About Us
About Us
About Companion Care Animal Hospital
Since opening our doors in 2005, Companion Care Animal Hospital has remained locally owned and managed by Dr. Downey.
Our veterinary hospital serves cats and dogs throughout the Wheatfield, NY area with compassionate, reliable vet care. Our bright and cozy office features tall ceilings and a calm atmosphere that puts pets and their owners at ease. Our receptionists greet customers and their companions by name because we want everyone to feel welcome.
We perform many veterinary services with a special focus on surgery and preventive medicine, and we believe that pet owner education is a critical factor in long-term pet health. Whether you bring your pet in for a routine wellness visit or a complex procedure, we take the time to explain your options and recommendations clearly.
We perform many veterinary services with a special focus on surgery and preventive medicine, and we believe that pet owner education is a critical factor in long-term pet health. Whether you bring your pet in for a routine wellness visit or a complex procedure, we take the time to explain your options and recommendations clearly.
Meet Our Team
Veterinarians
Meet Dr. Downey
Dr. Downey is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of Companion Care Animal Hospital. He established this veterinary hospital in November of 2005 as a one-doctor practice. Throughout the years, it’s grown into a multi-doctor practice. Dr. Downey grew up in Guelph, Ontario, and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1993. His special interests include all types of surgeries, but especially orthopedic surgery.
He loves to educate clients on the well-being of their pets. Dr. Downey enjoys making every visit a learning experience for the owner as well as the pet and loves teaching old dogs new tricks. Dr. Downey is married with one child, Brayden. Dr. Downey enjoys going fishing with his son and visiting his family in Canada.
He loves to educate clients on the well-being of their pets. Dr. Downey enjoys making every visit a learning experience for the owner as well as the pet and loves teaching old dogs new tricks. Dr. Downey is married with one child, Brayden. Dr. Downey enjoys going fishing with his son and visiting his family in Canada.
Dr. Noreen Pazderski
Dr. Pazderski is a native of western New York, leaving the area to attend Cornell University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1984 and as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. She then returned to the Western New York area, working at several veterinary hospitals before joining Companion Care Animal Hospital in 2016.
Dr. Pazderski is an active member of the Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network and meets with prospective Cornell students to help in the admissions process. She also speaks to members of the Veterinary Explorers about applying to veterinary school as well as general college admissions and planning. She is always happy to answer questions about a career in veterinary medicine.
In her spare time, Dr. Pazderski enjoys collecting books and veterinary antiques. Several of her displays have won awards at local bottle shows and collecting clubs. She has been a long-time Sherlock Holmes fan.
Dr. Pazderski is an active member of the Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network and meets with prospective Cornell students to help in the admissions process. She also speaks to members of the Veterinary Explorers about applying to veterinary school as well as general college admissions and planning. She is always happy to answer questions about a career in veterinary medicine.
In her spare time, Dr. Pazderski enjoys collecting books and veterinary antiques. Several of her displays have won awards at local bottle shows and collecting clubs. She has been a long-time Sherlock Holmes fan.
Veterinary Technicians
Angela
Angela is a licensed veterinary technician who is a graduate of Medaille College. She began her career here at Companion Care Animal Hospital in July of 2006 but had to part ways in February of 2008 to experience life in Chicago. After 4 years away, she moved home with her family and came back to work with OUR family. Her animal children include 2 dogs, Roman and Milo, and a cat named Pippen “Pip” Bear.
Michelle
Michelle graduated with an associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from the State University of New York at Delhi in 1992 and then went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, concentrating in equine studies, at the State University of New York at Cobleskill in 1994.
Michelle currently has 8 boxers: Berlyn, Londyn, Trent, Dylan, Ashtyn, Quinlyn, Sloane, and Luther. Her work interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. Michelle is the “go-to” person for the majority of the breeding and whelping questions that come through the hospital, as she is an avid breeder of champion Boxers.
When not at work, her interests include breeding and showing her Boxers, traveling (mostly to dog shows all over the East Coast), camping, and spending time with her husband. Michelle graced Companion Care with her presence in May of 2007 and has been a valuable asset to the team ever since.
Michelle currently has 8 boxers: Berlyn, Londyn, Trent, Dylan, Ashtyn, Quinlyn, Sloane, and Luther. Her work interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. Michelle is the “go-to” person for the majority of the breeding and whelping questions that come through the hospital, as she is an avid breeder of champion Boxers.
When not at work, her interests include breeding and showing her Boxers, traveling (mostly to dog shows all over the East Coast), camping, and spending time with her husband. Michelle graced Companion Care with her presence in May of 2007 and has been a valuable asset to the team ever since.
Sandy
Sandy joined Companion Care Animal Hospital in February 2013 and has proved to be a vital part of the team. She has a BS in English Education from Buffalo State College. She also has an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College in May of 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her bike, running, listening to music, scuba diving, and spending quality time with her boyfriend.
Bethany
Bethany joined Companion Care Animal Hospital in January 2025, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine enthusiasm for animal care.
