FULL-SERVICE,
From A to Z
We know; you adore your pets. And we love helping them live full and happy lives. From wellness exams and vaccines to advanced diagnostics and complex surgical procedures, we offer a comprehensive array of progressive veterinary medical care services. Our dedicated care team will be with you and your pets from their first appointment through all their milestones and more. They will receive the highest quality of care at our hospital; that’s our promise.
Other Services
Other Services
Learn more from A to Z,
All Academy Animal Care Services
Acupuncture
What else can you do for your pet’s arthritis? Dr. Hannah Adams performs acupuncture in our clinic and at house calls to aid in arthritis pain relief, nerve pain relief and nerve weakness. Acupuncture stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, relieves muscle spasms, and triggers the release of endorphins and other hormones. Your furry family member can be assessed and started on a protocol tailored to improve their health.
Bathing
Treat your pet to a luxurious bath. Our special cleansing baths remove dirt, debris and that doggie (or kitty) pet odor and your pet will feel fresh and revitalized. If scratching is a problem, our medicated baths contain soothing agents that stop the itching. Each bath includes a complimentary nail trim, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression.
We ask that you drop your pet off between 7:30 am and 8:00 am on weekdays to ensure the proper time and attention is given to your pet.
Boarding
Our dogs and cats are like our children. We feed, nurture, and lavish attention on them. Our trained staff does the same while you are away. From puppies and kittens to seniors, we make your pets’ special needs our priority during their stay. Our boarding facility is veterinarian and staff supervised for your peace of mind while you are away.
Our spacious indoor runs give your pet plenty of space to move about. Our fenced, outdoor exercise area allows your pet opportunities to run around and play.
Are you planning a vacation? Need to go out of town on business?
Are you concerned that you won’t be able to find someone trustworthy to care for your pet while you’re away? If you need to travel and can’t take your pet along, why not plan to have your best friend stay with us? Traveling can cause enough stress and anxiety you don’t want to worry about whether your pet is being well cared for. We offer a convenient solution by providing boarding in our safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
Our professional and friendly staff takes great care of our pet guests. We understand that each pet is unique, and we will make every effort to ensure that your pet is safe, happy, and healthy during his or her stay with us. We’ll treat your pet with compassion and care, and we’ll provide individualized tender loving care until you return!
Does your pet have special needs, health issues, medication, or a special diet? Do you have special requests?
We understand that your pet has a special place in your family and that leaving your pet with someone while you travel can be a source of anxiety and uncertainty. We take great pride in our attention to cleanliness and providing the highest quality care to each pet that stays with us.
We welcome your questions about our boarding facilities and policies and are eager to discuss how we can make your pet’s stay as happy as possible while alleviating any stress you may feel about leaving your pet while you travel. Let us answer all your questions and put your concerns to rest! Call us today at 757-934-2273 to learn about our accommodations and boarding policies, schedule your pet’s stay, or tour our boarding facility!
IMPORTANT BOARDING POLICIES FOR ALL PET GUESTS:
- All boarders must be current on vaccines (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, Fecal Test).
- A trial day boarding visit is required for all new boarding dogs to ensure we can provide safety and comfort during future overnight stays.
- Please let us know the time that you will want to drop off your pet.
- If your pet has been vaccinated somewhere other than Academy Animal Care, we must be able to verify this prior to booking your reservation.
- Please bring any medications your pet is taking (in their original containers) and confirm the frequency and dosage with a receptionist when you check your pet in. We will need to know if they have been given a dose that day. We will also need to know if they have eaten or need to eat the day of the drop.
Canine Reproduction
Dogs are our best friends. Maintaining healthy generations of pets involves time and effort and skill. Dr. Glenn Chase performs fertility assessments, in-house progesterone monitoring, artificial insemination and cesarean sections to support healthy breeding dogs, healthy pregnancies and healthy puppies.
Dental Care
Does your best friend have bad breath?
Despite what many pet owners may believe, “dog breath” is not just a nuisance – it’s a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Bad breath is caused by bacteria. Over time, bacteria lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. The result is bad breath, reddened gums, and other common signs of dental disease. As dental disease progresses, other signs can include drooling, discomfort while chewing, and loose or missing teeth. Even if you’re using treats and chews to help control tartar, these are frequently not enough to keep dental disease in check. Ask us about the best ways to control plaque and help protect your pet from dental disease.
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s health because dental disease can be associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney disease. But how do you know if your pet has a healthy mouth? Let us examine your pet’s teeth and gums to help determine if there are any dental issues you should know about. After a brief visual examination, we may recommend a more detailed examination (which requires sedation), a dental cleaning, or options for at-home dental care.
Even if you think your pet’s teeth and gums are fine, we can offer expert advice to help you keep them that way!
Dental health shouldn’t be taken for granted. Fortunately, many dental problems can be managed through at-home care and by bringing your pet to us for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings. Ask us about toothpaste, dental chews, or a cleansing water additive at your next visit.
We want your pet to live a long, healthy life, and we understand that maintaining a healthy mouth is part of that.Your pet’s health is important to us, so let us help you with this commitment. Call today at 757-934-2273 to discuss your pet’s dental care needs and how we can help!
Heath Certificates
Traveling with your pet can be fun and rewarding for both of you, but check the requirements for entry into another state or country via airplane well before making travel plans to ensure that your furry friend can accompany you to your destination.
