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"We won because of our team," Dr. Steven Kasanofsky, one of the veterinarians, said. "We practice good medicine and offer compassionate care."
Dr. Phillip Raclyn said there are many great animal hospitals in Westchester offering advanced animal care with MRIs and CT scans.
"We don't do that," Raclyn, a Briarcliff Manor resident, said. "We are the family doctors for the four-legged members of the family. We have a great staff that is devoted to taking care of people's pets."
Raclyn said since you can't train people to be nice, motivated and caring, they make sure to hire people that fit those characteristics.
"Every client is surveyed on how we did," Raclyn said. "Over 99 percent said they would recommend us again. Clearly we're doing something right."
Raclyn and Kasanofsky, a Croton-On-Hudson resident, had practices in New York City but decided to open a practice closer to home after the Sept.11 attacks.
"We love it up here," Kasanofsky said. "This is a great place to be and a great community to service."
What sets Yorktown Animal Hospital apart is services they offer like pet acupuncture.
"The dogs are extremely receptive," Kasanofsky said.
Both vets said dogs and cats should be considered part of the family and be treated as such. They also recommended purchasing pet insurance.
"No one should have to make a decision about their pet based on cost," Raclyn said.
Dogs and cats should not be fed grapes, raisins, onions and chocolate and pet owners should be careful of mulch and antifreeze.
"You shouldn't self medicate your pet," Kasanofsky said.
Treating and having to put down sick animals can sometimes be draining, Kasanofsky said.
"You have to approach it with compassion," Kasanofsky said. "It's frustrating and sad when you can't help someone. The decision to end a pet's life is a difficult one. You have to regroup, though you take it home with you."
Raclyn has five dogs and a cat, while Kasanofsky has one dog and one cat.
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