Banister Animal Hospital in Kingston
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Kingston, Ulster County, New York, US
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Site: https://banistervethospital.com/
- Monday:8AM–6PM
- Tuesday:8AM–6PM
- Wednesday:8AM–6PM
- Thursday:8AM–6PM
- Friday:8AM–6PM
- Saturday:8AM–3PM
- Sunday:Closed
Doctor Banister is great. Incredibly thorough, smart, kind, explains everything, answers every question. Very knowledgeable staff. Been going there for 20 years. He did a life-saving surgery on my cat this year. He deserves the highest praise as a vet. I fully trust him, and the way he runs his business is with gentle kindness, humour, and extreme care.
It took a week to get back a stool sample on our kitten with diarrhea. It turned out to be a parasite and I learned after a visit with a different office that both kittens should have been treated so as not to reinfect one another. My phone consults felt rushed. Office staff did not seem able to make any general recommendations on what to do for our kitten while the Dr was out of office. Overall I was disappointed in the overall experience and will return to out former office.
The folks at Banister we’re so accommodating and provided excellent care to my new cat, Louise. She adopted me after living outdoors for who knows how long, and came with the fleas to prove it. Not only were they able to fit Louise into their busy schedule just a day and a half after I called and explained my situation, they also gave me excellent suggestions of what to do in the meantime, what flea collar to buy, etc. She’s now vaccinated, chipped, and feeling a lot less itchy! I’m very happy to say not only do I have a new little companion, I know she will be very well taken care of by Banister in the years to come! Thanks again!
Dr. Bannister diagnosed my cats condition and successfully treated her after another vet had given up on her. We had been told she probably had a tumor and nothing much could be done about her weight loss. Dr. Bannister diagnosed her with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and treated her with steroids and antibiotics. She has now gained 3 pounds and is happy and healthy. If you want a vet that that does not give up on your pet, but is at the same time honest and realistic, go to Dr. Bannister. The front desk staff is very nice and reassuring too.
Dr Banister and his staff are wonderful. My 14 year old baby was very very sick and I took her to them after a less than acceptable visit at a different vet. They listened to my concerns and cared for her to the best of their ability. I couldnt be more grateful for their kindness to me and my baby during that difficult time.
Banister Animal Hospital is very friendly. They really care about your animals. I referred my daughter to them when she moved back from California. They explain everything and answer any questions. They are the best veterinarians that you and your pet could ask for. I know that my dog (Molly) and I are very pleased with every visit and surgery that they have done.
We have had pets for 40 years and this is the most caring veterinary practice we have ever known. Your pet is a beloved member of their family and is greeted like that each visit. When our dog, who they took care of for all of his 15 1/2 years, reached the end, the staff joined us in saying goodbye and shared our sadness. Who could ask for anything more? I recommend them wholeheartedly.
When my 3 year old husky was extremely sick, I called several vets in the area. Everyone said they were too busy and wouldnt take her in (including her regular vet that Ive gone to for years!) and suggested an emergency clinic 1.5 hours away. Banisters was the ONLY vet that made the time and effort to take care of her. She ended up needing emergency surgery and they cleared their schedule to accommodate her. I couldnt be more grateful for Maya, Kat and Dr. Banister for their attentiveness and compassion during what was an extremely stressful and worrisome time. I honestly dont know if my pup would have made it without them. THANK YOU!
Dr. Bannister and staff, especially RIch, have taken care of our animals for 15 years. In that time weve found them to be kind, compassionate, professional and always ready to go to the next level of care that our pets needed. Unfortunately, we have had some seriously sick animals in that time and the care they received was always top notch. One of our dogs was also a very difficult animal to deal with and they never let that get in the way of how they approached his treatment. We give them 5 stars because they deserve it, and our highest recommendation.
The staff at Banister have been wonderful to all my animals! My husband and I moved up from Florida over a year and a half ago and when we did we were forced to board our two dogs and four cats. Banister animal hospital took them in and treated them with the TLC they needed. They were all cared for and checked out to make sure they were healthy. A few months later we lost our “old lady”, Molly and we received a lovely card from Banister. They are a caring, good, gentle people! I highly recommend them!
Took my mother there cause her cat had just got hit by a car and they were the only ones open at the time, and they coldly told her as the cat is bleeding from it mouth and eye that if she didnt have the ridiculous deposit they couldnt treat her cat. Luckily another place was opening up shortly. They took the cat in before they even officially opened and cost less then what this place wanted for their deposit.
Banister Animal Hospital has been our Vet for several pets for more than 20 years. Our pets have thrived, Dr. Banister is talented and takes time to explain our pets diagnosis and treatment plan, the staff is friendly, the appointments are timely, the wait time is minimal. We highly recommend.
Dr. Todd Banister and the staff of Hoppenstedt Veterinary Hospital provide the highest possible veterinary care available. They have cared for my cats and dogs since 2001, and although I travel 40 miles each way to get to the office, I would not consider allowing any other veterinarian to care for my animals. Dr. Banister and his staff genuinely care about the animals and their owners. They are always kind, considerate and compassionate. They explain procedures, discuss options and follow-up on patients after a visit. In addition to veterinary care, I boarded my dogs with Dr. Banister several times and never encountered a problem. The staff cares about every animal who is left in their care. Dr. Banister is an excellent veterinarian and a wonderful person. He extends himself to help the animals and people who come to his office, I have always found Dr. Banister and the staff to be sensitive, kind and excellent at their profession. I would recommend Hoppenstedt Animal Hospital to anyone who wants the best care for their animals.
I was visiting from out of town and my pup had torn apart a pin cushion. I was concerned she might have swallowed a pin. Kat was kind on the phone and they got my pup in right away. They were up front about the cost, which I really appreciated and Dr. Banister had nothing but good news for me and nice things to say about my pup. Turns out she didnt swallow a pin and there was nothing to worry about. I have never been so relieved in my life. I highly recommend them for the care of your fur babies.
When my vet was very sick, they sent me to Banister Animal Hospital. I was just blown away when my lab, Madison was treated like a rock star or a celeb at this place. She was 11 at the time, and needed dental surgery. Theywere kind, compassionate, not bad on the prices, and very nice to deal with. I highly suggest the place to go is here. The staff is extra nice. I am sorry to say that my dog has passed on but she did enjoy her visits to this place.
Hoppenstedt Veterinary Hospital has been caring for my pets for over 25 years and the level of care has remained the same only the people have changed. Dr. Banister and all his staff have always treated my pets as family and are especially compassionate when times are difficult. Taking the time to explain and answer questions while taking a personal interest in my pets needs and my concerns. It is obvious they care by the way each of my pets are treated during the appointment. As we choose doctors for ourselves the same rules should apply for our pets, and I choose the best for my furry family.
We were so lucky to have Dr. Banister treat our Jack Russell Max and our cat Jingles. Dr. B enjoyed Maxis personality and was warm and caring toward both our boys. When the time came for us to say goodbye to them, he was kind, sympathetic, and respectful to all of us, giving us plenty of time to say goodbye. We even received a personal sympathy card from Dr. B and his staff. Your pet will receive the best care from everyone at Banister/Hoppenstedt Animal Hospital. If and when we get another pet, we will surely go back!
Absolutely the best veterinary care anywhere. Dr. Banister and the entire staff are kind, caring, professional and always willing to go the extra mile to do their very best for their patients and the patients family. I travel 40 miles each way to see Dr. Banister because I want only the best care for my four legged family members, and it it well worth the trip.
Our 10 year-old cat had a tumor on her tail that called for it to be partially amputated. A month before this event, we had to put our other 10 year old to sleep due to multiple health issues. Dr. B. and his staff were sympathetic to our situation and did all they could to make sure our Lottie was given the best possible outcome with the least amount of risk. We were still hurting from losing our other kitty and couldnt imagine having to go through it again so quickly. The staff were caring and considerate and Lottie is now healing as she adjusts to her new tail. She is back to her fluffy, happy self! Thanks to all who helped us through this difficult time!
Our puppy was greeted by caring staff in a warm and clean office. Dr Bannister called us to let us know how her operation went and how she was doing. The follow up information was clearly explained and we were given a printed out version as well. This is a good place for pet care.
We recently moved back to Kingston and had to bring our kitty in for an injury. Dr. Banister saw us so quickly and every person in the office was kind, compassionate, attentive, reassuring, and talked to me (and my cat) like they knew us for years. We had to bring him back a few days later and saw Dr. Selzner who is equally as wonderful. This crazy cat-mom will never use anyone else.
Took a kitty here who had swallowed a whole bracelet and needed to be operated on. Glad that they had an x-ray machine here to save the poor kitten another trip. Also very glad that they completed the surgery successfully!They said they couldnt keep her overnight but there was a facility they use for overnight monitoring post-op and such. So much for avoiding an extra trip. We picked her up near closing time, as they had instructed, and we were given some documents and a bag with an IV bag, meds, wet food. We were told the bill would be $2500. When we were ready to pay 10 minutes later, the bill had been changed to $3000.Before leaving Bannister, we were under the impression that the overnight facility knew we were coming and knew what to do for the kitty. We also thought the overnight stay was included, as it looked on the bill. We were sorely mistaken about all of that.When we asked the Bannister employees for an address/name of the overnight facility to put in GPS, they werent entirely sure and took a guess. I know this should have been a red flag but we made sure with them that we had it right. We brought her to the overnight facility who had no idea we were coming and the documents provided by Bannister did not have enough info for this facility to do continued monitoring/administering of medicine, as they were unaware of what was already done/administered. Bannister was unreachable because they were closed, and Dr Bannister was no longer answering his cell.The consultation with the overnight facility took over 2 hrs and cost $90. It was going to cost at least $450 to keep her there overnight for them to do what they can with the given info. We decided we would check on her throughout the night instead, which they advised would probably be fine. We took her on another trip to get her home.I called Bannister after this sleepless night and let them know what a whirlwind that was and that I was upset about it. I asked if I could speak to someone to discuss it and maybe discuss a refund for the overnight facility consultation. They said yes and I left them my phone #. No one ever got back to me about it.
Dr. Bannister and the entire staff are warm and considerate. They have been unfailingly kind to me and my pets. My dog would dance her way up the steps, grinning with pleasure at the thought of being there where everyone was so good to her. The medical care was excellent and helped her live to a ripe old age.
Dr. Banister and I first met after he had taken over the business when it was still under the name Hoppenstedt. He was caring for my work dog at the time.He and his staff are always thorough and compassionate. Though no longer blessed with a wok dog, Dr. Banister is charged with the health and well being of the dogs I currently own.On one occasion, one of my dogs became severely ill. I honestly though I was going to lose her. Dr. Banister worked relentlessly to stabilize her and after a few nerve racking days, she was sent home to finish her recovery. I know this man to have rebuilt the broken jaw of a very small breed dog. Not an easy task in any dog ( and Doc has some pretty big paws, himself)I highly recommend this man, his Staff and the combined knowledge they possess!!
They were able to see my dog for a checkup, did bloodwork, and later that week- a teeth cleaning. His breath is super fresh now and all went smoothly! They also took all necessary precautions with the virus going on that kept their employees safe as well as the customers! A+!
Although we were told that X-rays would be useless since they wouldnt show the dental floss our cat had swallowed, they performed two of them anyway, without our okay. The cat passed the floss herself but we were presented with a whopping $700 bill. We loved Dr. Bannister and his assistant--they were warm and caring--but standard practice is to notify the pet-owner before doing any procedure. Be sure to specify this if you bring your pet here!
My family has taken every pet weve ever owned to Hoppenstedts for over 20 years. We keep coming back because theyve always had the most caring, considerate, and knowledgeable staff in the area.Dr. Banister and all of the techs are very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals in their care. They try to get to know each animal and family so they can offer the best care possible. From my experience, their costs are on par with other vets in the area and if cost is a concern, owners can look into pet insurance.I definitely recommend taking your animals here for care.
I had a very good experience with Dr Banister. It was about 5 years ago and we had to put my kitty down but he did what he could to save her. I knew the outcome would be grim but he didn’t soak me for lots of money. Granted, anytime you go to the vet, except to pay a lot. GET PET INSURANCE!! If I ever own a pet again I will for sure and I will only go to Dr Banister. I would definitely recommend Dr Banister .
Today was the absolute worst day of our families lives. We had to put our beloved dog down. Dr Banister and his team worked very hard to do everything they could and in the end treated us with complete empathy and professionalism. They were so kind and understanding and I highly recommended them.
We have been going to Hoppenstedt Veterinary Hospital since last June when our pet rabbit became ill. No other vet in the area would see him. I was saw impressed by the care that not just Dr. Bannister provided but the entire staff. We were so impressed that i have started bringing our two cats there. Our one cat has suffered for years with an ear ailment that a prior vet just told us some cats just have dirty ears. This drove our poor cat crazy and us because he was always itching/scratching his ears. Dr. Bannister looked into his ears and knew right away what the problem was and after two treatments his ears are perfect and he is a much happier cat and so are we. Yes this practice is more costly than others but its like anything, you get what yo pay for and for us its worth the few extra dollars.
They took such great care of my little half wild feral rescue Sox. She is a long hair kitty who HATES to get brushed. They were able to bath, trim, brush and give her a check up and she came home calm and looking wonderful. And she didnt run away like the last time she was groomed elsewhere. next Ill bring them my enormous 26 toed Main Coon who turns to liquid at the vet!
I came in this morning with my cat, for a first appointment, made several weeks ago for annual shots, hoping to establish a relationship with a new vet. I was told by the front desk “We lost your appointment because our computer went down” (!) They were completely unaware of the effort it takes to get a cat in the carrier, bring him over, set your morning aside, and said, “Shall we make an appointment for the future?” My cat has to go through a day of being boarded there just to get his annual shots.bThey have very cute signs out on 32 with jokes on them, but I’m unimpressed with the front desk’s behavior. I have a busy life, like most of us, and she was barely apologetic. So much for building a relationship with the new vet –I won’t be back.
Before they became my go-to vet, I had used them for second opinions on two separate occasions for expensive and overly invasive treatments on my dog. Both times, Dr. Bannister held back from those assessments without any prompting from me. Oliver (my dog) ended up being just fine each time. I also appreciate how Dr. Bannister takes the time to answer all of your questions thoroughly.
I have been a member of the Hoppenstedt family since 1970, have been through each vet since 1970 and now, I am blessed to know Dr. Bannister. Hoppenstedt Hospital has taken care of every animal I have ever owned. Whether it be preventative care, acute care for an illness or disease or during the last few moments of the most precious companion you have, they are there for you. Dr. Bannister is intelligent, up to date on current medical issues, professional, yet personable, and kind as they come. His office staff are professional, well-informed, and kind as well. You could never be in better hands than those of Dr. Todd Bannister. I have often wished he practiced people medicine, so I could have him as my own physician. BEST IN PRACTICE & CARING
We have always received competent, compassionate care for our dogs at Hoppenstedt. My husband and I and his family before him have taken dogs to this clinic for 60 years! Recently, Dr. Bannister saved our rescue puppys life after the puppy arrived from the south with a raging Giardia infection. (That southern shelter has since been shut down.) I would trust any of my pets to Hoppenstedt. I thank them for being there for us. .
Very knowledgeable and always available to answer questions or concerns that you may have about your pets health. We take all of our animals there and they saved my cats life. They put the animals first and the staff is very kind, professional, and caring. They are worth every penny in my book. Highly recommended.
Dr. Bannister rushed through our visit, was insensitive to our cat’s distress and when I asked for 30 seconds for our cat to calm down he responded with “I already took time to clip his nails I don’t have time for that” this was after taking us 25 minutes late and we had booked a nail appt. we are switching vets, and after sharing this with friends I heard many similar or worse experiences
Our family dog would be celebrating his 10th birthday today had it not been for Dr. Banisters willful neglect and unbelievable lack of common courtesy.Finn, a handsome Chesapeake Bay Retriever, loved to swim and eat baby carrots. He was a great big brother to two rescue cats and the perfect furry son to my parents.Finn was diagnosed with diabetes this past spring. He then developed pancreatitis. As with any case, figuring out the correct dosages takes time and attention. Dr. Banister had neither for Finn. He did not provide my parents with enough insulin. My dad called the office repeatedly, stating that he was going to run out of insulin and that Finn was not doing well. No one returned his phone calls. Finn crashed and had to be taken to the emergency vet.After surviving the 1st near death experience, Dr. Banister still failed to appropriately monitor the situation. Finn continued to lose weight. Our beautiful boy, who was a healthy 80+ pound hunting dog that would leap into icy waters without hesitation, faded to a shadow of himself. He was 50 pounds and could not muster the energy to even cool his paws off during the summer heat.Finn crashed for a second time and had to be taken to the emergency vet yet again. My parents couldnt bear to see him suffer any longer. My dad had slept with him downstairs on the floor for over a month because Finn was too tired to make it upstairs. Knowing that Dr. Banister was doing nothing to control the situation, they made the decision to put Finn to sleep.Finn was our last family dog - my parents got him when my sister and I were in college but still came home. He was Finnie Magoo - a crazy goof and a loyal companion. He was our good boy.My parents had taken their previous dogs to Dr. Banister over the years, when the hospital was Hoppenstadt. You would expect Dr. Banister would have shown more care and compassion to a family that had come to his practice for over a decade.Dr. Banister gives more time and attention to the vapid jokes on the sign in front of his practice. I do not typically leave reviews like this and I have waited two months to see if I felt any better about what had happened to our Finnie. I do not. The same anger and helplessness I felt the day we all sat on the floor with Finn as he faded away still makes me want to cry every time I pass Banister Animal Hospital. My father will always be haunted about what happened. My parents will never bring another dog to this practice.I couldnt help Finn, but if I can help one dog from ever going to Dr. Banister, then that will have to do. Please do not take your pet here. Do your research, there are many other vets in the area that will treat you as more than another bill to deal with.
Took my cat in because he could not urinate. Left him there for 6 hours and they sent me home with him $900 later. Within 30 minutes of being home he made 3 attempts to urinate and still cannot go. Had to take him to an emergency clinic since cleary he was not ready to come home. So gald I have to pay another animal hospital the same day to help my pet.
I had an appointment scheduled showed up to the appointment on time due to covid we have to sit in our cars and call but every time I call it said due to high call volume we werent able to take my call so I left a message and tried calling me several times more when they finally answered they kept me on hold for 10 minutes. Then came outside and told me I missed my appointment time.
Awful experience! Dog came back with scratches on her nose. Our dog collar was lost and prices were outrageous. We had to leave our dog and when we went to get her/ pay for services the bill had charges we were not made aware of until after it was to late and had to pay. For your sake and and your dogs....stay awayyyyy
Two and a half years ago, we inherited a wonderful 6-year old male cat, Satch, whom we named after Louis (Satchelmouth) Armstrong, the great jazz musician, whom we call His Lordship. Hoppenstedt Vet has taken care of him expertly and lovingly at reasonable cost (although I do wish I could get him enrolled in Medicare).
