Got Questions?

Can we see the same veterinarian/veterinary technician each time we visit?

We make every effort to accommodate our clients’ requests, so feel free to ask for a specific veterinarian or veterinary technician when you schedule your appointment. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request. On occasion, though, there may be scheduling conflicts, emergency situations, and vacations that limit availability. Though you may have your favorites, all of our team members are highly skilled professionals who look forward to your pet’s visit.

Why is my veterinarian referring my pet to a specialist?

Our top priority is to make sure that our patients receive the highest standard of care and best possible outcome. This is why we sometimes make the decision to refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when advanced training or equipment will be beneficial.

Our veterinarians make every effort to stay current and skilled in many aspects of animal health, providing comprehensive care for your pet. However, board-certified specialists have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. And specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centers have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely undertaken by general practitioners.

Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with his or her care, consulting with the treating specialist and often providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.

Can I call and have you fax a copy of my pet’s rabies certificate and proof of vaccinations to the kennel where my pet will be staying?

We’d be happy to send proof of vaccination to your pet’s kennel. Just let us know the fax number.

Do you perform at-home euthanasia?

We consider each case individually. Feel free to ask about this as an option for you and your pet. For those pets that come to our office, we schedule the appointment at times when other clients are not likely to be in the office, to give you as much privacy as possible. We understand that this is a very difficult decision, so please let us know what questions you have, and how we might make it just a bit easier for you.

I’ve decided it’s time to let my pet go, but he/she is uncomfortable and can’t move very well, and I would really prefer to not drag him/her to the hospital. Can you come to my house?

If you would like to have a veterinarian come to your home, we can certainly accommodate your request. Please call to schedule an appointment. We also offer counseling if you want to discuss your decision or have any questions about the process.

What precautions/measures do you take so my pet doesn’t feel pain related to surgery/injury/infection/chronic disease?

Your pet’s comfort is a priority for us. Using our knowledge of pain medication and pain relief strategies, we do everything we can to prevent and manage your pet’s pain under all circumstances. We will tailor a pain management plan to your pet’s medical condition and individual needs.

We also offer acupuncture and chiropractic services, which can help control pain in some pets.

I’m worried about my pet’s upcoming surgical procedure. What do you do to help ensure your patients’ safety during surgery?

Our veterinary team takes every precaution so that your pet receives the highest-quality care. We perform a physical exam and preanesthetic testing before surgery and monitor your pet during surgery. During the procedure, a veterinary technician will continually assess your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs to help prevent any anesthetic risk. We also provide appropriate pain medication to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.

I think my pet ate something that’s making him/her sick, and he/she has lost consciousness/is having seizures/trouble breathing. What should I do?

During normal business hours, bring your pet in immediately. Call us right before you leave or while you’re on your way to help us prepare for the situation.

If your pet gets sick outside our normal hours, take your pet immediately to an emergency veterinary clinic.

I think my pet ate something that could be poisonous, but he/she seems fine. What should I do?

Don’t panic, but call us right away. If it’s outside our normal business hours, leave a message, and one of our veterinarians will return your call quickly. If your pet is not showing any adverse symptoms, you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. You may be charged a consultation fee.

Why do you check my dog’s weight every time he/she comes in for a visit?

We keep track of your pet’s weight just like your doctor’s office keeps track of your height and weight each time you visit. Having an accurate and current measurement of your pet’s weight will help us ensure that we prescribe the right dose of preventives, medications, and any needed anesthetics. It can also help us notice any early clues to health concerns. In addition, a regular weigh-in can help you track and manage your pet’s weight.

I have a hard time controlling my pet in the lobby. Can I make arrangements so I can take him/her into the exam room right away when I arrive?

We are happy to make arrangements to help make your visit as smooth and convenient as possible. When you call to schedule your appointment, please let us know that you would prefer to wait in an exam room.

My pet is a handful. Can I pay my bill ahead of time or in the exam room so I don’t have to wait in the lobby after the exam is over?

We are happy to make arrangements to help make your visit as smooth and convenient as possible. When you call to schedule your appointment, please let us know that you would like to be billed in advance. We typically ask for a credit card and will send you a receipt at your request. Depending on what services or procedures we have provided your pet, we may need to add additional fees to your bill. We will contact you to let you know if this is the case.

My pet is really well trained. Does he/she need to be on a leash/in a carrier when we visit the hospital?

For the safety and protection of all clients, patients, and veterinary team members, we require all pets to be on a leash or in a carrier when they arrive at our hospital. They must continue to be restrained while they are in the reception area and while traveling to and from the exam rooms. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will let you know when it’s OK to let your pet off leash or out of his or her carrier.

There is often a lot going on at our hospital. Combine that with the unfamiliar surroundings and new animals, and any pet—even one that is well trained—might become uneasy or overly excited. We want you and your pet to have as pleasant an experience as possible every time you visit our hospital, so we ask all our clients to respect our policy.

I brought my pet to see the veterinarian for a problem, and my pet isn’t getting any better. What can I do?

Call us. Just like doctors, veterinarians sometimes need to try more than one treatment/medication to find the correct solution to cure or manage a pet’s condition. Please let us know if something we recommended or prescribed isn’t helping. We want to work with you to find the right answers for your pet.

Is it OK to call with questions about my pet’s health?

Although we can’t provide lengthy consultations or a diagnosis over the phone, we welcome questions from our clients. Please feel free to call or stop by anytime.

My pet needs to come in for a regular exam/minor procedure, but I don’t have time to wait at the hospital the whole time. Can I drop my pet off and pick him/her back up later in the day?

For our clients’ convenience, we do offer drop-off appointments. Please call to arrange this service. We usually ask that you drop off your pet in the morning. We will call you once your pet is ready to be picked up.

What’s the best way to schedule an appointment?

Please call our office at 585-346-3810 to book a convenient appointment time.

Where is our clinic located?

Please click here for our location and directions to our office: Location

What do I do in the case of an emergency and your clinic isn’t open?

Please click here to visit our Emergencies page for all recommendations and contact numbers.

What are your hours of operation?

Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

For your convenience, as well as that of other clients, office visits are by appointment only. On surgery days, patient admission is between 8:00 and 8:30am.

Why do you have password-protected areas on our website?

In some cases, our professional governing body requires that we have a veterinary–client relationship with pet owners before communicating certain information to them. Also, some educational and informational sections of our site are reserved for our clients so we can communicate effectively between visits. If you are a client, please contact us for your password.