This Steuben County vet is now taking new clients after ownership change. What to know.

Chris Potter, Hornell Evening Tribune
·3 min read

The Canisteo Veterinary Hospital is once again accepting new clients after it was acquired by the Maloco family.

The Malocos — Ami, Ruel and their son Noell — also own and operate the Dansville Animal Hospital and Midtown Veterinary Hospital of Rochester. Veterinarian Grant Seaman approached the family operation about taking over the Canisteo practice as he prepares to retire from full-time work.

“Canisteo came along surprisingly for us,” said Ruel Maloco. “We didn’t really plan for Canisteo, but Dr. Seaman came to us early (in 2023) and said ‘Hey, either you guys can help take over, or I close the doors.’ In our industry it’s hard for somebody to close, especially in the communities we live in because it’s going to be really hard for those clients to find new vets.

“It’s already hard enough to find new vets for new clients. Everyone is pretty much overwhelmed, overbooked and overworked.”

The Canisteo Veterinary Hospital is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco, who also own and operate Dansville Animal Hospital and Midtown Veterinary Hospital.
The Canisteo Veterinary Hospital is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco, who also own and operate Dansville Animal Hospital and Midtown Veterinary Hospital.

Seaman had stopped taking new clients until the Malocos ensured the future of the business at 58 W. Main St. Seaman is staying on through 2024 to smooth the transition. He may continue working part-time in Canisteo beyond this year.

Ruel noted that the previous owner at Midtown only intended to stay on for 90 days, but is still seeing furry patients over five years later.

“That’s what I’m hoping for Dr. Seaman,” he said. “It’s going to take some time to find a doctor. It’s in the plans for us to find veterinarians full-time and part-time. We are looking to hire new associates.”

The Canisteo Veterinary Hospital is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco, who also own and operate Dansville Animal Hospital and Midtown Veterinary Hospital. Veterinarian Grant Seaman will continue seeing patients through 2024.
The Canisteo Veterinary Hospital is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco, who also own and operate Dansville Animal Hospital and Midtown Veterinary Hospital. Veterinarian Grant Seaman will continue seeing patients through 2024.

The Canisteo Veterinary Hospital provides care for cats and dogs, including emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, dentistry, wellness and prevention.

Ami Maloco is the vet in the family, with Ruel and Noell handling operations and management. Ami comes highly recommended by Dr. Seaman.

“Exceptional veterinary care is incredibly important to Dr. Maloco,” he said in a message to clients. “She is committed to exemplifying professionalism in caring for her clients' pets' needs by providing incredible patient care and customer service. Communication and interaction play a pivotal role in her interactions with her clients.”

An examing room at the Canisteo Veterinary Hospital, which is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco. Veterinarian Grant Seaman will continue seeing patients through 2024.
An examing room at the Canisteo Veterinary Hospital, which is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco. Veterinarian Grant Seaman will continue seeing patients through 2024.

The staff in Canisteo has remained the same under the new ownership. Additional staff may be added when new veterinarians join the team. The Malocos outfitted Canisteo with new diagnostic equipment and medical equipment. They also changed the hospital’s hours to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Ruel said the offices in Canisteo, Dansville and Rochester will work in concert to address the needs of clients.

“Canisteo clients can go to Dansville and it’s going to be the same service, the same protocols,” he said. “Same thing with Midtown, they can go to the Midtown location if there’s an emergency just in case we’re not available in Dansville, and vice versa. Dansville people can travel down to Canisteo to be seen right away. That’s the biggest value of this expansion process.”

Bailey waits for his appointment at the Canisteo Veterinary Hospital, which is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco. Veterinarian Grant Seaman will continue seeing patients through 2024.
Bailey waits for his appointment at the Canisteo Veterinary Hospital, which is now operating under the ownership of Ami, Ruel Maloco and Noell Maloco. Veterinarian Grant Seaman will continue seeing patients through 2024.

Seaman expects to decide if he will stay on beyond 2024 in a part-time capacity at some point later this year. It has been “an honor and a pleasure” to be a part of his clients lives over the years, he said.

"My relationships with all my clients, patients, and co-workers are what have made this profession so special to me,” said Seaman. “I appreciate your loyalty throughout the years, and the memories of all that I have experienced over these past four decades will always be with me.”

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Canisteo Veterinary Hospital's new owners accepting new clients