COVID-19 Statement
We at BVC take your health and the health of our staff seriously. While masks are no longer required, we ask that any clients who are not feeling well to please wear a mask when in the facility. Thank you.
Canine Respiratory Viral Outbreak Statement
Media outlets have been reporting on a current respiratory viral outbreak amongst dogs. At this time, the causative agent of this infection is unknown.
Similar to a ‘kennel cough’, dogs have been presenting to veterinary clinics throughout the country with coughing and lethargy. While many strains of kennel cough do not result in pneumonia, this current strain has a higher risk of causing viral infectious pneumonia. Unfortunately, many affected dogs have had minimal response to antibiotic therapies, with some requiring hospitalization.
As with any virus, each dog will respond differently to infections. Many are expected to improve with little to no medical care needed. Since veterinarians are seeing more severe infections with this strain, however, it is highly recommended to contact your veterinarian and have your pet evaluated if coughing is noted.
At Brilliant Veterinary Care, we always focus our attention on your individual pet and their medical needs. If your dog begins showing signs that include cough, eye or nose discharge, lethargy, or loss of appetite, please contact us to have them evaluated.
To ensure your pet’s safety and limit disease spread, veterinary epidemiologists and immunologists are currently recommending the following isolation protocols:
- limit or avoid time in dog parks
- if your dog needs to be boarded, discuss the boarding facility’s current protocols
- discuss with your groomer their current protocols or consider at-home grooming services (if
possible) - do not allow your dog to drink from public dog water bowls
- if your dog does develop a cough, please do not have them interact with other dogs until at
least 1 week after coughing has resolved
To further protect our patients, symptomatic dogs will be brought directly into a designated exam room when they check in and remain there until check out. Our staff will use PPE (gowns and gloves) when handling sick patients and the room will be thoroughly disinfected before used again.
Veterinary experts are actively working to provide more information on this developing respiratory virus. As more details emerge, we will be happy to answer any questions you have and work together to ensure the health of our beloved pets.
Full Service Veterinary Care for Dogs and Cats on the Upper West Side of Manhattan
CONTACT USApproachable and Accessible Veterinary Care for the Upper West Side
Brilliant Veterinary Care celebrates the human-animal bond. Our goal is to provide the highest standard of nurturing care for our patients while being mindful of our clients’ needs and the community that we serve. The Upper West Side is our home, its residents, our family.
Individualized, Thoughtful, Quality Veterinary Care
We specialize in veterinary care for cats and dogs. We look forward to building a relationship with your family.
Through all stages of your pet’s life, we’ll be there to ensure they are on the right track to a long, healthy life.
We keep your pet’s smile healthy and bright. Your pet’s oral health is more important than you think.
Our older pets meet the same age-related challenges as we do. We want to ensure that they are living their best lives possible.
We keep your pet happy and healthy.
Make an Appointment!
We look forward to welcoming you at Brilliant Veterinary Care soon.
Request an Appointment today!
Contact Us
Brilliant Veterinary Care is located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Please feel free to contact us.
Dr. Bayazit, originally from Canada, grew up in Fairfield County, CT. She earned her BS at Mount Holyoke College and DVM at Michigan State University. After completing a post-graduate internship year at VREC in Norwalk, CT, she moved to the Upper West Side and started practicing full time at Animal General with Dr. Paul Howell and Karen Heidgerd. Dr. Bayazit moved back to CT with her husband and 2 children where she continued to practice full time at Poster Animal Hospital. Dr. Bayazit currently enjoys her hobby farm in Westport, CT where she has 3 dogs, 2 mini cows, 11 chickens, and countless honeybees. Dr. Bayazit is USDA accredited and is a member of the AVMA, NYSVMS, and CVMA.
“I have always loved the energy and strong sense of community in the Upper West Side. Starting Brilliant Veterinary Care with Karen has brought my career full circle.”
The foundation of Karen’s lifelong career in veterinary medicine is her compassionate love of animals. This passion has found new expression in “Brilliant Veterinary Care”.
Her previous 25 years were spent serving the community of the Upper West Side, as practice administrator for Animal General. Under her leadership, Animal General grew to become one of the most popular and beloved veterinary hospitals on the Upper West Side.
Through Animal General, with the support of Dr. Paul Howell, Karen was able to establish many beneficial programs. She developed “Protected Pets”, a program designed to aid the pets of victims of domestic violence, “Tenth Life for NYC cats”, a community endeavor to rescue pets slated for euthanasia at the NYC shelter, and “Senior Foster”, a program that placed senior cats with senior citizens providing food and medical care as needed.
Karen helped people as well as pets. Animal General worked with the NYCAHRC Hire program and employed many learning-disabled adults, giving them full-time jobs and purpose. These charitable programs were in addition to the delivery of gold-standard veterinary care for all clients.
Karen is also the co-founder of two charitable organizations that both care for urban wildlife: the “Wild Bird Fund” and “City Pigeon Rehabilitation”.She lives with her family in Westchester with rescued dogs, cats, and a handful of birds. “I am excited to continue to bring compassionate and inclusive veterinary care to the Upper West Side where one size does not fit all.”
Coming soon!