Animal Health Center

My senior dog had fallen down the stairs and couldn’t walk, so we needed to take him in right away. Animal Health Center was the only place we could get an appointment on short notice so we took him there. Two months and a couple thousand bucks later and we were still going every two weeks. Dr. Haroush is very nice, as are the staff. However, he kept recommending expensive tests like an MRI ($ 1750), and then a $ 600 sonogram and blood test to determine the state of his anemia that was discovered. He gave me the sense that any other vet would recommend the same things, but when I took him to Croton Animal Hospital for a second opinion, the wonderful Dr. Gustavson said no, neither an MRI nor a sonogram is not really necessary. He did the most minimal blood test and then recommended that a radiologist review the x rays which only cost $ 180. Dr. G also said that both the steroid shots and the pain medication prescribed by AHC were also not necessary.
I do love that AHC let me drop off my dog in the morning for an afternoon appointment, I DON’T like that they examine him while I’m not there, then call me and then my wife urgently (when they couldn’t reach me) to discuss the results of the exam. That’s what my appointment is for.
I did not get a warm feeling from this practice, and I felt that there were not enough options presented that took into account our financial restrictions. He gave lip service to the idea that perhaps we wouldn’t do all the tests he was recommending, but didn’t provide alternatives. When I was checking out the last time and refusing the «just-​in-​case» antibiotics he wanted to prescribe, he asked if I had health insurance for myself — he said it’s a good thing that I do so I don’t have to make these kinds of decisions about my own health. A valid point, but quite said in a pretty insensitive way that left me with a bad feeling. If you have unlimited money to spend on your pet’s health, then I would recommend going here. Otherwise, I suggest going somewhere else.

AHC advertises on their website:
«Animal Health Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your pet has a medical emergency, please telephone us immediately at 914−984−5812. Our dedicated team of veterinarians and technicians are here to provide expert care for your pet. NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY IF YOUR PET IS SERIOUSLY SICK OR INJURED.»
Today I called with a serious emergency (my dog ate something poisonous) and the receptionist insisted the earliest the vet could see my dog was the following day. I explained the urgency of the request and that I was new to the neighborhood. Nothing. Not even a suggestion on who I could call.
I consulted Unilocal and found Katonah-​Bedford VCA (a 25 minute drive further) who welcomed us immediately and provided superb care.
When your pet needs urgent medical care you want a Veterinarian that is helpful and compassionate. Animal Health Center turned their back on us.
Don’t go here.

Dr. Haroush and all his staff are polite, courteous and treat my animal like family! I don’t know how people can give such horrible reviews, this place and Dr. Haroush are THE BEST!!! Dr. Haroush wouldn’t charge you for tests and procedures if your animal didn’t need them! He explains EVERYTHING that needs to be done. You have the right to say no to any suggestion that he offers or explains to you. It’s DISGUSTING how you Unilocalers are bashing him! He’s an Excellent Vet! Great bedside manner! He has an excellent way with our animals! Awesome staff! Definitely would recommend Dr. Haroush to everyone I know!

Dr. Haroush and the staff at Animal Health Center are outstanding. Not only have I had great experiences with the clinic, I am continually impressed by the facility and all of its offerings and services. Need a doggy day care? They’ve got you covered. This is 24/​hour clinic, which I love! My pets are my children, and I can’t recommend this place enough! You and your fur babies will be in great hands!

I’m writing this now since my dog passed away last summer (not due to anything caused or untreated by this office etc, just old age and bad bones. RIP pup) but I felt the need to speak up about this clinic.
Had a freak ancident with my dog on a Sunday afternoon in early fall of 2013 and needed a vet IMMEDIATELY. Only options were one in White Plains, something far out like Brewster and this place in Briarcliff. So we take her here and meanwhile all of us are freaking out nervous for the sake of the dog and wondering how much its going to cost (she was old to begin with so anything expensive and invasive put her and us in limbo.)
NO ONE is there but us and it takes this doctor more than 20 mins to finally meet with us. Hes calm as a goddamn quaalude and barely listens to a word we are saying. To the point that he is calmly talking over us and not taking our observations and experience with the dog for shit. Immediately I’m onto this guy. He claims the dog will need invasive surgery, an expensive MRI and all this bs. Meanwhile he didn’t show us the simple x-​ray he took claiming her lung was about to be puncured. Then we start talking money. The guy was literally bartering with us over prices. WHAT THE GODDAMN, am I in the twilight zone of vet offices???
Long story short, they keep our dog for about 48 – 72 hours and she doesnt need surgery at all. He claims he was able to fix her with just some numbing solution, etc. Really??? My dog came out so doped up, idk wtf he did to her. From the start I never trusted the guy but I am thankful that my pup was able to spend another year with us. The front desk girl/​doctors assistant was the biggest turn off as well. I came during my lunch break to check on the dog since they never called like they said they would. she says to me ‘aww youre so cute being so concerned!’… She’s lucky her glasses arent permanently embedded into her skull. Who the hell says that to someone??? I dont care if its ‘only a dog’ bc thats like my child. STFU.
Bottom line, everytime I hear this office come up in convo or online, whatever, I cannot express enough to find another place to go if you can. I think this guy is a total crack pot and will find anyway to get you to pay more than necessary for bullshit things and he can’t even legitimize the prices and services. Don’t risk your money and even more your pet’s life.

Was fooled by Google Reviews into thinking the Animal Health Center was a quality clinic to bring a pet. I was so, so wrong. This place is the definition of a scam. Haroush will patronize you, claim you need services that come to find out, you do not, and offer complimentary things like baths or nail trimmings that seem great until you look at the rest of the bill.
The other reviewers are not exaggerating their displeasure. We now go to another vet and they expressed their dismay when we mentioned we took our dog to the Animal Health Center and Haroush. When other vets shudder at the mention of this place, you know it’s bad.
Do not go here.
I paid an obscene amount of money over just two visits. It was my fault to trust this lowlife. Don’t give this guy your money. You and your pet deserve better.

A bill for $ 1100 for simple x-​rays, and some blood work. And… we still have no diagnosis. WTH?!
This guy seemed to be making things up as he was going along, feeling his way around to see how much he could charge us. And the staff were literally laughing at us, as we were concerned about the welfare of our animal. I understand now, how he was able to build such a big complex in the middle of Briarcliff Manor. $ 1100…
I have dealt with sales people my whole adult life, and this was the first time I felt like a doctor took advantage of me. Dr. Haroush is nothing more than a used car salesman, playing on your emotions to charge the hell out of you. $ 1100…
Think twice before going here. The complex is nice, but its only to hide the criminals inside.
I will not be returning.

I have been a client of Dr. Haroush’s for the last 8 years, and have not experienced what the other 2 negative reviewers had. He is expensive, but so are many other vets in the area. He has taken care of 3 of my cats and with all 3, he has not performed any tests or procedures that weren’t necessary for their diagnosis. One of my cats developed an eye ulcer and instead of rushing to perform surgery, Dr. Haroush prescribed 2 kinds of eye medications and waited to see if the eye would heal on it’s own, which it did. If he was a crook or out to rob me blind, he would have told me that surgery was the only option. I wouldn’t trust my animals with any other vet. The techs and assistants are great with my pets, and I like that there are always technicians who stay overnight with the animals when they are there. It’s a comfort to be able to call them at 2am to get an update on how my pet is doing.

This place is a joke. Dr. Haroush is nothing but a salesman. He made us feel guilty for not being to afford more of his services. He was pushy and assertive. and obnoxious. He is there to make money. There was nothing kind about him… it’s not about the animals… it’s about HOW MUCH MORE CAN HE MAKE.
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE