Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in New Canaan, CT
New Canaan Veterinary Hospital has been a cornerstone of animal healthcare since 1949, founded by Dr. James Whitloch. As a family-owned practice, we remain independent, prioritizing personalized attention and comprehensive care for pets in New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford, and Pound Ridge. Our team, led by Dr. Paul Potenza since 1996, combines decades of experience with advanced veterinary techniques to deliver wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, and emergency services. We emphasize trust, communication, and preventive care to ensure pets live healthy, vibrant lives.Our state-of-the-art facilities support in-house diagnostics, digital radiography, and specialized treatments, while our compassionate approach extends to nutritional counseling and international travel certificates. Recognized for excellence, we treat pets as valued family members, maintaining a legacy of reliability and community trust. Our clients appreciate our dedication, reflected in testimonials highlighting exceptional care and long-term relationships. We remain committed to evolving with veterinary advancements while preserving the personal touch that defines our practice.
Services
Wellness Care
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgery
In-House Diagnostics
Parasite Prevention
Microchipping
Senior Pet Care
Nutritional Counseling
International Travel Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience serving New Canaan and surrounding communities.
- Our family-owned practice prioritizes personalized attention and preventive care.
- We offer advanced diagnostics, dental care, and surgical procedures in-house.
- Our team includes experts like Dr. Paul Potenza, leading since 1996.
- We provide 24/7 emergency referrals for urgent pet care needs.
What people say
High quality care
Friendly and compassionate
Outstanding staff
Fast and efficient
Magical with pets
Services
Wellness Care
Our wellness care programs focus on lifelong health through routine exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments. Tailored to each pet's age and lifestyle, these services help detect issues early and maintain optimal health. Clients benefit from customized plans addressing nutrition, parasite prevention, and dental care.
Vaccinations
We provide core and non-core vaccines tailored to individual pet needs, ensuring protection against preventable diseases. Our team educates owners on vaccination schedules and safety, emphasizing compliance to maintain community health. Services include rabies, distemper, and lifestyle-specific immunizations.
Dental Care
Advanced dental services include cleanings, digital radiography, and surgical extractions under full anesthesia. We address periodontal disease and oral pain while emphasizing preventive home care. Our approach combines state-of-the-art equipment with pain management expertise for comprehensive oral health.
Surgery
General surgical procedures cover spays/neuters, tumor removals, and foreign body extractions. Patients receive pre-anesthetic evaluations, advanced monitoring, and post-operative pain management. Our team prioritizes safety through intravenous fluid therapy and tailored anesthetic protocols for optimal recovery.
In-House Diagnostics
Immediate diagnostic capabilities include blood work, urinalysis, and cytology for rapid treatment decisions. Complemented by digital radiography and ultrasound, these services enable accurate diagnoses for wellness checks and emergencies. Results often available within hours to guide timely interventions.
People
Dr. James Whitloch
Founder
Dr. Whitloch established the hospital in 1949, creating a legacy of compassionate veterinary care that continues today.
Dr. Paul Potenza
Veterinarian
Leading since 1996, Dr. Potenza brings decades of expertise in advanced dental and surgical procedures to the practice.
Questions
What services does New Canaan Veterinary Hospital offer?
We provide wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, diagnostics, parasite prevention, microchipping, senior care, and international travel certificates.
Do you handle emergency pet care?
For after-hours emergencies, we partner with MedVet Norwalk, VCA Veterinary Referral, and Cornell University Veterinary Specialists for urgent care.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Book online via our PetDesk Portal or call us at 203-966-1627 during business hours for scheduling convenience.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards and offer online payment options for your convenience.
Do you care for senior pets?
Yes, we offer specialized senior care including pain management, mobility support, and tailored wellness plans for aging pets.
Can you assist with pet travel requirements?
Our international travel certificates service ensures pets meet all health regulations for global travel compliance.
Reviews (6)
Jude Halleran
May 23, 2022
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As always Dr. Schaefler was very thorough and very informative about my new puppy. It'd be nice if there were a more comfortable bench or chair in the exam room, tho-
Michele M.
Sep 12, 2021
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25 years of professionalism great honest healthcare, from puppyhood to senior life for my 3 dogs. Entire team is trained, courteous. Wish healthcare for people was as EXCELLENT!
Debbi Dee
Aug 22, 2021
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Everyone is so nice and terrifically helpful I have never had a bad experience. The doctors are attentive and spend time with each patient. In this case my wonderful pooch.
Kay Casella
Jan 26, 2021
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Great place to work! Staff is very friendly and honestly care for their patients as well as their customers. Dr. Potenza and Dr. Schafler are the most caring veterinarian doctors I have ever seen. They have such passion to help each and every patient that comes in. I would definitely recommend New Canaan Veterinary Hospital to everyone!
Patricia Schubert
Apr 14, 2020
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Don't think Dr. Schaefler or the assistant could have made the visit any better. Rudy was relaxed and not anxious there. I also appreciate Dr. Schaefler calling Just Cats to check up the last visit.
Gayle Rigione
Jan 29, 2020
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My two dogs are terrified of getting their nails trimmed. It's been so bad for my oldest pup that she's had to be sedated to get through a nail trim. Dr. Schaefler has been magical -- she's worked with me to develop a behavioral modification approach that is working for both my dogs. My oldest pup now only needs a little anxiety medication to take off the edge. Dr. Schaefler and her assistant Larry have been loving, gentle and patient with both my dogs, and are helping them overcome their nail trim fears. I am incredibly grateful.
