“My core philosophy is simple: I am here for you and for the animals. You are not alone in this journey. You can count on me to provide your pets with the best care possible and treat you as a person, not just a client.”
About Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital
We bring over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality medical care, advanced diagnostics, and personalized support to pets and their families. As a trusted member of the community, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, approachable, and transparent care, ensuring that every pet receives the best treatment while every family feels supported.
Dr. Blum and our team are committed to improving outcomes and quality of life for your pets by offering the most advanced and innovative treatments available. We believe in treating not only your pet’s medical conditions but also supporting your family throughout the journey. We understand how challenging and stressful it can be to face a health issue with your beloved pet, and we are here to guide and comfort you every step of the way.
Honesty, integrity, and clear communication are at the heart of our practice. We value transparency and will always keep you well-informed about your pet’s diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Using plain, accessible language, we’ll explain everything and answer your questions, respecting your choices and preferences as we work together to create a personalized care plan that meets your needs and goals.
Above all, we deeply care about your pet’s well-being and quality of life. We listen to your concerns, offer empathy and compassion, and connect you with additional resources and support services as needed. Whether we’re celebrating milestones or offering comfort during challenges, our mission is to treat your pets like family and be your advocate in their care journey.
Dr. Rachel Black
Dr. Rachel Black has always had a deep, lifelong passion for animals, one that began in her childhood when she would visit the petting zoo and eagerly tell her parents she wanted to be a “vegetarian” (she meant “veterinarian”). This early fascination with animals grew into a calling that shaped her entire career. Raised in Columbia, Maryland, Dr. Black pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland before moving to St. Kitts to attend Ross University for veterinary school.
After completing her studies, Dr. Black honed her skills during a year-long internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City, where she received advanced training in critical care and specialty medicine. Following her internship, Dr. Black became an associate veterinarian at a multi-doctor practice in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where she built lasting relationships with both clients and their pets over the course of 15 years.
In the wake of the pandemic, Dr. Black and her husband made the decision to move to Woodcliff Lake to raise their family in a community that she could call home and also realize her life-long dream of practice ownership. In June of 2023 she started the process of turning that vision into reality by repurposing a former bank into a modern, state of the art medical facility.
Now, as the proud owner and veterinarian at Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Black is excited to offer compassionate, high-quality care to local families. With over 15 years of experience in the veterinary field and a heart dedicated to the well-being of every pet, Dr. Black is honored to be part of the Woodcliff Lake community and looks forward to helping pets and their families thrive for years to come.
More Than Just Veterinary Care … A Journey Together
We are committed to providing high-quality, personalized, and compassionate care to each of our patients. Our goal is not only to treat medical conditions but to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for both pets and their families. We understand how challenging it can be to face a health concern for a beloved pet, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We believe in maintaining transparency and honesty throughout the journey. From diagnosis to treatment options, we ensure you are well-informed and respected, explaining everything in clear, understandable terms and answering any questions you may have. Your preferences and choices are important to us, and we will work closely with you to develop a care plan that aligns with your goals.
Above all, we care deeply about the emotional well-being of both our patients and their families. We listen with empathy, offer support when needed, and celebrate the successes alongside you. At Woodcliff Lake Pet Hospital, our philosophy is simple: You are not alone. We are here to provide exceptional care for your pets and offer a compassionate, understanding approach to every aspect of their health journey.
Our Team
Melissa Benamou
Certified Veterinary Technician
Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital | Team Member Since 2025
Melissa’s lifelong love for animals and her caring, compassionate nature made a career in veterinary medicine a dream come true. From a young age, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping pets. Today, she’s thrilled to bring her passion and expertise to Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital, where she loves the family-oriented environment and the personalized approach to patient care.
Melissa graduated from Vanier College in Canada, completed an Animal Health Program in 2007, the same year she earned her certification through the VTNE. She also holds an Associate’s Degree in Social Science from Centennial College, graduated in 2003, a unique combination that helps her connect with both pets and their owners.
At home, Melissa’s life is joyfully busy with her husband and three kids, who all share her love for adventure and traveling together. Their home is filled with furry friends, including Indy, a 6-year-old Golden Retriever; Gracie, a 4-year-old Great Dane; Binx, a 7-year-old Siamese cat; and Salem, a 5-year-old Siamese cat. There’s never a dull moment in this happy household!
Fun fact: Melissa is a first-generation Canadian, and she’s proud of the journey her family made to give her the chance to follow her dreams. She can’t wait to meet the pets and families of Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital and looks forward to making every patient feel loved and cared for.
Rebekah
Veterinary Technician
Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital | Proud Team Member Since 2025
Rebekah’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a tender moment: caring for her younger brother’s sick cat. As she gently cut out mats and soothed the kitty, she realized how much she loved helping animals feel better. That spark led her to research veterinary programs and work tirelessly toward her dream, even while holding down a full-time job. It wasn’t always easy, but every day she spends making a difference in pets’ lives reminds her it was all worth it.
After earning her BA from Gettysburg College in 2007, Rebekah went on to complete her Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification through Penn Foster. She’s passionate about caring for pets of all ages, and she loves watching them thrive thanks to compassionate, dedicated veterinary care.
When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find Rebekah soaking up the beauty of nature, curling up with a good book, sewing, or enjoying board game nights and movies with her husband and daughter. Her family includes Russell, their curious, playful cat who loves people and always finds new ways to get into a little mischief!
One of Rebekah’s favorite animal stories is “Watership Down”, a timeless tale about the courage and adventure of a group of rabbits, a story she’s loved for years.
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Why Choose Woodcliff Lake Veterinary Hospital
