Loving a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have.
However, it can also be scary. Animals get sick, after all. They get injured. And eventually, they grow old and die.
These harsh realities are the main reason why we should find exceptional veterinarians to help take care of our pets. Only with the efforts of such professionals can we ensure our four-legged friends the long, healthy, and happy lives they deserve.
If you live in Norfolk, Virginia, you’re in luck; this area is home to some of the commonwealth’s best animal hospitals and clinics, including the following:
1. Boulevard Veterinary Hospital
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5
A full-service animal hospital, Boulevard Veterinary Hospital has developed a reputation for being a provider of compassionate, high-quality pet healthcare in its community.
This hospital offers routine medical, dental, and surgical treatments as well as emergency treatments. This is made possible thanks to high-tech equipment and experienced veterinarians trained in the latest veterinary techniques and technologies.
The practice also offers services such as pet dermatology, bathing and grooming, and microchipping. And if you’re planning on vacationing to another city, state, or country, Boulevard Veterinary Hospital’s clean, spacious kennels boast private rooms, comfortable bedding, and large play areas, thus ensuring your fur baby’s comfort and safety.
Visitors can also expect a calm, relaxing, and friendly clinic, which is great for pets, as the soothing environment can reduce their stress and make them more amenable to seeing their vet.
Review:
Dr. Gowda is very knowledgeable, kind, and respectful to our pets (two dogs and a cat). My dogs get seen regularly for updated shots and wellness checks; one dog has been spayed at the hospital which went well. Our kitten has been seen by Dr. Gowda twice since we got him and everything has been great so far. The prices are affordable for our family too. We appreciate the care that we receive from all the staff; they are great people to interact with while our pets are getting care. – Kareen B.
Services offered:
- Preventative care
- Dental care
- Pet dermatology
- Surgery
- Emergency & urgent care
- In-house lab services
- Radiology services
- Microchipping
- Bathing/grooming/hydrosurge – pulsating baths
- Pet boarding
Business hours: Monday 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM; closed Wednesdays & Sundays
Address: 6636 E Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502
Contact number: (757) 461-4416
Website: http://www.blvdvethospital.com/
2. Dog & Cat Hospital
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5
Dog & Cat Hospital has been taking care of the Hampton Roads community’s pets for almost 80 years, making it one of the area’s most recognizable and trustworthy vets.
The hospital boasts a team of experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated doctors, techs, and assistants. They’re committed to providing top-notch pet care as well as treating all their patients like family.
Clients can expect a full range of services, including state-of-the-art diagnostics, routine and preventative pet care, spaying and neutering, advanced surgical procedures, and the prevention and treatment of parasitic infestations. The facility also offers behavioral counseling, assistance with animal reproduction, physical rehabilitation, pain management, and hospice and euthanasia services.
The Dog & Cat Hospital even has an online store, which you can take advantage of if you’re too busy and would rather have pet products delivered to your doorstep.
Review:
All the staff has been perfectly professional and friendly, and service has been prompt and personal each time… My dog was seen this afternoon for his checkup by Dr. Johnson, and she was so incredible with him and gave us so much helpful information on training out some unwanted behaviors… Receiving this level of service at a super reasonable price point, as well as not having to wait ages for an appointment is something so valuable when you love your animals. I can’t say enough good stuff about Dog & Cat – I highly recommend them to everyone!! – Lexi A.
Services offered:
- Wellness & prevention
- Testing & diagnosis
- Specialized care
- Surgical procedures
- Urgent care
- Pet boarding
Business hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; closed Sundays
Address: 238 W 21st St Norfolk, VA 23517
Contact number: (757) 622-1788
Website: https://dogandcathospitalnorfolk.com/
3. East Beach Veterinary Care
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5
East Beach Veterinary Care has been providing affordable, compassionate, first-rate veterinary care to fur babies in Virginia Beach since its establishment in 2012.
The facility’s doctors believe that wellness exams and preventative care are crucial to ensuring every pet enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life. You can therefore expect services such as nutritional counseling, parasite prevention and control, immunizations, dental care, and microchipping. Also on offer are advanced care, which includes behavioral counseling, laser therapy, and OFA certification; and surgical procedures such as soft tissue surgery and mass removal.
