Allentown Animal Clinic

Wonderful!!!!
Dr. Rutkowski has been wonderful every time that we have had our cockatiels seen by her practice. She is very knowledgeable, and took extra time to refresh my bird's memory on perch training (he was just purchased from a pet store, and had not been out of his cage for the entire length of his time there -therefore, he was very hesitant to leave his carrier). He had forgotten the basics of perching on a stick outside of his cage, but after the vet's help, was perching with confidence within minutes. The staff has always been very polite & helpful. They have a loyal customer for life!

Posted 07/29/09 | Report Abuse

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I too have had trouble with the unprofessional, hostile staff at Allentown Animal Clinic. When I questioned the credentials of the veterinarians on staff as to whether they were certified to do orthopedic surgery on my dog, I was berated by the vet assistant and she proceeded to give me a quote as to how many surgeries of this kind the doctor has done in the past (not my question) and that I would have to travel outside of the Lehigh Valley to find board certified orthopedic doctors because "there wasn't any around here". After storming out of the room and returning with the doctor, I told the doctor that I was sorry that the assistant took my questions the wrong way but I thought I had the right to know if their doctors were board certified to do the expensive surgery that my pet needed. Although the doctor was very nice, the assistant processed to argue with me. I asked her specifically not address me anymore because I really didn't not appreciate the attitude or tone she was using and that maybe she should take some customer service training (which she obviously did not have) because she should not be arguing about the care of a client's pet with them. The discussion was with the doctor. She was almost spitting at me as she told me that she would "write it down on my chart" (as she sarcastically pointed to my chart with her pen) that she was not to be the vet assistant for me anytime in the future. I thanked her. The doctor apologized for the unprofessional attitude of her staff and that she didn't know "what brought that on". I asked the doctor if she thought that I was out-of-line by asking about the certifications of the doctors on staff. The doctor was very nice and assured me that I had every right to ask these questions. But quite frankly, the damage had been done. My dog had successful surgery at Valley Central Veterinary Emergency Hospital (which is on Fullerton Avenue in Whitehall) by a board certified orthopedic specialist. BTW - Jill at Allentown Animal Clinic is the gem in the bunch. I was surprised to learn a couple of weeks later that the vet assistant was still employed there. Too bad.

Posted 03/02/08 | Report Abuse

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I have been a client or Allentown Animal Clinic for about 2 yrs now and have been extremely impressed with their knowledge, expertise, as well as the way they have treated me, my family, and my pets. We have mainly dealt with Dr. Sawickij, but have had no problems with the other 2 Dr's when she wasn't available. Most of my neighbors & my family also go here and none of us have had such experiences that are listed below (I know because I asked prior to this posting.) The staff is friendly (except for the office manager) and the prices are reasonable. Especially when you consider the excellent care. I've heard other people complain about prices at other vets and I recommend Allentown Animal Clinic to them.

Posted 12/20/07 | Report Abuse

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I was surprised to read some other reviews of the Allentown Animal Clinic. I have taken my rabbit there for the past 6 years. I have only had wonderful experiences. Although it is only a rabbit and many would believe he doesn't need as much care as a dog or cat, he has overcome many different health issues with the help of the wonderful doctors and staff there. Dr. Elena Sawickij is very knowledgable and shows a lot of care and concern to not only her patients, but their owners as well. The rest of the staff is always available to answer any questions or calm any fears you have about procedures or illnesses. I would recommend them to everyone. As for prices, vet bills do add up quickly, but you would find the same general prices at any other vet. But seriously, how can you put a price on your precious animal? Whether it's $100 or $1000, I'd do whatever it takes to save the life of my pet, and I would only want him in the care of Allentown Animal Clinic. Thank you Dr. Sawickij, Dr. Rutkowski, Dr. Foret and the rest of the staff for your loving care.

Posted 08/08/07 | Report Abuse

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I was warned by others that this was not a quality pet care business but I failed to take the advice and learned by first hand experience. Our dog had been treated on two occasions by a Vet (out of state) for itchy/inflamed ear. Treatment was with anti-bacterial ointment. Came here and took the dog to Allentown Animal Clinic because the ailment continued. We advised them that this problem had been ongoing for some time. An anti-bacterial ointment was prescribed. I questioned that since the ointment hasn't solved the problem was there any other treatment options available? Tests/oral meds? I was told no, that ear problems clear up in time. After several months of ointment and frequent ear cleansing by us on an almost daily basis, the problem continued. Returned to the clinic which advised that they needed to flush the dogs ear. The results we were told was that the ear infection or fungus had spread into the inner ear canal. We were told that a sample from the ear discharge was taken and would be tested identifying the precise bacteria then proper medicine could be prescribed which would hopefully help the situation. I immediately thought way back to the first visit when I asked about other treatment options. Now, I asked this Dr. Judith Rutkowski about why we couldn't have had this done way back on the first visit. Her response was, I quote " That's not what we do" . Unbelievable. After spending lots of time researching the issue I learned that although many ear infections clear up, many others can and often enough progress to middle and inner ear infections that can permanently damage the ear and lead to major surgery. Whether it is an ailment in an animal or human being I think most people would agree that a competent , good , doctor would explain all of the treatment options to someone. I gave a follow-up call to this doctor and despite my being polite and courteous she proceeded to become very hostile and arrogant towards me. I was very shocked that a person involved in business with her education could act this way. She honestly left me with the impression that she is a very mentally unstable person. That is truly my opinion. As a business owner, as most everyone would agree, treating customers fairly, courteously and providing a quality service and/or product is the key to a successfull business. In conclusion, I certainly do not recommend anyone bringing their pets to this facility for care. I only wish I would have checked this website first and seen the other negative ratings/remarks about this place.

Posted 07/18/07 | Report Abuse

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I called to make an appointment for my cat who was showing (I did not know it at the time but have since researched this extensively) classic systems of Urethral Obstruction, a common yet extremely serious condition that if left untreated within 36 hours, becomes fatal for cats. I called explaining the symptoms (lethargy, cries of pain, frequent unsuccessful attempts to urinate, frequent grooming of the genital area, and vomiting) and asked for an appointment ASAP. I was told that they were booked solid all day but could squeeze me in, in the evening. As my cat continued in agony, I called back and demanded to bring him in for observation or I was going to take him somewhere else. They said I could (for an extra fee). He wasnt there more than 20 minutes and I got a call from the vet saying he needed IMMEDIATE surgery or he would not make the next couple of hours. The untrained receptionist put my cats life at risk. They later told me it is not uncommon for them to have 1 or 2 blocked cats per week. How is it possible then that I was told to wait all day before bringing him in? They should have seen him immediately or refferd me to an emergency center. There were many other aspects of my cats ordeal that I was very unhappy about that are too lengthy to write here (including the price which was over $1000 that I have since learned is very high). I strongly DO NOT recommend using this vet. Once my cats follow-up is done, I will NOT be back.

Posted 01/15/07 | Report Abuse

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They are ok if you're just getting yearly shots. But I definitely wouldn't recommend them for anything else. We took our Sheltie in for cold-like symptoms....they immediately assumed kennel cough without exploring any other possiblities (like allergies, etc). I wasn't impressed with their lack of knowledge and quick decision to say "well, it must be kennel cough." I must add that our Sheltie hadn't coughed at all! It wasn't one of his symptoms.

PROS: ok for basic care
CONS: expensive, not very knowledgable

Posted 06/12/06 | Report Abuse

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