About Dr. Claire

I hold a master's degree in psychology, and graduated in 1992 from the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.  I have worked in several small-animal hospitals, and with a wide variety of species, from cats, dogs, exotic pets (ranging from ferrets; rabbits; rodents; kangaroos; skunks and other mammals to reptiles and birds), to rescued wildlife.   I have been providing in-home life-long veterinary care in Ithaca and many surrounding communities for over 20 years.  In 1996, I officially opened Ithaca Veterinary Housecall Services to provide a lower-stress and more personalized experience for my patients and clients.  I find that many animals and people are tremendously more comfortable receiving veterinary services without having to leave home.  I have a lot of experience working with animals with anxiety about car travel, handling, strangers, and/or receiving veterinary care. 

I view veterinary medical care as involving a three-way partnering relationship between the pet, the vet, and the client(s).  It serves the best interest of each pet and owner to work with me as a team.  I enjoy spending quality time with clients and patients.  I value the enduring relationships that have grown out of working closely over many years with diverse, interesting people with whom I share love of family members who happen to be winged, furred, or scaled!  

My focus is on the lifelong well-being of pets; on positive living practices and preventative medicine; on maintaining good quality of life, while receiving treatment for chronic conditions; and on special needs, including those during life and at the end of life.  I have a commitment to client education, compassionate care, and to the highest possible quality health maintenance throughout the life of each pet. 

Toward these goals I continually strive to:

• keep up to date on my own continuing education
• address owners' questions and concerns
• dialogue with board-certified specialists, including critical care doctors, to facilitate the best possible communication and decision-making with clients in need of support
• work with a wide variety of people, given their unique circumstances and challenges (including health, age, and economic constraints), to make the best possible decisions regarding the health and welfare of both pets and people

I practice with the flexibility required to meet the needs of people and animals in a wide variety of circumstances.  In some cases, after initial assessment, I have transported pets in serious condition to local veterinary hospitals, while providing emotional support to their owners, and acting in representing an owner who, him- or herself has difficulty traveling. 

I am comfortable and experienced in working with folks with

• disabilities
• those who are older or who have serious health conditions
• those who lack transportation
• those who have a number of animals in need of veterinary care.

I work in cooperation with all local veterinary hospitals, including Cornell Animal Hospital, to provide the broadest options for high-quality veterinary health care.  It is often helpful to stressed clients to have my continuing involvement/consultation when a beloved pet is hospitalized.

Ithaca Vet House Call is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.

We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. We also work closely with local practices when special diagnostic procedures are required. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, a closely supervised hospitalization area, and indoor boarding kennels with outdoor walking areas.

At Ithaca Vet House Call we strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing you the enjoyment of your companion for a maximum number of years. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn't feeling well, but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.