Of course, all this is made possible thanks to veterinarians with extensive training in the latest medical technologies and procedures, and the use of high-tech equipment, such as digital x-rays and blood machines. The doctors also do house calls for clients who can’t bring their pets to the clinic.
Review:
The team at East Beach Veterinary is extraordinary! One of our cats had been throwing up for 2 days and stopped eating/drinking, so I called to see if I could bring him in… Dr. Alexander was very thorough — ran blood tests, gave injections, and offered advice on how to proceed if the issue persists. Our cat is feeling much better today and I even got a call from East Beach Vet earlier today — they called to check on him! Stellar service! – Andreea K.
Services offered:
- Wellness & prevention
- Testing & diagnostics
- Advanced care
- Surgical procedures
- Urgent care
Business hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; closed Sundays
Address: 9650 Shore Dr Norfolk, VA 23518
Contact number: (757) 963-8387
Website: https://eastbeachvet.com/
4. Ghent Veterinary Hospital
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5
Ghent Veterinary Hospital offers premium pet care in a calm, friendly environment.
The staff is carefully selected for traits such as experience, skill, professionalism, and compassion. A wide range of services is available, from in-house diagnostics such as x-rays and blood work to advanced surgeries.
The hospital’s Dr. Marshall also has Veterinary Medical Acupuncture certification (cVMA), so this is the place to take your pet to if they need a treatment for chronic pain, recurrent infections, respiratory issues, or other ailments.
This facility enjoys American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation—a status it maintains by undergoing regular, rigorous evaluation that ensures it meets around 900 veterinary care standards. Only 12% of veterinary facilities have qualified for this achievement, which means Ghent Veterinary Hospital is among the cream of the crop.
Review:
The most pleasant experience I’ve had at a vet ever (& we move around a lot with the military!). The Ghent Vet staff, techs, and doctor were all extremely patient, informative, and accommodating. They took their time with my skittish and shy 10-year-old dog, trying different modes of administering medications. I was very impressed with our experience! – Katie V.
Services offered:
- Wellness plans
- Preventative care
- Dentistry
- Internal medicine
- Pain management
- Acupuncture
- Diagnostics
- Surgery
- Hospice & euthanasia
Business hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM; closed Sundays
Address: 939 W 21st St Norfolk, VA 23517
Contact number: 757-351-0167
Website: https://ghentvet.com/
5. West’s Animal Clinic
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
Built in 1938, West’s Animal Clinic was then purchased in 1947 by the West family. It’s now owned by Dr. Paul West, who has been practicing veterinary medicine for over four decades.
The clinic aims to provide pets in the region exceptional veterinary care in a friendly, relaxing environment. Clients can expect an extensive array of services, including the treatment and prevention of common health issues; parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms; and toxicity due to the ingestion of toxic plants. Anti-depression medication can be prescribed to help animals with mood disorders. And if you want to drastically increase the chances of your pet returning home should they get lost, you can also have them microchipped.
Through its mail-order system, West’s Animal Clinic can also have your pet’s prescriptions delivered to your home.
Review:
I’m so grateful for West’s Animal Clinic! … We have been going to West’s for 3 years now and every time my dogs are well taken care of. Both of my dogs can be very skittish, but they’ve warmed right up to Dr. West and his staff. His prices are fair and I never feel pressured into anything. He truly puts the animal’s best interests at heart and cares about their health needs. – Torie E.
Services offered:
- Medical services
- Dentistry
- Vaccinations
- Spaying & neutering
- Surgical services
- Emergency services
Business hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Wednesday & Saturday 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM; closed Sundays
Address: 830 W 21st St Norfolk, VA 23517
Contact number: (757) 622-4551
Website: https://www.westanimalclinic.com/
Conclusion
Many great veterinarians can be found in Norfolk, Virginia, but the five listed in this article are among the best. If you call this place your home, and you’re fortunate enough to be a pet parent, don’t hesitate to contact one of these practices; they can give your pet the superior healthcare they need to stay healthy and happy.