Gagner Catherine DVM

For pet owners in Scarborough, ME, and the surrounding communities, **Dr. Catherine Gagner** is a highly regarded veterinarian practicing at **Scarborough Animal Hospital**. Located at **29 1st St, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA**, the hospital is a central point for comprehensive animal healthcare. You can reach them by phone at **(207) 883-4412** or via mobile at **+1 207-883-4412**.

Scarborough Animal Hospital operates as a full-service **Pet Hospital**, a designation that implies a robust facility equipped to handle a wide range of veterinary medical needs. This is further bolstered by its affiliation with the **AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)**. Achieving AAHA accreditation is a significant distinction, held by fewer than 15 percent of animal hospitals across the U.S. This accreditation means the hospital voluntarily adheres to over 900 rigorous standards of care, covering everything from patient care and pain management to facility maintenance and continuing education for staff. This commitment to excellence provides a strong foundation for the quality of care pets receive.

As an AAHA accredited facility, Scarborough Animal Hospital is committed to providing a high-quality, professional, and comfortable environment. While specific interior details are not extensively described, AAHA standards suggest a well-maintained and organized clinic. Key features of such a facility would likely include:

• Dedicated Patient Areas: Separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, and potentially distinct examination rooms, are often implemented to minimize stress for different species. One review specifically mentions a "separate entrance for cats (and small animals) and dogs to avoid additional stress," indicating a thoughtful design for patient comfort.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Equipped with in-house laboratory capabilities for rapid blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis. Imaging equipment such as digital radiography (X-rays) and ultrasound would be present for detailed internal assessments.
• Sterile Surgical Suites: A dedicated, sterile surgical environment with state-of-the-art anesthesia monitoring equipment to ensure the safest possible surgical procedures.
• Dental Care Facilities: A separate area for advanced dental procedures, including dental radiography and specialized dental equipment.
• Fear Free Certified Practice: The mention of being a "Fear Free Certified Practice" is a crucial environmental aspect. This means the staff are trained in techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during their visits. This can involve calming pheromones, gentle handling techniques, positive reinforcement, and a conscious effort to make the clinic visit as positive as possible for the animal.

Scarborough Animal Hospital, with Dr. Catherine Gagner as a key veterinarian, offers a comprehensive suite of veterinary services typical of an AAHA accredited pet hospital. These services aim to cover all aspects of a pet's health throughout its life:

• Wellness Exams and Preventative Care: This forms the cornerstone of their practice, including routine physical examinations, individualized vaccination plans based on the pet's lifestyle and risk, comprehensive parasite control (fleas, ticks, heartworm, intestinal parasites), and nutritional counseling. Preventative care is emphasized for early detection and management of potential health issues.
• Spay & Neuter: Routine surgical procedures to control pet overpopulation and provide health benefits to the animals.
• Soft-Tissue Surgery: A range of surgical procedures beyond spay/neuter, including tumor removal, foreign body removal, and other soft tissue interventions, performed with careful anesthesia monitoring and pain management.
• Dental Care: Comprehensive oral health services, including professional dental cleanings (scaling and polishing) under anesthesia, dental radiography for assessing hidden issues, and extractions of diseased teeth to prevent systemic health problems.
• Internal Medicine: Diagnosis and management of complex medical conditions affecting various organ systems, such as gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine diseases, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory problems.
• Diagnostic Services: Utilizing in-house laboratory services for rapid blood, urine, and fecal tests, as well as advanced imaging techniques like digital radiography and ultrasound to accurately diagnose illnesses.
• Pain Management: Offering effective strategies for managing acute and chronic pain in pets, using various medications and modalities to ensure their comfort.
• Microchipping: A vital service for permanent pet identification, increasing the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families.
• Online Pharmacy: For convenience, the hospital likely offers an online pharmacy for easy ordering and delivery of medications and prescription diets.

The numerous positive reviews for Dr. Catherine Gagner and Scarborough Animal Hospital consistently highlight several key features that make them a preferred choice for pet owners:

• **Exceptional Knowledge and Expertise:** Dr. Gagner is repeatedly described as "extremely knowledgeable" and clients appreciate that "any question I ask she answers honestly." Her strong educational background (DVM from North Carolina State University) combined with practical experience is evident. The overall staff are also noted for being "professional, helpful and on top of best practices and knowledge base."
• **Profound Compassion and Care:** A recurring theme in the reviews is the deep care and compassion shown by Dr. Gagner and the entire team. Clients express feeling that the staff "truly greatful for them," and that Dr. Gagner "loves animals." The long-standing relationship with clients, with one person having dogs for "50 and more years" and praising Dr. Hillegas, signifies a consistent level of caring service. The review mentioning that they "don't think of our cats as pets, but as family members, and so does Scarborough Animal Hospital!" further solidifies this empathetic approach.
• **Patient and Understanding Communication:** Clients value that they "never feel rushed" and that staff are "great listeners and understanding of my concerns." This open communication fosters trust and ensures pet owners feel heard and involved in their pet's care decisions. Dr. Hillegas being "interesting in her explanations" indicates an ability to convey complex medical information clearly.
• **Fear Free Certified Practice:** This is a major distinguishing feature. The commitment to minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during visits significantly enhances the veterinary experience for sensitive animals. Techniques like positive reinforcement and gentle handling contribute to a less traumatic visit.
• **Dedication and Going the Extra Mile:** The anecdote of Dr. Hillegas coming to a client's home when their Doberman needed her, despite the client being housebound, speaks volumes about an extraordinary level of dedication and personalized care that goes above and beyond expectations. This level of service creates "lifelong" clients.
• **AAHA Accreditation:** This prestigious accreditation is a testament to the hospital's adherence to the highest standards in veterinary medicine, covering areas like facility, equipment, patient care, and continuing education.

These features collectively underscore Scarborough Animal Hospital's commitment to not only providing high-quality medical care but also creating a genuinely compassionate and comfortable experience for both pets and their owners. The emphasis on client education and individualized attention makes them a highly trusted and recommended practice in the region.

As an established and AAHA-accredited practice, Scarborough Animal Hospital, and Dr. Gagner, likely engage in various promotional and community-building activities. While specific current deals are dynamic, common approaches include:

• Strong Online Presence: An informative website detailing their services, team bios (including Dr. Gagner's, highlighting her local ties and interests like hiking with her dogs and rally obedience), AAHA accreditation, and Fear Free certification.
• Client Testimonials: Showcasing positive client reviews, as seen in the provided information, is a powerful form of promotion, building trust and credibility.
• Wellness Programs: Offering wellness plans that bundle preventative care services into affordable packages, encouraging regular veterinary visits.
• Community Involvement: Participation in local pet-related events, adoption drives, or educational seminars to engage with the community and demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare. Dr. Gagner's involvement with groups like the Appalachian Mountain Club, Trout Unlimited, and the Audubon Society also points to a broader community connection.
• Social Media Engagement: Active social media channels to share pet health tips, clinic news, and foster a community among pet owners.
• Referral Programs: Encouraging existing satisfied clients to refer new pet owners, leveraging their strong reputation.

In summary, Dr. Catherine Gagner and Scarborough Animal Hospital offer an outstanding level of veterinary care in Scarborough, ME. Their combination of deep knowledge, genuine compassion, a Fear Free approach, and AAHA accreditation makes them a premier choice for pet owners seeking comprehensive, high-quality, and empathetic care for their beloved companions.