Main Street Business

With corporate consolidation on the rise, many families with pets have struggled to provide their fur babies with the top-notch, compassionate care they deserve. Many pet owners feel that the level of care has suffered while prices have escalated.

“To truly accomplish a mission, you must own it.” That was a mentor’s advice to Dr. Tyler Hotaling, owner, Copake Veterinary Hospital in Copake Falls, NY. Dr. Hotaling’s journey to acquiring the hospital, which was founded in 1948 by Dr. John Mettler, was forged by his deep desire to align his work with his core values. After witnessing clinical cultures elsewhere deteriorate, Dr. Hotaling made the leap. That was in March of 2024.

Because it is privately owned and operated, Copake Veterinary Hospital has the freedom to practice medicine that mirrors its values. “This independence gives us the flexibility to make the best clinical choices for your pet and maintain fair, transparent pricing without the interference of corporate politics. By allowing clinical excellence to drive our success, we ensure that our medical decisions remain focused solely on the patient,” said Hotaling.

Services

Copake Veterinary Hospital’s team continually expands its services to better serve the community. While prioritizing wellness via annual exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention, the hospital is also fully equipped for urgent care. It features an advanced in-house laboratory and diagnostic imaging suite, including X-ray and ultrasound.

“We are especially proud to offer general surgery, comprehensive dentistry, and an expanding range of orthopedic procedures. By performing these complex surgeries in-house (these services are often reserved for specialty clinics), we aim to provide clients with high-quality, accessible options when faced with the high costs of emergency care,” said Hotaling.

Although the practice’s mission remains the same: to expand service, welcome new families, and continue serving the community with quality, compassionate medicine, several new developments are underway.

On May 18, Copake Veterinary Hospital welcomed Dr. Lauren Scanlon. “Her expertise and passion for animal care make her a perfect fit for our hospital.” Dr. Scanlon earned her BA from Simon’s Rock at Bard College in Great Barrington, MA with a double major in chemistry and political ecology in 2013. She graduated from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine of Tufts University in 2021 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine and earned a post-graduate certificate in international veterinary medicine. Dr. Scanlon will be a welcome addition to our practice, and we hope you’ll join us in welcoming her,” said Dr. Hotaling. 

Another change includes expanded surgical capabilities in the orthopedic department. The update, which will be complete by late summer or early fall, will include TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) cruciate repair. Cruciate injuries are among the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. By providing this advanced procedure in-house, the hospital offers clients a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to specialty surgical centers, ensuring continuity of care with a team the pet owner already trusts.

Making the distinction

Of course, there are other marks of excellence that set Copake Veterinary Hospital apart from the pack. In July 2025, the hospital achieved American Animal Hospital Association accreditation – a distinction held by only 15% of veterinary practices nationwide.

“To earn this, we met or exceeded hundreds of rigorous standards covering every aspect of clinical care and business management. This accreditation is a testament to our staff’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of veterinary medicine,” said Hotaling. Beyond welcoming new fur patients, the practice is now accommodating client and non-client emergency appointments during regular business hours. Whether you’re looking for a long-term veterinary home or facing an unexpected medical crisis, the team at Copake Veterinary Hospital is ready to provide the expert support and care your pet deserves.

“While high clinical standards are non-negotiable, we lead with the heart, believing that while people may forget our words, they will always remember how we made them feel. This commitment to empathy is matched by a culture of accountability, where we hold ourselves to the values we live by every day,” said Hotaling.•

Copake Veterinary Hospital is located at 7915 State Rte. 22, Copake Falls, NY. 

You can reach them via phone at (518) 329-6161 or email: info@copakevethospital.com, or find out more at their website: copakevethospital.com.