Precious Paws Animal Hospital: Your Compassionate Choice for Pet Care in Ocean View, DE

Precious Paws Animal Hospital Introduce

For pet owners living in Delaware, especially within the serene coastal community of Ocean View and its neighboring towns, the health and well-being of our beloved animal companions are always a top priority. Our pets are not just animals; they are integral family members who bring immense joy and companionship to our lives. When they are in distress or require medical attention, finding a veterinary practice that offers both expert care and genuine compassion becomes paramount. Navigating the choices for pet healthcare can be challenging, but identifying a facility that truly understands the unique bond we share with our pets and responds effectively to their needs is essential for peace of mind. This is where Precious Paws Animal Hospital aims to serve as a vital resource for the Delaware community.

Precious Paws Animal Hospital positions itself as a dedicated veterinary care provider focused on offering responsive and empathetic medical attention for your cherished pets. They understand that unforeseen emergencies can arise, causing significant stress for both pets and their owners. Their approach emphasizes taking urgent situations seriously, providing immediate guidance, and ensuring that pets in distress receive prompt attention upon arrival. The hospital's mission is to offer a supportive environment where professionalism and kindness go hand-in-hand, helping to ease the fears of pet parents and ensure the best possible outcomes for their animal companions. They strive to be a reliable and caring presence within the Ocean View community, offering a range of services designed to address various pet health needs, from critical care to general wellness. Their commitment extends to making sure that every animal patient is handled gently and attentively, reflecting a true devotion to the well-being of those in their care.

Precious Paws Animal Hospital is conveniently located at 118 Atlantic Ave #201, Ocean View, DE 19970, USA. This address places the hospital in the heart of Ocean View, a well-known coastal town in Sussex County, Delaware. Its location on Atlantic Avenue, a central thoroughfare, makes it easily accessible for residents within Ocean View, as well as those in nearby communities such as Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Millville, and Dagsboro.

The hospital's strategic position in Ocean View offers significant accessibility benefits for local pet owners. Being on Atlantic Avenue, a familiar and main road, allows for straightforward navigation and reduces travel time, which is particularly crucial during urgent pet health situations. For individuals residing in the coastal Delaware region, the proximity of Precious Paws Animal Hospital means that expert veterinary care is readily available without the need for extensive travel to larger, more distant towns. This ease of access contributes significantly to a pet owner's ability to seek timely medical attention, whether for routine check-ups, follow-up visits, or unexpected emergencies. The location within a established community also means that it is likely integrated into local services and known by residents, further enhancing its accessibility and role as a community resource for pet health. While parking specifics are not detailed, being within a commercial area typically implies reasonable parking options. This central and accessible location makes Precious Paws Animal Hospital a convenient and reassuring choice for pet owners in coastal Delaware seeking dependable veterinary care.

Precious Paws Animal Hospital aims to provide a range of veterinary services to address the health and well-being of pets in the Ocean View, Delaware community. While specific service lists are often best confirmed directly with the clinic, based on the provided customer feedback, key areas of focus appear to include:

Emergency and Urgent Care: A significant highlight from customer experiences, the hospital demonstrates a strong capability to handle pet emergencies. This includes taking urgent calls seriously, advising immediate action, and promptly attending to pets in distress upon arrival to ensure stability. This responsiveness is critical for peace of mind during stressful situations.
General Wellness and Preventative Care: Although not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, a comprehensive animal hospital typically offers routine wellness examinations, vaccinations tailored to your pet's needs, parasite prevention and control, and nutritional counseling. These services are foundational to maintaining a pet's long-term health and preventing serious illnesses.
Diagnostic Services: Essential for understanding a pet's condition, these usually involve in-house laboratory testing (blood work, urinalysis, fecal analysis) and potentially external lab services for more complex diagnostics. Imaging services like X-rays (radiography) are also standard for diagnosing internal issues or injuries.
Medical Management of Illnesses: Addressing various non-surgical conditions, including infections, chronic diseases, allergies, and digestive issues. This involves accurate diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing monitoring.
Surgical Procedures: While not mentioned in the provided reviews, a full-service animal hospital typically performs both routine surgeries (like spays and neuters) and potentially more complex soft tissue surgical procedures, with a focus on patient safety and post-operative care.
Pain Management: Providing strategies and medications to alleviate pain from injuries, post-surgical recovery, or chronic conditions, ensuring the pet's comfort and quality of life.
Compassionate Patient Handling: As indicated by positive feedback about nurses being "gentle, attentive, and clearly devoted to the well-being of their patients," a focus on compassionate and gentle handling during examinations and procedures is a key part of their service delivery.
Client Communication and Education: Effective communication is evident through veterinarians like Dr. John Maniatty, who take "the time to explain everything in a way that helped ease my fears." This commitment to clear explanations empowers pet owners to understand their pet's condition and treatment plan.

Precious Paws Animal Hospital aims to distinguish itself through several key features and highlights, as evidenced by positive customer experiences. However, it is also important to acknowledge areas where improvements are needed, based on contrasting feedback.

Exceptional Emergency Responsiveness: A significant highlight, as praised by a grateful customer, is the hospital's prompt and serious response to urgent situations. From the moment a distress call is received, they prioritize immediate attention, ensuring pets in critical condition are taken back right away for stabilization. This rapid and efficient handling of emergencies is invaluable for pet owners during frightening times.
Compassionate and Reassuring Veterinary Care (Notably Dr. John Maniatty): Dr. John Maniatty is specifically highlighted for his incredible kindness, ability to explain complex situations clearly, and his reassuring demeanor. His communication style helps "ease my fears" and provides much-needed comfort to worried pet parents. This level of empathetic and clear communication is a critical feature that builds trust and confidence.
Dedicated and Gentle Nursing Staff: The nurses are consistently described as "wonderful—gentle, attentive, and clearly devoted to the well-being of their patients." This reflects a team approach where every member contributes to a positive and caring environment for the animals. Their gentle handling skills are crucial for reducing pet stress during visits.
Commitment to Patient Stability and Best Care: The hospital's proactive approach in "mak sure she was stable" upon arrival and going "above and beyond to make sure my dog got the best care possible" demonstrates a strong commitment to optimal patient outcomes and comprehensive care during critical moments.
Community Appreciation for Responsiveness: The sentiment that customers are "so grateful to have such a caring and responsive veterinary team in our community" underscores the hospital's positive impact and reputation for being a reliable local resource during pet health crises.

Areas for Potential Improvement (Based on Negative Feedback):

Inconsistent Veterinarian Compassion: The contrasting review highlights a significant concern regarding the demeanor and compassion of certain veterinarians (specifically Dr. Hemingway), described as "arrogant" and lacking "any compassion." This suggests an inconsistency in patient and client experience depending on which veterinarian is seen, indicating a need for consistent adherence to compassionate care standards across all staff.
Perceived Lack of Engagement/Thoroughness by Some Vets: The feedback "provided me the same 'it could be 100’s of things' BS" and "what I wanted was a vet to actually cared about what was going on rather than he wanted to be 10 other places" points to a perceived lack of thoroughness, active listening, and genuine interest from some practitioners, which can be deeply frustrating for concerned pet owners.
Concerns with Veterinary Technician Practices: The specific complaint about a vet tech wiping a thermometer with gauze and putting it back in a drawer raises serious questions about hygiene protocols and professional standards, which could compromise patient safety and client trust.
Suboptimal Receptionist Interaction: A "horrible first impression" due to a receptionist who "clearly does not want to interact with anyone" indicates a significant issue with front-desk customer service, which is crucial for creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
Transparency in Pricing: While a $200 walk-in fee might be standard for some emergency services, the review's tone suggests a lack of clarity or justification for the cost, indicating a potential area for improved transparency in billing practices.

