Dr. Russ Petro opened Valley Cottage Animal Hospital in 1980. Prior to his arrival in the Hudson Valley area, he practiced medicine in Puerto Rico and Massachusetts. Dr. Petro attended Iowa State University, majored in Biology, and was accepted into the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University during his junior year. He was awarded his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1976 and his professional interests include surgery and reproductive medicine.

Dr. Petro’s animal companions include cats Willie, Morgan and Stella, and a dog named Mylo. A third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, he enjoys spending his spare time with his wife, Kim, and sons Carter and Hunter.