If you will be traveling with your pet and need an Inter-State or International Health Certificate…Please visit the USDA – APHIS website to learn about requirements before scheduling your pet’s health exam at Academy Animal Care. Be sure to also read the requirements for re-admittance to the United States if you will bring your pet back to the United States at any time.
Palliative and Euthanasia
Are you having problems caring for a terminally ill pet at home? Does your pet have a medical condition that is painful or causes poor quality of life? Are you afraid that your sick or elderly pet is suffering?
Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals can help you through this painful experience. We offer palliative care services and will work with you to ensure your pet’s comfort and dignity during his or her last days and final moments. Do you have special requests? Do you have questions about the care of your pet’s remains? We can help you with these concerns and will make every effort to accommodate your wishes at this very difficult time.
Deciding when your pet may need palliative care or euthanasia is a very personal and private decision, but that doesn’t mean you have to make this difficult choice on your own. Our palliative care and humane euthanasia services are conducted with respect, compassion, and care. Before you struggle through one more day with a sick, elderly, or terminally ill pet that is suffering, call us at 757-934-2273 to learn how we can help.
Palliative and Euthanasia
Are you having problems caring for a terminally ill pet at home? Does your pet have a medical condition that is painful or causes poor quality of life? Are you afraid that your sick or elderly pet is suffering?
Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals can help you through this painful experience. We offer palliative care services and will work with you to ensure your pet’s comfort and dignity during his or her last days and final moments. Do you have special requests? Do you have questions about the care of your pet’s remains? We can help you with these concerns and will make every effort to accommodate your wishes at this very difficult time.
Deciding when your pet may need palliative care or euthanasia is a very personal and private decision, but that doesn’t mean you have to make this difficult choice on your own. Our palliative care and humane euthanasia services are conducted with respect, compassion, and care. Before you struggle through one more day with a sick, elderly, or terminally ill pet that is suffering, call us at 757-934-2273 to learn how we can help.
House Calls
Academy Animal Care is pleased to offer veterinary house calls by appointment. We can provide many of the same services that we offer in our clinic, such as examinations, vaccinations, heartworm testing, fecal exams, routine blood work, acupuncture, humane euthanasia, etc. There are many circumstances that make in-home care preferable for our clients and our patients, and we want to do our best to meet these needs.
Circumstances where a veterinary house call might be helpful:- Your cat is difficult to catch and then get into a carrier
- Your dog gets sick in the car
- Your pet is very anxious at the clinic
- Your elderly or large-breed dog has a tough time getting into and out of the car
- YOU have mobility issues that make it difficult to bring your pet to the clinic
- You have multiple pets that require services at the same time and it’s difficult to bring them in all at once
- Your pet needs to be euthanized, and you prefer to have him/her stay in the comfort of your own home
Please contact our office at 757-934-2273 if you’d like to know more about our house call services or schedule a house call for your pet.
General and Laser Surgery
In our continuing efforts to offer the highest quality veterinary medicine, we are pleased to provide a wide range of surgical services for our patients. From routine surgical procedures, such as spaying and neutering, to more complex surgeries, we look forward to the opportunity to care for your pet’s surgical needs.
Our staff is highly skilled in performing veterinary surgeries and will make every effort to ensure that your pet receives the very best care. Our focus on patient safety, pain management, and employing the most current surgical practices is designed to exceed your expectations and put your concerns to rest. Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals will monitor your pet before, during, and after surgery and will take exceptional care to ensure a safe and complete recovery for your pet. We will also address any questions or concerns you may have about surgery, including concerns about anesthesia, pain management, or postoperative care.
When your pet is ready to go home, we will review your postoperative care and medication instructions. If any questions arise after your pet returns home or at any other time during the postoperative period, call us. We welcome your questions and will do all we can to help your pet recover fully. Help is only a phone call away.
Why laser surgery?
Academy Animal Care offers laser surgery for safer, more comfortable treatments. In most procedures, the laser can replace the scalpel and provide a better alternative to traditional surgery.
- Less discomfort after surgery—The laser seals nerve endings as it “cuts.” As a result, your pet will experience less discomfort after the procedure.
- Virtually no bleeding—The laser also seals small blood vessels during surgery. This speeds up many procedures, reducing the time your pet needs to be under anesthesia.
- Less swelling—Laser energy does not crush, tear, or bruise tissue because the only thing that touches your pet is an invisible beam of light.
How does a laser work?
The way a particular laser works is determined by the specific wavelength of light that it produces. For example, the most commonly used laser is a CO2 laser which produces an invisible beam of light that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissues. Because the doctor can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected.
Have any further questions for us?Let us answer all your questions and put your concerns to rest. Call today at 757-934-2273 to inquire about our laser surgery services or to schedule a consultation.
Microchipping
Each year, thousands of pets go missing, and most don’t make it back home. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs that turn up in shelters are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
Many pets (especially indoor pets) don’t wear collars or tags. Even if your pet wears a collar and identification tag, collars can break off and tags can become damaged and unreadable, so these forms of identification may not be enough to ensure your pet’s safe return. Your pet needs a form of identification that is reliable and can’t get lost, stolen, or damaged. A microchip is a safe, simple form of identification that can significantly increase the chance that your pet will return safely.
