Animal hospital in Spencerport announces urgent care program

SPENCERPORT, N.Y. — With emergency veterinary care becoming more scarce in the area, an animal hospital in Spencerport announced a new urgent care program.

The Erie Canal Animal Hospital announced that an additional veterinarian will be available for urgent cases from Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s by appointment only and is available to non-clients, although current clients at Erie Canal Animal Hospital and Apple Country Veterinary Hospital will be prioritized.

The urgent care program comes as the Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services in Brighton prepares to close its doors because of staffing shortages. It will close no later than Nov. 27. The announcement came after VSES, once Rochester’s only 24/7 veterinary clinic, reduced its hours.

The Erie Canal Animal Hospital said on Facebook that it has worked hard to find and train additional staff to fill the community’s need for urgent veterinary care.

“We ask that you welcome our new doctor(s) and team members when you have the opportunity to meet them. Thank you in advance for helping us to make this new service successful,” said the post.