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.
  • 121 Marginal Road
  • Herkimer,NY 13350
  • Phone: 315-866-9999
  • Fax: 315-866-9960
  • Office call by appointment only
  • Email Us
  • Get Directions
  • M-Th: 7:30am - 5:00pm
  • Friday: 7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Sat. 8:00-12:00

  • 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:

  • 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 Medulla and Robin, a dog named Maddie and two horses named Jeter and Zoey.  She also has a flock of guinea hens.

    Dr. Armstrong enjoys horseback riding and karaoke.

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2004
    Education:
    Ross University
    Interests:
    riding horses,
    Email:

  • Amanda Ostasz, DVM

    Dr. Ostasz hails from Berne, NY.  She attended Marist College and then the University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic Veterinary College.
    Dr. Ostasz has 2 cats named Anthony and Cleo, and a fish named Herman.  She is an avid horseback rider and driver.  She hopes to own her own horse someday.
    In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, reading and gardening.  She camps, travels, and loves to cook.
    Years in Practice:
    Sep 18, 2014
    Education:
    University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic
    Interests:
    hiking, swimming, horseback riding and gardening
    Email:

  • 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 2 dogs, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Tess, 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:

  • Gretchen G. Landin, VMD

    Mixed Animal Veterinarian
    Dr. Gretchen Landin is a 2017 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

    Growing up on a farm with beef cattle, horses and a variety of pets in Northwestern, PA inspired her love of mixed animal medicine. Throughout college and veterinary school, international dairy livestock research and teaching animal husbandry augmented her education and continues to contribute to her long-held career aspirations.

    In her spare time, Dr. Landin enjoys painting, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and traveling.

    Years in Practice:
    Jun 26, 2017
    Education:
    University of Pennsylvania
    Interests:
    Art, travel, and outdoor activities
    Email:

  • 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 17 players from the Little Falls Diamond Dawgs.

    Years in Practice:
    Apr 07, 2008
    Education:
    Cornell Universtiy
    Email:

  • 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 4 dogs, Hannah, Dee Dee, Juniper, and Harley along with 5 cats, Suzie, Lurch, Polly, and Peekaboo, Butters. 

     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:

  • Coleen Seymour, LVT

    Coleen has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 1993.  She has been with Herkimer Veterinary Associates since 2006.

    Coleen enjoys spending time with her daughter Libby. 

    Coleen and Libby have 2 cats, Kitten and Puss, and a Pug named Aurora. 

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2006
    Education:
    State University of New York, Delhi
    Interests:
    Pet food and diets
    Email:

  • Jessica Bernos

    Upon completion of her certification as a Veterinary Assistant Jessica was eager to get a career started in veterinary medicine.  Jessica joined Herkimer Veterinary Associates in August of 2015.  Jessica is enjoying applying her skills and knowledge as well as expanding it.  She enjoys working with the companion animals and their owners.
    Jessica has two dogs, an English Bulldog named Rocky, a Boston Terrier Mix named Benny and a cat named Dory.
    In her spare time Jessica enjoys spending time with her family.  They enjoy going to the beach, visiting water parks, and attending concerts.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2015
    Education:
    Veterinary Assistant
    Email:

  • Brittany Decarr

    Brittany has been with Herkimer Veterinary Associates since 2012.  Brittany is a certified veterinary assistant.

    She has always loved animals and has several of her own including 2 Siberian Huskies, 1 chihuahua, and 1 cat.

    In her spare time, Brittany and her fiancé enjoy swimming, hiking, and snowshoeing with the dogs.

    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2012
    Education:
    Animal Behavior College
    Email:

  • 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 2 dogs Ella and Morgan. 

    She enjoys all of the outdoors, especially kayaking, and camping.




    Years in Practice:
    Sep 18, 2014
    Interests:
    outdoors, kayaking and camping
    Email:

  • 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:

  • Kristy Downes

    Kristy has loved animals her whole life.  She has many pets, but horses have always been her passion.  She grew up caring for horses and showing them throughout her 4-H years.
    Kristy enjoys spending time with her family they often go camping, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, four wheel riding, and any outdoor activity.
    Kristy rounds out her family with the following pets a dog named Chester, and three horses named Digby, Baby, and Nelson.

    Years in Practice:
    Feb 08, 2016
    Education:
    State University of New York - Cobleskill
    Interests:
    outdoor activities, horses
    Email:

  • Rachel Jouben

    Rachel joined our practice in December 2015 after graduating as a Veterinary Technician from SUNY Delhi in 2014.
    Her primary passion is horses , but loves any and all animals and hopes to have her own ranch someday.
    She has 1 dog , 2 cats and a tank full of fish. She does pet sitting in her spare time. She enjoys hunting , fishing and camping with family and friends.
    Years in Practice:
    Mar 15, 2016
    Education:
    Veterinary Technician
    Interests:
    hunting, fishing, horses
    Email:

  • Pamela Lawrence, LVT

    Pam is currently finishing her bachelors in biology, she hopes to continue her education and  go on to get her  PhD in wildlife biology and conservation.  She has been a LVT since 2012, and enjoys working with animals with behavioral problems and making their experiences less traumatic.

    At home Pam has two rescue dogs, Duke and Rory. and three cats, Bodie, Mia and Dean. 
    Pam enjoys working on her boyfriends family farm.  Taking long naps, and studying the Peregrine Falcons in Utica.



    Years in Practice:
    Feb 08, 2016
    Education:
    State University of New York, Delhi
    Interests:
    Dairy farm, dogs, virus and immunology
    Email: