FAQs – Western Branch Veterinary Hospital in Chesapeake, VA
At Western Branch Veterinary Hospital in Chesapeake, VA, we understand that pet parents want clear, trustworthy answers when it comes to their animal companions’ health. Whether you’re new to our practice or have been part of our Western Branch family for years, this FAQ covers many of the questions we hear most often about caring for dogs, cats, and pocket pets.
General Questions About Our Chesapeake, Va Veterinary Hospital
What are the business hours for Western Branch Veterinary Hospital?
Our clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Holiday hours may vary, so please call (757) 632-0999 to confirm before visiting during special dates
Where is Western Branch Veterinary Hospital located?
We are located at 3320 Taylor Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321-2506.
We proudly serve families across Chesapeake and North Suffolk, VA, as well as surrounding areas. Read more about the services we offer.
How does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital support the Chesapeake, VA community?
We are proud to be part of the Chesapeake community, and believe strongly in giving back. We support our local community in several ways. We sponsor several teams in an annual charity golf tournament, which benefits Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters. We have also sponsored youth and local high school sports teams and bands. Additionally, we support riders in the M.S.150 Rides and Relay for Life in Suffolk and Chesapeake. We’ve also hosted field trips for local summer camps.
Do you accept new patients and same-day appointments?
We do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day visits for urgent needs. New patients are always welcome! Give us a call at (757) 632-0999 our friendly team will find a time that works for you.
How Do I Make An Appointment?
Call us at (757) 632-0999 or visit our Contact Us page here.
Does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital offer additional services?
We are happy to offer boarding services in addition to veterinary care. Click here to learn about our boarding services.
How much do routine services cost?
Costs will depend on the service or treatment offered. We are happy to provide estimates. Give us a call at (757) 632-0999 or visit our Contact Us page here.
Are the veterinarians and staff licensed?
Each staff member has the appropriate credentials for their position. You can read about our co-owner and veterinarian, Dr. Porter, at his bio here. You can also read about our individual staff members at our Care Team page here.
What are the veterinarians’ experience and specializations?
Dr. Porter received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University. He holds a Master’s degree in Physiology and Biophysics, as well as his veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct faculty member with Northern Virginia Community College.
What Animals Does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital Treat?
We see dogs, cats, and pocket pets.
Can I take a tour of Western Branch Veterinary Hospital?
While access to some areas is limited to staff only, you can do a virtual tour here.
How do the staff and vet interact with pets?
We treat every animal that comes through our doors with kindness, care, and compassion.
What are online reviews saying about Western Branch Veterinary Hospital?
We’re proud to say that our dedication, kindness, expertise, and customer service have garnered us rave reviews. We currently have a 4.5-star average rating. Click here to read reviews on facebook, or go here for our Google reviews.
Care Philosophy And Practices
How does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital handle anxious or fearful pets?
We understand that visiting the doctor can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming for pets. We treat all pets as though they were our own: with love, care, and compassion.
What is Western Branch Veterinary Hospital’s philosophy on treatments?
Everything we do is with the goal of helping your pet stay happy, health, and comfortable. The love of helping animals is what drives each of us into this field. That is reflected in every day and every appointment.
Wellness And Preventive Care
What’s included in a wellness exam for dogs, cats, and pocket pets?
Our wellness exams include a full nose-to-tail checkup, a review of vaccines and parasite prevention, discussions about nutrition and behavior, and age-appropriate diagnostics to detect health issues early. Click here to visit our Wellness & Vaccinations page to learn more.
How often should my pet have a checkup?
Healthy adult pets should visit once a year for a comprehensive exam. Puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with ongoing health conditions will benefit from more frequent visits. We’ll recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, health, and needs. Learn more about caring for your pet by visiting our blog or pet health library.
Which vaccines do dogs and cats in Chesapeake, Virginia need?
We recommend core vaccines. These include Canine Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, Rabies, and Adenovirus-2 Vaccines for dogs and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)/feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) for cats. We may also recommend lifestyle vaccines, like Bordetella, Lyme, leptospirosis, or feline leukemia, depending on your pet’s environment and lifestyle. You can learn more at our Wellness and Vaccinations page here.
Are vaccines safe for senior pets or those with medical issues?
Yes. We tailor vaccine plans to each pet’s age, health, and history to ensure safety and protection without unnecessary stress.
To learn more about caring for your pet, visit our Pet Health Library here.
Allergies And Dermatology
What are common signs of allergies in pets?
Itchy skin, excessive licking or scratching, frequent ear infections, red or flaky skin, and occasional stomach upset can all point to allergies. You may also notice red, flaky skin and fur loss. Allergies can also cause sneezing, snoring, flatulence, and watery eyes. Call us for a checkup if you notice any of these. Visit our Allergies and Dermatology page here for more info.
Do you test for food allergies?
Yes. We use elimination diet trials and other diagnostics to identify whether symptoms stem from food sensitivities or environmental factors like pollen or dust mites. Learn more about caring for your pet by visiting our blog or pet health library.
