Business Details
26 Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Emergency & Specialty Veterinary Care | NorthStar VETS
NorthStar VETS was founded in 2000 by Daniel Stobie, DVM, MS, DACVS, with a vision to provide advanced veterinary care through a mobile surgery practice. Over two decades, we expanded into three state-of-the-art facilities in central New Jersey, South Jersey, and the Jersey Shore, becoming one of the largest independently owned referral practices in the U.S. Our team of 250+ staff members, including 50+ board-certified specialists, delivers 24/7 emergency, trauma, and specialty care for companion animals, including dogs, cats, exotics, and wildlife. We prioritize collaborative medicine, with twice-daily case reviews to ensure comprehensive treatment plans.Recognized for our award-winning, privately owned practice, we emphasize individualized care, sustainability, and community engagement. Our concierge-level service extends to patients, pet parents, and referring veterinarians, supported by advanced diagnostics and treatment technologies. We maintain rigorous environmental standards, reducing our carbon footprint through green initiatives, and contribute to local animal-focused nonprofits. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our board-certified specialists, who have completed extensive training beyond veterinary school, and our 24/7 availability ensures pets receive timely care when needed most.
Services
Emergency Care
Cardiology
Dentistry
Oncology
Avian & Exotics
Neurology
Radiology
Critical Care
Dermatology
Internal Medicine
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 20+ specialties available for comprehensive pet care
- Twice-daily collaborative case reviews for treatment plans
- Award-winning, privately owned practice with 24/7 availability
- Board-certified specialists with 3+ years of advanced training
- Sustainability practices reduce environmental impact
What people say
24/7 availability
Compassionate staff
Specialized expertise
Advanced equipment
Life-saving care
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency department provides immediate care for critical conditions like trauma, poisoning, and respiratory distress. Board-certified emergency veterinarians use advanced diagnostics and life-support equipment to stabilize patients. Services include CPR, transfusion medicine, and mechanical ventilation for pets requiring urgent intervention.
Cardiology
We diagnose and treat complex cardiac conditions using echocardiography, ECGs, and interventional procedures. Our specialists manage congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital defects with balloon valvuloplasty and pacemaker implantation. Treatment plans address both acute and chronic heart disease in pets.
Avian & Exotics
Our team provides specialized care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Services include wellness exams, surgical interventions, and advanced diagnostics like CT scans for exotic species. We collaborate with zoos and wildlife sanctuaries for specialized treatment of non-traditional pets.
Oncology
We offer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical tumor removal for pets with cancer. Our specialists develop personalized treatment plans focusing on quality of life, with pain management and palliative care options. We treat common and rare cancers like lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and brain tumors.
Dentistry
Advanced dental services include root canals, periodontal surgery, and oral tumor removal. We address tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw fractures using endodontic and prosthodontic techniques. Preventive care reduces systemic health risks associated with untreated dental disease in pets.
People
Daniel Stobie
Founder & Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Stobie established NorthStar VETS in 2000 after completing a surgical residency at the University of Minnesota. He holds a Master's degree in Veterinary Surgery and has led the practice's growth from a mobile service to three full-service hospitals.
Steven T. Berkowitz
Director of Emergency Services
Dr. Berkowitz joined NorthStar VETS in 2017 after completing an ECC residency at Oradell Animal Hospital. He authored research on hemodialysis treatment and serves on the ACVECC Diversity and Inclusion committee while directing the Ann Smith Memorial Blood Bank.
Karen Meltzer
Cardiology Specialist
Dr. Meltzer became board-certified in cardiology in 2011 after completing a residency at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She specializes in managing congestive heart failure and complex arrhythmias using advanced diagnostic tools and interventional procedures.
Christopher W. Shapley
Integrative Medicine Specialist
Dr. Shapley combines Eastern and Western medicine approaches for pain management and sports medicine. Certified in veterinary acupuncture and herbal therapy, he develops holistic treatment plans that complement traditional veterinary interventions.
Nancy Vail-Archer
Medical Director - Maple Shade
Dr. Vail-Archer leads the Maple Shade location with expertise in emergency and critical care medicine. She completed a rotating internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists and focuses on trauma stabilization and post-operative management.
Questions
What emergency services are available after hours?
Our Robbinsville, Maple Shade, and Brick locations provide 24/7/365 emergency care. Philadelphia operates 24/7 for urgent cases.
How do I schedule a specialty appointment?
Specialty appointments require referral from your primary veterinarian. Contact us at 609-259-8300 for coordination.
What exotic animals do you treat?
We care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small mammals including pocket pets and zoo animals.
Do you offer payment plans?
We accept major credit cards and recommend pet insurance. Financing options may be available through third-party providers.
What diagnostic imaging capabilities exist?
We offer ultrasound, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and endoscopic diagnostics across all hospital locations.