Pulling into the parking lot, there's plenty of parking, the grounds are well kept and the building in good shape.\r \r Upon entering, the reception/waiting area is large, clean and orderly.\r \r The entire staff, including reception, veterinarian assistant and Dr. Spindel himself are all very friendly and professional. And they all seemed to love Dakota, my Keeshond.\r \r Dr. Spindel was very friendly and gentle with Dakota, and after an exam, blood test and vaccinations, took a considerable amount of time to chat about various aspects of canine health, including weight & diet, lyme disease and arthritis.\r \r Dakota is pushing 11 years and she's been having a very mild touch of joint pain in her lower front legs over the last year or so, especially when the weather turns for the worst. I explained I purchased a bucket of Synovi G3 shortly after I noticed a slight and occassional limp, and it seemed to help a little.\r \r We discussed this for about 10 minutes, and he recommended keeping her on the Synovi and suggested 5 lbs of weight loss and also informed me of an anti-inflamatory called Deramaxx.\r \r I was extremely pleased with the entire experience, and I have absolutely no reason to even consider a different vet.\r \r Pros: Friendly, professional, engaging, thorough more

There are many veterinaries in the local area. I thought driving by for many years before I got my rescue dog that Animal Ark would be one of those pricy, snooty places. \r \r The morning after I got my dog I realized there was more wrong with her than the obvious obesity. I called and got an appointment with the vet that same day. \r \r After many tests to make sure she was reasonably disease free, weighed, squeezed, tested, poked and prodded I went away feeling that I could care for this dog who needed at that time a lot of care. They clipped her very long nails that were preventing her from walking, prescribed ear meds for 2 types of infection, lotion for two types of skin infections and diet dog food.\r \r I left confident that we received the best care possible. \r I have been back a couple of times for checking the ear infection and the monthly weigh-in and am very pleased not only with the veterinarians themselves (we saw two different doctors) but also with the kindness and knowledge of the staff and techs. \r \r I compared prices of heartworm and Advantix(r) on the internet and their prices are right in line. \r \r The building is well maintained, clean and does not smell like a veterinary. I can't say enough about how well my dog is doing as she is walking regularly (so am I), losing weight and much happier than when she came to us less than 2 months ago. Pros: Treated my ""rescued"" dog with TLC more

I have never met a vet that understands the problems that rabbits face as well as Dr. Spindel. \r \r I have had a total of seven rabbits. The lifespans of my first rabbits were 2-4 years. Since having started going to Animal Ark, my rabbits have lived happily and healthily 8.5 to 13 years. One of my rabbits is now 9 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. My other rabbit (aged 5) has recently been suffering from intestinal troubles, however has made a full recovery.\r \r Over the years, I have gotten the impression that Dr. Spindel respects my knowledge and understanding of rabbits, and that we are working together to enable the rabbits' natural processes help the rabbits to become well.\r Pros: Researches and understands rabbits specifically. more

I used to own Pet Stores in the Syracuse area. While there are many good qualified vets in the area., you can't go wrong using Animal Ark. Now that I no longer onw Pet Stores I use The animal Ark for my own pets and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a excellent vet. He isn't the sheapest but I wouldn't want to save 20% on a bill only to have my pet not cured and still in pain\r Pros: State of the art location in B'ville Cons: I have to drive to B'ville more

I took my ra t Picassa to see Dr. Spindel for a tumor removal. She had been through one already in Buffalo, NY several months ago and had a difficult recovery. I was terrified that her experience the last time would repeat itself but Dr. Spindel assured me that he would take good care of her and she'd be fine. Dr. Spindel took the time to listen to my concerns and told me what to expect. He took her the very same day as he was concerned with how fast it was growing. \r \r Picassa made it through surgery and has had no complications. This I?m confident is due to his expertise and knowledge. The stitches placed were done very well and she has not ripped them out as she has been known to do in the past. I was floored at how different this surgery was than her previous one. The vet certainly does make all the difference.\r \r I have been to several vets in the area that ?see? ra ts but have limited knowledge in their care. Dr. Spindel is by far the best I have found from Syracuse to Buffalo. He puts you at ease from the moment you step through the door and exudes confidence. I am thrilled we have a vet like him in the area and plan to bring all five of my fur kids there in the future. \r \r \r ~DC more

I was kind of flabbergasted to see a bad review about the Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital?..Must have been one of those pet owners with their very own Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine!\r \r To be 100% honest, I would never consider bringing my Beagle to any other veterinarian?. The first thing you will notice is the exceptional staff. Visit the Animal Ark on more then one occasion and you will soon notice that your pet is greeted by their first name upon entrance. Karen will always ensure that you and your pet feel as comfortable as possible.\r \r Our Beagle is at the time in her life where bumps start to appear, and Mom/Dad feel it necessary to run to the vet on a moments notice?.. After removing a few tumors and growths, we were then lucky enough to experience doggy diabetes?..Dr. Spindell eased all or of worries, and had us administering insulin in no time at all. He even sent us home without a bill after our last visit regarding a mysterious bump near our Beagles eye! (It was only a pimple)\r \r Dr. Spindell and his staff will make it crystal clear that your pet is their number one priority. There are plenty of veterinarians across Central New York who are willing to provide medical treatment to your pet. If you are looking for the one who will care about the well being of your pet as much as you do, then Animal Ark is the place to visit!!!!!\r more

My experience with this vet is not as good as the previous reviewer. He appears to have control issues, and treats the patients (pets) poorly (roughly).. In other words, he is not kind. Also, his scientific method appeared to be lacking. more

I was very upset when my cockatiel was brought to an emergency vet over night and diagnosed with an egg that had broken inside of her. She was X-rayed by the ER and I spent a good amount of time and money there. They told me I had to wait it out. Either she passed the pieces of egg or she would die. They told me odds are she would die. Especially after the stress of them handeling her. Great. Lots of fun that night was. \r \r She never passed the egg pieces so I took her to this place the next day. I was greated warmly when I got there, the doctor was incredibly friendly and I felt at ease. He took a quick look at the X-ray and at her and immediately told me she simply had a broken wing and the egg they saw broken inside of her was really just pieces of cuttle bone (something she needs for calcium and eats regularly!). He gave me some calcium drops, told me to change her seed diet to pellets, told me how to prevent her laying if I don't want her to and then sent me on my way. Ultimitely she was perfectly fine and back to herself in no time. \r \r I got great advice, wonderful treatment and left with a smile. =) more