Here are some questions and answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren’t covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (716)824-4108.
What are the hospital hours?
We are open Monday’s from 7:30am to 8:00pm. Tuesday through Friday from 7:30am to 6pm. Saturday’s from 8:00am to 1:00pm. We are closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
What should I do if my pet needs care and you are closed?
You should contact the 24-hour care facility nearest you. We recommend Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (716) 662-6660 or Blue Pearl Veterinary Emergency Clinic (716) 839-4043.
What kinds of pets does your hospital see?
Southtowns Animal Hospital cares for dogs and cats. For pocket pets, birds and reptiles, we recommend All Creatures Animal Hospital.
Do I have to have an appointment?
Yes. All our services are provided by appointment. We are prepared to see sick pets on short notice, so don’t hesitate to call to schedule a visit.
Does your hospital offer extended billing?
All services must be paid for at the time they are rendered. In addition to cash, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. We also accept Care Credit, which is a line of credit specifically for medical needs – both human and animal – that provides extended billing with six months to pay interest deferred.
Can I pay by check?
No, Southtowns Animal Hospital does not accept checks at this time, but we do accept payment from a checking account with an associated Visa or MasterCard.
Do you make house calls?
Unfortunately, we don’t make house calls. If getting to the hospital poses a problem for you, there are local house call and home euthanasia veterinarians. Please call us if you would like more info.
Do you ever board pets?
We are no longer boarding at Southtowns Animal Hospital or The Animal Playhouse. Our focus right now is healthcare for your pets.
I heard you have a dog park. Can I bring my dog there?
The private dog park is closed.
I found a stray! Now what do I do?
If there are any ID tags on the animal, use those numbers first. If there is just a rabies tag, call the animal hospital listed on the tag. They should be able to track the pet with the number on the rabies tag. We have microchip readers here at Southtowns Animal Hospital, and if there are no tags at all, you can come in to have the animal scanned for a microchip.
All animal hospitals follow strict confidentiality rules regarding our client’s personal information. If we can locate the owner of the pet you have found, we cannot give you the owner’s contact information, but we will happily call them for you, and arrange for the exchange of contact numbers. We are not able to keep any stray animals at our hospital.
Posting photos of the animal online via Facebook can be helpful. Be safe when using such sites and don’t post personal contact information online.
When there are no tags or microchip, you can contact the SPCA serving Erie County, The Buffalo Animal Shelter, the West Seneca Dog Warden to come and pick up a stray animal if you are unable to keep it at your home. Sometimes the police can bring pets to the dog warden after hours as well.
Can’t I just leave the stray I found with you?
Unfortunately, we just don’t have the space or staff to operate as an animal shelter. You can contact any of the shelters listed above to help the animal find its people.
Does my dog really have to have that heartworm blood test every year?
Yes! Because of the way this deadly parasite develops, yearly testing is necessary!
But I give that pill every month!
It is always possible for a dog to spit a pill out, or vomit before it can be absorbed. It is easy to miss a dose—life happens! Because it is dangerous to give the preventive medication to a dog who has heartworm disease, it is important that your dog be tested yearly, even when on prevention.
Why do you keep telling me I should prevent heartworm in the winter? You say it is transmitted by mosquitos. How many mosquitos are around in Buffalo in December?
We are glad you asked! Mosquitos prefer warm weather, but they start to become active at temperatures as low as 50 degrees. Here in Buffalo, it isn’t always cold through the entire winter. We often have warm spells in the winter when mosquitos can be active, and transmit the parasite, giving it plenty of time to develop into mature heartworm.
In addition to preventing heartworms, the medication also prevents intestinal parasites, which are transmissible all year round.
My cat never goes outdoors. Do I really need to vaccinate her?
Yes! Many of the diseases that vaccines protect against can be carried on shoes, clothing, or through the air. The rabies vaccine is required by New York State law for cats and dogs, as even an indoor cat can be exposed. Bats are the major rabies carriers in our area, and bats can, and do, enter homes. If your cat encounters a bat, it is considered by the Erie County Health Department as being exposed to rabies, and could then be considered under quarantine or even euthanized. Keeping your indoor cat up to date on vaccines protects everyone.
My pet is sick. Do I have to come in for an exam? Can’t I just have some medicine?
Federal Law requires us to examine patients before we can prescribe medication. It is illegal for us to give medication to a pet we have never examined. It is impossible for the veterinarian to determine what is wrong without seeing your pet. Many different illnesses often share similar symptoms. To provide excellent care, we must examine your cat or dog.
Can’t I just give some of my own medication to make my pet feel better?
NO! Cats and dogs are NOT furry miniature humans! Many human medications are toxic to pets, especially to cats. A tiny amount of acetaminophen can kill a cat. Be safe. Have your pet examined first, and only give medication that has been specifically prescribed by the veterinarian.
