Ford Veterinary Associates PC

Welcome, New York pet parents! When it comes to the health and well-being of our beloved animal companions, finding a veterinary practice that has stood the test of time, demonstrating consistent care and expertise, is invaluable. For residents of Lewiston and the surrounding communities in Western New York, Ford Veterinary Associates PC offers a well-established and comprehensive option for your pet's needs. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this clinic, highlighting its long history, diverse services, and commitment to local pet owners.

Our pets are cherished members of our families, bringing immense joy and comfort to our lives. Ensuring their health is a top priority, encompassing everything from routine preventative care to addressing unexpected illnesses or injuries. A trusted veterinary clinic serves as a crucial partner throughout your pet's life journey, providing expert medical care, sound advice, and compassionate support. Ford Veterinary Associates PC, with decades of experience serving the New York community, strives to fulfill this vital role.

Ford Veterinary Associates has a rich history, founded and built in 1932 by Dr. Dana Ford. In the late 1960s, his son, Dr. Donald Ford, took ownership, and in 1975, the current owner, Dr. Walter McCarthy, joined the practice. All three have been recognized leaders in their profession, dedicated to building a business founded on compassion and high-quality pet care. This multi-generational commitment to animal health has allowed Ford Veterinary Associates to become a deeply ingrained and trusted institution in the Niagara Region. Today, Dr. Walter McCarthy continues to practice, joined by his son, Dr. Patrick McCarthy (who joined in 2011), Dr. Charlotte Tutu (since 1999, certified in Animal Chiropractic and Acupuncture), and Dr. Allison O'Toole (who joined full-time in 2021 with an interest in surgery). This team brings a breadth of experience and specialized skills to the practice.

It's important for pet owners to consider all perspectives when choosing a vet. While Ford Veterinary Associates has a long history of positive relationships with many clients, some recent online feedback points to areas where communication and client experience could be improved. This guide will delve into their convenient location, the range of services they offer, notable features, and essential contact information, helping you determine if Ford Veterinary Associates PC is the right fit for your family’s pet care needs in New York.

Location and Accessibility

Ford Veterinary Associates PC operates two locations to serve the New York community. The specific location for this article is their Lewiston office at 725 Cayuga St, Lewiston, NY 14092, USA. This satellite outpatient clinic is designed for the convenience of patients in the Lewiston-Youngstown area. They also have a full-service hospital in Niagara Falls at 527 Hyde Park Blvd.

The accessibility of a veterinary clinic is key for pet owners, whether for routine check-ups or unexpected health concerns. The Lewiston office on Cayuga Street is centrally located and easily reachable for residents in the immediate vicinity. It operates by appointment only, and while it offers a range of services, sick animals needing more extensive care or surgery are typically seen at their Niagara Falls hospital. Ford Veterinary Associates offers a wide range of appointment times, including evening hours at the Niagara Falls hospital and several days a week at the Lewiston office, to accommodate busy schedules. For emergencies during normal business hours, clients are advised to call ahead so a doctor can be prepared, and for after-hours emergencies, they refer to the Greater Buffalo Emergency Service (716-839-4043). This multi-location approach and referral system aim to provide comprehensive and accessible care across the region.

Services Offered

Ford Veterinary Associates PC offers a wide range of veterinary services, catering to the diverse health needs of pets. These services are provided with a focus on preventative care and early detection of health issues.

• Comprehensive Wellness Care: Regular check-ups are emphasized for preventing illness, including thorough yearly physicals and up-to-date immunizations for a longer, healthier life.
• Vaccinations: Protection against various diseases that can be potentially fatal or costly to treat.
• Spaying and Neutering: Routine surgical procedures for pet population control and health benefits.
• Routine Dentistry: Professional dental care to maintain oral hygiene and prevent related health problems.
• Parasite Control: Prevention and treatment for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
• Diagnostics and Treatment: Utilizes X-rays and ultrasound. Offers in-house lab services for immediate blood work results and access to outside labs for specialized tests and consultations with specialists. This includes managing chronic diseases.
• Surgery: Provides a full range of surgical solutions, from routine procedures to more advanced surgeries, including orthopedic fixations like pinning and plating of fractures, exploratory surgery, and cruciate ligament repair. All surgical patients are constantly monitored by licensed Veterinary Technicians using modern equipment.
• Alternative Medicine: Dr. Charlotte Tutu is certified in Animal Chiropractic services (since 2001) and Veterinary Acupuncture (since 2005), offering alternative methods for pain control and other conditions.
• Pet Education Center: Resources for pet owners to learn more about various aspects of pet care.

