In the waiting room, magazines and informational pamphlets line the tables. Patients eye each other with a nervous twitch as the receptionist answers another phone call.

Inside the examining room, the doctor looks over the patient's chart. "OK," the vet says, "Let's take a look."

But before the doctor can get a glance, the patient tries to escape. The technician catches the cat just a it makes a leap for the floor.

Just another appointment at a State College veterinary clinic, where doctors provide care for domestic and exotic animals as well as wildlife.

Mark Michelotti, a veterinarian at Centre Animal Hospital, 1518 W. College Ave., said he works 55 to 60 hours a week caring for animals.

". . . our clients are 48 percent dogs, 48 percent cats, and 4 percent others," he said.

Lisa Hawkins, a technician at the hospital, said the other 4 percent includes rabbits, snakes, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets and birds.

Centre Animal Hospital provides services such as dermatology, dentistry, radiology, allergy testing, heart testing, orthopedic surgery, vaccination, neutering and spaying, grooming and even counseling for behavioral problems.

In addition to the more than 25 appointments Michelotti has each day, he occasionally makes house calls.

"If clients are willing to pay a $25 call fee, I usually go out. House calls take time and often I do not have the extra time," he said.

People usually want house calls for two reasons: If the individual has several pets or if the animal has to be put to sleep.

"I have a client who has 18 cats," Michelotti said.

For animals who must be put to sleep, owners also may request house calls. The animal is stressed enough, and often owners do not want to make it any harder on the dying animal, Michelotti said.

The veterinarian also participates in wildlife care. A wildlife fund, generated by donations from the people who bring in an injured animal helps cover the costs of medicine and treatment, however, the veterinarian's labor is free, Michelotti said.

He has treated wild rabbits, squirrels and birds that were hit by cars and found crippled along the road.

"As long as people who bring the animals in are willing to rehabilitate the animals, I treat the animals," he said. The whole goal of wildlife care is to nurture animals back to health so they can be "turned loose," Michelotti said.

"Birds who have broken wings usually can't fly again. Wings are a specialized organ for flight," he said. In many cases, he suggests putting the injured animal to sleep.

Kathleen Kocher, veterinarian at State College Veterinary Hospital, 1700 W. College Ave., also provides a wide range of animal care to cats, dogs, birds, some wild but mostly parrots, snakes and even turtles.