Frequently Asked Questions

Your pet’s first exam is designed to give us a complete picture of their health. We’ll check weight, heart and lung sounds, skin, coat, eyes, ears, and teeth. Time is also spent reviewing medical history, vaccination needs, and daily habits. This visit allows us to answer questions, address concerns, and begin building a personalized care plan for your pet.

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and quick action matters. Our hospital provides emergency care day or night, and we maintain close relationships with trusted emergency facilities in the nearby area.

Our clinic offers comprehensive veterinary care for pets at every life stage, including Preventive Care, Diagnostic Care, Dental Care, Acupuncture, Parasite Protection, Laser Therapy, Surgical Care, Puppy & Kitten Care, Senior Pet Care, and Urgent Care. We create individualized care plans for puppies, kittens, adults, and senior pets, ensuring their unique needs are met. Our goal is simple—providing consistent, thoughtful medical care to support your pet's health throughout their lifetime.

Yes, you can request a specific veterinarian when booking your appointment. We recognize that continuity and trust matter, especially for ongoing care. Your scheduling preferences are taken into account, subject to availability. If your preferred veterinarian isn't available, another experienced team member will step in to provide attentive, high-quality care for your pet.

Your pet’s first visit focuses on comfort, communication, and care. A full physical exam will be completed, followed by a discussion about vaccinations, nutrition, and daily routines. We’ll take time to listen to your concerns and explain recommendations clearly. The visit is designed to feel welcoming while setting a strong foundation for future veterinary care.

Spay and neuter procedures are offered for both cats and dogs as part of our surgical services. These routine surgeries can support long-term health and help prevent unwanted litters. Our team follows strict safety protocols and provides detailed instructions before and after surgery to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout recovery.

Our hospital is conveniently located at 517 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, making it easy for families throughout the surrounding community to access. The clinic offers on-site parking and a welcoming environment for both pets and owners. Whether you’re visiting for routine care or a medical concern, our location is designed to make every visit as smooth as possible.

Annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to monitor your pet’s health over time. Subtle changes in weight, mobility, or organ function can often be detected early during routine exams. Catching concerns sooner helps prevent more serious issues later. Regular checkups also ensure that vaccinations and preventive care remain up to date as your pet grows and ages.

Vaccination schedules depend on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines during their first year, followed by boosters. Adult pets may need annual or extended-interval vaccines. Our team will recommend an appropriate schedule tailored to your pet, helping protect them from preventable illnesses without unnecessary treatments.

Diagnostic services include blood work, urinalysis, fecal testing, X-rays, and other in-house testing tools. These tests help identify health issues that may not be visible during a physical exam. Diagnostics play an essential role in accurate treatment decisions, helping us better understand your pet’s condition and respond quickly when concerns arise.

Many diagnostic test results are available the same day, especially for in-house blood work and imaging. Some specialized tests may require analysis by an outside laboratory and take a bit longer. Once results are ready, our team will review them with you and explain what they mean, along with any recommended next steps for your pet’s care.

Wellness plans may be available for puppies and kittens to help cover essential early-life care. These plans often include exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments spread over several visits. They are designed to support healthy development while making care more manageable during your pet’s first year. Our team can review current options and help you choose the option that best fits.

A puppy or kitten should see a veterinarian shortly after coming home, typically around six to eight weeks of age. Early visits allow us to begin vaccinations, discuss nutrition, and check for common health concerns. Starting care early helps ensure proper growth and guides you during those critical first months.

Senior pets benefit from more frequent veterinary visits, usually every six months. As pets age, health changes can happen quickly, and regular exams help detect issues early. These visits allow us to monitor mobility, organ health, weight, and comfort so your pet can maintain a good quality of life as they grow older.

A senior wellness exam focuses on age-related changes and comfort. The visit often includes a detailed physical exam, weight evaluation, joint assessment, and diagnostic screening when recommended. We’ll also discuss behavior, appetite, and activity levels. These exams help us identify early signs of conditions common in older pets and adjust care accordingly.

Yes, professional dental cleanings are part of our veterinary services. Dental care helps prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and discomfort that can affect overall health. Cleanings include scaling, polishing, and a complete oral exam performed under anesthesia. Regular dental care supports better eating habits, fresher breath, and long-term wellness for your pet.

A dental cleaning typically takes about one to two hours, depending on your pet’s oral health and whether extractions are needed. The process includes anesthesia, cleaning, polishing, and careful monitoring throughout recovery. After the procedure, we’ll review findings and guide at-home dental care to help maintain healthy teeth.

Surgical services are offered on-site for a variety of routine and medical needs. Our team follows strict safety protocols, including pre-surgical evaluations and careful anesthesia monitoring. From preparation through recovery, we focus on keeping pets comfortable and owners informed. Clear communication before and after surgery helps ensure a smooth experience.

Our surgical services include Spay and Neuter surgeries, Soft-Tissue Surgery, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Tumor & Growth Removal, Hernia Repair, and Foreign Body Removal. Each procedure is tailored to your pet’s specific health needs. Before the surgery, we’ll walk you through the process, recovery expectations, and post-operative care, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priority.

Microchipping provides permanent identification, increasing the chances of reuniting with a lost pet. Unlike collars or tags, a microchip cannot be removed or lost. The procedure is quick and safe, offering peace of mind that shelters and clinics can identify your pet if they ever wander away.

Recovery time depends on the procedure and your pet’s overall health, but many pets begin feeling better within a few days. Complete healing often takes one to two weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including activity restrictions and pain support, and remain available to answer questions during your pet’s recovery period.

Yes. Ellicott Street Animal Hospital proudly serves patients from Buffalo as well as nearby areas including Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, and West Seneca. Our clinic is conveniently located at 517 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, and we are currently welcoming new patients. Call 716-852-8276 or schedule your appointment online.