Dog and cat owners in the Binghamton area now have a long drive to go if their pet needs emergency care at night, on weekends or on holidays.
The Vestal Veterinary Hospital, which had offered an off-hours service, has changed its longstanding policy.
The establishment of the Vestal Parkway now offers emergency care on a reduced schedule. According to its website, the change went into effect on November 21st.
The word “EMERGENCY” was depicted on the sign in the Vestal Veterinary Hospital on December 7, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph / WNBF News)
In the past, veterinarians in Broome and Tioga counties referred pet owners to the Vestal Office for emergency treatment on weekends or holidays.
The statement from the Vestal Veterinary Hospital states that the reduced hours for emergency care will remain in effect “until further notice due to staff shortages and a high number of cases”.
After hours care can now be more than 50 miles away at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca.
Some pet owners in the Binghamton area may choose to travel to the Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center at Clarks Summit. The office has reduced its emergency times in recent months due to staff shortages.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.
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