Tompkins Veterinary Services Introduce
For pet owners in New York, particularly those with service animals or pets facing unique behavioral challenges, finding a veterinary practice that truly understands and addresses these specific needs is invaluable. You seek a veterinarian who not only possesses medical expertise but also demonstrates a deep empathy for the human-animal bond, recognizing that pets are integral members of your daily life. In Freeville, NY, Tompkins Veterinary Services, under the compassionate guidance of Dr. Sonya Lawlis, has established itself as precisely such a place. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Tompkins Veterinary Services a cherished resource for local pet owners, highlighting their specialized approach, accessible location, and the profound reasons why clients repeatedly choose them for their beloved animal companions.
Tompkins Veterinary Services operates on a philosophy that extends beyond conventional medical treatment, embracing a holistic understanding of animal well-being. Dr. Lawlis is highly praised for her ability to "not only treat your animals, but needs to address the fact that you live with them and know when they are behaving normally and when something is just not right." This unique perspective is particularly crucial for owners of service or working animals, where the animal's behavior and overall health directly impact their handler's life. The clinic excels in building long-term relationships, as evidenced by clients who have worked with Dr. Lawlis for over a decade, navigating significant life events like the loss of a service dog and the training of its successor. The staff, including receptionist Ruth and Licensed Veterinary Technician Julia, are known for their friendly, patient, and knowledgeable approach, ensuring a positive experience even for nervous pets. They actively strive to ease pet anxiety, making visits comfortable and building trust, as demonstrated by their success with a nervous "grandma dog" who eventually became playful with the team. This combination of deep medical insight, behavioral understanding, and heartfelt support for both animal and owner sets Tompkins Veterinary Services apart in the New York veterinary landscape.
Tompkins Veterinary Services is conveniently located at 1451 Dryden Rd, Freeville, NY 13068, USA. This address places the clinic strategically in Freeville, a rural community nestled in Tompkins County, New York. Its location ensures excellent accessibility for residents within Freeville and the broader surrounding areas.
Dryden Road (also designated as NY-13/366 in part) is a primary route, offering a straightforward and easy drive to the clinic. For pet owners residing in nearby towns such as Ithaca, Cortland, Dryden, and Lansing, the clinic is within a manageable and efficient commuting distance. The semi-rural setting typically means less traffic congestion and more accessible parking compared to densely populated urban areas, contributing to a calmer arrival and departure for both pets and their owners. The clinic is also noted as being "conveniently located 5 minutes from Cornell," indicating its proximity to a major academic and veterinary center, which could be beneficial for specialized referrals if ever needed. This combination of a serene environment and straightforward access positions Tompkins Veterinary Services as a highly practical and reliable choice for pet owners across this part of New York, making quality veterinary care easily within reach.
Tompkins Veterinary Services offers a comprehensive range of medical services tailored for companion animals, with a particular strength in supporting service and working dogs, addressing both their physical and mental health needs. Their commitment is to provide thorough, compassionate, and personalized care at every life stage.
Services Offered:
- Comprehensive Wellness Exams: Routine physical examinations to monitor overall health, detect potential issues early, and establish a baseline for your pet's well-being.
- Vaccinations: Administering essential core and non-core vaccinations customized to your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors, protecting against common diseases.
- Preventative Care: Programs for parasite control (fleas, ticks, heartworm, intestinal parasites), nutritional counseling, and weight management to ensure long-term health.
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Illnesses & Injuries: Addressing a wide spectrum of common pet ailments, infections, minor injuries, and chronic conditions. This includes various diagnostic tests.
- Behavioral Health Support: A significant focus on understanding and supporting animal behavior, especially for working animals, acknowledging the interplay between physical and mental health. This includes recognizing abnormal behavior.
- Support for Service and Working Animals: Expertise in managing the specific health and behavioral needs of service dogs and other working animals, including their physical and mental well-being during training and active service.
- Client Education and Support: Providing clear explanations and empathetic guidance, especially during challenging times such as the death of a beloved pet or managing complex health conditions.
- Stress-Free Patient Handling: Employing patient and friendly techniques to ease anxiety in nervous animals, making veterinary visits a more positive experience for them.
- Surgical Procedures: While specific details are not listed, as a general practice, they would typically offer common soft tissue surgeries like spays, neuters, and minor mass removals.
- Dental Care: Routine dental cleanings and potentially extractions to maintain oral hygiene.
Tompkins Veterinary Services stands out for several exceptional features that profoundly resonate with its clients, making it a highly valued and trusted veterinary practice in the New York community. These highlights showcase their unique approach and deep commitment.
Features / Highlights:
- Unparalleled Support for Service and Working Animals: Dr. Lawlis is specifically lauded for her expertise with working animals, providing comprehensive support for both their "mental and physical health." Her involvement from the "death of my service dog" through "the training of her successor" demonstrates an extraordinary level of dedication and understanding for this unique client base.