For all inquiries, scheduling appointments, or in the event of a pet emergency, you can contact Precious Paws Animal Hospital using the following information:

Address: 118 Atlantic Ave #201, Ocean View, DE 19970, USA

Phone: (302) 539-2273

Mobile Phone: +1 302-539-2273

It is always recommended to call the hospital directly for the most current information regarding their services, hours, and to schedule appointments, especially for urgent care needs. A direct phone call allows their team to provide immediate guidance and prepare for your pet's arrival if necessary.

For pet owners in Ocean View and the surrounding Delaware communities, Precious Paws Animal Hospital presents itself as a local veterinary option, particularly notable for its capacity to handle urgent and emergency situations with a high degree of responsiveness and compassion, as exemplified by the care provided by Dr. John Maniatty and the dedicated nursing staff. The peace of mind that comes from knowing a local facility is ready to take immediate action and provide reassuring guidance during a pet's distress is a significant advantage for members of our community. The positive testimonials clearly highlight a team capable of delivering exceptional, empathetic care when it matters most, ensuring pets in critical condition receive prompt and attentive treatment.

However, prospective clients should also be aware of the contrasting experiences shared by some customers, which point to potential inconsistencies in staff demeanor and professional practices. While the hospital undeniably has strengths in emergency response and the compassionate care provided by certain team members, the varied feedback suggests that the overall client experience may depend on individual interactions. For those prioritizing a veterinary team that demonstrates profound kindness, takes concerns seriously, and acts with urgency during frightening moments, Precious Paws Animal Hospital, especially when under the care of veterinarians like Dr. Maniatty, offers a valuable local resource. It is advisable for new clients to consider these varied experiences and communicate their expectations clearly to ensure the best possible care for their cherished animal companions in our Delaware community.

Precious Paws Animal Hospital Photos

Precious Paws Animal Hospital Location

Precious Paws Animal Hospital

Delaware Sussex County Ocean View Atlantic Avenue

118 Atlantic Ave #201, Ocean View, DE 19970, USA

Precious Paws Animal Hospital Reviews

I can’t thank Precious Paws Animal Hospital enough for the care they gave my dog during a very scary time. She was in clear distress, and from the moment I called, they took the situation seriously and told me to bring her in immediately. As soon as we arrived, they took her back right away to make sure she was stable.The entire staff was calm, compassionate, and professional. Dr. John Maniatty was incredibly kind and took the time to explain everything in a way that helped ease my fears. He reassured me that she was going to be okay, which meant the world to me. The nurses were also wonderful—gentle, attentive, and clearly devoted to the well-being of their patients.Precious Paws went above and beyond to make sure my dog got the best care possible. I’m so grateful to have such a caring and responsive veterinary team in our community.
Jun 26, 2025 · Christina Manmiller
I wish I had read the reviews before going! Like many others, Dr. Hemingway was the absolute worst vet I have ever visited. He is arrogant, lacks any compassion, and provided me the same “it could be 100’s of things” BS. I asked questions with flippant responses, I asked for suggestions with his response being “well, we could try this if you want”. What I wanted was a vet to actually cared about what was going on rather than he wanted to be 10 other places. The vet tech took my cats temperature, when she removed it from my cat she wiped it off with gauze and put it back in the drawer. The receptionist clearly does not want to interact with anyone and should be in the back-horrible first impression when you walk in the door. I will NEVER go back there and am writing an email to the owner. Strongly discourage anyone from going! And $200 just to walk in the door.
Jun 10, 2025 · Stacey Ruehr
Friendly staff, great service.They treat your pets with love and care. They work to make sure your pet is in optimal health. And if they can, they immediately place you in an examining room so you’re not sitting out with all the other pets in the waiting room.
Jun 11, 2025 · Lee Foxwell
This place—Dr. Hemenway in particular—should be avoided at all costs. They are a price-gouging, lazy, cold, and ineffectual practice. Hemenway offers absolutely no guidance and rarely gives a straight answer, instead choosing to be intentionally vague. He is evasive, aloof, and can’t be bothered to point you in the right direction for anything.Now, let’s talk about their price-gouging:• $200 emergency fee for existing patients.• $30 fee for nail clipping.• Conversations about your pet’s treatment that could easily be handled over the phone are forced into office visits, disguised as “consultations.” These visits provide no real information, no answers, and—insultingly—they sometimes admit that bringing in your pet is optional. Calling it “nickel-and-diming” is an understatement. It’s closer to exploitation or outright robbery.Next, the laziness: The techs are inexperienced and appear untrained. They’re sweet (most of them, anyway), but completely incompetent. You can also sense toxicity among the staff just by watching them interact—clearly, the dysfunction starts at the top.One “consultation” I had with Dr. Hemenway after my cat was diagnosed with diabetes went as follows:Me: I was told Lantus Glarg is probably the best place to start with insulin.Hemenway: Well, would you like to start with that?Me: I’m asking what your thoughts are.Hemenway: I think you should go with what makes you comfortable. There are dozens of different insulins.Me: Okay… and you don’t have a preference?Hemenway: Well, I think there are lots of options, and ultimately, it’s up to you.This is the level of care and expertise you can expect. They also failed to inform me that my cat had a UTI.Hemenway’s vagueness and refusal to provide real medical direction nearly killed my cat. He told me to start with one unit of insulin and increase it “as needed” based on symptoms, only occasionally checking blood sugar. He failed to explain that insulin doses should be maintained for at least a week to determine efficacy. He also didn’t mention blood sugar curves or how essential they are to getting an actual read on diabetes. Because of this, my cat ended up in ketoacidosis, and if I hadn’t had $8,000 on hand for emergency hospitalization, he wouldn’t have made it.When I realized my cat was in a medical emergency, I rushed him into precious paws because that is/was my vet. They ran some tests and charged me nearly $650, but that was it. I explicitly told them, “Just give him whatever he needs, I will pay for it.”Later, they called to confirm my cat was in ketoacidosis but said they couldn’t monitor him past a certain time, so I needed to find another facility. Again, I said, “Do whatever is necessary. Anything he needs, just give it to him.”After an hour and a half of securing an emergency facility, I called Precious Paws to notify them where I was taking him and asked what treatment they had given him in the meantime. They had given him nothing. Their excuse? “You never instructed us to.” They then claimed that since I was coming to pick him up soon, they “didn’t have the time.”I nearly lost it. You have a young, sick, and dying cat in your care, and after explicitly telling you to do whatever was needed, you just… did nothing? No IV? No insulin? No treatment whatsoever? His blood glucose was so high it had turned his blood acidic.They had no real answer when confronted other than claiming it wasn’t their responsibility.So yeah—stay away. Far, far away.
Feb 26, 2025 · Noah Ben
We were very pleased with the care that our sweet feline received since we moved to Delaware 5 years ago.... until 3 weeks ago when she became lethargic, stopped eating, drinking and not interacting each day as she would normally. We took her in after 3 days off her food and drink. Dr. Hemenway was the only vet available that Friday. He told us "it could be 100 different things with cats". No offer to X-ray, ultrasound or any other diagnostic. After 2 more visits over 10 days with Dr. Lovins still no diagnosis even after we were told they performed an X-ray & ultrasound. Her condition worsened. Finally, 5 days before she died we took her to an urgent care vet who performed several X-rays of her chest. He was quite thorough and showed us her condition on the screen. She had asthma/bronchitis in her lungs which led to congestive heart failure. Needless to say, we are heartbroken that we did not take her to this urgent care vet 2 weeks earlier. We may have been able to save her. We question WHY Precious Paws could not detect something so life threatening 2 weeks before? Sadly, we did not receive condolences from either Dr. Hemenway or Dr. Lovins but only from the vet techs.
Apr 05, 2025 · Cathy White