Companion Animal Hospital · Buzzards Bay, MA

Care for your pet, for life.

The Animal House offers quality preventive care for young, healthy animals and early detection and treatment of disease, with state-of-the-art digital x-ray and an in-house laboratory.

“We treat your pet as we would our own.”

Call to Book Our Services

Michael A. Lappin, DVM21 Red Brook Road, Buzzards Bay

Medications & Supplies

Order medications by phone and pay by credit card, email or text. Curbside pickup is available in the parking lot.

Seresto Collar Statement

Rare in our practice; skin reactions are the most common side effect. We're concerned about counterfeit collars sold online — read our full statement.

Now Hiring

One or two trained part-time Veterinary Assistants. Day, evening and Saturday shifts. Details.

Services

Everything under one roof

A companion animal hospital offering services throughout the lifespan of pets.

Exams

Puppy/kitten, annual and technician appointments. Please call 508-759-4522 to book.

Vaccinations

Core and risk-assessed vaccines for dogs and cats, following AAHA and AAFP recommendations.

Spay / Neuter / Dentals

Quality, affordable spay and neuter, plus dental cleanings and extractions as needed.

Digital X-Ray

Images viewed immediately and eco-friendly, including OFA and PennHip x-rays.

Pregnancy Ultrasound

Verify pregnancy and estimate litter size, typically about 4 weeks after breeding.

In-House Laboratory

An IDEXX in-house lab for chemistry, blood counts, endocrine panels and more.

Products

Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, skin care, supplements and prescription diets.

Parasite Prevention

Protect your pet, your yard and yourself from ticks, fleas and heartworm.

Exams

Three kinds of visits

Puppy / Kitten Exams

We recommend a puppy's or kitten's first full exam and first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. Please call 508-759-4522 to book an appointment.

We utilize the vaccination recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association for dogs and the American Association of Feline Practitioners for cats.

Annual Exams

We recommend pets be seen once a year for an annual exam with Dr. Lappin.

Canine: a full physical, with a recommended blood draw to test for tick-borne diseases and heartworm disease. Vaccines are verified up to date.

Feline: a full physical, and vaccines are verified up to date.

Nail trims are available for an additional fee. Prescription medication, by law, cannot be prescribed without a doctor-patient relationship that is current within 1 year.

Technician Appointments

Appointments that do not require a visit with Dr. Lappin. Please call 508-759-4522 to book.

Nail trims
Vaccination boosters
Suture/staple removal
Anal gland expression
Microchip insertion
Ear cleaning
Blood draws

Vaccinations

Core vs. risk-assessed

Core vaccines are those considered important to all dogs and cats. Non-core vaccines are those given by risk assessment.

Canine

RabiesRequired by state law · Core
Distemper-Adenovirus-Parainfluenza-ParvovirusRecommended · Core
LymeRecommended · Core
Bordetella, Influenza, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus onlyRisk assessment

Dogs may receive the 3-year rabies vaccine if the initial series of 2 doses is administered within 1 calendar year.

Feline

RabiesRequired by state law · Core
Distemper-Rhinovirus-Calici VirusRecommended · Core
LeukemiaRisk assessment

Cats receive the 1-year Purevax non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine.

Spay / Neuter / Dentals

Quality, affordable surgery

We provide quality, affordable spay and neuter opportunities to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, along with dental cleanings and extractions as needed.

Pets undergo anesthesia and remain hospitalized for the day.
Absorbable sutures are typically used, so no removal visit is needed.
An Elizabethan collar is worn for approximately 10 days after surgery.
The right timing for spay/neuter is decided with Dr. Lappin during the exam.
We accept SNAP, an MSPCA program offering reduced-cost procedures for qualifying low-income pet owners.

Digital X-Ray

We have a state of the art x-ray machine which provides digital x-rays that can be viewed immediately and are eco-friendly. Images can be saved to computers, discs and transmitted electronically. We also perform specialized x-rays for OFA and PennHip evaluations.

Diagnostics

In-house laboratory & ultrasound

Our IDEXX in-house laboratory gets answers quickly. And for breeders and expectant dogs: “Ultrasounds offer a way to verify pregnancy and an estimate of how many puppies your dog may be pregnant with,” typically performed around 4 weeks after breeding.

Chemistry profiles and complete blood counts

Electrolyte testing and urinalysis

Tick-borne disease, heartworm and viral disease screening

Feline leukemia testing

Endocrine panels: bile acids, cortisol, Addison's and Cushing's tests

Pregnancy ultrasound for dogs

Products & Parasite Prevention

Stocked at the clinic

Flea & Tick

Seresto collar for cats and dogs (treats fleas and ticks for 8 months), Frontline Plus, Advantix II and Vectra 3D formulations for different species.

Heartworm

Advantage Multi, Iverhart Plus, Heartgard Plus and Interceptor, preventing heartworm while treating various parasites.

Skin & Supplements

Medicated shampoos and sprays for itchy skin and fungal infections (many by prescription), joint support with glucosamine, skin/coat and urinary tract formulas.

Diets & More

Prescription diet foods from Purina and Hills, ear cleaners, odor eliminating products, tooth care items and pill administration aids.

Protecting pets

Protecting your yard

Protecting yourself

Permethrin-based repellent products
TickEncounter Resource Center: personal protection

Breeder Services

Reproductive care for breeders

Caesarean sections
Artificial insemination, vaginal and surgical
Fresh chilled semen availability
Progesterone testing
Genetic counseling

A Golden Retriever leaping an agility jump

About Us

Michael A. Lappin, DVM

A Michigan native and veterinary graduate (1972), Dr. Lappin is actively involved in dog training and competition, particularly with Golden Retrievers in agility and obedience events. He serves on multiple breed club boards and is an AKC judge.

