We love Dr. Chen and Dr Su. They are caring thoughtful and never rush through an exam. I always feel like they love my pups too and they care for them as they would their own. I always feel like my pups are getting the best care. I’m grateful we found them 7 years ago, one of our pups was so sick. He was only 2 at the time (We have learned he has eosinophilic IBD) Dr. Chin and Dr. Su helped us get him on a diet and prescription plan that has given him the best quality of life, an we’ve enjoyed the past 5 years symptom free of that terrible disease. Thank you for all you do for our fur babies.
Being I was scheduled to have a phone call today with the manager /owner and she never called me ..I do have to get beyond this and hoped the phone call with what really went on that night would help me. Her answer to my review was very well written but not all true ! First your team made no efforts with me for support. I made an appt for my other dog (to get her records ) and asked to have the appt with Dr chin. A sat read my heartfelt letter of what I heard and wanted to know y tom cudnt go with her he said I was a liar and tom never ask him. The one thing we want everyone to know is we assumed Bella was going down in toms arms with 2 needles as our other dogs. We had no clue they were putting and IV thru her arms That all her life she had issues with and shud be in her file ! Those 6 screams weren't from a neurological sick dog for a month they were the real Bella fighting for them to stop and I knew from the first scream. So Dr chens remarks about Bella weren't nice or true .. and the moment he got defensive I knew it was over.
This review is very hard to write because for 40 years Deer Park Animal Hospital was a 10 out of 10 for our family. Over time it lost its warm, personal feeling due to corporate changes, but we stayed because our dogs’ records were there.
This review is about the experience we had on the day we brought our dog Bella to be put down and we can never walk into that place again. We rescued her from Texas, and after 11 years she became very sick quickly. After many tests, we learned she had extremely high blood pressure and neurological issues. She lost her vision, did not recognize us, , and could barely walk. We knew it was time.
In the past, euthanasia there was peaceful. I would go in the room say my emotional goodbyes due to the fact I am not able to watch anyone I love die . My husband stayed with our dogs and it was quick and calm. This time Bella was taken out of the room, and my husband was not allowed to go with her. He asked twice and was told no, without explanation.
While I waited, I heard Bella start screaming, yelping, and crying in pain. I became hysterical. Bella had always had a severe issue with her paws being touched, something that should have been known. My husband always held her during procedures. We were never told they would try to place an IV, and Dr. Chin later said he attempted it six times. He described her as fighting due to neurological issues, but that was simply how Bella always reacted. If my husband had been there, this could have been avoided.
No dog should be separated from their owners in their final moments, and no owner should have to sit and listen to their pet in distress. Putting a dog down is hard enough but always was a peaceful, calm process, and this was a nightmare .
A week later I met with Dr. Chin, hoping for compassion and answers, especially why Tom was not allowed to be with her and why he was not told where they were going and what they were doing. Instead, after pouring my heart out he was very defensive, denied Tom asked to go with her, and told me to see a grief counselor. I already have, but they cannot help me process what I heard.
While I was listening to Bella screaming I was hysterical and not one person in that office comforted me or said a word to me.
I am writing this to warn other pet owners at that final moment to know exactly what will happen and never leave your pet alone at the end. We thought we understood the simple process based on past peaceful experiences, but this was very different.
I am still dealing with this every day and cannot talk about Bella without crying about the way she died and how I listened to her screaming and wasn't able to do anything for her .
When I returned for Bella’s ashes, a staff member named Jenn showed genuine compassion. She hugged me, cried with me, and walked me to my car. The world needs more people like her.
I would really prefer not reading what the owner has to say. I certainly feel that a phone call from him would show some real feelings .
4/20/26
We have been taking our 14 year old Maltipoo 3 times a week for several months to Deer Park Animal Hospital for hydration. The receptionists are amazing. They are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and compassionate. Even when the office is hectic they are always polite and courteous. Patty, Chris, and Dana are marvelous along with the rest of the staff. They notify the techs as soon as we arrive and they hydrate Sami quickly. The techs are warm and friendly as well as gentle and compassionate with Sami. The entire process is quick and flawless. We are in and out in only a few minutes. A very pleasant office and veterinary practice!!
Lorraine and Fred Catalano
4/18/26
Saw Dr. Chen again for our 14 year old Maltipoo ,Sami, with chronic kidney failure. He is extremely knowledgeable and explains exactly what to expect as her symptoms progress and modifies his treatment accordingly.He is ALWAYS completely accurate. Dr. Chen is very compassionate with Sami and also compassionate and sympathetic with us. He is wonderful at guiding us and Sami through this very difficult time.Because of Dr. Chen we are positive we are providing Sami with the best care possible. He encourages us to call him if we have any concerns at all.We are very lucky to have Dr. Chen taking care of our family.
Lorraine and Fred Catalano
10/13/21
We have been taking our dogs to Deer Park Animal Hospital for decades and would not trust our family members to anyone else. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The Veterinarians are wonderful and caring. Dr. Chen gives our maltipoo a thorough exam and takes all the time necessary to make sure she receives the best care and all our questions are answered. Several years ago our dog was quite ill and he immediately intervened and she was better in no time. Dr. Chen is very thorough, knowledgeable and compassionate and we are very confident she is getting the best care possible.
11/3/23
We took our maltipoo for her annual check-up with Dr. Chen. As usual the office staff is very friendly and efficient and punctual. We see the doctor on time. Dr. Chen gave her a thorough exam and explained options and recommendations for care since she is now 12. He takes the time to explain the benefits of the care he recommends and we are confident that his recommendations will enhance and extend our furry family member's life. As usual, Dr. Chen is very friendly, knowledgeable and caring. He never rushes the appointment and answers all questions thoroughly. We are always confident that Dr. Chen and Deer Park Animal Hospital are providing the best possible care for our furry family members. It is a pleasure to have such a high level of care.
9/18/24
We took our maltipoo for her annual check-up and rabies vaccine. The front desk is friendly and efficient, as always. As usual, Dr. Chen is knowledgeable, friendly and very thorough. He shows great compassion for our little dog as well as for our feelings. The appointment is never rushed. Dr. Chen explained everything and recommended a blood test to check her organs due to her age of 13. Due to the results of the blood work Dr. Chen asked for a urine sample for testing. Dr. Chen got back to us immediately with the results and put our mind at ease. We formulated a senior care plan and are very confident that our little family member is receiving the best care possible.
Lorraine and Fred Catalano
4/5/25
Took our Maltipoo for 6 month senior checkup and bloodwork for monitoring results from last time. Dr. Chen is very thorough and knowledgeable and would like to run further tests. He explains everything in great detail in language easy to understand. He outlines all possibilities and includes us in care plans. He puts us at ease and we always know our little family member is in great hands! Dr. Chen always gets back to us quickly with the results of any tests that were administered! We always leave knowing our little dog is receiving the best possible care. The appointment is never rushed and we are always confident that his decisions are the correct ones . The receptionists at the front desk are always helpful and friendly. Always a flawless experience!
Fred and Lorraine Catalano
10/16/25
Saw Dr. Chen for our senior maltipoo's semi annual checkup and blood work. Dr. Chen as always was very informative, took all the time we needed and answered all our questions completely. He is very knowledgeable and puts you at ease about any concerns. Dr. Chen is treating my 14 year old maltipoo for chronic kidney disease and he is thorough and diligent. We know she is getting the best care possible and wouldn't think of seeing anyone else. Also, the office staff is friendly and efficient. A flawless experience as always.