A microchip is about the size and shape of a grain of rice and is placed underneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Microchip implantation takes only a few minutes and is very safe. Each microchip is unique and carries vital information about your pet—including your name, address, and contact information. When a microchip is implanted, the pet owner is given a registration form to complete. Registering the number on the microchip includes your pet in a national pet recovery database. Veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and animal control offices across the country are equipped with special electronic scanners that can detect the microchip and read the identification number. If a lost pet is picked up by animal control or found by a good Samaritan and presented to a veterinarian, a quick scan of the microchip reveals the identification number. A toll-free phone call to the pet recovery database alerts the microchip company that a lost pet has been identified. The pet owner can then be contacted and reunited with his or her pet!
Young puppies and kittens can receive microchips, but even if your pet is already an adult, you should consider microchipping. Even indoor pets can get outside accidentally and get lost, so if you’re relying on other forms of identification, you could be placing your pet at risk. Microchipping is a safe, effective way to help ensure your pet’s return if the unthinkable happens.
Have any further questions for us?Let us answer all your questions and put any concerns to rest. Call today at 757-934-2273 to inquire about our microchipping your pet or to schedule an appointment.
Nutritional Counseling
From the very first day you bring a new pet home through the final days of its life, nutrition plays a critical role in your pet’s overall health and well-being. Many pet owners take nutrition for granted, in part because the availability of so many nutritionally complete commercial diets has taken much of the guesswork out of choosing a suitable diet for a pet. However, did you know that your pet’s nutritional needs change with age and activity level? Did you know that specially formulated diets can assist in the management of various medical conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease? Do you know how many calories your pet should have each day and whether you are over- or underfeeding? Are you comfortable reading and interpreting pet food labels?
Whether your pet has special dietary needs or simply needs to shed (or gain) a few pounds, our nutritional counseling services can help you accomplish your goals and keep your pet in good health. We offer counseling in dietary selection and feeding practices for pets during various life stages, such as growth, pregnancy, nursing, and the “golden years.” If your pet has a medical condition, we can help you select the most appropriate diet to suit your pet’s needs.
It can be easy for a pet owner to become overwhelmed by the available selection of pet foods, all of which claim to have specific benefits for pets. We can offer expert advice to help you negotiate the complicated array of choices. Let our nutritional counseling service help you achieve and maintain optimal nutrition for your pet.
Want to learn more?Call today at 757-934-2273 to inquire about our nutritional counseling services or to schedule an appointment.
Pain Management
The practice of high-quality veterinary medicine focuses on the entire patient – from medical issues that affect physical functioning, to emotional and psychological issues that affect well-being. Experiencing pain can affect the body’s physical functioning and can have a detrimental effect on a patient’s well-being and state of mind. That’s why pain management is among our primary considerations when we are treating a pet for any medical condition.
From routine procedures (such as a spays or dental cleanings), to more advanced medical treatments (such as bone surgeries or cancer treatments), to chronically painful conditions (such as arthritis or back pain), we are dedicated to providing safe and effective pain management to every patient. We will also help you recognize signs of pain in your pet so that we can modify his or her pain management plan when necessary.
Recognizing and alleviating pain in our patients is at the very heart of quality, compassionate patient care. We don’t take pain management for granted and will employ all our skills to help ensure your pet’s comfort, well-being, and full recovery.
Have further questions?Call today at 757-934-2273 to schedule an appointment to discuss pain management options for your pet.
Parasite Prevention and Control
There was a time when parasites like fleas, ticks, and roundworms were considered mostly a nuisance. However, we know that parasites can cause serious illness and even death in pets. For example, ticks can transmit infections like Lyme disease, and fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella – the bacteria that causes “cat-scratch fever” in humans. Another type of parasite, called a heartworm, is transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms live in your pet’s lungs and heart, causing damage to these organs, and sometimes even death. Intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, also threaten pets and are even transmissible to humans.
You may not always be able to tell if your pet has parasites. Fleas can hide under your pet’s fur, and some ticks are very tiny (only the size of a pinhead), so they are very difficult to find. Intestinal parasites like roundworms can cause diarrhea and other problems, but many infected pets don’t show any signs of illness at all.
Fortunately, we can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites. We can also examine your pet for evidence of fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Our expert staff can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members, so let’s work together to protect your pets and family.
Veterinary examinations and parasite testing are important ways to protect your pet’s health. Let our knowledgeable staff provide you with a comprehensive parasite control program. We can recommend a schedule for parasite testing, discuss what signs of parasites you can look for at home, review ways to control parasites in and around your home, discuss treatment options if your pet has parasites, and recommend ways to control and prevent parasites in the future.
Parasites are not just a nuisance. They can carry serious diseases that affect your pet’s overall health and longevity. Let us help you protect your pet. Call today to find out how!
Want to learn more?Call today at 757-934-2273 to discuss parasite prevention and control or to schedule an appointment.
Pharmacy
When considering options for purchasing medication, pet owners have many choices, including online pharmacies and mail-order catalogs. But where can you truly get the best value for your money? Who can offer you the most reliable and personalized service? Who has the most complete medical information on your pets, and the ability to anticipate drug interactions or other problems that can result from inappropriately administering medication? Before you purchase your next prescription or medication refill, ask us about our fully stocked pharmacy.
