Herkimer Veterinary Associates

Herkimer Veterinary Associates is a full-service veterinary facility located in Herkimer, NY. The professional and courteous staff at Herkimer Veterinary Associates seeks to provide the best possible medical, surgical, and dental care for their highly-valued patients. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Herkimer Veterinary Associates strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to the Mohawk Valley and its surrounding areas. Herkimer Veterinary Associates has a veterinarian on call 24 hours to meet the needs of our clients and the pet owners in the Herkimer area.  Our doctors and staff are available to provide the best care available within in our clinic and beyond.  We continuously network with many veterinary specialists in upstate New York and can refer your pet should the need arise. Please take a moment to contact us today, to learn more about our veterinary practice and to find our more information about how Herkimer Veterinary Associates can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.
all the staff at Herkimer Veterinary Associates
  • Call today to schedule an appointment at either facility
  • 121 Marginal Rd Herkimer NY 13350,943 Route 20 West Winfield NY 13491 
  • Herkimer - (315)866-9999
  • West Winfield - (315)204-4210
  • Email Us
  • Get Directions
  • Emergency calls are for CLIENTS ONLY!
  • Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm
  • Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm
  • Sunday - CLOSED
  • Doctor Armstrong holding a cat

    Brenda J. Armstrong, DVM

    Mixed Animal Veterinarian

    Dr. Brenda Armstrong is a 2004 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

    Dr. Armstrong has practiced veterinary medicine in Herkimer since graduation.  In 2005 she joined Dr. Hays and Dr. Fischer as a partner in Herkimer Veterinary Associates.

    Dr. Armstrong and her husband have two cats named Cerabella and Marshmallow, a dog named Maia and three horses named Jake,
    Big Hoss, and Scribbles.

    Dr. Armstrong enjoys horseback riding and karaoke.

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2004
    Education:
    Ross University
    Interests:
    Horseback riding and Karaoke
    Email:
  • Doctor Emily Green with a big dog

    Emily M. Green, DVM

    Mixed Animal Veterinarian

    Dr. Emily Green is a 2011 graduate from Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Since childhood, Dr. Green has wanted to help animals. Encouragement from mom, who often told  her she should become a veterinarian, pushed her forward. 

    Dr. Green has two dogs, a yellow Labrador Retriever mix named Karma, and Sierra, a black Labrador Retriever mix. 

    In her spare time Dr. Green enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding, and all outdoor activities.

    Dr. Green is excited to be working with both large and small animals.

    Years in Practice:
    May 06, 2011
    Education:
    Michigan State University
    Interests:
    running, travel, hiking, sports
    Email:
  • Dr. Fischer examing a cat

    Harold E. Fischer, DVM

    Mixed Animal Veterinarian

    Dr. Harold Fischer is a 1985 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.  He has practiced veterinary medicine in New York state since graduation. 

    Dr. Fischer was born in Kingston, Jamaica and has lived in South America, Miami and New York.

    He partnered with Dr. Hays in 1990 and formed Herkimer Veterinary Associates.

    Dr. Fischer, his wife and their three children are glad to call Herkimer home.  In his spare time he enjoys time with his family, they often canoe, and hike.  He also enjoys fishing and travel. 

    In his home, he has a dog named Pippa.

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 1985
    Education:
    University of Florida
    Interests:
    flying, travel, hiking
    Email:
  • Doctor Ostasz holding a dog

    Amanda Ostasz, DVM

    Dr. Ostasz is a Small Animal Veterinarian.  She graduated from  University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic Veterinary College in 2007.

    Following graduation she practiced Mixed animal medicine in Chatham NY for 6 years before relocating to the Herkimer area.

    She has had a passion for working with animals since she was a young girl on her family small hobby farm.

    Dr. Ostasz and her husband share their home with four cats named Bonkers, Moto, Batman, and Sheldon.  They have added a flock of chickens to their heard and are hoping to add horses someday.

