Business Details
Emergency
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Your Trusted Veterinarian in Bethel, CT
Bethel Veterinary Hospital has been dedicated to advancing the human-animal bond through exceptional veterinary care since its establishment. Our full-service small-animal hospital combines comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental services with compassionate client education. With a team of experienced professionals, we utilize the latest technological advancements to ensure optimal health outcomes for pets while maintaining open communication with their owners. Our commitment extends beyond routine care to include specialized services like exotic animal medicine, pain management, and advanced diagnostic imaging. We emphasize preventive care through personalized vaccination protocols and wellness exams tailored to each pet's life stage.The hospital's state-of-the-art surgical suite and dedicated Comfort Room for end-of-life care reflect our holistic approach to pet healthcare. As active members of professional veterinary associations, we continually seek advancements in veterinary science to better serve our community. Our staff's expertise in behavioral medicine and commitment to client education strengthen the trust between pet owners and their animals. Through our Pet Resort, we provide climate-controlled boarding with individualized attention to medication and play needs. This integrated approach has earned us recognition as a leading veterinary practice serving Bethel and surrounding Connecticut communities.
Services
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgery
Pain Management
Behavioral Medicine
Radiology
Spaying/Neutering
Exotic Animal Care
Pet Boarding
End-of-Life Services
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of veterinary experience serving Northern Fairfield County
- Our staff includes specialists in exotic pet medicine and behavioral medicine
- We offer 24/7 emergency referral services through partner specialists
- Our hospital features digital radiography and in-house laboratory diagnostics
- We provide personalized pain management and laser therapy treatments
What people say
Love Dr. Mac and his team
Quick appointments available
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Wonderful first-time experience
Excellent with exotic pets
Services
Vaccinations
Our vaccination program protects pets against preventable diseases while considering each animal's specific risk factors. We follow tailored protocols for core vaccines like rabies and distemper while offering non-core vaccinations based on lifestyle and exposure risks. Annual exams ensure proper vaccine timing and dosage for optimal immune response.
Pain Management
We identify and treat both acute and chronic pain through multimodal approaches combining medications, supplements, and alternative therapies. Our Class IV Laser Therapy Unit reduces inflammation and improves mobility for pets with arthritis or post-surgical conditions. Comprehensive pain assessments during annual exams help catch subtle symptoms early in cats and dogs.
Pet Boarding
Our climate-controlled 3,000 sq ft facility offers species-specific boarding with personalized care options. Separate dog and cat areas maintain comfort while trained technicians administer medications. Features include daily play sessions, late-night snacks, and specialized housing for exotic pets. Advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
Dental Care
Digital dental radiographs and advanced techniques diagnose and treat periodontal disease and oral masses. Our comprehensive cleanings include full-mouth assessments under anesthesia with options for tooth extractions and oral surgeries. Preventive care education helps pet owners maintain dental hygiene between professional cleanings.
Exotic Animal Care
Specialized care for birds, reptiles, and small mammals includes wellness exams and species-specific husbandry guidance. Our experienced staff addresses unique nutritional needs and behavioral issues while providing surgical and medical treatments. Emergency services for exotic pets refer to dedicated specialists in specialized facilities.
People
James McNamara
Veterinarian
Dr. McNamara has practiced veterinary medicine in Northern Fairfield County since 1995. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and owns Bethel Veterinary Hospital since 2005. His interests include endocrinology, radiology, and dentistry.
Aubrey Fitch
Veterinarian
Dr. Fitch specializes in exotic pet medicine and behavior medicine. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Her memberships include multiple exotic pet specialist associations. She lives with her family and various pets in Litchfield County.
Jess
Practice Manager
Certified Veterinary Technician with leadership responsibilities for staff operations. Coordinates team training and maintains practice standards across all departments including medical services and resort operations.
Gabby
Assistant Practice Manager
Supports practice management with focus on client services and operational efficiency. Works closely with veterinary staff to ensure smooth daily operations across all hospital departments.
Julia King
Dog Trainer
Certified by Animal Behavior College in 2015 with 15 years of dog training experience. Specializes in positive reinforcement methods for puppies and behavior modification. Offers group classes and individual sessions through All 4 PAWSitive LLC.
Questions
What exotic animal services do you offer?
We provide medical care for birds, reptiles, and small mammals including wellness exams, surgical procedures, and specialized boarding accommodations.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
Yes, we refer after-hours emergencies to Newtown Veterinary Specialists and Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine for exotic pets.
What are your boarding vaccination requirements?
Boarding guests need current rabies, distemper vaccines, and recent intestinal parasite screening. Dogs also require annual bordetella vaccination.
Are dog training classes available?
Our training programs include puppy kindergarten, beginner, and intermediate classes starting at $250 per dog with pre-registration required.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept cash, credit cards, and request payment at time of service. Financing options and insurance plans are discussed during initial consultations.
Reviews (4)
Bobby A.
Aug 30, 2021
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As an MD, I believe healthcare requires both compassion and knowledge. These vets demonstrates neither. My 9 year old dog has no health problems. Every visit seemed to include recommendations for MRI, biopsy, and assorted expensive and unnecessary add ons. When I requested a script for Heartgard which had run out since his last visit within 6 months, one might have thought I was requesting opiates based on the pushback. A request for an antihistamine for his itching until he was bleeding refused after explaining that capsules, granules, tablets and liquid all failed. I NEVER write negative
C. S. I.
Jun 23, 2019
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I used this practice for almost 30 years, following Dr McNamara from Georgetown Vet to this location, which he eventually bought from Dr Josephs. Dr M was the vet we used, until a pet recently got into crisis again, needing an urgent visit. We saw Dr Fitch in Feb-a huge mistake. Fast forward, repeated visits for 2 months ended not only in $1500 in bills, but an emergency transfer to the Newtown animal hospital as the pet was literally in his 11th hour. Despite my repeated questioning of the care plan, why we weren't moving to the interventionary surgery that had been discussed the last 2 times
Scott O.
Jun 21, 2019
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Trust your instincts especially if your pet is mirroring them. Don't walk away from this place RUN! They have two seemingly caring vets but one who at the very least is incompetent but if my instincts are right so much worst. My poor puppy suffered physically and I suffered from guilt for not listening to him during the visit along with financial pain from what followed after we left.
Ashley A.
Nov 10, 2017
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This is now my favorite place to bring out little pug! They are all so knowledgeable, so sweet and you can tell they truly care about the animals and not all in it for the money! So happy we switched from plumtrees!