You and your pet will benefit from our well-stocked pharmacy. We maintain a large inventory of veterinary pharmaceutical products and medications, including flea, tick, and heartworm preventive products. You can rely on us whether your pet requires medication for a chronic medical condition or needs short-term medication while recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. When you purchase medications from our pharmacy, you can rest assured that your pet’s medications were obtained from safe, reliable sources and stored under optimal conditions. Our trained staff will fill your prescriptions with care as well as attention to detail and your pet’s specific needs. You can count on us to provide you with accurate information about your pet’s medications, including proper dosing information, and to alert you to any potential drug side effects or interactions. We are also here if you experience any problems with your medication after you return home. Help is only a phone call away!
If you want to be sure to get the most value for your dollars, as well as convenience and the best customer service, call us at 757-934-2273 for your next prescription or medication refill. We are pleased to provide our clients with a fully stocked pharmacy, and we stand behind every product that we dispense.
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Puppy and Kitten Care
Do you have a new puppy or kitten? Congratulations on this addition to your family! One of the first things you should do when you bring your new pet home is to introduce him or her to us – your veterinary care team. Puppy and kitten visits offer a unique opportunity to get you and your new pet off on the right foot!
Your puppy or kitten visit will include a full “nose-to-tail” physical examination. We will look for any signs of illness and ensure your new pet is in good health.
Do you have questions about nutrition, training, vaccinations, grooming, parasite protection, or overall health? What about tips for introducing your new pet to other pets and family members? Even if you are a very experienced pet owner and have had puppies or kittens before, each pet is unique and offers an opportunity to learn something new! We welcome your questions and look forward to addressing any concerns you may have. The more educated you are about your pet, the better you will be able to care for him or her, so we strive to offer you all the support you need.
Puppy and kitten wellness visits also present an opportunity to discuss your new pet’s recommended vaccine schedule and the best plan for parasite testing, treatment, and prevention. Our doctors and other staff members are well-educated about veterinary vaccines and parasite control, and our goal is to give you the best advice for your puppy or kitten. We will review your pet’s vaccine and deworming schedule and discuss the best way to continue, so don’t forget to bring any records you have received.
We will work hard to help you understand your pet’s health considerations, and we encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your puppy’s or kitten’s health care. Puppy and kitten visits are an excellent way to get your new pet started on the road to a happy and healthy life. Let’s take these important first steps together.
Please call us today at 757-934-2273 to schedule an appointment for us to meet your new pet!
Orthopedics
Dogs and cats can sustain traumatic injuries. Whether your pet has broken a bone or a torn ligament, we can discuss options with you. Dr. Chase has a professional interest in canine orthopedics and has completed many hours of continuing education and surgical instruction to help assist you and your pet during these times. Dr. Chase and his operating room staff can offer lateral fabellar suture repair for cranial cruciate ligament rupture, basic fracture repair, correction of medial patellar luxation, and Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy. Our doctors also offer limb amputations when medically and surgically indicated.
Radiology, X-rays and Ultrasound
Radiography is a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. As we continually strive to offer the highest quality medicine and diagnostic testing, we are pleased to offer radiology services as a means of providing excellent care to our patients.
A radiograph (sometimes called an x-ray) is a type of photograph that can look inside the body and reveal information that may not be discernable from the outside. Radiography can be used to evaluate almost any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs, as well as the bones.
Radiography is painless, safe, and completely non-invasive, and it uses only very low doses of radiation. Because the level of radiation exposure needed to perform radiography is very low, even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo radiography. Radiographs can be used to evaluate bones as well as the size, shape, and position of many of the body’s organs. The size of organs is important because some medical conditions—such as kidney, heart, or liver disease—can alter the size of these organs. The shape and position of organs can be altered or distorted by certain medical conditions, including intestinal blockage or cancer. Tumors, depending on their size and location, can also sometimes be detected using radiography. Radiography can also be used to diagnose bladder stones, broken bones, chronic arthritis, certain spinal cord diseases, and a variety of other conditions.
Radiographs are an important tool that can help us make a correct diagnosis for your pet. Our radiology service is staffed by caring, skilled professionals who will provide state-of-the-art care with compassion and expertise.
Ultrasound is also available on site. Ultrasound is an additional non-invasive imaging test that allows us to look inside of the body, specifically the chest and the abdomen. Ultrasound is superior to radiographs in diagnosing early pregnancies, early fluid accumulation, and smaller masses inside of the abdomen.
Want to learn more?Call today at 757-934-2273 to discuss our radiology services or to schedule an appointment.
Senior Pet Care
Did you know that pets age faster than people and can be considered “seniors” at around 7 years of age?
Just as our health care needs change as we age, your pet’s health care needs also change. Nutritional needs, exercise habits, and many aspects of your pet’s daily routine can change as your pet ages. But how can you tell the difference between “normal” aging and a medical problem? As in humans, some health issues that affect older pets can begin with very subtle changes that may go unnoticed until the problem has become serious.
Regular wellness visits are important for every stage of your pet’s life, so don’t forget to keep your senior pet’s scheduled wellness appointments. The best way to help protect your pet as he or she ages is to understand the aging process in pets. We understand that process and can help you help your pet. Even if your senior pet is already being treated for a medical condition, treatment recommendations can change as a condition progresses. Sometimes medication dosages need to be adjusted, or medication may need to be changed. Routine wellness blood work and other routine diagnostic testing are important for senior pets because these tests allow us to evaluate how your pet’s health is either responding to current management strategies or changing with age.