    In her spare time she enjoys horseback riding, driving, hiking, gardening, and reading.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2007
    Education:
    University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic
    Interests:
    hiking, swimming, horseback riding and gardening
    Email:

  • Erin Murphy DVM

    Mixed Animal Veterinarian
    Dr. Erin Murphy graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015.
    Dr. Murphy spent three years practicing mixed animal medicine in Idaho after graduation followed b two years in a small animal practice in Upstate New York.  She joined Herkimer Veterinary Associates in 2020, excited to be working with large animals again.
    When not hard at work, Dr. Murphy enjoys riding her horse, Wilson, backpacking, skiing, and traveling with her husband and their black lab, Odin.
    Years in Practice:
    Jun 01, 2020
    Education:
    University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
    Interests:
    Riding her horse, backpacking, skiing, and traveling
    Email:

  • Vanessa Roach, DVM

    Vanessa Roach is a Small Animal Veterinarian.  She graduated in 2018 from Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical training at the University  of Illinois.  Her love of cats lead her to become a certified Feline Friendly Practitioner, and she has completed the Fear Free training series to create a comfortable and stress free environment for all your pets!  Before coming to work with us, Dr. Roach worked in a small animal veterinary hospital in the Utica area.
    In her free time, Dr. Roach enjoys reading, gaming, traveling, and especially going to theme parks.  Although a lot of her free time consists of spending time with her three cats, Arthur, Kratos, Mochaccino.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2019
    Education:
    Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine
    Interests:
    Reading, gaming, traveling, theme parks
    Email:
  • Christine at her desk

    Christine K. Nellis, Practice Manager

    Chris joined Herkimer Veterinary Associates in 2008 as our Practice Manager.

    A 1986 graduate of Cornell University  with a degree in Farm Business Management, she spent 25 years managing a dairy farm with her husband John and raising their 3 children.

    Chris enjoys working with our staff and the doctors to maintain the quality of care expected at Herkimer Veterinary Associates.

    When away from the office Chris enjoys their family farm, showing registered Holsteins, gardening, cooking, sewing and travel.

    She and her family are avid baseball enthusiasts and have hosted 37 players from the Little Falls Diamond Dawgs.

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2008
    Education:
    Cornell Universtiy
    Email:
  • Amanda with a dog

    Amanda Mroz, LVT

    Amanda has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2007. Amanda joined the staff of Herkimer Veterinary Associates in 2003.  Her interest in Veterinary services started with caring for a cat named Norman who struggled with asthma. 

    Amanda volunteers at the Herkimer County Humane Society and is a member of the board of directors.  She has 2 dogs - DeeDee and Juniper, and 5 cats - Polly, Peekaboo, Butters, Junior and Willow. 

      Amanda enjoys spending time with family, and going to the movies. 

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2007
    Education:
    State University of New York, Delhi
    Email:
  • Christina and a dog

    Christina Murphy, LVT

    Chrissy came to Herkimer Veterinary Associates in her 19th year as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She brings a wealth of skills and knowledge.  Her interests are dentistry, animal behavior, and client education.
    In her spare time Chrissy enjoys her small hobby farm.  They have horses, bees, and two golden retrievers.
    Chrissy enjoys hiking, horseback riding, gardening, and competing in dog obedience trials.
    Years in Practice:
    Feb 08, 2016
    Education:
    State University New York, Delhi
    Interests:
    Canine Behavior and Training
    Email:
  • Amy and a little dog

    Amy Allen, LVT

    Amy was born and raised in Arizona.  Amy spent five years in the United States Army, where she served her country during Operation Enduring Freedom.
    When Amy has free time she likes to hunt, fish, hike, and spend time outdoors.
    In her home, her family consists of a pot belly pig named Wilbur, four dogs, Hunter, Leela, Nibbler, and Fry and a gecko.  Amy would love to someday have a little farm of her own.
    Amy achieved her Licensed Technician Degree while studying at Central Carolina Community College. 
    Amy joined our practice in the fall of 2016.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2016
    Education:
    Central Carolina Community College
    Interests:
    Hunting, fishing, hiking spending time outdoors
    Email:

  • Allison Auger, LVT

    Allison completed her four year Veterinary Technician training at SUNY Canton, receiving her Bachelors Degree.  During her time at SUNY, she enjoyed playing college lacrosse.
    Allison grew up on a dairy and crop farm.  They raised sheep, goats, pigs, beef cattle, and a horse she had when she was a teenager.  She has a great dane named Moose, a black lab named Walker and a cat.
    Her family and friends are very important to her and make life enjoyable.  Allison's hobbies include camping, fishing, reading, country concerts, photography, and has a fascination with animal behavior.  She hopes to have a family and a hobby farm, and very much loves living in upstate New York with our four beautiful seasons.
    Years in Practice:
    Sep 19, 2018
    Education:
    SUNY Canton Veterinary Technology
    Interests:
    Lacrosse, farm life, photography, animal behavior.
    Email:

  • Lauren Yager, LVT

    Lauren is a 2020 graduate of SUNY Canton with a B.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology.  After school she started with us in May of the same year.
    At home she has a Great Dane named Lincoln and a cat named Simon.  In her spare time she enjoys painting, baking, and reading.  Lauren also loves to hike and to travel as much as possible.
    Years in Practice:
    Jun 01, 2020
    Education:
    SUNY Canton
    Interests:
    Hiking and Travelling
    Email:

  • Brianna Unsinn, LVT

    Brianna graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2014 with her degree in Veterinary Science Technology.  Afterwards, she went to SUNY Morrisville to get a degree in Equine Rehabilitation, graduating in 2017.  Now, Brianna owns a farm with her boyfriend and his brother where they have beef cows and a flock of chickens.  She also has Tim the old man who is a horse, along with her six dogs Boone, Stella, Copper, Chief, Brandy, and Ronda and two cats, Stevie and Gus-Gus.
    Brianna's hobbies include Horseback riding, hunting, and farming.
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 05, 2021
    Education:
    Delhi/Morrisville College
    Interests:
    Hunting, Horseback riding, and Farming
    Email:

  • Taylor Calhoun, LVT

    Taylor is a 2019 graduate of SUNY Delhi with a degree in Veterinary Science Technology and a 2021 graduate of SUNY Canton with a Veterinary Business Administration degree.
    She has worked in a veterinary hospital since 2017, and is now a member of our team!  Caring for animals and helping them feel better is one of the main reason she became a veterinary technician.  When not in the office, Taylor hangs out with her boyfriend, watching Netflix, and her two pets Wheelie, her cat and Marshmallow her adorable white rabbit.  
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 05, 2021
    Education:
    SUNY Delhi/Canton
    Interests:
    Helping animals feel better and Netflix with her Boyfriend
    Email:
  • Linda and a dog

    Linda Bucenec

    Linda joined our team November 2017 and has had fifteen years of experience working as a receptionist at another veterinary hospital. During her free time, she works on home renovation/repair, gardening, and taking care of her numerous pets.
    Linda's animal family consists of three dogs, seven cats, twelve chickens, two horses and a mule. She enjoys watching old movies, spending time with her beloved pets and reading a good book. By working here at Herkimer Veterinary Associates, Linda hopes to establish a rapport with her co-workers and our clients.
    Years in Practice:
    Dec 06, 2017
    Interests:
    Gardening, watching old movies, reading
    Email:

  • Melinda McMann

    Melinda is a graduate of Russell Sage College.  She has a degree in accounting which she got in 1983.  In 2019 she became a part of our team and is one of the friendly faces greeting our clients as they come in.  She has one pet, her cat Archie, and on occasion will watch her daughters pets.  Traveling is also one of the things she enjoys doing, taking the trip to Virginia to see her son on a regular basis.  
    Melinda's hobbies include, riding her bike, and dancing, especially ballet.
    Years in Practice:
    Dec 17, 2019
    Education:
    Russell Sage College
    Interests:
    Riding her bike, and dancing
    Email:

