Narrowsburg Veterinary is AMAZING. The care is top tier, & everyone working there is knowledgeable, helpful, & kind. The building is beautiful, immaculately clean, & parking is easy and plentiful. If you’re looking for a great vet for your beloved pet, look no further. This is the place!
The medical care for my cat was good, and I want to acknowledge that one of the doctors (the owner) was especially helpful and considerate. He offered a follow-up visit free of charge when I called the next day, and I truly appreciated that. I chose not to bring my cat back at that time because I did not want to cause her additional stress. He also provided an appetite stimulant at no cost, which I appreciated.
However, the communication, follow-up guidance, and overall client support were not at the level they should be.
While the diagnosis and general expectations were explained verbally, the guidance stopped there. I was told my cat might “act weird,” but I was not given clear, step-by-step instructions on what to actually do at home—no written discharge instructions, no simple breakdown of what is normal versus concerning, and no clear expectations for eating, behavior, or recovery.
Not everyone has a medical background, and not everyone understands medical language. Important information needs to be explained in plain, practical terms so pet owners can confidently care for their animals at home.
I was sent home with prescription food, but there was no realistic discussion about the fact that many cats will refuse it, even with an appetite stimulant. There was also no warning about how difficult it can be to administer medication like an appetite stimulant at home. Even though the medication was kindly provided at no cost, there were no clear instructions or preparation given on how challenging it can be to give it properly.
Because of this lack of guidance, I found myself having to figure things out on my own, even relying on outside resources just to understand how to care for my cat properly.
When you are already worried about your pet and under financial stress, this lack of clear direction adds unnecessary pressure. When I called again over the weekend in a state of concern, I did not receive a response until Tuesday. I understand clinics can be busy and there may have been scheduling factors, but timely communication is especially important when a pet owner is trying to manage a medical situation at home.
During the follow-up conversation, the same doctor who had been helpful and accommodating also suggested additional procedures, such as further diagnostic testing. While these may have been medically appropriate, they were presented without enough explanation for a non-medical person to confidently understand or prioritize—especially when cost is already a concern. That made the situation feel more overwhelming rather than supported.
In a small-town setting, I expected a more personal and guided experience. Instead, parts of the process felt more like a corporate system—efficient, but lacking clear communication, preparation, and individualized support.
Good veterinary care is not just about diagnosis and treatment—it is also about making sure the pet owner clearly understands what to do next. No one should have to “figure it out” after leaving a veterinary visit.
I do appreciate the care provided, the consideration given to my financial situation, and the gestures made to help. However, clearer communication, written step-by-step instructions, better preparation for at-home care, and more timely follow-up would make a significant difference and greatly reduce stress for pet owners.