Originally born in Newfane, NY, Bethany was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, in a home where pet ownership was both encouraged and celebrated. This early exposure to animals nurtured her deep compassion and sparked a lifelong dedication to helping sick and injured pets.
Around the age of 40, Bethany made the bold decision to pursue veterinary medicine—not as a career shift, but as a way to gain the medical knowledge she needed to support her passion for wildlife rehabilitation. She earned her degree from Medaille College in August 2019 and has been working as a veterinary technician ever since.
Outside of work, Bethany is an avid outdoorswoman who enjoys hiking, hands-on projects, welding, and woodworking. She also shares her home with several beloved pets who inspire her every day.
Originally born in Newfane, NY, Bethany was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, in a home where pet ownership was both encouraged and celebrated. This early exposure to animals nurtured her deep compassion and sparked a lifelong dedication to helping sick and injured pets.
Around the age of 40, Bethany made the bold decision to pursue veterinary medicine—not as a career shift, but as a way to gain the medical knowledge she needed to support her passion for wildlife rehabilitation. She earned her degree from Medaille College in August 2019 and has been working as a veterinary technician ever since.
Outside of work, Bethany is an avid outdoorswoman who enjoys hiking, hands-on projects, welding, and woodworking. She also shares her home with several beloved pets who inspire her every day.
Veterinary Assistants
Kyle
Kyle joined the companion care team in September of 2020. He has two dogs, Lucy and Holly. In his spare time, he studies personal training and enjoys boxing, hiking, and attending sporting events. Kyle is our resident joketeller and always gets a laugh or smile out of other staff members and clients!
Trish
Trish joined the Companion Care team in October of 2020. She has over 20 years of experience working with animals and enjoys spending time with her children, both 2 and 4-legged. In her free time, Trish enjoys reading and spending time with her kids and husband, and she loves Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.
Allison:
Allison joined Companion Care Animal Hospital in August 2024, bringing valuable experience from her previous clinics in Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2023.
Allison has a strong passion for veterinary medicine and a deep curiosity for animal health, and she is currently in the process of applying to veterinary school.
At home, she has a small Shih Tzu named Monster—who more than lives up to his big personality. In her free time, Allison enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Allison has a strong passion for veterinary medicine and a deep curiosity for animal health, and she is currently in the process of applying to veterinary school.
At home, she has a small Shih Tzu named Monster—who more than lives up to his big personality. In her free time, Allison enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Receptionists
Sam
Sam joined the Companion Care Animal Hospital team in October 2015. She has an associate’s degree in Animal Management and Applied Sciences and has over 17 years of experience working with animals. She enjoys reading, traveling and is an avid Harry Potter fan. She lives with her husband, her cat Nox, and her dog Drax.
Donna
Donna joined the Companion Care Animal Hospital team in June of 2021. She has over 25 years of experience as a veterinary receptionist. She has worked with a greyhound rescue for the past 28 years.
Denielle
Denielle has been a valued member of the Companion Care Animal Hospital team since August 2024. She loves spending time with her family and furry companions.
In her free time, Denielle enjoys being outdoors, attending concerts, and visiting comedy clubs. Her greatest passion is raising awareness for autism and providing support to individuals on the spectrum.
In her free time, Denielle enjoys being outdoors, attending concerts, and visiting comedy clubs. Her greatest passion is raising awareness for autism and providing support to individuals on the spectrum.
Sophie
Sophie has been a dedicated member of the Companion Care Animal Hospital team since May 2025. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two beloved cats, Ozzy and Theo, as well as her two ball pythons, Lilith and Betty.
Passionate about animal welfare, Sophie also finds joy in fostering cats through the 10 Lives Club, helping provide them with safe and loving temporary homes.
Passionate about animal welfare, Sophie also finds joy in fostering cats through the 10 Lives Club, helping provide them with safe and loving temporary homes.
Our Consultants
Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center
- 3930 North Buffalo Street Orchard Park, New York 14127
Animal Eye Care of Western New York
- 4865 Transit Road Depew, New York 14043
We’re Proud to Serve Pets in the Wheatfield Community
At Companion Care Animal Hospital, we truly love what we do: caring for pets, supporting customers, and building lasting connections in our community. It’s a privilege to be your trusted Wheatfield veterinarian, and we’re grateful to be part of your companion’s life.
We’re Proud to Serve Pets in the Wheatfield Community
At Companion Care Animal Hospital, we truly love what we do: caring for pets, supporting customers, and building lasting connections in our community. It’s a privilege to be your trusted Wheatfield veterinarian, and we’re grateful to be part of your companion’s life.
Companion Care Animal Hospital has a team of expert veterinary professionals that serve pets in Wheatfield, Sanborn, Niagara Falls, Pendleton, Grand Island, North Tonawanda, Lockport, Lewiston, Cambria, Ransomville, Town of Tonawanda, Town of Niagara, Amherst, and surrounding areas. While we serve these regions, physical offices are not present at each location.