How do you treat chronic itching or skin problems?
Our approach targets the root cause. Treatment options are always given on a case-by-case basis, but may range from medicated shampoos and anti-itch treatments to parasite control, prescription diets, and long-term allergy management. Your vet will discuss the options after your pet has been diagnosed. Visit our blog or pet health library to learn more.
Nutrition And Weight Management
Can you help my pet maintain a healthy weight?
Absolutely. We develop personalized pet diet plans that include food/nutritional recommendations, portion/calorie suggestions, feeding schedules, and exercise goals to support safe, steady weight loss or maintenance. Visit our Nutrition and Weight Management page here for more information.
How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
If you can’t easily feel your pet’s ribs or see a waistline from above, your furry pal may be overweight. We’ll perform a body condition assessment and help create a realistic plan. We’ve also written about pet obesity at our blog. Learn more about keeping your pet happy and healthy by visiting our blog or pet health library.
Do you offer nutrition counseling for specific breeds or life stages?
Yes. We tailor recommendations based on your pet’s breed, size, and health status to ensure they get balanced nutrition at every age.
Diagnostics
What diagnostic services does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital offer?
We provide in-house diagnostics including bloodwork, urinalysis, parasite testing, and X-rays, plus access to outside laboratories for specialized tests. Quick answers mean quicker treatment. Click here to visit our Diagnostics page.
When are X-rays or bloodwork recommended?
These diagnostics may be recommended in a variety of scenarios. They can be crucial for determining the cause of unexplained symptoms. They are also beneficial in evaluating your pet’s condition for senior pet checkups, for surgical prep, and for monitoring ongoing health conditions.
You can learn more about specific conditions at our blog or pet health library.
Dentistry
How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?
That is going to vary, depending on the pet’s breed, age, and home care routine. Your vet will be able to determine the right schedule. Cleanings are performed while the pet is under safe anesthesia. This ensures a stress-free experience while allowing our team to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and treat any hidden issues.
You can learn more on our veterinary dentistry page here.
What are signs of dental disease in pets?
Bad breath, heavy drooling, red gums, tartar buildup, loose teeth, and swelling are early warning signs of oral disease that should be evaluated promptly. You may also notice your dog losing interest in playing. Pets with dental issues may also dribble food, chew on one side of their mouth, take longer eating, or start showing a preference for softer foods. Bloody smears on toys and dishes can be indications of dental issues as well. Click here to read our blog on pet dental issues.
Surgery
What types of surgeries does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital perform?
We offer soft-tissue procedures including spay/neuter, mass removals, and advanced orthopedic procedures. For more information on our surgical procedures, visit our surgery page here.
How do you keep pets safe during anesthesia and recovery?
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. We perform pre-anesthetic testing, use customized anesthesia protocols, and continuously monitor vital signs. We also provide effective pain management during and after the procedure.
Can my pet go home the same day after surgery?
Often, yes. Most routine procedures, such as spay/neuter surgery, are outpatient. However, in some cases, your pet may be boarded overnight or for a set time. Your veterinarian will discuss specific options, and will also provide home-care instructions, including information on pain medications and what to expect during recovery.
Laser Therapy
What is laser therapy, and what does it treat?
Laser therapy uses light energy to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. It’s often used for arthritis, wounds, and post-surgical recovery. Learn more at our Laser Therapy page here.
Boarding
Does Western Branch Veterinary Hospital offer veterinary-supervised boarding?
We do! Our boarding facility welcomes dogs and cats for safe, comfortable stays. Each guest receives attentive monitoring, personalized feeding, and medication administration as needed. Visit our boarding page here for more information.
How should I prepare my pet for boarding?
Make sure your pet’s vaccines and parasite prevention are current. You’ll also want to pack everything your pet will need. That includes food, medications, and any comfort items from home. We’ll follow your instructions closely to ensure a stress-free stay.
Contact us at (757) 632-0999 or visit our Contact Us page here to book boarding.
Health Certificates And Travel
Do you issue health certificates for travel?
Yes. We provide USDA-compliant health certificates for domestic and international travel. Visit our travel certificates page here for more information.
How far ahead should I book for a health certificate?
In general, plan to visit at least 2–3 weeks before your departure to allow time for any required vaccinations, testing, and documentation. However, some countries require that certificates be provided within a set window of time before travel, so you’ll want to do some research and see what the requirements are at your destination.
Employment Opportunities
Are you hiring?
We are not always hiring, but we do sometimes have openings. You can find any open positions listed on our Career Opportunities page here.
Local Pet Care You Can Trust
Looking for a trusted veterinarian in Chesapeake, VA?
Contact Western Branch Veterinary Hospital by calling or (757) 632-0999 or visiting our Contact Us page here. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry family members!
At Western Branch Veterinary Hospital, we’re proud to serve pets and their families in Chesapeake, VA, and the surrounding communities. Whether you need a routine checkup, dental care, or just reassurance that your furry (or furry-ish) family member is thriving, our compassionate team is here for you.