Christine Armao, DVM

Christine Armao, DVM, is a highly respected veterinarian in Ithaca, NY, and a co-founder of Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital, located at 315 3rd St #2, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. This "Pet Hospital" has been serving the Ithaca community since its inception in 2006, co-founded by Dr. Armao and Dr. Anne Shakespeare. The practice is dedicated to providing quality care for family pets, encompassing a wide range of medical, surgical, and dental services. They can be reached by phone at (607) 391-7055 or mobile at +1 607-391-7055.

Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Christine Armao, maintains an environment characterized by trust and integrity, with respect for both clients and their animal patients. While specific architectural details of the facility are not extensively provided, the underlying philosophy strongly suggests a welcoming and comfortable setting. The hospital emphasizes a "Fear Free" approach to veterinary visits, indicating a conscious effort to reduce anxiety and stress for pets during their time at the clinic. This likely translates into a calm atmosphere, gentle handling techniques, and perhaps separate waiting areas or examination rooms for different types of animals to minimize stressors. The focus on compassionate treatment, as highlighted in customer reviews ("Wonderful, caring people"), further implies an environment where both pets and their owners feel understood and supported during what can often be a stressful experience.

As a full-service "Pet Hospital," Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital, with Dr. Armao's involvement, offers a comprehensive suite of veterinary services designed to support pets through every stage of their lives. Their commitment extends from a pet's early years through adulthood and into healthy old age. The services provided focus on accurate diagnostics, thorough client education, and compassionate treatment. Key service areas include:

• Medical Care: This encompasses general wellness exams, preventive care, vaccinations, and the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions. The emphasis on accurate diagnostics ensures that underlying health issues are identified effectively.

• Surgical Services: The hospital is equipped to perform a range of surgical procedures. While the exact scope of surgeries (e.g., routine spays/neuters versus complex orthopedic procedures) is not fully detailed, the provision of "surgical care" implies a well-equipped surgical suite and skilled veterinary staff.

• Dental Care: Oral health is recognized as crucial to overall pet well-being. Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital provides dental services, which typically include dental cleanings, extractions, and addressing other oral health concerns.

• Preventive Care: A cornerstone of their practice, preventive care includes routine vaccinations, parasite control (fleas, ticks, heartworm), and nutritional counseling. Their goal is to help pets live long, healthy, and happy lives by preventing illness whenever possible.

• Client Education: A significant focus is placed on educating pet owners. This empowers clients to make informed decisions about their pet's health and actively participate in their care, aligning with their philosophy of strong pet-owner partnerships.

• Behavioral Counseling: While not explicitly detailed as a separate service like in some other clinics, the general emphasis on comprehensive care and the "Fear Free" approach suggests an understanding and willingness to address behavioral aspects of pet health.

• Identification (Microchipping): While not explicitly stated for Christine Armao, DVM individually, it is a standard offering in comprehensive pet hospitals, aligning with their overall mission of ensuring pet safety and return to owners if lost.

Christine Armao, DVM, and Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital are characterized by several notable features that contribute to their positive reputation:

• Highly Caring and Professional Staff: The single review provided directly highlights "Wonderful, caring people," which speaks to the compassionate and empathetic nature of the entire team, including Dr. Armao. This is a common thread in reviews for Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital as a whole, emphasizing professional, knowledgeable staff who are gentle and non-threatening to pets.

• Experienced Leadership: Dr. Christine Armao graduated from the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986 and has extensive experience in the field, including practicing in Glens Falls and Brockport, NY, before returning to Ithaca in 1996. Her co-founding of Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital in 2006 demonstrates her commitment to building a practice focused on quality care. She is also a member of the AVMA and a past president of the Southern Tier Veterinary Medical Society.

• Fear Free Approach: A significant feature of Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital is their commitment to "Fear Free Veterinary Visits." This initiative aims to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety in pets during their vet visits, making the experience more positive for both animals and their owners. This involves specialized training for staff and a focus on techniques that minimize discomfort and promote a sense of security for the pets.

• Client-Centric Philosophy: The hospital's mission is to help owners fully enjoy their pet's companionship. This is achieved by focusing on accurate diagnostics, thorough client education, and compassionate treatment, fostering a strong partnership between the veterinary team and pet owners.

• Community Involvement: Dr. Christine Armao has been actively involved in community initiatives, such as volunteering at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Southside Well-Pet Clinics, which offer subsidized veterinary care to underserved communities. This demonstrates a broader commitment to animal welfare beyond the hospital walls.

While specific promotional offers are not detailed in the provided information, the core promotional message of Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital, under the guidance of Dr. Christine Armao, centers on their commitment to high-quality, compassionate, and Fear Free veterinary care. Their welcoming of new clients is a continuous promotional aspect, inviting pet owners to experience their distinctive approach to animal health. The long-standing presence of the hospital since 2006 and the positive reputation built by its founders, including Dr. Armao, serve as strong testaments to their reliable and caring service.

Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital's operating hours are:

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Saturday: Twice a month (call for details) 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed

The hospital's central location at 315 3rd St #2 in Ithaca makes it easily accessible for residents of the city and surrounding areas. For any inquiries or to schedule an appointment, individuals can contact them directly at (607) 391-7055.

In conclusion, Christine Armao, DVM, as a co-founder of Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital, represents a pillar of compassionate and professional pet care in Ithaca, NY. The hospital's dedication to a Fear Free environment, comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and dental services, and a strong emphasis on client education and partnership, truly sets them apart as a trusted "Pet Hospital" for the community.