The Animal House emphasizes quality preventive care for young, healthy animals and early detection and treatment of disease.

“It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet.”

“Our goal is to practice the highest quality medicine and surgery with compassion and an emphasis on client education.”

Staff

The team caring for your pet

Lee-Ann

Veterinary Technician

Joan

Veterinary Technician

Carol

Receptionist, Veterinary Assistant

Laurie

Receptionist

Sara · Veterinary Technician Tanya · Receptionist Lauren · Receptionist

Our Animals

Meet the staff's own pets

Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Maine Coons and more.

BusterTherapy dog at Hasbro Children's Hospital

Testimonials

Notes from our clients

I want to thank you all for your kindness. Dr. Lappin, I felt so at peace with my decision after your talking with me.

The H. Family

We would like to take a minute to thank you all for the wonderful care, love and support you brought to our family and most importantly the lab 'Sammy'.

Jessica & Jeffrey

Many, many thanks for taking such excellent care of my princesses, Lexi and Tori. They have been running, jumping and wrestling again.

Kathy W.

Pam and I wanted to thank you for the compassion you showed us and our cat Kismit this past week as we made difficult decisions.

Jeff L.

There are no words to express our appreciation for the exceptional care you gave our sweet, loving Honey!

John & Christine R.

Ed & I wanted you to know how much we appreciated your help with Bernie. Both of us were struck with your sensitivity to our loss.

Mary Lou

Pat & I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Also, Thank you all for being so understanding.

Bonnie & Pat

There really are no words to express the thanks and gratitude that we have for all you've done for Gracie.

The C. Family

Thank you so much for meeting with us yesterday to go over Kassie's diagnosis and meds. You are a natural teacher.

Kim & Mat

Thank you for the dignified way you handled Lakota's passing. For 15 years, she filled in a whole lot of love for us.

P. & C. S.

Your care of our animals has been nothing short of outstanding. We originally came to you because of your pricing, we stayed because of your love.

Skip B. and Cheryl J.

Very nice and informative website, very easy to navigate. Thank you for immediate treatment of Tetley this morning.

Julie T.

We wanted to thank you for the care of Captain over the last nine years and the love and compassion you showed.

The D. Family

It was so thoughtful of you to send us the paw print of our dearly loved Vince. We really appreciate the momento.

The B. Family

Thank you for all the compassion and dedication you show each day. You are all Shining Stars.

C.A.R.E.

Thank you for the wonderful care you gave our Maggie during her illness. Words cannot express what your compassion meant.

Jack & Ruth F.

I just can't thank you all enough for the many years of taking such wonderful care of my beloved Sarah.

Lois R.

You guys are so awesome. Thank you so much for taking good care of me all these years.

Khan V.

Thank you so much for 15+ wonderful years in caring for Chauncey. You always accomodated us, especially in the last year.

Irene & Fred C.

Your pet is family.

Call us to book a visit.

(508) 759-4522

Rainbow Bridge

In loving memory

“There is a place, just this side of Heaven, called Rainbow Bridge. This is where our pets go when they die.”

Kishka June 2003 Josephine April 2005 Sprinkles May 2006 The Hoot May 2006 Tess June 2006 Noah October 2009 Heidi October 2010 Joy June 2011 Woodrow December 2011

Clinic Policies

Good to know before your visit

Payment

Payment is expected, in full, when services are rendered. We accept:

Cash
Check
MasterCard, Visa, Discover
CareCredit

There is a $25.00 service fee on any check returned unpaid by the bank.

Appointments

We reserve the right to charge for appointments cancelled or broken without reasonable cause.

Office hours are by appointment. Please call 508-759-4522 to book.

Prescriptions

A valid veterinarian-patient relationship is required to dispense prescription medications, including heartworm preventatives and prescription diets. An examination within one year is necessary.

If an exam has lapsed, we will permit a one-time dispensation of one month's maintenance medication so you can schedule an overdue exam. For non-local animals such as visiting tourists, we may dispense in special situations if we stock the medication and receive a prescription from the pet's regular veterinarian. (Effective January 1, 2012.)

CareCredit

A card designed for healthcare needs: no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties, no annual fees, and no-interest financing if paid within 6 months (additional plans may be available). Apply or learn more.

Browse the Pet Care Library

Crate training, house training, fleas, heartworms, dental care, poison first aid and more.

Employment

Veterinary Assistant position available

We are looking for one or two trained Veterinary Assistants for part-time positions. Day, evening and Saturday shifts are available. Are you looking to pick up a few hours? We may have what you need.

Must be proficient in patient care, client communications, computer skills and general assisting. The clinic is fully computerized and has a complete IDEXX lab and radiology setup. Flexibility in scheduling is a plus. Experience is preferred.

Reply to [email protected] · Phone 508-759-4522 · Fax 508-759-6115

Visit The Animal House

21 Red Brook Road
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

(508) 759-4522
Fax (508) 759-6115

[email protected]
[email protected]

Office Hours (by appointment)

Sunday	Closed
Monday	8:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday	8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday	9:00am – 2:00pm
Thursday	9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday	9:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday	Closed

Emergencies

For true after-hours emergencies, these 24-hour facilities are nearby:

Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists · Buzzards Bay (11 Bourne Bridge Approach)508-759-5125
New England Animal Medical Center · West Bridgewater508-584-1600
Angell Animal Medical Center · Jamaica Plain617-522-7282
VCA Roberts Animal Hospital · Hanover781-826-2306
Cape Animal Referral and Emergency Center (CARE) · South Dennis508-398-7575

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