Upstate Animal Medical Center

Our preventative care programs include vaccinations, parasite testing, and bi-annual senior wellness exams to proactively manage your pet's health. We emphasize early detection of potential issues through routine blood work and comprehensive physical evaluations. This approach helps maintain optimal health and extends the lifespan of both small and exotic animals.

We provide emergency care for small and exotic animals during business hours and partner with 24-hour clinics for after-hours critical cases. Our team stabilizes urgent conditions like trauma, poisoning, and severe infections while offering immediate access to diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing.

Our internal medicine specialists diagnose and manage complex conditions affecting endocrine, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. We utilize advanced diagnostics like endoscopy and ultrasound to create tailored treatment plans for chronic diseases, ensuring comprehensive care for pets with multisystem disorders.

We perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays/neuters, tumor removals, and orthopedic repairs. Our surgical suite features CO2 laser technology for reduced pain and bleeding, along with electrocautery tools for precise tissue management during complex operations.

Our dental services range from routine cleanings to advanced periodontal treatments using digital dental X-rays. We address issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections while educating owners on home care techniques to prevent systemic health complications from dental disease.

Dr. Lucas founded Upstate Animal Medical Center in 2001 after completing veterinary training at the University of Tennessee. With specialized expertise in avian and exotic medicine, she combines 25+ years of clinical experience with a passion for wildlife rehabilitation.

Dr. Tamas joined the team in 2020, bringing expertise in exotic animal care and certified veterinary acupuncture. His holistic approach complements traditional treatments, particularly for chronic pain management in small animals.

Sara has managed clinic operations since 2016, leveraging prior experience owning a pet-related business. She oversees daily operations while maintaining a focus on client communication and team coordination.

Becky has served as an LVT since 2006, specializing in dental procedures and clinic inventory management. Her expertise in veterinary dentistry supports comprehensive oral health care for small and exotic animals.

Kerry has worked at UAMC since 2017, managing prescription orders and client communications. Her dedication to customer service ensures smooth operations in the clinic's front office functions.

We treat small animals like dogs and cats, plus exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

We partner with 24-hour clinics for after-hours emergencies while providing urgent care during regular business hours.

Yes, we accept payments through major pet insurance providers and can assist with CareCredit financing options.

We offer internal medicine, dental procedures, laser therapy, and surgical treatments with specialist referrals as needed.

Call us at 518.583.0609 during business hours or use our online portal for appointment requests and prescription refills.

Yes, our veterinarians perform dental exams and treatments for exotic pets using specialized equipment and techniques.

ZERO STARS!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS HORRIBLE PLACE! -- I've never been treated worse by a vet. I needed to get an ultrasound for my cat quickly. I called Upstate Medical Center on Maple Ave in Saratoga Springs, and they said they could get me in that Thursday morning. I had called everywhere, but everyone was booked out by weeks, so I accepted. I was of course nervous bringing my cat to a new place I was unfamiliar with but I had no other option.

I was told to bring my cat ready to go, fasted and medicated, ready for the ultrasound. I had a consult with Dr. Tamas at 9 am, who actually put me a little more at ease. He took his time and asked all the right questions to really learn about what was going on and my cats history. I was feeling better about everything up until the last few minutes when he said, I hope we can squeeze him in today.

I said, what do you mean? I'm scheduled for this ultrasound, he's fastest and medicated, all ready for it like you told me. He said, don't worry, we'll get him in. So he had me leave him. I got a phone call from the office manager about an hour and half later saying there was a mix up at the front desk and they were too booked to get him in today. I reiterated that he was fastest and medicated and she apologized and said that Dr. Lucas, the owner, has tomorrow off and she will come in special to do it.

What could I really say but ok? They told me to wait to pick him up for 45 min in case they needed to do any tests. When I picked him up I asked what had actually been done today? She said, nothing, he hasn't even been out of his carrier. So he sat there 4 hours in his carrier? Yup. When I brought him home he had peed and pooped himself all that time stuck in the carrier. He's never done that in the 6 years of having him.

They just parked him in the back for 4 hours and left him sitting there. I was told the owner would come in the next day at 10 am special for me and to have him fasted and medicated again, ready to go. I was mad but I had no faster option, and mistakes do happen so I agreed. Next day, he's ready to go and I decide to call just to double check after yesterday. I call and ask if Dr. Lucas is still on schedule for 10 am because he is medicated and fasted again. (It's 45 min before the appointment THEY scheduled) She says she has no idea, she wasn't there yesterday, just bring him in.

I say, well hes already medicated and Id like to meet her and chat for a minute seeing how I dont know her. She says, well she usually calls afterward, and shes squeezing you in, if you know what I mean. I say, actually I dont understand. You gave me an appointment at 10 am for a mistake YOUR office made. If shes coming in just for me, at the time YOU picked, why cant she meet me for a couple minutes first?

She says, well let me call her and find out. She calls back and says... Dr Lucas said shes very busy on her day off and doesnt have time to meet you before hand. Shes busy watching dogs, running errands and watching a kid. She said drop him off and shell swing by at some point today as a favor to you. If his medication has worn off by then there is nothing we can do. If you dont like it, you can bring him somewhere else. INFURIATED.

Their office made the mistake. SHE offered to come in on her day off and SHE picked the time. So he was supposed to sit there all day after being fasted and medicated AGAIN, when she had no intention of coming in when she scheduled me. The lack of disregard and care for my cat was disgusting, not only by her as the owner, but her staff too. If she didn't want to come in on her day off I wish she wouldn't have offered to.

Instead she wasted critical days for my cat which pushed him into the weekend where vet care is even more limited, even at the ER. He ended up passing away over the weekend because of this chain of events. They also wouldn't refund my $500 deposit on that Friday, I had to call the next week to get it back. KEEP YOUR BABIES AWAY FROM THESE HORRIBLE PEOPLE!!!

This place has really gone downhill since the pandemic. In spite of us being toward the end of the pandemic, this vet center continues to operate in covid crisis mode. You can't go into the building and you have to wait forever in your car in the parking lot while they get to you. On top of that, their phone system is extremely tedious to deal with. My dog has been seeing them for half his lifetime, but now that he has seizures due to a brain abnormality, the way they operate here is bordering on negligent.

Sometimes we will leave messages that go unanswered for days. I understand that businesses are shorthanded due to the lack of ready and willing employees, but other medical offices have gone back to operating in more efficient, pre-pandemic fashions regardless of said constraints.

By far the best veterinary experience I have ever had. The Doctor always takes as much time as needed to talk and answer any and all questions. I never feel guilty about bringing my dog to the vet anymore, even Ares is happy to see the staff.

Always amazing. Every person I've ever dealt with is compassionate and treats the animals amazingly. I'd love to never have to go there again, but I like knowing I can if needed. Highly recommend.

Very happy with care given. Just sorry it is so far from me (2 hours). Never met the doctor because of covid restrictions, but spoke to her on the phone. She was very pleasant and answered all my questions.

So great when they call. They tell you what your doing right, suggest Andy improvements and make suggestions for all budgets. They're also great with ferrets if your looking for someone!