  • Lisa Frost

    Lisa is a graduate of SUNY Delhi and was a licensed technician for two years before training to be a bovine inseminator.  Inseminating sent Lisa all over New York state and sometimes into Vermont but one farm in particular kept her here in New York.  She met her husband on one of her trips to his farm and the rest is history!
    Now, Lisa works with her husband on his farm and spends some of her time helping us at Herkimer and West Winfield, doing reception and helping our doctors and technicians.  In her free time she likes sewing, quilting, doing puzzles, and reading.  
    Years in Practice:
    Feb 04, 2022
    Education:
    SUNY Delhi
    Interests:
    sewing, quilting, puzzles, reading
    Email:
  • Laura and a dog

    Laura Harding

    Laura comes to Herkimer Veterinary Associates from the Herkimer County Humane Society.  Her passion for animals and desire to be at their service will make her a perfect fit.

    Laura will be a friendly face at our front desk, she is eager to meet all our clients needs.  Her skills in animal handling will make her a help to our doctors and technicians.  She is eager to learn and grow in the veterinary world.

    Laura has two dogs Ella and Nyla.  She enjoys all of the outdoors, especially kayaking, and camping.
    Years in Practice:
    Sep 18, 2014
    Interests:
    outdoors, kayaking and camping
    Email:

  • Jaime Brennan

    Jaime loves working with animals, she finds it to be incredibly rewarding.  She has worked as an assistant or kennel worker for the past 5 years and started at Herkimer in October of 2019.  Her favorite dog is a boxer, which she has two of, Ember and Atlas.  She also cares for two of her own cats, Fenrir and Freya, along with the occasional foster from the Human Society.
    Jaime's hobby's include,  reading, astrology, and stones (her favorite is malachite.)


    Years in Practice:
    Dec 17, 2019
    Interests:
    Reading, astrology, and stones
    Email:

  • Alissa Collins

    Alissa joined us in March of 2021 but has been around animals her whole life.  Her family has owned a farm since 1991 and she learned to drive a tractor when she was 8!  She graduated from Cobleskill in 2019 with her degree in Agricultural Business Management.  Along with the farm she has two dogs, Maddie and Lilly, that she spends her time with.
    Alissa's hobbies include, hunting, trail riding, and really anything outdoors.
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 05, 2021
    Education:
    SUNY Cobleskill
    Interests:
    Hunting, trail riding, anything outdoors
    Email:

  • Alyssa Unsinn

    Alyssa has worked in a veterinary hospital since January 2020, and joined our team in 2021 with her sister Brianna.  She has dabbled in college but ultimately started working with animals because she loved them so much, and with a little encouragement from Brianna.  Now she is one of the bright, friendly faces greeting our clients as they come in.  Alyssa enjoys a full house with two dogs, Everly Ann and Martha Mary, two cats Peanut and Oreo, one horse, Brooks and thirteen chickens.
    Alyssa's hobbies include riding her horse and four-wheeler, fishing, and camping.
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 07, 2021
    Interests:
    riding her horse and four-wheeler, fishing, and camping
    Email:

  • Emilee Dygert

    Emilee became a part of our team in October of 2020 and has always wanted to work with animals since she was 12 years old!  Although her favorite animals are typically farm animals she adores all thing dogs and cats, as well.  Which is a good thing since she lives with four dogs!  She lives with three bulldogs, Boo, Brutus, and Penelope and one Airedale/Redbone mix, Geo
    Emilee's hobbies include reading, crafts, and playing video games with her boyfriend.

    Years in Practice:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Interests:
    reading, crafts, and video games
    Email:

  • Walker Covoly

    Walker is graduating from SUNY Delhi in the fall of 2021 with a degree in Veterinary Science Technology.  He started doing a highschool internship here and then his preceptorship until finally he became a full fledged part of our team!  For as long as he remembers he enjoyed being around animals, making the choice to work at a veterinary hospital quite the easy decision.
    Along with working with animals, Walker enjoys working on motor vehicles with his father.
    Years in Practice:
    Jul 08, 2021
    Education:
    SUNY Delhi
    Interests:
    Mechanics and animals
    Email: