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The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about Veterinary Care Unlimited

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for Veterinary Care Unlimited. We understand that making informed decisions about where to invest your time and money can be challenging, which is why we've created this platform for our community to share their honest feedback about their experiences with Veterinary Care Unlimited.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Veterinary Care Unlimited's products or services. Our reviews are authentic and unbiased, providing you with a complete picture of the company, its products or services, and their customer service.

Whether you're considering doing business with Veterinary Care Unlimited, or you've already had an experience with them, our community's reviews and complaints will give you a valuable perspective on what to expect. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money, and we hope that our platform will be a valuable resource for you.

Please feel free to browse our reviews and complaints and share your own experience with Veterinary Care Unlimited. Your feedback is an important part of our community and will help others make informed decisions.

ComplaintsBoard
J
2:47 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Please DO NOT go to Dr. Paolini! I brought my geriatric rabbit to this vet because she has arthritis and I read that this vet handles exotics. What a mistake! I had my initial visit, which went OK. After the visit my rabbit slowly got worse and I decided to take the next stop by starting her on Adequan, a series of 5 shots every 4-5 days. The vet...

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J
2:43 pm EDT

Veterinary Care Unlimited Scary!

I am a former client who experienced drastic employee turnover at this practice and know that all the caring old-timers are gone. If you are a client of this clinic or want to check it out, do yourself a favor and simply ask their vet techs how long they have been licensed. You will find out that they are barely out of school or are not licensed at all. I did! Only the vet is knowledgeable in this practice, yet 95% of the time you leave your pets in the hands of incompetent staff and management. Another thing, ask where their surgery room is (they won't show it to you!) but it is downstairs where no trained staff monitors your pets before and after procedures.

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Acqnz
, US
Aug 01, 2017 11:31 am EDT

As a former a client AND employee, I must sadly reaffirm all they care about is money. Their books are so mismanaged they owe thousands to Antech (where they send their labwork), Merial (heartgard and flea/tick prevention), and several more. Have you ever wondered why they mostly don't have your item in stock and ask that you log on to their online pharmacy? Because that pharmacy isn't truly their own so it isn't affected by their piss poor accounting. When a new client calls to make an appointment, the receptionists are trained take their name, address, and phone number so that the client is automatically placed on their reminders call back list...meaning, even if your pet isn't due for let's say a Rabies vaccine, the date entered for the due date is the same as your appointment and if you don't show, it'll show on their books as if your pet is "overdue" and they will call you until you come in or block their numbers.

The supoort staff is also forced to go through weeks of "training" when they're first hired to upsell all clients, how to answer the phone so that if you inquire about a price, the staff isn't allowed to answer how much anything is until they tell you how GREAT they are first. Ria (administrator and also the one who avoids all calls from the companies she owes money to, ironically) scares new hires in to going along with this salesperson/telemarketing agenda by saying she has secret shoppers call at random to make sure we were all answering the calls appropriately.

Most times Ria and Dr. Paoloni (they're married) will have a fight so Ria won't go home and instead, sleep over at VCU, obsess over all the little mistakes everyone made, write a billion post its and leave them literally on every surface of the desk (WHY IS THIS HERE? WHY DIDN'T YOU PUT REMINDERS IN FOR THIS CLIENT? WHY DIDN'T YOU TRY TO SELL THEM FRONTLINE?! etc) One time Ria actually started one of our mandatory staff meetings (every week) with "I hate [censor] stirrers" seriously? That's how you start a meeting?

Besides all that, she would give each receptionists packets of all those fake reminders and whoever called and made the most appointments would get a free manicure! Wow! I'm in this field to help clients and their pets, not be a telemarketer to harass people and win free manicures.

Enough about Ria, let's move on to Dr. Paoloni. Sweet as pie, right? Wondering what your pet's bloodwork showed? Be ready to wonder for at least a week (even though it's in her mailbox the following morning) are you calling to speak with Dr. P? Too bad, she's in an appointment. Not really we just aren't allowed to interrupt her with any calls because she's too busy writing her notes for a patient she saw 2 days ago.

Do I sound bitter? To be honest, I was going to let bygones be bygones but apparently charging emoloyees for exams the doctors never did is the usual and that erroneous balance will follow you around for 5 years and they will hire the slimiest collection company to call not only you, but your family. Funny, didn't hear anything from them for years but I guess they're desperate for any pennies they can collect.

PS: If you find a stray kitten etc don't bring them here for them to adopt out etc, they will tell you one thing and then euthanize it.

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Lettipa324
, US
Jan 02, 2013 3:45 pm EST

I am currently a new client at Veterinary Care Unlimited due to my current Veterinary office being wiped out by Sandy and they are now re-building. I have experienced that they are more expensive in a lot of areas then the vet I was going to which I do not understand especially when buying dog food so this tells me that the Vets office sets their own price on what they want to charge. There have been times when I have had to call the office several times for my dogs test results before someone getting back to me and then it would be a message Left on my machine asking me to call back and when I do I get message that the office is currently closed so why not just tell me to call back the next day. Now I don't know if this is due to the lack of communication between the front desk and the doctors or if the Doctors just don't make the time to call.
I am also not crazy about the idea that they do not allow you go into the examining room with the pets just for a routine examination.
So I guess for now I will have to stay Neutral on the other postings as I have not been at this office too long. Lettipa324

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finkstrom04
Howard Beach, US
Feb 22, 2011 10:10 am EST

This sounds like a horror show and I doubt that any of this occured. I can't imagine that this tragic scene took place, I've had 2 pets put to sleep with Dr Paloni and I know that for a fact she gives them some kind of sedative to relax them and when they become sleepy, then she gives them the final shot. Both times, it was done with dignity, respect, and compassion and I cant see her doing it any other way man. So why would this happen to you this way? 45 minutes you waited, PLEASE, you make her sound like a walking monster. but after taking abuse for 14 years, then why did you go to her for the final nail in the coffin? sorry for your loss, I know what that feels like, but this sounds like a MAJOR grudge and theres more to this story than meets the eye. Like they say, theres 2 sides to every story and then theres the truth!

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finkstrom04
Howard Beach, US
Feb 22, 2011 9:52 am EST

Its all about the money right...so I guess you all work for free? Why does everyone think that because they are veterinarians, they should work for free but yet, human Doctors rape the insurance companies but thats ok.
You took abuse for 14 years, must have been terrible for you.

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Lee and Phyllis
Howard Beach, US
Feb 10, 2011 2:19 am EST

WE did have contact withdr. paoloni, she left a message on our
answering machine apologizing for her insensitive staff and
yet no apology could correct this insensitive behaviour !
The fact of the matter is her staff is inappropriate and
should have been replaced'
This is a poorly run practice and numerous clients have left
her practice because of the poor communication of this staff
Maybe she should hire more respectful and sensitive persons
to run her front office and pay her staff a little more instead of
penny pinching and hiring inexperienced and insensitive staff.
you get what u pay for and Dr. Paoloni will pay the price.
Since I left her as a client I dont pay ridiculous prices either.
Imagine charging $6.00 for waste disposal, and my dog gets
complete blood work-ups for half the amount Dr.Paoloni used
to charge me.
There were many issues that Veterinary Care Unlimited was
in fault with but this was the last straw. Our only regret was
to use her services, and the abuse we took for so long monetarily wise and emotional wise!

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Alfonsina R.
New York, US
Nov 04, 2009 6:33 pm EST

I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, Lee and Phyllis. That being said, you said a lot about what was wrong with everything, but did you speak to Dr Paoloni and voice your concerns? Because if you did, you didn't mention it in your post. I would think that after 14/12 years of using this veterinarian you should maybe go in and speak directly to the veterinarian instead of blasting her whole practice online. Maybe she was unaware of what happened to you.

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Lee and Phyllis
Howard Beach, US
Oct 20, 2009 2:13 pm EDT

We brought our canines for over 14 years to Dr. Theresa Paoloni at Veterinary Care
Unlimited. Dr. Theresa Paoloni is a great veterinarian, and Vlasta and Glen are an
asset to her office.

Unfortunately, the front end staff and office manager Dawn leave much to be desired!
It is these women that are ruining the kind and loving office that it was years ago.

Imagine putting your dog to sleep, at our last visit and the receptionist comes into the
room, when you are holding your dog in your arms waiting to be put to sleep and asks
you for the money for the injection.
When we asked if we can send a check in, it was not an appropriate time, she responded
it shouldn't be a problem but she would have to ask the office manager, Dawn, Ria was
not there at the time. The receptionist came in and demanded a check at the request of
Dawn.

I find this to be the most cruel and insensitive act on her behalf. We have been seeing
Dr. Theresa Paoloni since our dogs were a few weeks old. In 14/12 years I did not leave
any balance ever on our account and bills were always paid at the time of our visits.
We have spent endless amounts of time and money at Veterinary Care Unlimited and
feel a grave injustice to the way we were treated on that day when we put our dog to
sleep there.

We also had an appointment at 7:00 p.m. and was called at home to say they had a
cancellation and to bring our beloved animal in at 6:30 p.m. instead.

We had our animal petrified in the car outside shaking for one hour before she was even
brought in to an examination room, where she laid for another 40 minutes before being
seen, petrified, shaking.

Once the decision to put her to sleep was made to put our beloved dog to sleep, it was
another 45 minutes to administer the injections, this in itself was horrific.

It is a sad reflection to think that after 14/12 years of care from Dr.Theresa Paoloni
that in our dog's final hours with us we were treated with disrespect!

It is a sad reflection to think that after 14/12 years, in the final hours it was all about
MONEY!

It is a sad reflection to think that after 14/12 years you resulted in hiring the most
insensitive and inappropriate staff, yes Dr. Paoloni you after 14/12 years have
diminished to a person that we don't really know and just can't comprehend, because
after all, you are the one who gives your staff the protocol to follow and sets the rules.

Hurt and Disappointed

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RPGMAIL
Howar, US
Feb 04, 2009 8:55 am EST

This must have been written by the "Hospital Administrator" herself. The technicians are not licensed. The animals are left without licensed techs when there is no veterinarian around. This place is a mess. I used to take my pets here until it became all about the money and the quality of care went right out the window. What a shame, in her younger days, Dr. Theresa was a fantastic veterinarian. Her administrator became her downfall!

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Stephanie Clark
New York, US
Jan 20, 2009 10:21 am EST

Why even dignify these remarks with a response...why indeed. It is quite apparent, by form and content, that these are nothing but ranting diatribes, author(s) truly unknown, which lend no credence in and of themselves, and should be recognized as such.

Veterinary Care Unlimited has no cause for concern over these unfounded accusations...

I have been a client for over ten (10) years and have never had grounds to doubt the professional abilities of the doctors and staff at Veterinary Care Unlimited. Doctor Paoloni, and all of the support staff of VCU, work tirelessly to provide quality care to each and every one of their patients; which in turn affords peace of mind to their clients. They are entrusted with our pets well- being and it is an undertaking that is not treated lightly.

Whether bringing my cats in for routine check-ups or dealing with a serious medical health issue; which is now the case, I know my pet is receiving the best care that can be provided. At one point early last year hospitalization was necessary for my cat, and while her condition was of concern to me, her treatment and follow up care never were. From Ria handling Hospital Administration and care, to Doctor Paoloni monitoring and treating my cats condition, up to and including the responsibilities of the technicians and support personnel in between, which helps make all of this possible, my cat was able to fully recover.

It offends me as a client that the doctor and staff should be exposed to this kind of bitter and small minded innuendo, because I know better. Everyone at Veterinary Care Unlimited provides their services with heart and soul, you cannot do what they do without it, and they are; as they should very well be, proud of their work and accomplishments. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to work with sickness, life and death in everyday circumstances and still do it with character and respect. This is the essence of Veterinary Care Unlimited.

Our main goals as responsible pet owners should be to ensure that we provide love and proper care for our animals. As in seeking out a qualified doctor for our own health and well being, we should also be seeking out the best veterinary care for our pets, and that comes in the form of Veterinary Care Unlimited.

ComplaintsBoard
B
8:46 am EDT

Veterinary Care Unlimited stay away

I agree with previous posters. I live in the neighborhood and usually accompanied friends and their pets to this vet office. The staff is nice but the manager (I think her name is Ria? Rhea?sp) can be very mean to the staff and abrupt with clients who complain about the long wait and poor service. The receptionists are trained to be very aggressive in selling additional products and procedures, which i'm sure is not their place bec. they are not vetrinarians or vet tech. There is a bad odor in the waiting area where i spent many hours waiting for neighbors, i think it's taken for granted and the staff cannot smell it anymore? Inside the decor was old and dirty and facilities could be improved/updated. The techs are sweet but very young and inexperienced, i met a few decent technicians/asst but somehow i think this place cannot keep good employees 'coz of the work conditions and manager's constant yelling (you can hear it through the doors!). It's funny but it's sad for the animals and the owners of the pet's because they think they are paying for good service but it's not very nice. I would never bring my pet here, but that's just my opinion and everyone is welcome to try it out and form there own. BR

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Acqnz
, US
Aug 01, 2017 12:11 pm EDT

As a former a client AND employee, I must sadly reaffirm all they care about is money. Their books are so mismanaged they owe thousands to Antech (where they send their labwork), Merial (heartgard and flea/tick prevention), and several more. Have you ever wondered why they mostly don't have your item in stock and ask that you log on to their online pharmacy? Because that pharmacy isn't truly their own so it isn't affected by their piss poor accounting. When a new client calls to make an appointment, the receptionists are trained take their name, address, and phone number so that the client is automatically placed on their reminders call back list...meaning, even if your pet isn't due for let's say a Rabies vaccine, the date entered for the due date is the same as your appointment and if you don't show, it'll show on their books as if your pet is "overdue" and they will call you until you come in or block their numbers.

The supoort staff is also forced to go through weeks of "training" when they're first hired to upsell all clients, how to answer the phone so that if you inquire about a price, the staff isn't allowed to answer how much anything is until they tell you how GREAT they are first. Ria (administrator and also the one who avoids all calls from the companies she owes money to, ironically) scares new hires in to going along with this salesperson/telemarketing agenda by saying she has secret shoppers call at random to make sure we were all answering the calls appropriately.

Most times Ria and Dr. Paoloni (they're married) will have a fight so Ria won't go home and instead, sleep over at VCU, obsess over all the little mistakes everyone made, write a billion post its and leave them literally on every surface of the desk (WHY IS THIS HERE? WHY DIDN'T YOU PUT REMINDERS IN FOR THIS CLIENT? WHY DIDN'T YOU TRY TO SELL THEM FRONTLINE?! etc) One time Ria actually started one of our mandatory staff meetings (every week) with "I hate [censor] stirrers" seriously? That's how you start a meeting?

Besides all that, she would give each receptionists packets of all those fake reminders and whoever called and made the most appointments would get a free manicure! Wow! I'm in this field to help clients and their pets, not be a telemarketer to harass people and win free manicures.

Enough about Ria, let's move on to Dr. Paoloni. Sweet as pie, right? Wondering what your pet's bloodwork showed? Be ready to wonder for at least a week (even though it's in her mailbox the following morning) are you calling to speak with Dr. P? Too bad, she's in an appointment. Not really we just aren't allowed to interrupt her with any calls because she's too busy writing her notes for a patient she saw 2 days ago.

Do I sound bitter? To be honest, I was going to let bygones be bygones but apparently charging emoloyees for exams the doctors never did is the usual and that erroneous balance will follow you around for 5 years and they will hire the slimiest collection company to call not only you, but your family. Funny, didn't hear anything from them for years but I guess they're desperate for any pennies they can collect.

PS: If you find a stray kitten etc don't bring them here for them to adopt out etc, they will tell you one thing and then euthanize it.

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finkstrom04
Howard Beach, US
Mar 17, 2011 10:08 am EDT

What the hell do you know about anything that goes on in New York. Mind your business and stay in the UK. Apparently, you have no life so you post over 140 comments just so you have someone to talk to. Sad!

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finkstrom04
Howard Beach, US
Feb 22, 2011 10:20 am EST

I have lots of credibility, you want test it?

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finkstrom04
Howard Beach, US
Feb 22, 2011 9:38 am EST

I think all the negative comments are a bunch of garbage and are all a bunch of lies. Most of them DO sound like they have too much information than the regular Joe and probably are employees that got their [censor] fired and rightfully so. I have been going to Veterinary Care Unlimited since I was a kid going with my Mom and Dad. Fifteen years later, I have my own menagerie of pets as my parents did and my wife and in laws have been going there for years. I have only RESPECT for Dr Paoloni and the people that work there. They are professionals that love what they do. All I hear from these bogus complaints are beware of whats behind closed doors. Well, how do you know what is behind closed doors if you never worked there? And all the other complaints that say its all about the money, WELL...who among any of you work for free? Do ANY of you get up in the morning, go to work, bust your [censor] and when its time to get paid say ...OH NO, I cant allow you to pay me, I would rather do this for free because that is what I went to school for some 10 or more years and thats how I roll? Why shouldn't we expect to pay our veterinarians for their work? We pay our own Doctors, we pay $100.00 to take the family to the movies or a ballgame, we pay athletes 65 millions dollars and we pay $5.00 to get a damn aspirin when we are in the hospital. Dr Paoloni has every right to get paid for what she does, because she is the best. I've been born and raised in Howard Beach all my life and I've heard of the horror stories about the other Doctors in this neighborhood. Why are people looking for the cheapest veterinarian when if you LOVE your animals, aren't you looking for the best...and the best cost more, thats just a fact of life. You all complain that its all about the money so when its time to buy your kid a new iphone, see if you don't have to pay Verizon for the phone and if they say NO, you can't have the phone, then are they all about the money?
I have only praise for Dr Paoloni and the other female Doctors there, I have mad respect for the staff that work there, but maybe we should ask them not to get paid either. They certainly don't make a helluva lot of money but they do it out of love, but they certainly can't do it for free. As for the comment throwing all those names around, board of this and board of that, you don't even make any sense. Its unfortunate that any of the truthful comments written here probably won't stay up on the site because lets face it, its the complaints board right? Give me a break, you are all full of [censor]. Freedom of speech is one thing but this is out and out unlawful the [censor] that is written about Dr Paoloni and her hospital. I'm out.

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Duval H
, US
Jul 27, 2010 10:30 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

VET CARE...VERY LIMITED

This place is terrible! I don't even know how they manage to stay open. Expensive, don't have enough staff for the amount of pets they see, are involved with many on-going lawsuits. If you go here, don't leave sight of your pet...you'll be sorry you did. Better yet, just go somewhere else!

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MCS
Jamaica, US
Dec 18, 2008 12:06 pm EST

You should be appalled by this clinic not the site. You can do what you wish, but please do not post if you have no idea of the circumstances involved—which is quite evident. I have been in contact with a few people here and many of other that have not even posted—they are not fictitious . We absolutely stand by anything written here and will substantiate it completely! As will The Veterinary Board of Directors, N.YC. Veterinary Medical Assoc., The State Board for Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Board of Governors, as well as The Humane Society of the United States and (PAWS) Progressive Animal Welfare Society who have all been contacted and have the records. If you wish any information can be obtained through them.
We would not be wasting our time if any of this was not true. I’m sure you or anyone else would have some resentment as well if your pets had needlessly died in the hands of a clinic that they trusted and still continued to operate, putting other pets in danger.

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lindaperr
Woodhaven, US
Dec 02, 2008 9:11 am EST

I HAVE BEEN A CUSTOMER OF VETCARE SINCE 1998. MY DOG AND I HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH KINDNESS AND THE STAFF ALWAYS TREATS MY DOG WITH SUCH CARE HE RECENTLY UNDER WENT SURGERY AND THE THE STAFF WAS SO KIND AND CARING, AND I FEEL MY PET IS IN GOOD HANDS WITH DR. PAOLONI AND HER STAFF. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A LONG WAIT, IT IS ALWAYS A MUCH SHORTER WAIT THAN WHEN I VISIT MY DOCTORS OFFICE. I WANT TO THANK DR. PAOLONE AND HER STAFF FOR ALWAYS TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF MY DOG, HIS NAME IS BABY. I WILL RECOMMEND VETCARE UNLIMITED TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS A GOOD VET.

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Maureen
,
Nov 14, 2008 11:09 pm EST

I am appalled that this site is permitted to allow any person to write whatever they so please without substantiation.
I think that legal action should be taken by Veterinary Care Unlimited. For the record, none of the accusations stated in previous e-mails are accurate and I will meet these so called "people" at the hospital face to face and ask them to show proof. I have been a client of Vet Care unlimited since 1995 and NEVER in my life have I ever heard of such nonsense that these people write about! It is so disgusting that I think this site should be shut down...lets see if you print what I have to say! Dr. Paoloni is the most kindest, competent veterinarian that I have ever met in my 72 years on this good earth. I believe that it is my mission now to bring these mean hearted liars to reap what they sow and will form a petition to make them show themselves for the cowards that they are. How can you just allow anyone to tarnish the reputation of an individual who has brought so much compassion to our community? It is downright dreadful of you!
I stand by Veterinary Care Unlimited and will challenge anyone to meet me there and show their cowardly faces. It sounds like someone has a grudge and this is the only way they can get back at the hospital...be an adult and make your complaints public knowledge and face to face...sounds like "ficticious names" to me anyway...I will get a petition together and bring notice to this awful site! Now print this would ya?

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Ella Ridge
,
Jun 09, 2008 7:24 am EDT

I agree with these comments. This veterinary hospital is responsible for the death of my longtime friend/cat. The quality of animal care that is given at this animal hospital is way below average. Dr. Paoloni cannot manage to keep her staff, the turnover is amazing. It is basically because the hospital is run by a tyrant of an office executive - Ria. The veterinarian cannot seem to keep her under control and has now become just as embarrassing as she is. Walking into this office you can feel the unpleasantness of what will be your day long wait to see the doctor, get a quick misdiagnosis and then a very large bill at the desk. There used to be a fantastic receptionist there, Michelle, but she too was driven out by the "executive staff" to put it nicely. The quality of care is unbelievably sub-standard. I wouldn't bring a dying rat to this hospital.

ComplaintsBoard
S
12:00 am EST

Veterinary Care Unlimited A Betrayal Of Trust

I recently took my beloved 8 year old pet bird "Mighty" to Veterinary Care Unlimited in Ozone Park, to be examined for a slightly swollen abdomen. I was told by Dr. Theresa Paoloni, the veterinarian in charge and clinic's owner, to bring my pet back the next morning for testing. That morning, my pet had eaten, and his behavior was normal —singing, flying, and playing.

Because of the clinic's overbooked schedule, I had to leave him there all day for an just an X-ray and a blood test. My pet was not released until 7pm that evening. I tried to speak to the doctor several times to discuss the results of the tests but was unable to.

It wasn't until I brought him home that I noticed that he was extremely, and very noticeably dehydrated, and disoriented. It was evident to me that he had not eaten or had drank anything all day. It seemed the clinic had not even checked my pet's, and also just before discharge.

That evening his condition started deteriorating rapidly, and died only three hours after discharge. He suffered for the last thirty minutes of his life. When Dr. Paoloni/Veterinary Care Unlimited was notified that my pet had died, her only response was that the bird was very sick, and hung up on me! If as she claims he was very sick, why were such stressful tests performed? Why was immediate hospitalization not advised? Why was an oral antibiotic— to be administered at home—the only treatment provided with a follow-up visit two days later?

It is the clinic's responsibility to ensure quality care and to monitor every pet's condition while in its care. I believe that my pet's death was caused and precipitated by improper care and monitoring by Dr. Paoloni/ Veterinary Care Unlimited. Negligence and malpractice, and a lack of communication played a critical role in the death of my pet.

After requesting the medical reports for two months I had to file a subpoena in court to be able to retrieve them. These records showed discrepancies and misstatements as to what happened. A Board Certified Avian Vet examined the medical records and concluded that blatant errors, and misdiagnoses were made. I tried to take this my case to Small Claims Court but unfortunately this vet was not able to appear in court as my expert witness.

I feel it is only a matter of time before this happens again to other pets at this clinic. I will always wonder if Mighty would still be alive today if he had been taken care of differently.

Read full review of Veterinary Care Unlimited and 15 comments
Update by SK
Apr 16, 2008 12:00 pm EDT

I agree with the previous postings: VCU's staff is very young and I believe inexperienced.

Before Mighty was discharged I repeatedly asked to see Dr. Paoloni because I was concerned about his condition, I was told she was not available. Sure, she was just too busy! It took almost two months of calling almost every day and a subpoena from a court judge for her to even release the medical records. When I received the records I noticed that there were discrepancies, and what I believe was false information.

I was afraid of this happening to other pets at VCU. Sure enough, I was recently contacted by someone who also lost a beloved pet soon after a visit to VCU under very similar circumstances.

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Acqnz
, US
Aug 01, 2017 12:08 pm EDT

As a former a client AND employee, I must sadly reaffirm all they care about is money. Their books are so mismanaged they owe thousands to Antech (where they send their labwork), Merial (heartgard and flea/tick prevention), and several more. Have you ever wondered why they mostly don't have your item in stock and ask that you log on to their online pharmacy? Because that pharmacy isn't truly their own so it isn't affected by their piss poor accounting. When a new client calls to make an appointment, the receptionists are trained take their name, address, and phone number so that the client is automatically placed on their reminders call back list...meaning, even if your pet isn't due for let's say a Rabies vaccine, the date entered for the due date is the same as your appointment and if you don't show, it'll show on their books as if your pet is "overdue" and they will call you until you come in or block their numbers.

The supoort staff is also forced to go through weeks of "training" when they're first hired to upsell all clients, how to answer the phone so that if you inquire about a price, the staff isn't allowed to answer how much anything is until they tell you how GREAT they are first. Ria (administrator and also the one who avoids all calls from the companies she owes money to, ironically) scares new hires in to going along with this salesperson/telemarketing agenda by saying she has secret shoppers call at random to make sure we were all answering the calls appropriately.

Most times Ria and Dr. Paoloni (they're married) will have a fight so Ria won't go home and instead, sleep over at VCU, obsess over all the little mistakes everyone made, write a billion post its and leave them literally on every surface of the desk (WHY IS THIS HERE? WHY DIDN'T YOU PUT REMINDERS IN FOR THIS CLIENT? WHY DIDN'T YOU TRY TO SELL THEM FRONTLINE?! etc) One time Ria actually started one of our mandatory staff meetings (every week) with "I hate [censor] stirrers" seriously? That's how you start a meeting?

Besides all that, she would give each receptionists packets of all those fake reminders and whoever called and made the most appointments would get a free manicure! Wow! I'm in this field to help clients and their pets, not be a telemarketer to harass people and win free manicures.

Enough about Ria, let's move on to Dr. Paoloni. Sweet as pie, right? Wondering what your pet's bloodwork showed? Be ready to wonder for at least a week (even though it's in her mailbox the following morning) are you calling to speak with Dr. P? Too bad, she's in an appointment. Not really we just aren't allowed to interrupt her with any calls because she's too busy writing her notes for a patient she saw 2 days ago.

Do I sound bitter? To be honest, I was going to let bygones be bygones but apparently charging emoloyees for exams the doctors never did is the usual and that erroneous balance will follow you around for 5 years and they will hire the slimiest collection company to call not only you, but your family. Funny, didn't hear anything from them for years but I guess they're desperate for any pennies they can collect.

PS: If you find a stray kitten etc don't bring them here for them to adopt out etc, they will tell you one thing and then euthanize it. Their surgery suite is in the basement and there's no monitoring system to make sure all pets recover from anesthesia OK.They do guesswork and google for exotics for the most part.

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Alfonsina R.
New York, US
Apr 22, 2016 8:35 am EDT

I'm sorry for your loss. I have been going to vet care unlimited for a bit under 19 years. I have only had positive experiences. I have taken several pets there including my African grey parrot and have been very satisfied.

I have boarded my pets with Dr Paoloni and everything has gone well. I actually have 2 cats with cancer who need daily medication (one very recently diagnosed). I can't leave them with family etc when I go away because of them having to be medicated. I will not hesitate to leave them with VCU because I've had to leave them there when they were sick in the past and I've never had a problem.

Again I am sorry for your loss as I know how difficult it is to lose a pet/family member

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J. Hurley
Brooklyn, US
May 07, 2013 1:10 pm EDT

Please DO NOT use this veterinarian! I brought my rabbit in when I read online that Dr. Paolini specialized in exotic animals. What the website didn't tell me is that she barely had any contact with rabbits before my visit. My rabbit has arthritis and I thought I was going to learn what I can do to help her with the pain of getting older. Every time I asked the doctor a question, she ran to the back to look it up on her computer. After the initial visit my rabbit got worse, I started Adequan shots. The shots require me to go in every 4-5 days for a total of 5 shots. The vet tech is supposed to handle this so I don't get charged a vet fee. On the third shot, the vet tech screwed up on the shot and told me she didn't think she got all of the medication in. The vet NEVER came out to make me feel more at ease and when I asked for her to assess the situation, I was told that she'd charge me extra for a vet appointment and that everything would be fine. FINE? What kind of care is that? I will NEVER go back to this vet and I hope nobody who has an exotic animal will either.

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lindaperr
Woodhaven, US
Dec 05, 2011 8:04 pm EST

I have brought my dog Baby to Dr. Paoloni since 1998. I have always trusted everyone to take good care of my dog and he always received the best of care. This March he started filling with fluids in his chest, he was diagnosed with Congested Heart Failure, he had stage four heart murmur, i was told he should be euthanize but emotionally i was not ready, They drained him that day of the fluid and every week i brought him in and then April 30 2011 he had a slight stroke. I knew it was time and everyone at Vetcare Unlimited was so kind and caring, not only for my dog but for me. I know Baby had the best care and for that I am grateful to everyone at VCU. If I ever get another dog I would bring him to VCU because I know my pet would always get quality care.

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Fyrecat
Kew Gardens, US
Jul 28, 2011 3:51 pm EDT

I'm sorry that others have had negative expriences, mine is quite the opposite. Dr. Paloni saved the life of my eldest cat Bella when 2 other vets had missed her ailment, because none thought to test for it, as it's very rare in cats in the US-just about unheard of. Dr. P found it, treated Bella, and as a result Bella is now enjoying life at 15.
She and her staff have never been anything but wonderful to any of our animals. When we rescued a cat last year, it was Dr. P who diagnosed and found the mammery tumor that would otherwise have claimed her life. She did the surgery and helped refer us to an oncologist for chemo!
When another of my cats was rescued, his neutering was botched at another vet. When we got him, he was ill and had an infection. Dr. P and staff were so compassionate and kind, and took him right in and treated him.
We have found everyone there incredibly kind and caring. We love Rhea, and Dawn, and everyone who's come in contact with us. We have never felt that people didn't get back to us, we always get follow up calls. Dr. P. calls us back with results and updates as she gets them. We have always felt cared for and felt our animals mattered to all the staff there.
I am sorry for the loss of the original posters bird. I don't know what happened as I wasn't there and I know how devestating the loss of any precious animal can be.
I can say honestly that my experience with VCU has been a good one, and I believe 3 of my cats might not be here today if it wasn't for Dr. P and her staff.

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S. Clark
Howard, US
Mar 05, 2011 8:42 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I'm sorry for the loss of your pet, but unfortunately your rant is about money. You are complaining about a charge for services that are provided for in every hospital and medical facility. You mention that you work in the medical field - well check with your coding department because CPR is a valid charge. You may not see it, it would probably be an ambiguous charge, but it would be there. You want to try and smear Dr. Paoloni's good name on a public forum such as this because she provided you with a clear and concise bill! Would you have been happier with a inclusive generalized bill - I think not! You mention that Dr. Paoloni was not available when you called - how about you try calling back. I am a long time client of Vetcare Unlimited, if she is not available at the time, Dr. Paoloni always gets back to her clients. Civil discourse is a lost art in todays environment.

It seems as if your dog had already had health issues because it was an older dog. You make no mention as to what your other veterinarian was unable to do for your dog, other than be unavailable for you. And I find it quite telling that you go back to Dr. Paoloni, where you knew that all efforts would be made to save your dogs life, and then you want to trash her for being a responsible doctor in showing you exactly what you were being charged for.

If anyone should be ashamed it should be you. I'm sure the satisfaction you thought you would get in submitting your post, was fleeting, at best.

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lyssaq
Howard Beach, US
Feb 09, 2011 6:16 pm EST

I think that Dr. Theresa Paoloni is more concerned about her pockets than the animal and their owners! Recently my dog of 14 years passed away. I brought her to Dr. Paoloni's office in hopes that the staff there could help her. I used to take my dog there and stopped because I found that Dr. Paoloni's prices were outrageous and everytime I went there with my dog I felt that she would nickle and dime me. So when my dog got really sick and the Vet that I had switched her to was not in I in good faith took her back to Dr. Paoloni's office. I was told my dog was really sick and needed an operation. I agreed to that because I wanted to do everything to save my baby. The Vet that was there that day was AMAZING! I felt she really cared and explained what was going on really well. My dog had gone through the surgery fine and I was advised that I should bring the dog to the hospital for overnight monitoring because if anything happened through out the night there are doctor's on staff to be with the dog and I can bring my dog back to Dr. Paoloni's office in the morning. So I was told the dog would be released at 6:30 that night. When I got there one of the staff members told me that the Vet was downstairs with my dog and that she wasn't doing that well. A few minutes later I was told that my dog had died. Heartbroken I left there with out her collar so the next day my husband went there to pick it up and was given the bill. As I was looking over the bill I see that I was charged a CPR fee of $200. I was outraged. I called up to try to speak with Dr. Paoloni and find out why she would do that. Of course she wasn't in and the girl that I spoke to told me that she couldn't do anything about the bill. Now I am no stupid person I actually work in the medical field in a hospital. I know that Medical care and Veterinary care are different but I do know that ALL Doctor's take an oath to save lives and try the best to save a life. Is Dr. Paoloni that hard up for 200 dollars that she charges money to do her job. I have no problem with any other charges except that one. I think it is unethical of Dr. Paoloni and HEARTLESS! She should be ashamed of herself!

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lindaperr
Woodhaven, US
Dec 02, 2010 1:18 pm EST

Vetcare Unlimited has taken care of my dog since 1998. He has had numerous ailments and the staff has always been curtious and helpful. Dr Paoloni and Dr. Miglorino are responsible for my dog still being here. In September he was having breathing problems, since this was 2AM I had to take him to an emergency vet. He was put into a oxygen cage and I was told his tongue is turning blue he needs to stay in the oxygen cage. They told me I will probably have to euthanize him because they did not feel he would survive outside the oxygen. I called Vetcare Unlimited and left a message for them to contact emergency vet to discuss my dog's situation. Well thanks to Dr. Paolini and Dr. Miglorino after speaking to emergency vet, they came up with medication the emergency vet should try for my dog. After speaking to Dr. Paoloni that day she felt that medication would help him and she really calmed my fears. He came home the next day. I think that Vetcare Unlimited takes excellent care of my dog. Over the years I would have to leave my pet at Vetcare for teeth cleaning or tests, He loves going to the Vet. He gets plenty of love from the staff while he is there. I would recommend Vetcare to anyone who is in need of a good veterinarian. The office is clean, the staff is always curtious.

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Duval H
, US
Jul 27, 2010 10:31 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

VET CARE...VERY LIMITED

This place is terrible! I don't even know how they manage to stay open. Expensive, don't have enough staff for the amount of pets they see, are involved with many on-going lawsuits. If you go here, don't leave sight of your pet...you'll be sorry you did. Better yet, just go somewhere else!

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AlfieRosinsky
, US
Nov 04, 2009 7:51 pm EST

I think Theresa Paoloni and Tiffany Miglorino are the best vets around and I've gone to many of them around the area. The staff has always been respectful and very nice to me. I've been going there for over 13 years and have not had any problems. Are they the cheapest around? No but I would say they are middle of the road as far as prices go. In addition, I have noticed that they have correctly diagnosed what others could not. I love the fact that they give me the whole picture of what is can be done and give me some options as to how aggressively I want to go.

I do a very (very) small kitten rescue and I can't even tell you how often they have given me medications and visits without even charging me.

About 3 months ago, I found a very emaciated, elderly, toothless cat with his leg dangling and shattered. I called VCU but they were closed because they were having a training class for their employees. Jesssica answered the phone anyway and asked me to hold on. Then, Dr Paoloni got on the phone and said "What's going on?" I explained the situation and told me to come right in. I did, knowing that the cat would have to be euthanized. Dr. Paoloni examined the poor cat and did in fact have to humanely euthanize him. Do you know what she charged me? Nothing!

This doctor is dedicated to her patients and their humans. I would never switch veterinarians and if I ever do have a problem, I will be sure to ask, without attacking, if I could speak to her privately.

That's my 13 year experience with Dr. Paoloni and her staff.

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