Upstate Veterinary Specialties
Hours
How to Save on Veterinary Costs at Upstate Veterinary Specialties
Preventive care
Routine wellness exams can help identify health issues early, often before they become more serious or expensive to treat. Regular checkups are one of the most effective ways to manage long term veterinary costs.
Compare prescription pricing
Some pet medications prescribed at veterinary clinics may also be available through local or online pharmacies. It can be helpful to compare pricing when appropriate to reduce ongoing medication costs.
Consider pet insurance
Pet insurance may help cover a portion of eligible veterinary expenses depending on the plan, including accidents, illnesses, and in some cases preventive care. Coverage details, reimbursement levels, and deductibles vary by provider.
Why Pet Insurance Information Appears on This Page
Looking for information about Upstate Veterinary Specialties? This page also includes pet insurance resources to help pet parents understand how to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.
Veterinary care costs can vary widely depending on the type of visit, treatment, or emergency. Many pet parents explore pet insurance before they need it so they are better prepared when unexpected situations arise.
How to Choose a Pet Insurance Provider
Pet Insurance Review helps pet parents compare insurance providers using verified customer reviews and real-world experiences. Our tools make it easier to evaluate providers based on claims experience, service quality, and overall satisfaction.
We have collected more than 220,000 reviews from pet parents, creating one of the largest independent databases of pet insurance feedback available.
How rankings are determined
Unexpected veterinary expenses can happen at any clinic. The providers below are ranked using verified reviews submitted by real pet parents through Pet Insurance Review. Results reflect overall satisfaction, claims experience, and value based on real world feedback. Rankings are updated regularly as new reviews are submitted.
| Rating | Provider | Total Review |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | Adoro | 19 |
| 4.5 | AKC | 1,801 |
| 4.4 | ASPCA | 12,228 |
| 4.9 | Embrace | 19,973 |
| 4.9 | Fetch | 5,918 |
| 4.1 | Figo | 2,868 |
| 4.4 | Hartville | 183 |
| 4.9 | Healthy Paws | 11,371 |
| 4.8 | Lemonade | 833 |
| 4.6 | ManyPets | 2,416 |
| 4.7 | MetLife | 11,234 |
| 4.8 | Nationwide | 25,705 |
| 3.9 | Pet Assure | 15 |
| 4.3 | PetPartners | 121 |
| 4.9 | Pets Best | 15,347 |
| 4.8 | Prudent Pet | 2,867 |
| 4.7 | Pumpkin | 3,545 |
| 4.6 | Spot | 11,586 |
| 4.9 | Trupanion | 55,033 |
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
You can compare coverage options from multiple providers to find a plan that fits your budget and your pet’s healthcare needs.
Getting to Know Your Veterinarian
Choosing a veterinarian is an important decision for pet parents. A strong vet relationship is built on trust, communication, and understanding your pet’s individual needs.
Experience
Ask whether the clinic has experience treating your specific type of pet, since care can vary between dogs, cats, and pocket pets.
Emergency Care Procedures
It’s helpful to understand how the clinic handles after-hours emergencies, including whether they provide emergency services or refer to nearby emergency hospitals.
Communication Preferences
Ask how the clinic communicates with pet parents, including updates, test results, and follow up questions.
Breed Specific Health Considerations
Some breeds may be more prone to certain health conditions. Early awareness can help with prevention and early treatment.
Facility Tour
If available, touring the clinic can help you and your pet feel more comfortable before the first visit.
Final Note
Pet care decisions often involve both medical and financial considerations. Having access to trusted veterinary information alongside pet insurance comparisons can help pet parents feel more confident when planning for their pet’s health and wellbeing.
Explore Topics
Reviews from Google
774 reviews
Friendly front staff, greeted right away. Wait wasn’t too long. Ashley, the room technician, was friendly and made us feel very comfortable. Dr Bishop was great. Very kind and knowledgeable. Spent the time talking to me and answering all my questions. I didn’t feel rushed once. Overall, a great first experience here.
Sep 26, 2023
We had to bring our puppy in today for an emergency visit. Upon arrival we were immediately greeted and checked in with friendly and upbeat faces. Despite being a wreck worrying about our puppy we were put at ease, and in a timely manner put in back. Dr. Riggs was very personable and took his time explaining everything so we understood all options and outcome. Once it was time for us to receive our quote we were very taken aback due to it being quite high(to be expected), we were told half of the payment would be due today and the rest upon checkout tomorrow. When we were brought out up front to make payment, there was a clear miscommunication between the front and back staff regarding amounts being due day of, care credit, and what will be paid during checkout. Speaking from experience working in an office setting, there needs to be clear communication within the whole office. ESPECIALLY when it comes to finances and people’s money. I think if financial quotes are to be given, the front end should solely be responsible to verbalize that to pet parents and not have the back end staff give them. I want to express extreme gratitude for all front staff, especially Hannah for being more than kind and understanding to our situation and going above and beyond to help us anyway she possibly could. Luckily we won’t need to be back for an emergency visit but if we do, we would certainly come back here!
Jul 5, 2023
Last Friday, my cat Mangos health drastically declined after a day and a half of vomiting, not eating or drinking and inability to empty his bladder. I brought him early in the morning to Upstate Veterinary Specialties, where he was very quickly triaged. Dr. O'Brien met me in a separate room and explained that my cats condition was critical due to a severe urinary blockage. He was going to need emergency treatment in order stabilize him and treat the blockage. By late afternoon, I received a call from her stating that he was able to clear the blockage and that his vitals and potassium levels were stabilizing. The following day, I spoke with Dr. Scott who also delivered some really great news regarding Mangos progress and let me know that he could have visitors that afternoon. When I arrived, my sweet cat was so happy. Mango was able to be discharged later on, Saturday evening. He is recovering well at home. From the very second I stepped into this building ,until we left with Mango Saturday, we received such compassion and understanding. The staff worked so hard and quickly. They literally saved his life. Mango had the best team in his corner. Dr. O'Brien, Dr. Scott, Rose, Colleen....anyone that we didn't get to meet......thank you. You are all amazing. This happened so quickly and I could have lost my baby cat that day. The confidence and skills delivered by the whole team, is something I will never forget.
Sep 11, 2023
Went in today with my cat. She’s been sick for a while and other vets wasn’t sure what it could be. When I got there check in was fast, everyone was super nice and professional. After check in I got in within about 15 minutes. I did go early morning around 10am. The vet was super nice and definitely knew what she was doing. Her name was Rachel. She helped out my baby Luna the best that she could. I’m so relieved to know she really only has allergies and nothing serious. They were able to do blood work and get it back within 20 minutes. I’m very relieved because any vet I tried to take her to wouldn’t give her an appointment for two months. Relieved they listened to my concerns about her and was able to come up with a solution. Thank you very much for the kind and professional service. 😊😊 below I attached a photo of her and you’re welcome to use if you’d like!
Apr 26, 2023
Simply the best! Dr Kent and her staff are incredibly knowledgeable and gentle with both pets and humans. They gave us hope and advice which has made a difference in our dog’s life.
May 30, 2023
Veterinarians in Latham, New York
Banfield Pet Hospital
609 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 220-9017
Bayberry Veterinary Care
637 Loudon Rd # 4, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 783-9282
Capital District Veterinary Referral Hospital
222 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 785-1094
Capitaland Animal Hospital
890 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 785-5531
Latham Animal Hospital
326 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 785-1481
Schwoegler Melinda DVM
222 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 456-0852
Upstate Veterinary Specialties
152 Sparrowbush Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 783-3198
VCA Shaker Animal Hospital
223 Maxwell Rd, Latham, NY 12110, USA(518) 458-9669