Your senior pet’s wellness examination is also your chance to have us address any of your questions or concerns about your pet. We welcome your questions and encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your pet’s health care.
Older pets make wonderful companions, and thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever! You are an important ally in your senior pet’s health care. We are here to help ensure that your pet is safe and happy throughout the “golden years.” Give us a call today at 757-934-2273 to schedule an appointment with your senior pet.
Urgent Care and Emergency Stabilization
We understand how upsetting it is when your pet is sick or injured. We also know that when your pet is hospitalized and needs critical care services, you want the very best level of care possible. For these reasons, we offer urgent care and emergency stabilization during our clinic hours.
After-hours emergency care availability has become more limited in recent years. If your pet needs urgent care, emergency care, and/or critical care after our clinic hours, please call our local emergency clinics for availability. They are working very hard to help as many pets and families as possible.
LOCAL EMERGENCY CLINICS- The Cove | 757-935-9111 | 6550 Hampton Roads Pkwy #113, Suffolk, VA 23435
- Bay Beach | 757-427-3214 | 2476 Nimmo Parkway, Unit 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
- Animal Emergency Center | 757-234-0461 | 2025 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23693
Vaccinations
Many vaccines are available for use in dogs and cats, but not every pet needs every available vaccine. Some vaccines are considered core vaccines and should be administered to all pets, whereas other vaccines are optional and may be recommended for pets based on a variety of factors, such as their risk for exposure to disease. Vaccine recommendations can also change throughout a pet’s life, as travel habits and other variables change. We will consider all these factors as we determine which vaccines your pet should have.
Vaccines help pets live longer, healthier lives.Protecting your pet is our primary goal, so developing an appropriate vaccine schedule for your pet is important to us. Call us today at 757-934-2273 to set up an appointment to discuss your pet’s vaccination needs.
Wellness Exams
Your pet can benefit greatly from regular wellness examinations or checkups. Whether your pet is a youngster, a “senior citizen,” or any age in between, wellness examinations provide an excellent opportunity for us to conduct a thorough physical examination and develop a health profile for your pet. This information will help us identify medical problems and any other issues that can affect your pet’s health and quality of life.
A wellness examination includes an evaluation of all of your pet’s major organ systems. We’ll use the wellness visit to ask you questions about your pet’s behavior, appetite, exercise habits, and regular activities at home. This is also an excellent time for us to discuss any routine diagnostic testing that may benefit your pet or to recommend any vaccinations that may be due. If your pet seems healthy, a wellness examination is a good opportunity to note any changes, such as weight gain or loss or other subtle changes that may not be evident at home. Sometimes, information obtained during a wellness examination can help detect early signs of illness and address health issues before they progress.
A wellness examination is also your chance to have us address your questions or concerns about your pet. We welcome your questions. No question is too small or too silly, and it is our pleasure to address your concerns. We strive to help you understand your pet’s health considerations, and we encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your pet’s health care.
Finally, wellness examinations help us establish a relationship with you and your pet. Through your pet’s physical examinations, other wellness procedures, and our consultations with you, we get to know your pet and learn about his or her lifestyle, personality, health risks, home environment, and other important information. We encourage you to use wellness examinations to take an active role in your pet’s health care.
Schedule a wellness exam for your pet today!Call us at 757-934-2273 to schedule a wellness appointment.
We ask that you drop your pet off between 7:30 am and 8:00 am on weekdays to ensure the proper time and attention is given to your pet.
Our spacious indoor runs give your pet plenty of space to move about. Our fenced, outdoor exercise area allows your pet opportunities to run around and play.
Are you planning a vacation? Need to go out of town on business?
Are you concerned that you won’t be able to find someone trustworthy to care for your pet while you’re away? If you need to travel and can’t take your pet along, why not plan to have your best friend stay with us? Traveling can cause enough stress and anxiety you don’t want to worry about whether your pet is being well cared for. We offer a convenient solution by providing boarding in our safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
Our professional and friendly staff takes great care of our pet guests. We understand that each pet is unique, and we will make every effort to ensure that your pet is safe, happy, and healthy during his or her stay with us. We’ll treat your pet with compassion and care, and we’ll provide individualized tender loving care until you return!
Does your pet have special needs, health issues, medication, or a special diet? Do you have special requests?
We understand that your pet has a special place in your family and that leaving your pet with someone while you travel can be a source of anxiety and uncertainty. We take great pride in our attention to cleanliness and providing the highest quality care to each pet that stays with us.
We welcome your questions about our boarding facilities and policies and are eager to discuss how we can make your pet’s stay as happy as possible while alleviating any stress you may feel about leaving your pet while you travel. Let us answer all your questions and put your concerns to rest! Call us today at 757-934-2273 to learn about our accommodations and boarding policies, schedule your pet’s stay, or tour our boarding facility!
IMPORTANT BOARDING POLICIES FOR ALL PET GUESTS:
- All boarders must be current on vaccines (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, Fecal Test).
- A trial day boarding visit is required for all new boarding dogs to ensure we can provide safety and comfort during future overnight stays.
- Please let us know the time that you will want to drop off your pet.
