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Central Hospital For Veterinary Medicine
Our veterinarians are supported by a diverse hospital team of nurses, technicians, handlers and administrators. Central Hospital For Veterinary Medicine is also supported by 10 associated member doctor clinics in the greater New Haven area. Dr. Harley received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.

She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Norwalk, Connecticut and went on to do a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. She stayed on at AMC as staff in Internal Medicine and was co-director of post-graduate education and the internship program.
Services
Our veterinary dermatologist has expertise and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of animals with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, hair, ears, and claws. We treat animals with allergies and allergy-induced skin diseases, infections and non-infectious skin diseases, parasitic skin diseases, autoimmune diseases, and can recognize the skin manifestations of systemic disease, including internal cancers.
We are open twenty four hours a day seven days a week! No appointment needed for emergencies and ICU services. Call us on the way or complete the welcome form in advance so we can assist you immediately. The welcome form is located to the right of this field (scroll over the lightbulb symbol). We have been providing the greater New Haven area with emergency veterinary care for over 40 years and will always be here to help.
Prior to joining Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Shakeri completed 5 years of intensive, post-doctoral training to be able to confidently provide exceptional veterinary care for the avian and exotic animals in our area.

After graduating with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, Dr. Shakeri completed a 1-year internship in general canine and feline medicine and surgery here in Connecticut, followed by a 1-year specialty internship in avian and exotic animal medicine in Maryland, and finally a 3-year residency in avian medicine and surgery in Tampa, Florida.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) utilizes a specialized chamber to deliver high concentrations of pressurized oxygen (up to 100%) to patients. Utilizing the principles of basic physics, oxygen is delivered to compromised tissues despite minimal or even lack of, blood flow. In human medicine, HBOT has been utilized and demonstrated to have varying effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.
Internal Medicine is accessible for case consultation and updates 6 days a week. This ensures that all hospitalized pets receive seamless monitoring and care. Our internal medicine specialists have advanced knowledge of small animal gastroenterology, endocrinology, immune-mediated and infectious disease, diseases of the kidney and lower urinary tract as well as respiratory disease.
Reviews (13)
Kay B.
Kay B.
Jan 28, 2022
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I am currently having my rat, Blueberry, treated here for an ear infection among other things and have been seeing Luke and Dr. Shakeri. I have to say they have both been so wonderful and responsive, they make everything easy to understand and you can feel that they actually care. It’s comforting to know there is always somewhere to go especially when it is difficult to find care for small animals/exotics. Thank you!
Sara Cannella
Sara Cannella
Jan 27, 2022
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Had to bring my kitty in yesterday with a very sudden wound that we were panicking about. I was in tears the entire time, but the staff was so wonderful. The scariest day ever turned into a manageable one and my cat is still with me, healing at home. Thank you Dr. Nicole Kennedy and the amazing technicians who helped my girl Lola.
Yvette Gallagher
Yvette Gallagher
Jan 21, 2022
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We took our Milo (cat) here this morning after reading some of the positive reviews. Very nice staff. Dr. Andrea Brodeur was very nice and explained to me what to do for our Milo who has a UTI. She also took time to answer any questions I had. Her assistant was also very nice and professional. If your pet has an emergency and you can't get to your vet I highly recommend bringing them here. Price to me was reasonable for an an emergency hospital. Thank you Central Hospital for making our experience here a good one :)
Kaylee Portillo
Kaylee Portillo
Jan 17, 2022
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Im not the type of person to ever leave a review but i am just so thankful for all of the staff here.
My pup got into a full pack of gum, and I completely lost it. They got him in so quickly and took care of him. He had to stay for 24 hours and I kept calling even after they updated me. I know I was annoying but no one ever was rude about it.
They answered every single question I had and after he left they still called to make sure he was doing okay!
Thank you so much for helping my pup! ♥️
Maggi Czarzasty
Maggi Czarzasty
Jan 04, 2022
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Kitty wasn’t feeling quite herself this morning, so we took a little trip to central to get her checked out. Everyone there was so nice, and took such good care of her. Highly recommend taking your pets here if you ever have an emergency or somethings not quite right. Abby is taking a well deserved nap and is taking her medications like a champ. Thank you to everyone at the Guilford location for looking after my girl!
D. Ferris
D. Ferris
Dec 19, 2021
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Surgery Review: I went here for a 2nd opinion & received excellent care. Dr Cara Blake did a delicate surgery on my Toy Poodle to remove a thyroid tumor. This was a long surgery with many risks but Dr. Blake successful removed the tumor. Her surgical support team were so kind & went above & beyond for my dog and me. Dr Blake called to check on my Lily on her day off over Labor Day weekend. I’m deeply grateful to everyone at Central Hospital for Vet. Medicine
Annie Minton
Annie Minton
Dec 13, 2021
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I am consistently grateful for the care that you provide for my sick and injured animals. I have been in quite a few times before, and I keep coming back because of the kindness and knowledge your staff provides.
This past visit, both of my pups ran their front paw pads raw at the park. I was scared because one of them could not walk. They were both swiftly seen and cared for. Outpatient instructions were detailed, and I was able to call with any follow up questions (which I have, and they have all been answered).
Thank you for all that you do. There are other emergency pet hospitals in the area
Joy Marie Consiglio
Joy Marie Consiglio
Dec 05, 2021
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My little old guy had to make an emergency visit to the hospital resulting in an overnight stay. I can’t begin to say how absolutely amazing everyone here was! From reception to the doctors, I was blown away. I only wish that I could use them as my normal vet. They get 5 Stars and I would 100/10 recommend them to everyone I know for their fur baby emergencies!!
Thank you so much for saving my little love ❤️
Tia Barrier
Tia Barrier
Nov 25, 2021
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Dr. Costello, Kendall, and the rest of staff are amazing!!! They were able to diagnose her quickly, find a solution and find a different issue that was previously missed from another practice. My little Hunny is feeling so much better already.
Bottom line, if you want top notch care for your pet bring them here.
Rafael Mercado
Rafael Mercado
Nov 13, 2021
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Horrendous customer service, as well as price gouging. Stated you must wait in your car on site or be charged an additional $90. If the mode of communication is via phone while waiting in a vehicle, what’s the difference if I am in the parking lot or not for the 5 hours I which you had no communication.
Warrior Queen
Warrior Queen
Oct 02, 2021
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I travel to Central Hospital all the way from New York. Why? Because Dr. Leyenda Harley is the very best and works here. I trust her completely and she would only work in a place that is good. The staff has always been kind, warm and very attentive to us. For me and my boys it is worth the ride. Never doubt taking your babies to this place.
Keith Robertson
Keith Robertson
Sep 28, 2021
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After waiting a few weeks to get an appointment for my GSD’s persistent and severe gastrointestinal issues, I am so glad I waited to get into Central. They are so smart about the issues my girl is having. I walked out of the office feeling confident I had found the partner in my girl’s care that I was desperately looking for. Thank you Central for caring about my pup as much as I do.
Kerry Alexander
Kerry Alexander
Sep 14, 2021
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Dr. Dorbandt was wonderful! We came in thinking our cat may lose his eye and he assured us that with treatment he’d be good as new! Folks in the office were polite and professional and vet technician was knowledgeable and caring.
Update 3 weeks later - our cat’s eye and vision have been saved! The before and after is incredible thanks to Dr. Dorbandt!