Paradise Animal Center

Paradise animal clinic is amazing. I have been coming here with my dogs for years. They treat my dogs like family and with the utmost care. CARMEN, the dr. Is wonderful. Today I almost lost my dog to a toad and she saved his life but most importantly, kept me sane. When my old schnauzer got diabetes and pancreatic cancer, they did everything to educate me and make him as comfortable as possible till his last day on earth. What a caring group of people. I would take my pets to anyone else.

I feel the need to post this review, mainly because of the office manager/​receptionist at Paradise Animal Center. She is rude, insolent, passive aggressive, apathetic, and condescending. She did not do as promised when we first brought our cats in for their yearlies — instead of putting us in a room right away as she said she would, we had to SIT IN OUR CAR IN 80+ DEGREE WEATHER FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF before a room was available to us. It was either that or bring them in to the reception area to be subjected to all the dogs waiting to be seen. Our cats have seen a cat only vet their entire lives. We specifically expressed these concerns when we made the appointment. Honestly, we would have gone home if the cats didn’t need their prescriptions.
Last week, my girl cat got very sick and since I had no other vet lined up and since Paradise still officially had our cat’s records, I called them. I was told everyone was out of the office — at lunch, in fact– and the receptionist «didn’t know when they would be back», but she would leave a message for Elaine (whoever that is) to call me back. I waited for almost an hour and half with no return phone call. I called her again.
This is what I was told: «I haven’t heard from Elaine, and I don’t know where Dr. Schaeffer is.»
I asked her: «what should I do? My cat is very sick and needs to see a vet».
To which she responded: «I don’t know what to tell you».
UM, EXCUSE ME. WHAT!??
I then asked for the number to an emergency vet –which she was all too happy to provide to me. She actually gave me 3 numbers. She sincerely could not be bothered to help me.
The next morning – (after taking our cat to the emergency vet — who were amazing, by the way!!) — I called Paradise again and when the receptionist (the same woman) answered, I told her who I was. Her response to me was «How did the emergency vet work out?» I told her fine and I wanted my cats records transferred there. She said ok. I hung up.
Later on that afternoon, I get a call from the new vet telling me that the receptionist was refusing to send over our records by claiming she had no record of us in their system. Now, remember I spoke to her myself first thing that morning!!! I promptly gave her our account number (thank god it was on the bill) to her and she tried again. When I went to pick up my cat, I was told the receptionist had said to the lady trying to get our records «this is the last time I’m faxing it». She never faxed it the first time!!! And let me just say she knew exactly who I was when I spoke to her that morning. All in all there were a total of 3 phone calls that I know of made to Paradise Animal Center (all speaking to the same woman) to try and get our records faxed to the new vet. It took 8 hours for them to be faxed over.
Let me say that I have no idea whether or not Dr. Schaeffer is a competent vet or not. We had minimal contact with him during our one and only visit to Paradise Animal Center.
I will tell you that we were not 100% happy with the way he handled our cats — he was very rough with them during their internal organ exams – So much so, in fact, that our girl hissed at him and cried. When we got home, she hid for 32 hours — not eating, drinking, or going to the bathroom. And when I called to voice my concern over her treatment, I was not allowed to speak to Dr. Schaeffer, but told by the receptionist/​office manager, «are you saying you don’t want to bring them here anymore?» She did not apologize and barely tried to soothe our concerns. We left it up in the air whether or not we would return. Wow! Way to keep clients!
The veterinary techs that assisted Dr. Schaeffer both seemed like they had better things to do the day we were there. Our cats were subjected to being leashed, man-​handled, and scruffed. Our vet, back home– nor her technicians– has NEVER scruffed either one of our cats. Ever.
There were also many other cats and birds roaming freely about the exam area. And even though we specifically asked that our cats have minimal contact with dogs, the exam room door was left open so they were subjected to dogs as well.
I cannot tell you how happy we are with our new vet and how happy we are TO BE RID OF Paradise Animal Center.
I have never given a bad review on Unilocal before. I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but the behavior we have been subjected to from their office manager/​receptionist is not just a staffer having a bad day.
After several awful experiences here, I feel it is my duty to warn any new comers (or new pet owners) in the West Kendall area, who, like us, might be looking for a vet, to steer as far from Paradise Animal Center as is humanly possible
No one should be treated the way we have been treated there. NO ONE!
I honestly do not understand how they are still in business.

