Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Veterinary Care in New Canaan
Founded in 1949 by Dr. James Whitloch, New Canaan Veterinary Hospital has served as a cornerstone of animal healthcare in New Canaan, CT, and surrounding communities for over six decades. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Potenza since 1996, the hospital continues to prioritize personalized, compassionate care for pets, combining family-owned dedication with advanced veterinary practices. Our team offers comprehensive services, including wellness care, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, and diagnostics, tailored to meet the unique needs of each animal. We maintain a commitment to staying at the forefront of veterinary medicine through state-of-the-art technology, continuous professional development, and a focus on preventive care. Our independent, non-corporate structure ensures we provide individualized attention to every patient while maintaining long-standing relationships with local pet owners.With in-house diagnostics and digital imaging capabilities, we deliver rapid, accurate results for both routine and emergency cases. Our surgical team brings over 40 years of combined experience, utilizing advanced techniques and pain management protocols to ensure optimal outcomes. The hospital emphasizes client education, offering guidance on nutrition, behavior, and geriatric care to support pets throughout their lifetimes. We value community trust and have maintained multigenerational client relationships through consistent, ethical service. Our mission remains rooted in treating pets as valued family members while upholding the highest standards of veterinary excellence.
Services
Wellness Care
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgery
In-House Diagnostics
Parasite Prevention
Microchipping
Senior Pet Care
Nutritional Counseling
International Travel Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- Over 60 years of veterinary expertise in New Canaan
- Family-owned practice with personalized attention
- Advanced diagnostics and digital imaging capabilities
- Experienced surgical team with 40+ combined years
- Comprehensive preventive and geriatric care programs
What people say
High-quality care
Compassionate staff
Trusted service
Expertise in dentistry
Effective behavioral solutions
Services
Wellness Care
Our wellness programs provide comprehensive preventive care for pets at every life stage. From routine exams and vaccinations to parasite prevention and health monitoring, we prioritize early detection and proactive treatment. Our customized wellness plans ensure pets maintain optimal health through tailored nutrition advice, dental care, and senior-specific diagnostics.
Vaccinations
We offer core and non-core vaccination programs tailored to individual pet lifestyles and exposure risks. Our protocols follow current veterinary guidelines while considering each pet's specific health needs. The program includes rabies certification, booster scheduling, and detailed record-keeping to maintain compliance with state requirements and travel regulations.
Dental Care
Advanced dental services include full-mouth evaluations, digital radiography, and surgical extractions under monitored anesthesia. Our approach combines pain management with complete oral hygiene treatments to address periodontal disease and prevent systemic health complications. We also provide at-home dental care guidance to maintain oral health between visits.
Surgery
Our surgical services range from routine spays/neuters to complex tumor removals and soft tissue procedures. Each case receives pre-anesthetic bloodwork, intravenous fluid therapy, and multi-modal pain management. Advanced monitoring equipment and post-operative follow-up ensure safe recoveries for all surgical patients.
In-House Diagnostics
We offer rapid diagnostic capabilities including blood work, urinalysis, and cytology through our on-site laboratory. Digital radiography and ultrasound services provide immediate imaging results for accurate diagnosis of acute conditions. Critical cases benefit from expedited testing that enables prompt treatment decisions during emergencies.
People
Dr. Paul Potenza
Veterinarian
Dr. Potenza has led the hospital since 1996, bringing expertise in advanced dental procedures and surgical care. His leadership maintains the hospital's tradition of excellence while integrating modern veterinary practices.
Dr. Marlene Schaefler
Veterinarian
Dr. Schaefler specializes in feline medicine and behavioral modification techniques. She has developed successful nail-trimming protocols for anxious pets, demonstrating exceptional patience and client communication skills.
Dr. Abigail Lindig
Veterinarian
Dr. Lindig contributes expertise in dentistry and patient behavior, having practiced in Australia and Virginia. Her background in music complements her compassionate approach to veterinary patient care and client interactions.
Michelle
Head Technician/Hospital Manager
Michelle oversees daily operations and patient care as head technician, ensuring smooth clinic functioning while maintaining direct involvement in animal treatment and client education.
Jennifer
Office Manager
Jennifer manages administrative operations with extensive client interaction experience, maintaining the hospital's welcoming environment and efficient appointment scheduling systems.
Questions
What types of pets do you treat?
We specialize in small animal care for cats and dogs, providing comprehensive medical services for all life stages from puppies/kittens to senior pets.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide urgent care for sick or injured pets during regular business hours, with same-day appointments available for medical emergencies.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept CareCredit financing, major credit cards, cash, and checks. Payment is required at the time of service.
Are you equipped for advanced diagnostics?
Our hospital features digital radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory capabilities for rapid blood testing and urinalysis.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Use our online booking system, contact us directly by phone, or download the PetDesk app for appointment requests and prescription refills.