- If your pet has been vaccinated somewhere other than Academy Animal Care, we must be able to verify this prior to booking your reservation.
- Please bring any medications your pet is taking (in their original containers) and confirm the frequency and dosage with a receptionist when you check your pet in. We will need to know if they have been given a dose that day. We will also need to know if they have eaten or need to eat the day of the drop.
Does your best friend have bad breath?
Despite what many pet owners may believe, “dog breath” is not just a nuisance – it’s a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Bad breath is caused by bacteria. Over time, bacteria lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. The result is bad breath, reddened gums, and other common signs of dental disease. As dental disease progresses, other signs can include drooling, discomfort while chewing, and loose or missing teeth. Even if you’re using treats and chews to help control tartar, these are frequently not enough to keep dental disease in check. Ask us about the best ways to control plaque and help protect your pet from dental disease.
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s health because dental disease can be associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney disease. But how do you know if your pet has a healthy mouth? Let us examine your pet’s teeth and gums to help determine if there are any dental issues you should know about. After a brief visual examination, we may recommend a more detailed examination (which requires sedation), a dental cleaning, or options for at-home dental care.
Even if you think your pet’s teeth and gums are fine, we can offer expert advice to help you keep them that way!
Dental health shouldn’t be taken for granted. Fortunately, many dental problems can be managed through at-home care and by bringing your pet to us for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings. Ask us about toothpaste, dental chews, or a cleansing water additive at your next visit.
We want your pet to live a long, healthy life, and we understand that maintaining a healthy mouth is part of that.Your pet’s health is important to us, so let us help you with this commitment. Call today at 757-934-2273 to discuss your pet’s dental care needs and how we can help!
Please visit the USDA – APHIS website to learn about requirements before scheduling your pet’s health exam at Academy Animal Care. Be sure to also read the requirements for re-admittance to the United States if you will bring your pet back to the United States at any time.
Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals can help you through this painful experience. We offer palliative care services and will work with you to ensure your pet’s comfort and dignity during his or her last days and final moments. Do you have special requests? Do you have questions about the care of your pet’s remains? We can help you with these concerns and will make every effort to accommodate your wishes at this very difficult time.
Deciding when your pet may need palliative care or euthanasia is a very personal and private decision, but that doesn’t mean you have to make this difficult choice on your own. Our palliative care and humane euthanasia services are conducted with respect, compassion, and care. Before you struggle through one more day with a sick, elderly, or terminally ill pet that is suffering, call us at 757-934-2273 to learn how we can help.
- Your cat is difficult to catch and then get into a carrier
- Your dog gets sick in the car
- Your pet is very anxious at the clinic
- Your elderly or large-breed dog has a tough time getting into and out of the car
- YOU have mobility issues that make it difficult to bring your pet to the clinic
- You have multiple pets that require services at the same time and it’s difficult to bring them in all at once
- Your pet needs to be euthanized, and you prefer to have him/her stay in the comfort of your own home
Please contact our office at 757-934-2273 if you’d like to know more about our house call services or schedule a house call for your pet.
Our staff is highly skilled in performing veterinary surgeries and will make every effort to ensure that your pet receives the very best care. Our focus on patient safety, pain management, and employing the most current surgical practices is designed to exceed your expectations and put your concerns to rest. Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals will monitor your pet before, during, and after surgery and will take exceptional care to ensure a safe and complete recovery for your pet. We will also address any questions or concerns you may have about surgery, including concerns about anesthesia, pain management, or postoperative care.
When your pet is ready to go home, we will review your postoperative care and medication instructions. If any questions arise after your pet returns home or at any other time during the postoperative period, call us. We welcome your questions and will do all we can to help your pet recover fully. Help is only a phone call away.
Why laser surgery?
Academy Animal Care offers laser surgery for safer, more comfortable treatments. In most procedures, the laser can replace the scalpel and provide a better alternative to traditional surgery.
- Less discomfort after surgery—The laser seals nerve endings as it “cuts.” As a result, your pet will experience less discomfort after the procedure.
- Virtually no bleeding—The laser also seals small blood vessels during surgery. This speeds up many procedures, reducing the time your pet needs to be under anesthesia.
- Less swelling—Laser energy does not crush, tear, or bruise tissue because the only thing that touches your pet is an invisible beam of light.
How does a laser work?
The way a particular laser works is determined by the specific wavelength of light that it produces. For example, the most commonly used laser is a CO2 laser which produces an invisible beam of light that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissues. Because the doctor can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected.
Have any further questions for us?Let us answer all your questions and put your concerns to rest. Call today at 757-934-2273 to inquire about our laser surgery services or to schedule a consultation.
Many pets (especially indoor pets) don’t wear collars or tags. Even if your pet wears a collar and identification tag, collars can break off and tags can become damaged and unreadable, so these forms of identification may not be enough to ensure your pet’s safe return. Your pet needs a form of identification that is reliable and can’t get lost, stolen, or damaged. A microchip is a safe, simple form of identification that can significantly increase the chance that your pet will return safely.
A microchip is about the size and shape of a grain of rice and is placed underneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Microchip implantation takes only a few minutes and is very safe. Each microchip is unique and carries vital information about your pet—including your name, address, and contact information. When a microchip is implanted, the pet owner is given a registration form to complete. Registering the number on the microchip includes your pet in a national pet recovery database. Veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and animal control offices across the country are equipped with special electronic scanners that can detect the microchip and read the identification number. If a lost pet is picked up by animal control or found by a good Samaritan and presented to a veterinarian, a quick scan of the microchip reveals the identification number. A toll-free phone call to the pet recovery database alerts the microchip company that a lost pet has been identified. The pet owner can then be contacted and reunited with his or her pet!
Young puppies and kittens can receive microchips, but even if your pet is already an adult, you should consider microchipping. Even indoor pets can get outside accidentally and get lost, so if you’re relying on other forms of identification, you could be placing your pet at risk. Microchipping is a safe, effective way to help ensure your pet’s return if the unthinkable happens.
Have any further questions for us?Let us answer all your questions and put any concerns to rest. Call today at 757-934-2273 to inquire about our microchipping your pet or to schedule an appointment.
Whether your pet has special dietary needs or simply needs to shed (or gain) a few pounds, our nutritional counseling services can help you accomplish your goals and keep your pet in good health. We offer counseling in dietary selection and feeding practices for pets during various life stages, such as growth, pregnancy, nursing, and the “golden years.” If your pet has a medical condition, we can help you select the most appropriate diet to suit your pet’s needs.
It can be easy for a pet owner to become overwhelmed by the available selection of pet foods, all of which claim to have specific benefits for pets. We can offer expert advice to help you negotiate the complicated array of choices. Let our nutritional counseling service help you achieve and maintain optimal nutrition for your pet.
Want to learn more?Call today at 757-934-2273 to inquire about our nutritional counseling services or to schedule an appointment.
From routine procedures (such as a spays or dental cleanings), to more advanced medical treatments (such as bone surgeries or cancer treatments), to chronically painful conditions (such as arthritis or back pain), we are dedicated to providing safe and effective pain management to every patient. We will also help you recognize signs of pain in your pet so that we can modify his or her pain management plan when necessary.
Recognizing and alleviating pain in our patients is at the very heart of quality, compassionate patient care. We don’t take pain management for granted and will employ all our skills to help ensure your pet’s comfort, well-being, and full recovery.
Have further questions?Call today at 757-934-2273 to schedule an appointment to discuss pain management options for your pet.
You may not always be able to tell if your pet has parasites. Fleas can hide under your pet’s fur, and some ticks are very tiny (only the size of a pinhead), so they are very difficult to find. Intestinal parasites like roundworms can cause diarrhea and other problems, but many infected pets don’t show any signs of illness at all.
Fortunately, we can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites. We can also examine your pet for evidence of fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Our expert staff can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members, so let’s work together to protect your pets and family.
Veterinary examinations and parasite testing are important ways to protect your pet’s health. Let our knowledgeable staff provide you with a comprehensive parasite control program. We can recommend a schedule for parasite testing, discuss what signs of parasites you can look for at home, review ways to control parasites in and around your home, discuss treatment options if your pet has parasites, and recommend ways to control and prevent parasites in the future.
Parasites are not just a nuisance. They can carry serious diseases that affect your pet’s overall health and longevity. Let us help you protect your pet. Call today to find out how!
Want to learn more?Call today at 757-934-2273 to discuss parasite prevention and control or to schedule an appointment.
You and your pet will benefit from our well-stocked pharmacy. We maintain a large inventory of veterinary pharmaceutical products and medications, including flea, tick, and heartworm preventive products. You can rely on us whether your pet requires medication for a chronic medical condition or needs short-term medication while recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. When you purchase medications from our pharmacy, you can rest assured that your pet’s medications were obtained from safe, reliable sources and stored under optimal conditions. Our trained staff will fill your prescriptions with care as well as attention to detail and your pet’s specific needs. You can count on us to provide you with accurate information about your pet’s medications, including proper dosing information, and to alert you to any potential drug side effects or interactions. We are also here if you experience any problems with your medication after you return home. Help is only a phone call away!
If you want to be sure to get the most value for your dollars, as well as convenience and the best customer service, call us at 757-934-2273 for your next prescription or medication refill. We are pleased to provide our clients with a fully stocked pharmacy, and we stand behind every product that we dispense.
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Your puppy or kitten visit will include a full “nose-to-tail” physical examination. We will look for any signs of illness and ensure your new pet is in good health.
Do you have questions about nutrition, training, vaccinations, grooming, parasite protection, or overall health? What about tips for introducing your new pet to other pets and family members? Even if you are a very experienced pet owner and have had puppies or kittens before, each pet is unique and offers an opportunity to learn something new! We welcome your questions and look forward to addressing any concerns you may have. The more educated you are about your pet, the better you will be able to care for him or her, so we strive to offer you all the support you need.
Puppy and kitten wellness visits also present an opportunity to discuss your new pet’s recommended vaccine schedule and the best plan for parasite testing, treatment, and prevention. Our doctors and other staff members are well-educated about veterinary vaccines and parasite control, and our goal is to give you the best advice for your puppy or kitten. We will review your pet’s vaccine and deworming schedule and discuss the best way to continue, so don’t forget to bring any records you have received.
We will work hard to help you understand your pet’s health considerations, and we encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your puppy’s or kitten’s health care. Puppy and kitten visits are an excellent way to get your new pet started on the road to a happy and healthy life. Let’s take these important first steps together.
Please call us today at 757-934-2273 to schedule an appointment for us to meet your new pet!
A radiograph (sometimes called an x-ray) is a type of photograph that can look inside the body and reveal information that may not be discernable from the outside. Radiography can be used to evaluate almost any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs, as well as the bones.
Radiography is painless, safe, and completely non-invasive, and it uses only very low doses of radiation. Because the level of radiation exposure needed to perform radiography is very low, even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo radiography. Radiographs can be used to evaluate bones as well as the size, shape, and position of many of the body’s organs. The size of organs is important because some medical conditions—such as kidney, heart, or liver disease—can alter the size of these organs. The shape and position of organs can be altered or distorted by certain medical conditions, including intestinal blockage or cancer. Tumors, depending on their size and location, can also sometimes be detected using radiography. Radiography can also be used to diagnose bladder stones, broken bones, chronic arthritis, certain spinal cord diseases, and a variety of other conditions.
Radiographs are an important tool that can help us make a correct diagnosis for your pet. Our radiology service is staffed by caring, skilled professionals who will provide state-of-the-art care with compassion and expertise.
Ultrasound is also available on site. Ultrasound is an additional non-invasive imaging test that allows us to look inside of the body, specifically the chest and the abdomen. Ultrasound is superior to radiographs in diagnosing early pregnancies, early fluid accumulation, and smaller masses inside of the abdomen.
Want to learn more?Call today at 757-934-2273 to discuss our radiology services or to schedule an appointment.
Did you know that pets age faster than people and can be considered “seniors” at around 7 years of age?
Just as our health care needs change as we age, your pet’s health care needs also change. Nutritional needs, exercise habits, and many aspects of your pet’s daily routine can change as your pet ages. But how can you tell the difference between “normal” aging and a medical problem? As in humans, some health issues that affect older pets can begin with very subtle changes that may go unnoticed until the problem has become serious.
Regular wellness visits are important for every stage of your pet’s life, so don’t forget to keep your senior pet’s scheduled wellness appointments. The best way to help protect your pet as he or she ages is to understand the aging process in pets. We understand that process and can help you help your pet. Even if your senior pet is already being treated for a medical condition, treatment recommendations can change as a condition progresses. Sometimes medication dosages need to be adjusted, or medication may need to be changed. Routine wellness blood work and other routine diagnostic testing are important for senior pets because these tests allow us to evaluate how your pet’s health is either responding to current management strategies or changing with age.
Your senior pet’s wellness examination is also your chance to have us address any of your questions or concerns about your pet. We welcome your questions and encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your pet’s health care.
Older pets make wonderful companions, and thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever! You are an important ally in your senior pet’s health care. We are here to help ensure that your pet is safe and happy throughout the “golden years.” Give us a call today at 757-934-2273 to schedule an appointment with your senior pet.
We understand how upsetting it is when your pet is sick or injured. We also know that when your pet is hospitalized and needs critical care services, you want the very best level of care possible. For these reasons, we offer urgent care and emergency stabilization during our clinic hours.
After-hours emergency care availability has become more limited in recent years. If your pet needs urgent care, emergency care, and/or critical care after our clinic hours, please call our local emergency clinics for availability. They are working very hard to help as many pets and families as possible.
LOCAL EMERGENCY CLINICS- The Cove | 757-935-9111 | 6550 Hampton Roads Pkwy #113, Suffolk, VA 23435
- Bay Beach | 757-427-3214 | 2476 Nimmo Parkway, Unit 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
- Animal Emergency Center | 757-234-0461 | 2025 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23693
Many vaccines are available for use in dogs and cats, but not every pet needs every available vaccine. Some vaccines are considered core vaccines and should be administered to all pets, whereas other vaccines are optional and may be recommended for pets based on a variety of factors, such as their risk for exposure to disease. Vaccine recommendations can also change throughout a pet’s life, as travel habits and other variables change. We will consider all these factors as we determine which vaccines your pet should have.
Vaccines help pets live longer, healthier lives.Protecting your pet is our primary goal, so developing an appropriate vaccine schedule for your pet is important to us. Call us today at 757-934-2273 to set up an appointment to discuss your pet’s vaccination needs.
A wellness examination includes an evaluation of all of your pet’s major organ systems. We’ll use the wellness visit to ask you questions about your pet’s behavior, appetite, exercise habits, and regular activities at home. This is also an excellent time for us to discuss any routine diagnostic testing that may benefit your pet or to recommend any vaccinations that may be due. If your pet seems healthy, a wellness examination is a good opportunity to note any changes, such as weight gain or loss or other subtle changes that may not be evident at home. Sometimes, information obtained during a wellness examination can help detect early signs of illness and address health issues before they progress.
A wellness examination is also your chance to have us address your questions or concerns about your pet. We welcome your questions. No question is too small or too silly, and it is our pleasure to address your concerns. We strive to help you understand your pet’s health considerations, and we encourage you to be involved in decisions regarding your pet’s health care.
Finally, wellness examinations help us establish a relationship with you and your pet. Through your pet’s physical examinations, other wellness procedures, and our consultations with you, we get to know your pet and learn about his or her lifestyle, personality, health risks, home environment, and other important information. We encourage you to use wellness examinations to take an active role in your pet’s health care.
Schedule a wellness exam for your pet today!Call us at 757-934-2273 to schedule a wellness appointment.