Looking for a Vet in Springfield and a Pet Sitter (Burke: neighborhood, live in)

[jillabean]

I just moved to Springfield and have two older dogs. I am looking for a good vet in the area and wondered if any of you had any suggestions. I am looking mainly in the Springfield/West Springfield area and maybe some areas in Burke just off Old Keen Mill Road.

I asked my old veterinarian's office for suggestions and they suggested Springfield Animal Hospital--which is in a perfect location for me. But I think they were basing things on certifications and not first hand knowledge based on their answer. I am especially interested in someone who is good with geriatric dogs--but I am open to anyone good and am indifferent to small practice vs. large animal hospital.

I am also interested in someone who understands that, while I love my dogs, I am on a budget. So I am interested in a place that doesn't upsell everything or require a full physical for every little appointment (had a vet like that once and it's expensive).

As for the pet sitter, I have no idea who to contact and I am on the fence about it. I've had pet sitters in the past and always had good experiences until the last pet sitter (nothing major, but I wouldn't hire him again). I am also open to finding a boarding facility. My dogs aren't very active any more, so they don't need something like a big "farm-like" setting. I think they would be happy if the boarding place was quiet and had an old couch and all the other dogs napped too, lol.

Thanks!

[movingtodcfromseattle]

Originally Posted by jillabean

I just moved to Springfield and have two older dogs. I am looking for a good vet in the area and wondered if any of you had any suggestions. I am looking mainly in the Springfield/West Springfield area and maybe some areas in Burke just off Old Keen Mill Road.

I asked my old veterinarian's office for suggestions and they suggested Springfield Animal Hospital--which is in a perfect location for me. But I think they were basing things on certifications and not first hand knowledge based on their answer. I am especially interested in someone who is good with geriatric dogs--but I am open to anyone good and am indifferent to small practice vs. large animal hospital.

I am also interested in someone who understands that, while I love my dogs, I am on a budget. So I am interested in a place that doesn't upsell everything or require a full physical for every little appointment (had a vet like that once and it's expensive).

As for the pet sitter, I have no idea who to contact and I am on the fence about it. I've had pet sitters in the past and always had good experiences until the last pet sitter (nothing major, but I wouldn't hire him again). I am also open to finding a boarding facility. My dogs aren't very active any more, so they don't need something like a big "farm-like" setting. I think they would be happy if the boarding place was quiet and had an old couch and all the other dogs napped too, lol.

Thanks!

We use Kings Park Animal Hospital off of Rolling Road. The prices seem normal to me (I've been to a couple of other vets in the area and wasn't impressed). As far as boarding or pet sitter goes, you might consider Affectionate Pet Care. My beagle loves it there, but he is super active. Are you in a neighborhood of some sort that has a monthly newsletter? Sometimes they have listings for pet sitters. Finding pet sitters seems to be as difficult as finding babysitters for young children! Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck!

Links for you:
Home
Affectionate Pet Care

[lindy112]

We always use Springfield Animal for our boarding and they're very nice (although our dog is young and doesn't have old-dog needs yet). Our vet is Burke Animal on Lee chapel. Very, very nice. Don't confuse this with Burke Forest Animal (by Milano's and Panera Bread) ... didn't like them at all.

[DC Oldtimer]

We used Kings Park for many years. Eventually I became concerned about the prices there, so I took the recommendation of folks here and looked into Town and Country in Fairfax. It was a few more miles to drive but the savings were substantial.

If you go to T&C, ask for Dr. Cheramie. You'll love him.

[Carlingtonian]

My neighbors use Kingsview Animal Hospital on Beulah and love it. Quite a long haul from 22205, so that's saying something.

[marie5v]

Originally Posted by jillabean

I just moved to Springfield and have two older dogs. I am looking for a good vet in the area and wondered if any of you had any suggestions. I am looking mainly in the Springfield/West Springfield area and maybe some areas in Burke just off Old Keen Mill Road.

I asked my old veterinarian's office for suggestions and they suggested Springfield Animal Hospital--which is in a perfect location for me. But I think they were basing things on certifications and not first hand knowledge based on their answer. I am especially interested in someone who is good with geriatric dogs--but I am open to anyone good and am indifferent to small practice vs. large animal hospital.

I am also interested in someone who understands that, while I love my dogs, I am on a budget. So I am interested in a place that doesn't upsell everything or require a full physical for every little appointment (had a vet like that once and it's expensive).

As for the pet sitter, I have no idea who to contact and I am on the fence about it. I've had pet sitters in the past and always had good experiences until the last pet sitter (nothing major, but I wouldn't hire him again). I am also open to finding a boarding facility. My dogs aren't very active any more, so they don't need something like a big "farm-like" setting. I think they would be happy if the boarding place was quiet and had an old couch and all the other dogs napped too, lol.

Thanks!

I have used Becky's Pet Care for the past 10-15 years and really like them. They send me the same sitter for years at a time, which is really nice, since I feel like I know the person and can really trust them.

[kmurdoc1]

My wife works at a family owned pet supply shop (dont sell any animals) located in Fairfax. We raise guide dogs and have been taking our dogs to Commonwealth Animal Hospital in Fairfax for years now. They too are family owned and don't "upsell" any unneccessary procedures. We have always seen Dr.Hunter, and after sending many friends and customers to him, have heard nothing but praises for the reccomendation! We too live in Springfield, however, we find the 20 minute commute to Commonwealth Animal Hospital far worth it!

Commonwealth Animal Hospital
10860 Main St
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 273-8183