References and Testimonials from our Clients
Boston Magazine listed Harbor Vets as local vets that keep the tails waggin'!
Harbor Vets were voted the Best Vets in Boston by the Reader's of Beantown Tails Magazine 2009 & 2010!
Naama (& "Lola") from East Boston 12/25/2010
Being a lifelong pet owner, finding a vet who matches my pet's needs and my own is paramount. This is exactly what I found with Maija and Emily of Harbor Vets. Not only are they responsible, prompt, and thorough, they provide a sense of caring and warmness which makes them a true testament to what vets should be. I am ever so thankful for finding them, and they are a gem for Boston area pet owners.
Jeffrey from East Boston 9/2/2010
I would like to take the time to say a few words about Harbor Vets and the proprietors Emily and Maija. I was searching for veterinarians for my newly purchased Maine Coon cat Wallace. I did a Google search and saw many and read many reviews and then I came across Harbor Vets. As I read the reviews (all good by the way) they were praised highly I thought to myself “Oh please give me a break, no one can be this good”. Well to make a long story short they are that good! I gave them a call for regular care, and beyond that, when Wallace got sick they came over and took care of the problem and gave me expert advice. They are kind, thoughtful, experienced and have a true love for animals that you can see it in their care; they treat Wallace as if he was theirs.
I could go on and on about the both them! If you are looking for a vet and one that will come right to your house which is a huge convenience- give them a call or shoot them an email, you will not be disappointed.
Ellen D: 8/22/2010
Harbor Vets are just the best. My three cats were traumatized at having to be transported in cat carriers to the vets. Then came the waiting room experience... all of those "anxious animals" and the atmosphere of fearful cats and dogs.
Then came Harbor Vets!!!! Emily and Maija are warm, caring, and extremely competent, AND they come to my condo! Who could ask for more? They greet my three cats in a loving way, and the whole experience is a positive one for everyone...including me!
One of my cats used to hide under the bed for the whole day after I brought him home from the vets. Now, he's out and about immediately. What a relief. Can't recommend these wonderful vets strongly enough.
Ellen from East Boston: 12/15/2009
Emily and Maija came to our home and it felt as though they had been there many times before — so easygoing yet so professional. They both sat on the floor and played with our dog Finnegan who was totally unaware that they were checking him out. I'm amazed at what they can accomplish on these home visits — bloodwork, shots, tests, microchipping, etc. We intend to have them as part of our support team for a very long time.
Tamara from Boston: 11/15/2009
I cannot recommend Harbor Vets enough. Emily and Maija are both amazing doctors who truly love what they do. Our puppy adores them, even when they give her vaccinations! Their professionalilsm, competence and compassion have exceeded our expectations in every way.
They provide the highest level of client service I have ever encountered... they respond to emails and phone calls in record time, and they treat our dog as if she is their own. The fact that they come to our home is the icing on an already-perfect cake!
Debra Curtin from Winthrop: 4/4/2009
Founder and President of the New England Primate Sanctuary
Testimonial on behalf of personal pets and special needs sanctuary dogs.
Harbor Veterinary House Calls provides the best system for our pets’ medical care. When I used to take my pets for traditional veterinary care, the dogs stressed out as soon as they smelled the vet’s office and the cats were stressed from the moment they saw their travel crates at home. Let’s not even mention the cats howling during the car ride. By contrast, when Harbor Vets arrive my pets are calm and happy to welcome company. They view Emily and Maija as welcomed friends who come into their home and dedicate their visit entirely to them.
I believe that, from a medical perspective, the vets get a better read on my pets’ health and overall well-being by seeing them in a relaxed state. For our special needs pets, stress-free care is essential to monitoring their health. Even my most fearful dog welcomes a tender and seemingly playful exam. In a traditional veterinary setting, our epileptic dog would suffer a seizure after a minor procedure, like a blood draw. At home and in my lap during any procedure she suffers no adverse reactions.
Even more difficult procedures are gentler when performed at home. Emily and Maija guided us through end of life for a beloved cat. Although always heartbreaking, as an in-home visit it was an intimate experience rather than a cold clinical procedure.
Drs. Maija Mikkola and Emily Neenan arrive fully equipped and well-prepared for any eventuality. Not only do I strongly recommend in-home veterinary care, but I cannot praise highly enough both the level of care and the compassion and concern for each individual that Emily and Maija offer. My entire crew loves them and what could be a better endorsement than that?
Peggy from Cambridge: 2/21/2009
I can't believe how amazing the two of you were. It was such an emotional experience for all of us, as Rascal's health declined.
The two of you were like glowing angels, coming into a complex and sad situation with such warmth and compassion, such understanding. We could not be more grateful. If death can be a beautiful thing, you made it so. I am just so relieved that Rascal is no longer suffering and that her final moments were spent at home, digesting a little fresh shrimp and feeling warm, kind hands on her little body.
I will rave about you both for a long time. Many, many thanks.
Mary from Cheslea: 12/18/2008
Both vets at Harbor Vets are the best. They are both so kind and caring. You can tell right away that they will always have the best interest of the animal as the top priority. I had an emergency on a Sunday morning with my dog. I needed to give her IV fluids and was not successful. I called Harbor Vets and they were at my house within an hour. I was shocked! I had two vets in my house on a Sunday morning helping me care for my dog. Since they are so proficient at the IV treatment, I still have them do it. The costs are reasonable and the care is exceptional! I would recommend them to anyone that needs a vet.
Brian from Jamaica Plain: 07/17/2008
We couldn’t be happier with the service provided by Harbor Vets. Besides the fact that this service is incredibly convenient, Dr. Mikkola and Dr. Neenan are amazing. Their compassion and having the exam at home alleviated the anxiety our dog previously experienced during vet visits. The appointment was not rushed. They took the time to explain to me what they were doing and why they were doing it. A few weeks after the yearly checkup, our dog hurt her paw badly at the dog park. Harbor Vets came right over to the house, diagnosed that it was only soft tissue damage and prescribed some pain reliever. Not only did we avoid an expensive trip to the emergency room, we avoided adding extra stress to an already stressful situation. When they came back for a follow up visit, our dog greeted them with a "full body wag” hello! After going to a few vets in the area, the price, service, and attention can’t be beat. I am very thankful for Harbor Vets.
Rachel from Weymouth: 06/09/2008
"I have 9 puppies and each one needed a physical exam and thier first sets of shots.. They traveled out of thier service area, and didnt mind three other larger dogs trying kiss thier way onto thier lap. They were professional, and made me feel like my dogs were so important and pretty/handsome. It was by far the greatest vet experience that my wife and I have ever had (dogs too). I recommened them to everyone who has asked about a good vet that is decently priced."
Julie from Newton: 04/21/2008
"Thank you Dr. Mikkola!! My cat Mary got sick shortly after I came back from a vacation. She was so ill the other veterinarian that I saw said that I should put her to sleep. After getting a second opinion from you, I wanted to try to keep her alive. You gave me the training and support I needed to make this a reality. Not only did Mary survive, she is thriving now and you wouldn't even be able to tell she was ever so deathly sick. I don't know what I would have done without you!! Thank you for all your help and support"
Mary from Chelsea: 04/17/2008
"Thank you Dr. Mikkola and Dr. Neenan for seeing me on such short notice! It was so nice not to have to put Beau and Jolie into the car to take them to their vaccination appointment. They HATE the car and I know they were much less frightened by having their vaccinations in the comfort of their own home. You were both very professional, the fees for service are very reasonable and the kitties loved you both. Definitely a very happy customer and would recommend you to everyone looking for great quality and convenient veterinary care!"
If you feel that you were happy with our services and want your story to be known- please let us know!