We just moved to Miami from NY and needed a new Vet. Wow! Super impressed! Love Dr. Schaffer and the entire staff! Our 3 French Bulldogs received the best care and I would highly recommend Paradise Animal Center to everyone.

Dr. Schaffer has been our vet for over twenty years. They truly love animals and provide the very best care even after hours. Their staff is totally amazing as well. We love this place and would not trust our pets with anyone else!

If I could give less than one star, I would. I had a horrible experience with Dr. Shaffer. He took us for thousands of dollars for several months saying our dog was getting better and healing, when in fact he was dying of cancer. Once we put a stop to the spending and wanted answers, that is when we were told he only had days to live. The precious time needed to help my dog was wasted due to incompetence and greed. It is unforgivable. He suffered so needlessly. Everytime my dog needed to be seen, we had to drop him off and leave him there all day, even though they knew how uncomfortable it was for him. Their staff member Jamie is terrible with a bad attitude and overhead her several times complaining about the animals in front of others and even slammed doors. We took our dog to three other vets, who were shocked by what they found. Don’t be taken by how nice they seem at the beginning and beware. Please do research before putting your pet’s health in someones hands.

Bought a sick puppy, and this vet has been amazing! Like some of the other reviews said, he is not the cheapest vet in town, but the treatment and care is outstanding. I would rather pay a little more than make sure my dog is healthy.
I never know if a vet is just trying to make money or over-​emotionalize a condition, but I have never felt like that at Paradise.
It is clear that this vet is passionate about helping animals.

Packing your bags, flights checked, toiletries packed. Yep. O wait!!! Where are we going to board the animals???
Paradise Animal center of coarse. Here they really care about your animals and they are very friendly. My family has been coming here for 4 years now. A little pricey but at least you know they take care of your pets. It’s about 20 bucks a day for your little loved ones.
(A little note, the vet assistants were talking smack about another co-​worker in front of my face, unprofessional to say the least) Overall, this is a credible place in the west miami area. Why? Because they really care and talk to the pets by their first names.

We love our vets here at Paradise. We’ve been going there for years and have been through regular vet visits like annual exams and the complimentary 6 month wellness checks as well as surgeries for a displaced hip, a spay and a neuter, and teeth cleaning. We trust Dr. Shaffer and Dr. Kelly with our kids and they have always them like their own. Although it may not be the cheapest in the area, you get what you pay for and every dollar is well spent at Paradise.

If you have not figured it out just yet, I am a pug lover and my pug, which has had a series of health issues, I believe, is very lucky to have found a loving mommy like me. Quasimodo, whom we call «Modo» for short has had his share of runs at the vet for pneumonia, two entropion surgeries, (an eye lift like surgery common in flat face dogs) and a collapsed lung lobe. We are talking thousands of dollars over the last five years and yes he is worth every penny but he may not have made it without his vet, Dr. Paul A Shaffer.
Shaffer and his wife are more than vets; their love for the little people with hair is evident. He always greets Modo by first name and at his level, literally on his hands and knees allowing Modo to lick his whole face. Did I mention Modo has a licker problem?
When they could not diagnose his condition, the Shaffers without hesitation sent me to the best specialist in town and did not charge. When Modo was under the care of others specialists, the Shaffers always followed up with a personal call for an update on his condition. Also, they take their time in visits addressing any questions you may have and provide helpful tips for your little one. Love your pet? The Shaffers offer the best care your money can buy.
You can also board them here when traveling for $ 20 something a day (I think its $ 22) and they will do annuals (considering they have your permission) or any up to date follow ups needed while your are away saving you a future trip or two to the vet.