Features / Highlights

• Long-Standing History and Experience: Established in 1932, the clinic has over 90 years of experience serving the New York community, with a multi-generational legacy of caring veterinarians.
• Experienced Veterinary Team: Led by Dr. Walter McCarthy and including Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Dr. Charlotte Tutu (certified in chiropractic and acupuncture), and Dr. Allison O'Toole, the team brings diverse expertise and special interests to patient care.
• Comprehensive Service Offering: Provides a wide range of services from routine wellness and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgery, and alternative medicine, aiming to address most pet health needs.
• Commitment to Preventative Care: Emphasizes regular check-ups and preventative measures to detect and treat health issues early, improving pets' length and quality of life.
• Multi-Location Convenience: With a full-service hospital in Niagara Falls and a satellite clinic in Lewiston, they strive to make veterinary care convenient for residents across the region.
• Compassionate Care (as reported by some clients): Some long-term clients praise the vets and techs for being "compassionate," "caring," "friendly," and "gentle," emphasizing a deep bond and trust.
• Straightforward and Fair Approach (as reported by some clients): Some clients appreciate that the vets are "straight to the point," "don't give you things you don't need," and offer "reasonable prices," seeing their bluntness as "refreshing."

However, it's important to also acknowledge a significant area of concern highlighted in some reviews:

• Client Service Issues (Receptionists): A recurring and severe criticism points to "cruel," "hateful," and "rude" behavior from the receptionists, with one client explicitly mentioning being told to "go to another Vet" and experiencing dismissive communication. There are also claims of differential treatment based on "higher social economic status."
• Communication and Transparency Concerns: Instances where a client felt uninformed about treatment efficacy, received unexpected bills months later, and claims of miscommunication (e.g., clinic stating samples were not brought in when they were) have been raised.
• Perceived Lack of Care in Some Instances: One client expressed feeling their "dog suffered" and that the vet intimated they couldn't do anything further due to the dog's age, despite previous ongoing treatment.

Contact Information

Address: 725 Cayuga St, Lewiston, NY 14092, USA

Phone: (716) 754-8333

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners in Lewiston, New York, and the surrounding areas of the Niagara Region, Ford Veterinary Associates PC presents itself as a long-established option for veterinary care, deeply rooted in the community since 1932. Their commitment to offering a comprehensive range of services, from essential wellness and preventative care to advanced diagnostics, surgery, and even alternative medicine like chiropractic and acupuncture, means that many of your pet's health needs can be addressed under one roof. The presence of multiple experienced veterinarians, including members of the McCarthy family, provides a breadth of expertise and a continuous legacy of care for local pets.

The convenience of having two locations, including the satellite clinic in Lewiston and a full-service hospital in Niagara Falls, enhances accessibility for residents across the region, making it easier to schedule appointments and ensuring that more complex cases can be referred internally for specialized attention. For many long-term clients, the clinic embodies qualities of compassion, straightforward advice, and fair pricing, building a significant level of trust in their pets' well-being.

However, it is crucial for prospective clients to consider the varied experiences reported by others. While the medical care often receives praise, concerns regarding the demeanor of some front-office staff and perceived issues with communication and billing transparency have been raised. Therefore, for locals choosing Ford Veterinary Associates, it would be advisable to approach interactions with clear communication about expectations regarding treatment plans, costs, and follow-up care.

Ultimately, for New York families seeking a veterinary practice with a rich history, a wide array of services, and experienced veterinarians, Ford Veterinary Associates PC offers a robust option. By focusing on the direct veterinary care and proactively communicating needs, many local pet owners can find a valuable partner in ensuring their animal companions live long, healthy, and happy lives.

Ford Veterinary Associates PC

725 Cayuga St, Lewiston, NY 14092, USA