Dr. James H. Smith was born and raised in the rural town of Eden, New York, 20 miles south of Buffalo. His teenage years were spent working on local dairy farms, where he developed a strong interest in working with animals, and especially in veterinary medicine. He received his undergraduate Animal Science degree from Cornell University.
He continued his education, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell in 1990. He was employed at the Colonial Veterinary Hospital as a kennel attendant, and upon graduation he accepted an associate position at the surgical referral practice. Remaining in Ithaca until 1992, Dr. Smith, his wife Cheryl, and his young family then moved to the Capital District where he worked at an area clinic as an associate veterinarian.
He continued his education, earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell in 1990. He was employed at the Colonial Veterinary Hospital as a kennel attendant, and upon graduation he accepted an associate position at the surgical referral practice. Remaining in Ithaca until 1992, Dr. Smith, his wife Cheryl, and his young family then moved to the Capital District where he worked at an area clinic as an associate veterinarian.
Services
We pride ourselves on being a full service, American Animal Hospital Association-accredited facility capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. Our hospital staff consists of well-trained and highly qualified personnel including New York State Licensed Veterinary Technicians. These health care professionals constantly strive to provide the best care possible for our patients.
All pets are required to be up-to-date on vaccines and provide proof of a current negative fecal sample examination. For our canine boarders, current Distemper-Parvo (DHLPP), Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines are necessary. Our feline friends must have current Distemper (FVRCP) and Rabies vaccines. Pets are housed in climate-controlled accommodations selected by their owners.
We are excited to offer boarding for our feline friends. Our new cat room, complete with kitty condos, offers a quiet and relaxing getaway for your pet. The feline boarding is located away from our canine boarders to help decrease the noise and stress some cats feel when around dogs. Our kitty condos offer a unique boarding experience to your pet.
We strive to prevent illness whenever possible. The time and effort we invest in wellness protocols rewards both pets and owners. Our wellness protocols are designed specifically for your pet and include: comprehensive physical exams; internal parasite testing; heartworm and flea control; vaccinations; spay and neuter packages; and specialized blood tests for all life stages.
We cover all areas of internal medicine, including: Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, and Endocrinology. Illness doesn't always have a physical cause. Our staff can perform individualized behavior evaluations to determine the cause of disorders such as separation anxiety and obsessive/compulsive behavior.
Reviews (8)
H. D.
Jun 30, 2021
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PROS:
I loved taking my dog here. The vet is extremely professional, well spoken and to the point. As a med student I appreciate that he explained his rationale behind his medical decision making and felt informed as an owner. Spotlessly clean clinic which is greatly appreciated. I hate going into clinics to find dirty floors or clumps of animal hair in the exam rooms.
CONS:
I will say they are significantly more expensive and I can’t personally afford it as a student. I will have to stick to another vet with comparable care in the meantime. There was an error when I asked for medication the
I loved taking my dog here. The vet is extremely professional, well spoken and to the point. As a med student I appreciate that he explained his rationale behind his medical decision making and felt informed as an owner. Spotlessly clean clinic which is greatly appreciated. I hate going into clinics to find dirty floors or clumps of animal hair in the exam rooms.
CONS:
I will say they are significantly more expensive and I can’t personally afford it as a student. I will have to stick to another vet with comparable care in the meantime. There was an error when I asked for medication the
Melissa Riehl
Apr 01, 2021
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Shari Pens
Sep 11, 2020
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Mario Cristaldi
Sep 02, 2020
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Michelle Mattice
Sep 12, 2019
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Minnie says she's sorry! But that you're the bestest! So Minnie my fur baby gets into things. She was so not feeling well when we dropped her off. I don't know who was more traumatized...her for staying over night...or me having to leave her (next time can I just sleep in her kennel with her?) You patched her up and she's back to barking at the squirrels in the bird feeder. When I moved to this area the best thing I ever did for my fur babies was get lucky enough to find all of you. You've seen me through tear filled moments, and moments of happiness...and lots of eye rolls with "what did they
Evelyn Hulbert
Nov 10, 2018
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Linda Marek
Sep 07, 2018
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I had to board my dog for 2 weeks because of my surgery. While there he lost 4 lbs and has so much more energy. He climbs the stairs faster then me, I used to have to wait for him. I my opinion I think Dr. Smith is a great veterinarian I would recommend him and staff to any and all. They are the best.
Clay Albright
Nov 06, 2017
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The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. They are will to as we're any questions you may have. Their services are extremely simple and efficient. We have visited them for standard checkups and emergencies and every time they are easy to schedule and echo visit has only lasted about 30min with no wait time.
Dr. Smith is amazing. An incident between our do and a porcupine brought up a need for an emergency visit and a lot of questions. He was extremely accommodating and helpful.
Dr. Smith is amazing. An incident between our do and a porcupine brought up a need for an emergency visit and a lot of questions. He was extremely accommodating and helpful.
