Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Premier Pet Care Partner in Chester
Black River Veterinary Hospital was founded in 1972 with a commitment to providing personalized, compassionate care for pets. Our practice stands apart from corporate clinics by prioritizing genuine relationships, clinical expertise, and tailored treatment plans. Each veterinarian is empowered to make independent decisions that address the unique needs of every animal, ensuring care is not dictated by rigid protocols but by individual patient requirements. With a team of dedicated professionals, we offer comprehensive services including preventative care, vaccinations, dental care, and emergency treatment, all delivered in a welcoming environment.Established in Chester, our hospital has evolved with state-of-the-art technology while maintaining the core values of integrity and family-centered service that have defined us for decades. Our advanced training and collaborative approach allow us to solve complex cases and provide reassurance during critical moments. Through routine examinations and education, we aim to build healthier futures for pets and empower owners with knowledge. We serve both local and regional clients, including those with show animals and rescues, treating every animal with the same respect and meticulous attention their owners would expect.
Services
Preventative Care
Vaccinations
Pet Dental Care
Senior Wellness Exams
Parasite Control
Comprehensive Physical Exams
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We empower veterinarians to create individualized treatment plans for each pet
- Our team includes specialists with diverse medical interests and experience
- We maintain state-of-the-art technology for advanced diagnostics and treatment
- Our collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care across multiple doctors
- We prioritize clear communication and education for pet owners
What people say
Best veterinarians in the area
Top notch facility
Compassionate care
Collaborative with other clinics
Organized support staff
Services
Preventative Care
Our preventative care program focuses on maintaining pet health through early detection and proactive treatment. Annual and bi-annual exams allow our veterinarians to monitor changes in health metrics, administer vaccinations, and recommend lifestyle adjustments tailored to each pet's needs. This approach helps avoid costly emergency treatments by addressing potential issues before they escalate.
Pet Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include professional cleanings, digital radiographs, and extractions when necessary. We emphasize dental health as a critical component of overall wellness, addressing periodontal disease that can lead to systemic health issues. Our team provides post-procedure care instructions and preventative strategies for home maintenance.
Vaccinations
Personalized vaccination protocols protect pets against contagious diseases based on lifestyle and risk factors. We offer titer testing to assess existing immunity and determine appropriate booster schedules. Our veterinarians explain vaccine importance and potential side effects while developing customized protection plans for each patient.
Emergency Services
Critical care services address acute medical issues with advanced diagnostic capabilities and immediate treatment options. Our veterinarians trained in emergency medicine handle complex cases requiring surgical intervention or intensive monitoring. The practice maintains equipment for life-saving procedures and collaborates with specialists when needed.
Senior Wellness Exams
Bi-annual wellness exams for senior pets focus on age-related health changes through physical exams, lab work, and imaging. Our team develops management strategies for chronic conditions like arthritis and organ disease, ensuring comfort and quality of life during pets' later years.
People
Douglas Tack
Veterinarian
Dr. Doug Tack has served as the hospital's lead veterinarian since 2006, combining expert medical knowledge with compassionate care. Previous owner/operators maintained the hospital's reputation for excellence before passing the practice to Dr. Tack.
Kelly Vex
Veterinarian
Dr. Kelly Vex brings specialized skills in small animal medicine to our team. Her contributions include developing preventive care protocols and mentoring junior staff members in best veterinary practices.
Michelle Hewitt
Veterinarian
Dr. Michelle Hewitt specializes in feline medicine, providing tailored care approaches for cats. Her expertise contributes to the practice's ability to address unique needs of different pet types.
Elizabeth Elliott
Veterinarian
Dr. Elizabeth Elliott holds a specialty certification in small animal surgery. Her advanced training enables the hospital to perform complex procedures that other clinics might refer to specialists.
Emily Gussman
Veterinarian
Dr. Emily Gussman contributes to the hospital's emphasis on client education and preventive care. Her approach focuses on building long-term relationships with pet owners to maintain continuous health monitoring.
Questions
How often should pets receive wellness exams?
Annual checkups are recommended, with bi-annual visits advised for senior pets or those with chronic health conditions.
What vaccination options are available?
Customized vaccination plans based on age, lifestyle, and risk factors, including titer testing to measure existing immunity levels.
What dental care services do you offer?
Professional cleanings, digital radiographs, extractions, and home care guidance to maintain oral health and prevent systemic diseases.
Can you handle emergency situations?
Yes, we provide urgent care services with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment capabilities for critical medical conditions.
How do you personalize treatment plans?
Each veterinarian develops individualized approaches considering patient-specific needs rather than following standardized protocols.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily serving Chester residents, with clients traveling up to two hours for specialized care and advanced medical capabilities.
