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Animal Hospital Our family has proudly served the Capital Region for over 46 years. By choice we remain a small veterinary hospital, allowing all of our staff to get to know you and your pet. To accomplish this, we limit the size of our client base. Our veterinarians treat companion animals, exotic pets, wildlife and endangered species. We are pleased to provide medical, surgical, and dental veterinary care to pets in Slingerlands and the surrounding communities. We are honored to be named the best veterinary hospital in the capital district for the 6th year in a row thanks to your continued support.
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Our family-run veterinary practice has served the capital district for over 46 years. Dr. Ed Becker conceived, designed and built The Animal Hospital in 1974. Dr. Ed's daughter, Lexi, grew up at The Animal Hospital and was honored to take over the practice in 2014. We are proud of our tradition and pledge to remain true to our home town values while implementing cutting edge veterinary medicine and technology. Our location was chosen as a pet-safe environment away from the hustle and bustle of traffic and noise.
Like your physician does for you, we recommend, a routine annual wellness exam for our patients but, keep in mind. In general, cats and dogs age an average of seven years for every one of ours (the ratio is close to ten to one for the first year and five to one for the geriatric years.) So having an annual physical exam for your pet equates to your seeing your doctor once every seven years.
I can't say enough positive things about this establishment and the individuals that practice there. Friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, straight shooters. Very affordable and excellent record keeping/communication. I don't feel like I'm being scammed or pushed along when I bring my animals here. I feel like they genuinely want to help, and are not just looking to make a buck. The industry could use a lot more establishments of this quality and composition. We love it here! The staff is so friendly and caring.
The Animal Hospital was established in 1974 and built from the ground up by Dr. Ed Becker on over 22 acres of farm land. This facility was designed to be a comfortable and efficient environment for our patients, our staff and you. Over the past 44 years, the hospital and grounds have been upgraded continually as veterinary technology, and our needs, have changed.
Reviews (9)
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Bruce L.
May 12, 2022
Caring and Compassionate! Last week we had to make the hard decision to euthanize our loving old dog Tipsy because of many end-of-life health issues. We made an appointment, and when we got there, I called inside to say that we wanted to wait outside until the last minute to bring him in because he always became anxious and unnerved in the waiting room, and we wanted his last moments to not be stressful.

To our surprise, they offered to do the procedure outside, and brought out a blanket, some water and tissues. For 20 more minutes, Tipsy was able to bask in the sun (as he always liked to do) and enjoy every last minute! Dr. Melinda and Dr. Lexi, as well as all the vet techs, are wonderful, compassionate and caring, and we are grateful for having them for our dog's care.
Cheri Zumbolo
Apr 28, 2022
I live an hour away from The Animal Hospital and can't think of bringing my fur babies anywhere else! The staff is friendly and helpful. I know that no matter what doctor my dogs are being treated by that they are in good hands. The office is clean and inviting. Dr Lexi and her team will take great care of your fur babies.
Firelily
Dec 19, 2021
DO NOT BRING ANY TYPE OF ALSO WILD SPECIES HERE. THEY EUTHANIZE NON RELEASABLE ANIMALS! Made the mistake of having my husband take a disabled squirrel that my son had saved as a baby, and which we'd had for a year, here because we could not reach a rehabber and thought that he needed immediate treatment for an issue. They told my husband that they would treat him and then he would be released to a rehabber.

I actually was waiting to hear back from a rehabber that worked with squirrels and was willing to take him. LATER THAT DAY THEY THEN CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT THEY ALREADY EUTHANIZED HIM HAVING GIVEN NO TREATMENT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT RELEASABLE. HE WASN'T RELEASABLE BEFORE WE BROUGHT HIM IN! Update from my son " During the covid lockdowns I found a baby squirrel that had gotten hurt.

Because of his injury he couldn't run straight and had been starving and was blind. When we brought him home he had to quarantine just like people do when they are sick. With good food his vision came back. Mom said that once he could run straight he would have to go outside and if he didn't we'd take him to a santuary in PA that's like a school where you learn about animals.

But I loved the squirrel and talked to him and made sure he had his favorite hazelnut. He liked to sleep and loved the blanket I gave him. I saw he had a problem with his pee spot and told mom. She said he had to go to the vet. My Daddy took him and I packed his favorite food and snacks. The said they were going to treat him. My Dad said he'd pay whatever it cost for the treatment.

Instead the vet killed him. They did not even let me say goodbye. I wish they could go to jail. You should not kill people's lives ones and not let them say goodbye. Since they won't go to jail I hope they have something taken away and not get to say goodbye then maybe they wouldn't do this. People who don't care about animals or people shouldn't pretend to want to help them."
Bonnie Kurtz
Sep 11, 2021
I live in Columbia County, NY, but drove to The Animal Hospital for our kitty's vet care. Dr. Lexi and team saw her through a lot - in the end primary pulmonary lung cancer (she was a stray with a tough start in life). She lived strongly for more than a year past diagnoses given their counsel and referrals (cancer free). When it came time to let her move on - they were amazing.

We stayed in a comfortable room with her for several hours as we talked through the choice. Her last moments were quiet and loving - laying in a lap on a pillow that was her favorite. Her ashes came back in a lovely cedar box with a sympathy card containing handwritten notes from the team. We always felt The Animal Hospital cared for her - as I am sure they do for all their patients. Hard as this was - they eased our path.
Steve Daniels
Apr 03, 2021
Best vets all around. Great staff. Everyone is very helpful and accommodate you with your pets needs. Highly recommend The Animal Hospital!
Susan Mopper
Mar 29, 2021
I can't say enough about this place and the fantastic staff. Getting my first dog during a pandemic has been a huge challenge and the staff here has fielded many questions and taught me a ton even before I was able to come in and watch the visits. Although he has a primary veterinarian here, my Great Dane puppy has seen every vet at this clinic for one thing or another.

All of them have been knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. Everyone I have met on staff has been kind and helpful. And to top of all off, the location is peaceful and beautiful.
John Sawyer
Dec 19, 2020
Very pleasant people that work there.very very helpful and kind. I have never had one bad experience at this animal hospital
Chad H.
Nov 17, 2019
Great veterinarians! They are committed and caring. They've taken great care of my dogs and cats, always with kindness and compassion.
Liz Lorenzini
Apr 28, 2018
All the vets at this location are amazing. Dr. Jackie has a special place in our hearts my Pitt bull was very sick and she saved her took the time to find out what was wrong and stuck with us the whole time. called all hours of the day night and weekend to check on her. everyone is very nice here. I would defiantly recommend going here.