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Rockland County's only 24 hour veterinary facility is located at 202 North Route 303 in Valley Cottage, NY. Tonight, Jessica Downing, DVM is working the night shift. Dogs and cats are quietly sleeping in their cages but Dr. Downing knows that anything can happen at any time. Emergency visits vary from pets with vomiting, eye infections or a limp to more serious problems such as a pet hit by a car or in respiratory distress. It could be a coyote attack that leaves an open chest wound or hungry stray kittens found in a box on the highway. Dr. Downing has seen it all and is ready for anything because she works in a veterinary hospital that is on the cutting edge of technology and expertise and is devoted to offering high quality care any time of the day or night.

Valley Cottage Animal Hospital's staff of 11 veterinarians and 55 employees ensure a skill level second to none. Andreas Pahl, Hospital Administrator, said, "The staff is very approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. We are open 24/7 so the continuity of care is outstanding. Because of the skill level of our veterinarians and the fact that there are doctors and licensed technicians in the building at all times, we often take on complicated cases requiring constant monitoring. We care for our patients as well as referral patients from area animal hospitals. We are often told, "I don't think he would have made it if it hadn't been for you. It is very rewarding."


There are three owners of Valley Cottage Animal Hospital- Patricia J. Collins, DVM, Linda Atkins, DVM and Diane Tortorice, DVM, Dipl. ABVP. "We are certified at the highest level with AAHA- that's the American Animal Hospital Association. Only 15% of veterinary hospitals qualify for that distinction after passing a rigorous inspection ranging from standards of medicine, surgery, client service, safety and so on" states Dr. Atkins. Dr. Tortorice shares, "All of our doctors attend annual continuing education classes to ensure we have the most up-to-date information and technology to provide the best possible care for our patients. You will never be done learning new techniques and ways to practice good, high quality medicine."

When I asked the owners why a sick pet should be brought to Valley Cottage Animal Hospital?, Dr. Collins responded and said, "As a pet owner, you would be benefiting from our diagnostic
capabilities. We know and understand the importance of pets in our lives; we all have pets at home. We are a caring facility with state-of-the-art equipment and the ability to interpret the results at any time of the day or night. We make pet's lives better to benefit them and the owners that love them."

So, if your pet is in need of medical care, bring them to the only veterinary hospital in Rockland County that can handle preventative healthcare as well as emergency care and is open all day every day. Call (845) 268-9263 or visit them on the web at www.valleycottageanimalhospital.com. They are a big hospital that can handle all of your pet's needs with tremendous skill and compassion.