The dog who once raced across Riker Hill Park now takes the stairs a little slower, and the cat who ruled the windowsill sleeps more than she used to. Small changes like these are often the first signs that a pet needs more than a yearly shot, and Livingston owners want a vet who notices them early.
Montclair Veterinary Associates provides thorough, personal veterinary care for dogs and cats to Livingston families from our hospital in Montclair. Led by Dr. Cory Waxman, our team offers wellness exams, same-day diagnostics, dental care, and surgery, with extra attention for pets in their senior years. We take the time to explain every finding and every option before treatment begins.
A young dog and a 12-year-old dog need very different things from a vet visit. We adjust each exam to your pet’s age, breed, and health history, so the advice you get is useful for the pet in front of us today. That approach helps us catch changes in weight, mobility, and organ function before they turn into emergencies. It also means your pet’s records show a clear picture of how its health has changed over time.
Senior pets make up a large share of the animals we see. The American Animal Hospital Association notes that senior dogs and cats account for 44% of the pet population and encourages practices to schedule extra time for these appointments. Our longer visits are built for exactly that kind of careful conversation. We use that time to talk through mobility, appetite, behavior, and quality of life.
Our geriatric pet care includes regular blood panels, joint checks, and weight tracking. Spotting a trend early gives Livingston owners more options and more good years with their pets. We also check eyes, teeth, and heart sounds at each senior visit, because these often change first.
Kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis need steady follow-up rather than one-time fixes. We build management plans for chronic pet illnesses that fit both your pet's needs and your household routine. Regular rechecks let us fine-tune medication as your pet's needs shift.
Older pets often hide pain. Our anesthesia and pain management protocols use safer drugs and close monitoring, whether your pet is having a procedure or living with sore joints. We also show you signs of hidden pain to watch for at home.
When blood work raises a question, ultrasound consults and digital X-rays let us look at organs and soft tissue without surgery. Clearer images lead to clearer decisions. Imaging is often the step that turns a guess into a confident diagnosis.
Whether your pet is a bouncing puppy or a graying companion, our hospital covers the essentials in one place. Livingston clients often rely on us for these services. Each one is tailored to your pet’s age and health history.
Keeping these services under one roof means one team knows your pet’s full story. That continuity matters most as pets age and their care becomes more involved. Our team also keeps your pet’s diet, medications, and lab trends in one record. That way nothing gets missed when your pet sees us for a new concern.
Dr. Cory Waxman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and has treated pets throughout Northern New Jersey for 15 years. His background includes an internship at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and research on reproduction in endangered species, experience that broadens how he approaches complex cases. Before veterinary school, he earned a biochemistry degree at Northwestern University, and today he lives in Montclair, close to the families he serves.
Veterinary technician Jim Montanye adds 38 years of emergency and general practice experience, which is especially reassuring when a senior pet’s case gets complicated. Together with our caring staff, they give every patient the patience it deserves. Older pets often feel more at ease with familiar faces, and our small team makes that possible. You can read how other local families describe their experience in our client reviews.
Livingston families who choose Montclair Veterinary Associates get a locally owned practice that never rushes an appointment. Our in-house lab, imaging, and careful surgical protocols support pets at every stage of life, and our approach to senior care helps aging companions stay comfortable and engaged. Every recommendation comes with a clear explanation, so you can decide what is right for your family.
Our hospital at 63 Park Street is open weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 1 PM, and you can request a time through our online scheduling page. Bring your pet’s previous records to the first visit so we can see its full history. Free on-site parking, ADA-accessible spaces, and Saturday hours make visits easier for older pets and busy owners alike. To set up a wellness exam or talk through a new concern about your aging pet, send our team a message today.