Total reviews rating 4.5
108 Reviews for Banister Animal Hospital 2023:
Review №1
2021-08-16I adopted my 10 year old dog at the start of the pandemic. He gets really stressed when he gets taken away from me, because I am his third owner hes had in his life. We were so happy to be able to stay together for a vet appointment for the first time today.My dog was able to get through his appointment stress free, which was amazing. Dr. Banister and the staff are so kind and reassuring to both me and my dog. Our appointment today moved along on schedule, and we were back home in under an hour with everything we needed for future appointments set up. I will be taking him here for all his needs moving forward.
Review №2
2022-03-18Very disappointed. Mr. Bannister does not deserve the title doctor and should have his license revoked. Perhaps there is no Hippocratic oath for vets to do no harm, but compassion is a quality that every doctor should be full of. My first two visits with my puppy there, I was allowed in the exam room. On her 3rd visit, I carried her into the exam room because she was too fearful to walk in on her own. Then I was told I was not allowed to stay in the exam room with her. Mr. Bannister was quite rude, exclaiming Your out of here with no explanation of why. What is he doing to animals behind closed doors that is so secret that he acted in such a way. Needless to say, I took my puppy and we happily left. He slammed the door as were leaving, scaring my puppy even more. Bad man, glad I protected my puppy from him
Review №3
2022-05-01Wonderful and beautiful good care for my precious eclectus parrot Harry. I am so grateful I found Banister Animal Hospital. Everyone is gracious and grand.
Review №4
2022-07-01As new patients they fit us in within 2 days. Vet seemed great & staff was nice but $100 just to look at a puppy seems like a lot but I get it, prices of everything seems to have gone up 25-50% within the past year.
Review №5
2022-06-14First vist and a very pleasant experience. Wonderful, professional, compassionate doctor and staff. Other than a possible allergy, he got a clean bill of health. We will definetly be back.
Review №6
2022-01-10This service is very close to my home. I was satisfied with their services until I brought my long term pet cat Gatso in for care. Gatso was very ill and I expected that he wasnt going to survive. When I got the call that he had passed I went in to say my goodbyes. Upon seeing him I was devastated! He was in terrible condition. His fur was matted and soaked in urine, it was obvious from the state of his kennel that he had been ignored and had died alone, without care. Seeing him this way made me realize that I had failed my friend and companion of over 10 years. I should have kept him at home and allowed him the dignity of being at home in comfort and security of familiar surroundings when he died. Cats are creatures of routine and breaking routine stresses them unecesarilly. I can only imagine Gatsos fear and stress of his last hours before death. Ill never put another pet in such a situation and abrogate my responsibility for their care.
Review №7
2021-06-29They were absolutely awesome!! Our boy Bubba needed to be seen and they fit him into their busy schedule within 24 hours. Other places were charging an extra $100 for an emergency visit but couldnt see him for 2 weeks. Dr. Banister was terrific in both listening and understanding & the staff were wonderful!
Review №8
2020-09-14I have had many cats and have known many vets, but my experience at Banister Animal Hospital was different. I had to make the decision that every pet owner dreads, and Dr. Banister and his compassionate staff helped us through it. They really care for their “patients” and the families.Emmy got great medical care from Dr. Bannister in the last years of her life. I feel as though he gave her another year and I will always be grateful.
Review №9
2020-09-12We have used Banister Animal Hospital for many, many years of care for our fur-family. Dr. Banister and his staff are very professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. From regular well visits and vaccinations to long-term health challenges with a couple of our cats over the years, Banister Animal Hospital has always provided excellent care. The boarding services are top-notch, allowing us to leave knowing our pup will be entertained and safe. Our dog, Chuck, gets so excited to go to the vet because of the love and attention he receives at Banister!
Review №10
2019-07-24I recently brought in my baby girl Siren for an upper respiratory infection with a side of pink eye, every one that works at this office is top notch with hearts of gold. Thank you for helping my baby girl, and thank you for being flexible regarding when I was charged. For years I used a different office but I took a chance at the other offices recommendation since they were so booked, I had such a good experience I plan on switching over.