- Holistic Understanding of Pet Behavior: A key differentiator is Dr. Lawlis's ability to "address the fact that you live with them and know when they are behaving normally and when something is just not right." This holistic view, integrating pet behavior with physical health, is invaluable for owners who know their animals intimately.
- Exceptional Patience and Friendliness with Anxious Pets: The staff, including the vet, are "very friendly and patient" with nervous animals. Their success in easing a "nervous" "grandma dog" until she "became playful with the staff" highlights their effective, gentle handling techniques and commitment to patient comfort.
- Deep Empathy and Client Support: Dr. Lawlis's support through the "death of my service dog" speaks volumes about her profound empathy and ability to provide crucial emotional support during difficult times, fostering deep trust and loyalty.
- Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic Staff: Clients note that the "workers here know what they are doing and are always excited to see your animals." This combination of competence and genuine enthusiasm creates a positive and reassuring atmosphere for every visit.
- Long-Term Client Relationships: The dedication to clients for "over a decade" illustrates a commitment to continuity of care and building enduring relationships based on trust and consistent high-quality service.
- Local Ownership and Welcoming Environment: Being locally owned, Tompkins Veterinary Services strives to make each visit "a positive experience for both you and your pet," offering a warm and welcoming environment.
To connect with Tompkins Veterinary Services and experience their dedicated and empathetic care for your beloved animals, please use the following contact information:
Address: 1451 Dryden Rd, Freeville, NY 13068, USA
Phone: (607) 366-0498
Mobile Phone: +1 607-366-0498
For pet owners in Freeville and the wider New York region, Tompkins Veterinary Services is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for veterinary care. Its profound suitability for locals stems from Dr. Lawlis's unique ability to not only address the physical health of animals but also deeply understand and support their behavioral nuances, a critical factor for service animal owners and those with highly sensitive pets. The clinic's consistently patient, friendly, and knowledgeable staff create an environment where even nervous animals can thrive, building trust through gentle handling and genuine enthusiasm. For New Yorkers seeking a veterinary partner who understands the profound daily impact of their animal companions, provides unwavering support through all life stages (including difficult goodbyes and new beginnings), and truly considers the animal's and owner's holistic well-being, Tompkins Veterinary Services is an invaluable local resource. Their commitment to treating your pets as cherished family members ensures that you are "very lucky to have a great honest Veterinarian."
Tompkins Veterinary Services Photos










Tompkins Veterinary Services Location
Tompkins Veterinary Services
1451 Dryden Rd, Freeville, NY 13068, USA
Tompkins Veterinary Services Reviews
I have been working with Dr. Lawlis for over a decade now and cannot recommend her enough. Dr. Lawless has been with me through the death of my service dog, and the training of her successor. She has supported me while I have addressed both mental and physical health for all of my working animals. If you like me, feel that your vet needs to be able to not only treat your animals, but needs to address the fact that you live with them and know when they are behaving normally and when something is just not right, she is the vet for you!
May 20, 2025 · C MorganBrought my grandma dog Daisy in, and the vet was very friendly and patient with her! This was her first visit, and experience to many other things, so she was nervous at first and even the treats wouldn't ease her but eventually she came through and became playful with the staff! The workers here know what they are doing and are always excited to see your animals.
Feb 13, 2025 · caitlin spryWe highly recommend Tompkins Vet! The clinic is so clean and inviting, and Dr. Lawlis and her team are incredibly compassionate and provide exceptional care to every animal. Their combination of medical expertise, clean facility, and warm, friendly staff is truly amazing. They are the best!
Dec 14, 2024 · Greenfield Pets Animal RescueI have dealt with many vets and even worked for an emergency vet office myself. Until I found Tompkins vet, I have never seen a vet office and staff that has been more caring and compassionate when it came to patient care. My dog was over a year old, and considered a mature spay. Due to certain circumstances, finances have been very tight and this was the first opportunity we had to get her fixed. During her surgery, complications arose, lots of blood was lost, 2 other vets rushed in to help and an emergency blood transfusion was given. I was beyond grateful to hear that my dog was saved but so nervous about what kind of bill I would be receiving. We got to the office late at night to pick her up and the staff was still all there taking care of her when they should have been home by then. We continued to get text that night asking how she was doing and for the next several days as well. The most amazing part other then them saving my dogs life was that they did not charge me 1 penny extra! Other vets, including the one I previously worked at would have charged 5 times my original estimate. Not only was this office amazing they showed true care toward my pet and my family's personal situation and for that I will be forever grateful and will be a lifelong client. I will also highly recommend this office to everyone I come in contact with. We drove about an hour each way to get there and we will do it for each pet we have forever. I couldn't give more thanks for all this staff did!!!
Mar 06, 2025 · NiccoleI cannot say enough good things about Dr. Lawlis and her staff. I shopped around for a good vet in the Ithaca area and was less than impressed until we met Dr. Lawlis. She is incredibly knowledgeable and goes above and beyond for her clients. I am so grateful she opened her clinic
Apr 06, 2025 · Caldera Golden Retrievers
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