Frequently Asked Questions
General & New Patient Questions
How do I schedule a vet appointment at Readington Animal Hospital?
You can easily schedule an appointment by calling our office directly or filling out a webform to request an appointment. Because we specialize in comprehensive care, we recommend booking initial integrative consultations in advance. Please note that requesting an appointment online does not secure the appointment, but an office member will reach out to offer the closest requested time available.
Do you offer same-day veterinary appointments if my pet gets sick?
Yes, we completely understand that health issues can come up unexpectedly. We intentionally leave openings in our daily schedule to accommodate same-day illness appointments for pets in Readington, Flemington, and our surrounding communities. If your dog or cat is under the weather, please call our office as early in the day as possible so we can get them seen by Dr. Ruskin right away. We do not accept walk-ins
What should I expect during my first veterinary visit?
At Readington Animal Hospital, we do things differently. We provide extended, unhurried appointment times so that Dr. Ruskin and our team can perform a deep dive into your pet’s unique history. We don’t just look at today's symptoms…we evaluate your pet’s lifestyle, diet, environment, and long-term well-being to build a collaborative, personalized treatment plan.
Do you provide standard, conventional veterinary services?
Yes, absolutely. We are a full-service animal hospital providing advanced conventional medicine alongside our alternative therapies. Our conventional services include routine wellness exams, puppy and kitten care, professional dental cleanings, in-house diagnostics, and digital radiology. We believe in utilizing the best tool for your pet's specific health goals.
Integrative & Holistic Care Questions
What is integrative veterinary medicine?
Integrative veterinary medicine is a comprehensive, whole-body approach to pet health. It seamlessly combines advanced conventional veterinary medicine with scientifically validated holistic therapies (such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional therapy). Instead of just suppressing symptoms with quick-fix prescriptions, integrative care focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of an illness to restore natural vitality and balance.
What types of conditions can benefit from holistic pet care?
Holistic and integrative therapies are exceptionally beneficial for pets dealing with chronic, complex, or age-related conditions. We frequently support pets experiencing:
- Severe allergies and skin issues
- Arthritis, joint pain, and mobility limitations
- Anxiety, stress, and behavioral concerns
- Chronic digestive and gastrointestinal issues
- Age-related decline in senior pets
- Supportive care for chronic illnesses, including cancer
What are vaccine titers for dogs and cats, and do you offer them?
Veterinary acupuncture is a safe, virtually painless treatment that involves inserting micro-fine needles into specific points on a pet's body to stimulate the nervous system, release natural pain-relieving endorphins, and increase blood circulation. It is highly effective for pain management, arthritis, spinal issues, and internal medical conditions. Dr. Jacqueline Ruskin is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) with decades of specialized clinical experience.
Who is Dr. Jacqueline Ruskin, and what is her holistic approach?
Dr. Jacqueline Ruskin, DVM, CVA, brings over 25 years of veterinary excellence to Readington Animal Hospital, with 17+ years dedicated specifically to integrative medicine. Her whole-body care philosophy was profoundly shaped by a decade spent working as an associate alongside world-renowned holistic pioneer Dr. Marty Goldstein. Dr. Ruskin was featured in the acclaimed documentary The Dog Doc (Tribeca Film Festival) and co-authored chapters in Dr. Marty's book, The Spirit of Animal Healing. She brings this elite tier of compassionate, personalized holistic expertise directly to our local New Jersey community.
