Long Island Fish Hospital
Caring for pet fish since 1998
About Dr. Tepper
Born and raised in NYC, Dr. Tepper graduated from York College of CUNY in 1971. He then went to Europe to study veterinary medicine, graduating with honors from the Universite de Liege in Brussels, Belgium in 1976. Returning that year to NYC, he began practicing and held a special interest in birds and exotic animals. After many requests from clients, he opened the Long Island Fish Hospital in 1998 to care for the health of pet fish. Dr. Tepper has served as Treasurer of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, as an Officer on the Executive Board of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, and as a member of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, Association of Avian Veterinarians, the AVMA and state and local veterinary associations. In 2012, Dr. Tepper was named one of five Fellows of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Tepper has been certified for aquatic animal care by the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association.
With a special interest in ponds, water gardens and koi, Dr. Tepper developed a phytoremedial device for water quality improvement and received a U.S. patent for this invention. Dr. Tepper has authored many papers on fish health and pondkeeping. He has authored and edited several books on aquatic veterinary medicine. He has been featured in articles in the New York Times Sunday magazine, the New York Times Long Island section and several feature articles on pond care in Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine. He has appeared on television on the CBS Evening News, News 12 Long Island and the Family Pet.
Koi and pond fish
The care of sick koi and pond fish is often difficult to accomplish without a complete assessment of the pond. For this reason, Dr. Tepper recommends a pond visit whenever something does not look right. Once an account is established, a visit will be scheduled as soon as possible. This will include a complete evaluation of the pond, filtration system and fish, a sampling of water for water quality testing and the capture, sedation, biopsy sampling and recovery, when indicated, of a fish for complete parasite testing. Other testing or procedures, when needed, may also be done on-site.
A visit usually takes about 2 hours. As Dr. Tepper brings all the necessary equipment with him, including assistance when needed, it is not essential that the pondkeeper be at home for the visit. The fee for a pond visit is based on an hourly rate, including travel time. A quote will be provided when the account is established.
Dr. Tepper is prepared to travel with short notice over the NY metro area.
Pond Health Program
The Pond Health Program is a wellness program modeled after the healthcare currently provided to all other pets by veterinarians. Koi and pond fish experience many challenges throughout the year. A preventative maintainance program is just as effective at optimizing the healthcare of our "wet pets" as it is for our dogs, cats, birds and herps. Developed by Dr. Tepper after years of experience caring for koi, this program consists of 2 scheduled visits each year in the Spring and Fall by Dr. Tepper. Each visit consists of an examination of the pond, filter system and fish, water sampling and testing for chemical and biological quality and an annual parasite check of a fish. The program is tailored to the needs of each owner, with unlimited 24/7 email support and direct telephone consultations when necessary. The cost varies with different locations as travel time affects the schedule, so please contact us as soon as possible for a quote and to schedule a visit.
Veterinary care for bettas, goldfish and all other fresh and salt water tropicals
