About Us

Meet Our Doctors

Katie Schnier, DVM

Dr. Schnier grew up here in Western New York and has been with Buffalo Veterinary Group since 2016, where she started as a receptionist, became a veterinary technician, and now returns as a veterinarian. She obtained her A.S./B.S. in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College in 2019 and her Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Health Care Management and Leadership Strategies from Davenport University in 2023. She then attended St. Matthew’s University where she completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and finished her clinical rotations at Mississippi State University in 2023. Dr. Schnier’s clinical interests include exotic animal medicine, small animal nutrition, and emergency medicine. Outside of the veterinary field, she enjoys attending concerts, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her own pets at home.

Erin Griffin, DVM

Dr. Erin Griffin grew up right here in Buffalo, NY and is excited to continue caring for pets in the community she calls home. She began her veterinary journey at Medaille College, where she earned her A.S. in Veterinary Technology and B.S. in Biology, before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Griffin worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, bringing years of hands-on experience and compassion into the exam room. She is Fear Free Certified, Veterinary CPR Certified, and has special interests in neurology and feline medicine. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys running, Pilates, baking, crafting, and spending time with her friends, family, and her three cats: Sylveon, Guinness, and Mew.

The McBride Difference

CONVENIENCE

Drop Off Appointments

For your convenience, we offer “drop-off” appointments. This means you have the option to bring your pet in at the time that works best for you, and leave him/her with us for a couple of hours. Once the doctor has examined your pet, you will receive a call to go over the exam findings. From that point we will organize a pick up time for your pet.
Concierge Appointments

Need some help getting your pet inside? We also offer concierge appointments: simply let the front desk know before your appointment that you would like help with your furry friend, and a member of our team will meet you at your car to help bring your pet inside!

ACCESSIBILITY

Virtual Assistant

Our virtual assistant, Sophie, is available 24/7 to help with appointment requests, online food and medication refills, and other common questions. With Sophie, help is always within paw’s reach! Simply tap or click the blue icon in the bottom right corner to get started.
Just Minutes from the 290

McBride Animal Hospital is conveniently located just minutes from the I-290 and I-190, making us easy to reach from Tonawanda and surrounding communities. Our newly renovated hospital features a large parking lot, making every visit comfortable and convenient from arrival to departure.

LESS STRESS, MORE TAIL WAGS & PURRS!

We know vet visits can be stressful — for pets and their people! At McBride Animal Hospital, we use a combination of comfort-focused design and gentle care practices to help every visit feel calmer and more comfortable for your furry friend.

Happy Visits

Sometimes a visit is just about building trust! We offer free Happy Visits during our regular business hours, which let your pet stop by for treats, praise, and positive experiences with our team — no exams required — so the clinic becomes a place they feel good about.

Calm Music

Soft, calming music plays throughout the hospital to help reduce stress and create a soothing atmosphere. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference for anxious pets.

PVPs (Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals)

For pets who need a little extra support, pre-visit pharmaceuticals can help take the edge off anxiety before they arrive. Used thoughtfully and safely, they make appointments smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Pheromones

We use calming pheromones throughout the hospital to help pets feel more relaxed in an unfamiliar environment. These scent signals are species-specific and naturally reassuring.

Quiet Exam Rooms

Our exam rooms are designed to be calm, quiet spaces with minimal distractions. Less noise and movement means pets can settle in more easily and feel secure during their visit.

Hospital Tour

Our hospital is currently being updated, and the new hospital tour is coming soon!

Policies

For your protection and the safety of your pet and others, we require that all patients be placed on a leash, or contained in pet carriers. All pets are to be properly controlled while in the waiting room and the exam room.

We accept cash, Mastercard/VISA/Discover/American Express and CareCredit. Payment is expected when services are rendered. We will gladly prepare you a written estimate of services prior to the treatment of your pet if you desire.

In urgent or emergency situations, a pet may require immediate stabilization or life-saving care before a full treatment plan can be discussed. This can include initial diagnostics, pain control, fluid therapy, oxygen support, or other appropriate interventions necessary to stabilize your pet so that further evaluation and treatment can be provided safely. In these cases, you will be asked to review and sign a stabilization consent form that outlines possible services and associated costs.

Please don’t hesitate to speak with us if you have questions about emergency care, financial policies, or how we handle urgent situations. Your peace of mind matters to us.

Payments

Payment options for hospital services include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and cash.

We also accept CareCredit financing.

Accreditation

AAHA Accredited

McBride Animal Hospital is proudly accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a distinction earned by only about 14% of veterinary hospitals nationwide. AAHA accreditation requires compliance with over 900 standards of care, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in veterinary medicine.

Our veterinarians are active members of the Buffalo Academy of Veterinary Medicine and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Continuing education is a priority at our hospital, and our team regularly participates in both local and national learning opportunities to stay current with best practices for your pet’s care.