Candela Leonard A DVM Introduce
For dedicated pet owners across New Jersey, securing exceptional veterinary care for their beloved animal companions is a top priority. In Manahawkin, New Jersey, Dr. Leonard A. Candela, DVM, a prominent veterinarian associated with Banfield Pet Hospital, has garnered significant attention for his approach to animal health. Our pets are cherished members of our families, and choosing a veterinarian involves finding a professional who is not only highly skilled but also genuinely compassionate and trustworthy. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the veterinary care provided by Dr. Leonard A. Candela DVM at Banfield Pet Hospital, helping local New Jersey users understand his expertise, the clinic's location, the types of services offered, and the diverse experiences of clients.
Veterinary care is a comprehensive and evolving field that focuses on the health, well-being, and medical treatment of animals. A strong veterinary practice encompasses everything from preventative medicine, such as regular wellness exams and vaccinations, to advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, and compassionate end-of-life care. Modern veterinary medicine relies on a combination of scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and a deep understanding of animal behavior and physiology. Beyond the clinical aspects, the human-animal bond is central to quality veterinary care; a truly excellent veterinarian communicates clearly with pet owners, addresses their concerns, and strives to alleviate anxiety for both pets and their guardians. For New Jersey residents, selecting a veterinarian often means looking for a professional who demonstrates profound knowledge, consistent care, and a clear dedication to the well-being of their animals. Dr. Leonard A. Candela DVM, through his practice at Banfield Pet Hospital in Manahawkin, contributes significantly to the local veterinary landscape, offering his expertise to the pet-owning community.
Dr. Leonard A. Candela DVM practices at Banfield Pet Hospital, which is conveniently located at 219 Stafford Park Blvd, Stafford Township, NJ 08050, USA. This address places the clinic within a well-known commercial area in Manahawkin, a part of Stafford Township in Ocean County, New Jersey. A key aspect of this location is that Banfield Pet Hospital is typically situated inside a PetSmart store. This co-location offers a significant advantage for New Jersey pet owners, providing unparalleled convenience by allowing them to combine their veterinary visits with pet supply shopping and other errands, thereby streamlining their busy schedules.
Stafford Park Boulevard is a prominent and easily accessible road, ensuring straightforward navigation for residents coming from various neighborhoods within Manahawkin and the surrounding communities in Southern New Jersey. The location within a large retail complex generally provides ample parking, which is a crucial convenience for transporting pets, especially those who may be anxious, elderly, or unwell. While public transportation options in suburban areas like Stafford Township may vary, the clinic's presence within a major shopping center often means it is served by local routes that connect to popular retail destinations. This integration into a major commercial hub enhances the clinic's accessibility, making it a practical and convenient choice for many New Jersey pet owners seeking quality veterinary care.
As a DVM practicing within a Banfield Pet Hospital, Dr. Leonard A. Candela would be involved in providing the wide array of veterinary services that Banfield is known for, often encapsulated within their Optimum Wellness Plans (OWPs). While the specific details should always be confirmed directly with the clinic, the general services one can expect include:
Comprehensive Preventative Care: This forms the cornerstone of their practice, encompassing routine physical examinations (often biannual with OWPs), age-appropriate vaccinations (e.g., Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus for dogs; Feline Distemper, Rabies for cats), and robust parasite control programs (fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites).
Unlimited Office Visits (with OWP): A significant benefit of their wellness plans, allowing pet owners to bring their pets for numerous concerns without incurring additional office visit fees, which encourages proactive and timely care.
Diagnostic Services: Utilizing a range of diagnostic tools, including in-house laboratory testing (blood work, urinalysis, fecal exams) for quick results, and digital radiography (X-rays) for internal imaging to aid in accurate diagnoses.
General Surgery: Performing routine surgical procedures such as spaying and neutering, as well as common soft tissue surgeries (e.g., mass removals). Emphasis is placed on safe anesthesia protocols and patient monitoring.
Dental Care: Comprehensive oral health services, including professional dental cleanings (under anesthesia), extractions of diseased teeth, and general oral health assessments to prevent and manage periodontal disease.
Nutritional Counseling: Providing guidance on optimal diets for different life stages, breed-specific needs, and managing various health conditions through dietary modifications.
Microchipping: Offering permanent pet identification through microchip implantation, which is vital for reuniting lost pets with their families.
Behavioral Advice: Providing initial guidance and resources for common behavioral issues in pets.
The customer reviews offer a stark contrast in experiences with Dr. Leonard A. Candela DVM and the Banfield Pet Hospital in Manahawkin, highlighting key features:
Exceptional Care and Expertise (Positive Review): One highly positive review praises Dr. Candela as "the absolute best," highlighting him as "caring, never rushes, & extremely knowledgeable in his field." This indicates a veterinarian who takes his time with patients, explains things thoroughly, and possesses deep professional expertise. The positive mention of "best front desk staff and the best vet techs" and "rooms are immaculate" points to a well-run, clean, and supportive overall environment. This reviewer would "give 100 stars if I could!"
