Alison Reindel, DVM

Growing up, I often asked my childhood babysitters to “make the animals talk” as we played with an array of plastic and stuffed animals. I wished that all my animal friends could tell me about their experiences and their feelings. As a veterinarian, l recognize that animals do “talk” to us…not in words…they communicate with us in many different ways. 

My family’s first dog – a young Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Luke – was born with some unique health conditions including being unable to eat anything with salt. After only a year of being in our lives, Luke became very sick with kidney failure. We saw signs of Luke changing, and I admired how our family veterinarian interpreted the way Luke was communicating with us about his health and how the veterinarian used tests, diet, medications, and skills to care for Luke. I vowed that someday I would provide that same level of care to other pets and their families.

On my journey to become a veterinarian, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. For veterinary school, I traveled to Prince Edward Island, Canada (known for red sand beaches, mussels, and Anne of Green Gables) to complete my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College.

In addition to my human family, my four-legged family includes a senior Sheltie named Gabby (you may have already seen her becoming famous and collecting “likes” on the GCVH Facebook page), two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers that live with my parents in Rochester, and a horse named Twiggy that lives with my sister – also in Rochester.

In my free time, I enjoy celebrating random “national holidays”, dressing up my [very patient] dogs in costumes, and exploring all the Adirondacks have to offer.

Over the years, I have come to recognize that animals have a powerful impact on our daily lives. In my daily practice, I advocate for fostering healthy connections between pets and people. I believe in a “One Health” approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. Through ensuring the health of pets, I believe the health of people can also be enhanced.