Compassionate Patient Handling: While not from a review specific to Dr. Candela but from another Banfield Manahawkin review which mentions him, the sentiment that staff "all treat her like she is their pet" and a doctor "actually cried when he administered the drug" during euthanasia speaks to a profound level of empathy and care, highly valued by pet owners during difficult times. This level of emotional support is a significant highlight for the clinic as a whole.
Concerns with Communication, Transparency, and Cost (Negative Review): A contrasting negative review details a frustrating experience involving communication breakdowns, perceived lack of transparency ("out of stamps" excuse for records), and cost concerns. The client felt they were subjected to a "guessing game" regarding their cat's diagnosis, leading to multiple appointments and dissatisfaction with not getting clear answers despite spending money. This highlights a significant inconsistency in client communication and possibly in how diagnostic processes are managed or explained.
Inconsistent Client Experience: The wide disparity between "the absolute best" and "huge disappointment" suggests that while Dr. Candela himself may be highly competent and caring for many, the overall client experience at this specific Banfield location can be inconsistent, particularly concerning administrative and communication aspects surrounding billing, test results, and follow-up.
To connect with Dr. Leonard A. Candela DVM or Banfield Pet Hospital in Manahawkin, New Jersey, please use the following contact information:
Address: 219 Stafford Park Blvd, Stafford Township, NJ 08050, USA
Phone: (609) 978-5005
Mobile Phone: +1 609-978-5005
For New Jersey locals, Dr. Leonard A. Candela DVM, practicing at Banfield Pet Hospital in Manahawkin, presents a complex yet potentially suitable option for veterinary care. On one hand, he is lauded by long-term clients as an "absolute best" veterinarian, described as caring, unhurried, and extremely knowledgeable. This strong endorsement, coupled with praise for the supportive staff and clean facilities, paints a picture of exceptional, compassionate medical care. The clinic's convenient location inside PetSmart on Stafford Park Boulevard further adds to its practicality for busy New Jersey pet owners. However, the significantly contrasting negative review highlights serious concerns regarding communication, transparency with diagnostic results, and perceived billing practices that can lead to frustration and a sense of being uninformed. This indicates that while the individual care from Dr. Candela may be outstanding for many, potential inconsistencies in the broader clinic operations or communication protocols could affect the overall client experience. Therefore, New Jersey residents considering Dr. Candela DVM and Banfield Pet Hospital should weigh these varied experiences, perhaps focusing on direct communication during their initial visits to ensure their expectations for transparency and follow-up are met. For those who prioritize a highly knowledgeable and caring individual veterinarian and are prepared to navigate the larger clinic system, Dr. Candela appears to be a well-regarded choice for their pet's health.
Candela Leonard A DVM Photos

Candela Leonard A DVM Location
Candela Leonard A DVM
219 Stafford Park Blvd, Stafford Township, NJ 08050, USA
Candela Leonard A DVM Reviews
I've been going to Banfield in Manahawkin for 11 years to take care of my 12 year old morkie Pixie....Dr Candela is the absolute best...caring,never rushes, & extremely knowledge in his field...He has the best front desk staff and the best vet techs...and the rooms are immaculate. I would give 100 stars if I could!
Jul 03, 2025 · Lucia CatalanoRecently BANFIELD HOSPITAL Manahawkin, NJ was a huge disappointment to me and my cat.I took my lovable older cat, there because every few days or so, he would throw up his food.Dr. Candella waited on us. He explained that it maybe either that he was a diabetic or maybe it was a Giardia parasite. I got to thinking, while waiting for him to return to the room, if my cat is a diabetic then, I would be paying for a the Giardia Test and the fecal test for nothing. When he returned, I was given a huge amount, for my estimate. I then said, I think I would rather go with the Basic blood work first. They then said we will call you in an hour with the results. I waited and waited and waited and two hours later, just at the minute when I walked out of the room, they called. When I tried to call back, I got that wonderful recording, saying that they were closed. When I played the message back that they had left, they said that his blood work was fine, but I had to make another appointment and pay for another office visit to find out what was wrong with my cat. Now I am out 240.00 and I still don't know what I wrong with my cat. They want to charge me again for another office visit. Can you imagine going to the Auto center and having to pay for a guessing game and to have to bring your car back each time. That's what it felt like. And also when I requested that they send me the blood work results, they gave me the same story as last years, when I requested my other cats results for his records. They said Oh We ARE OUT OF STAMPS, at that instant I remembered, that same excuse from before.Are they really still waiting for Stamps a year later. Liars. Shame on you Banfield.
Jan 24, 2015 · Amatol ReviewsHeather is the sweetest! So very helpful on the phone
Apr 11, 2025 · It’s Me- Dec 26, 2021 · miłość miłość (A.H.)
- Jan 29, 2020 · Marilyn Budin
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