Veterinary Referral Associates
Gaithersburg, Maryland
General Info
Veterinary Referral Associates is a Gaithersburg-based business that strives to serve local pet owners with compassion and understanding. Additionally, the practice acknowledges the special bond between pets and their owners, aiming to promote wellness and assist pet parents with chronic or urgent medical problems. Veterinary Referral Associates wants to ensure that every visit from pets in Gaithersburg and beyond is an experience rather than a trauma for parents juggling care plans in Maryland. Animals undergo a check-in process that assesses their responses to scent layering, floor texture, proximity and movement, and eye contact. Clinicians begin the examination by observing posture and handling feedback, and they adjust or stop upon signs of restlessness, breath change, or resistance. Examinations include intricate analyses of fur thickness and body moisture, muscle tone, limb activity levels, tooth surfaces (for oral temperature), and abdominal pliability. Owners are invited to identify and discuss recent behaviors within their homes where subtle changes in daily rituals, vocal tone, and energy flow provide clues about the next steps. Veterinary Referral Associates offer a comprehensive range of services including diagnostics, vaccinations, pain management, senior wellness and disease prevention plans. Appointment scheduling allows for either a one-time visit or an extended multi-day session, depending on both the pets’ and their homes’ emotional capacity. Visual tools such as diagrams, tracking calendars, and photo logs become integrated to aid communication over multiple visits. Follow-up care isn’t a reminder—it’s a conversation. Check-ins are based on behavior and not simply time. Pet owners learn how to observe behavior post sensory reentry and regulation through the activities. This applies to pets that shut down or outwardly act out after an intense experience. Veterinary Referral Associates provides services to Gaithersburg and the surrounding Maryland areas. The care starts with awareness of keeping the routines of home intact and respecting physical and emotional boundaries.
Services
24 Hour Emergency
Acupuncture
Allergy Testing
Anesthesiology
Behavioral Counseling
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Bloodwork
Boarding
Cardiology
Cold Laser Therapy
Dental Care
Dermatology
Diagnostics
Emergency Care
Genetic Disease Testing
Hospice and Palliative Care
In-House Pharmacy
Internal Medicine
Laboratory
Laser Therapy
Microchipping
Neurology
Nutritional Counseling
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedic Surgery
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Prescription Medications
Puppy and Kitten Care
Radiology (X-rays)
Spay/Neuter
Surgery
Ultrasound
Vaccinations
Wellness Exams
Reviews
Sheyla
24 May 2022
REPORT
I love this place. If your baby needs help take them here. My boy Kuma received the best care imaginable. All staff treated my baby as family, and my husband and I felt confident in their diagnosis & ...
I love this place. If your baby needs help take them here. My boy Kuma received the best care imaginable. All staff treated my baby as family, and my husband and I felt confident in their diagnosis & treatment for him to get better. Kuma is getting better and he was finally able to sleep like normal after his surgery without pain. Thank you all @ VRA.
Bill Malstrom
10 May 2018
REPORT
This place is great! I'm not sure why there are more than a few negative reviews, but our experience was extremely positive. In reading reviews, anytime I see a lot of grammar, spelling, and punctua...
This place is great! I'm not sure why there are more than a few negative reviews, but our experience was extremely positive. In reading reviews, anytime I see a lot of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, I immediately discount the accuracy of their reported experience. Yes, medical care for your pet is expensive. Yes, people can make errors when quoting pricing over the phone. Yes, employees at a veterinary surgical center are humans and can get stressed out and fatigue just like everyone else. And yes, sometimes you can spend a lot of money and not get any real answers, and that sucks, but that's life.
I was referred to this place for radiation of an Osteosarcoma (bone tumor), on my 12.5 year old dog's rib. Difficult to treat, to say the least. The staff at the front was helpful and polite, Dr. McGowan was engaged, professional, warm, and knew her stuff. The Radiation Tech Mike (apologies if I botched the job title) who administered the treatment was organized, very friendly and welcoming to dogs and people, and took good care of my old sick dog who has acute anxiety during Vet visits. They even made the effort to schedule us between rush hour times, so we didn't get crushed on the DC and Baltimore highways (we came from northern Baltimore County). And, to top it all off, a couple weeks after her last treatment, they called to follow up and check on her. Good people doing good things at this facility.
Clarisa xoxo
9 May 2018
REPORT
All about the money. They try to get as much money out of you as possible.
Vets couldn’t give a diagnosis to my cat and he seemed to be getting worse each day he was there.
My family and I ended up ...
All about the money. They try to get as much money out of you as possible.
Vets couldn’t give a diagnosis to my cat and he seemed to be getting worse each day he was there.
My family and I ended up having to euthanize my baby because he was suffering and the vets didn’t know how to help him get better.
Some of the staff was very rude.
Goldenhandsdesign Cathy Jackson
4 May 2018
REPORT
I was from out of town, and had an emergency with my older Yorkie at night. We rushed her there and the staff was great. Unfortunately it was her time, I knew it would be coming sooner or later but al...
I was from out of town, and had an emergency with my older Yorkie at night. We rushed her there and the staff was great. Unfortunately it was her time, I knew it would be coming sooner or later but always hoped later. They really were super, the hospital is very nice. It's such a tough situation to have to go through, especially when you are out of town.
Mary V.
19 Mar 2018
REPORT
Took my dog to Veterinary Referral Associates and dog was seen by Ann Bolek, DVM for treatment which included stitches. Am grateful for the great service she provided. Also, the facility is very cle...
Took my dog to Veterinary Referral Associates and dog was seen by Ann Bolek, DVM for treatment which included stitches. Am grateful for the great service she provided. Also, the facility is very clean and has a big fish tank with lots of tropical fish. John also put my mind at ease when I called the facility--that my dog would be in good hands.
Jen Hernandez
10 Jan 2018
REPORT
I just came back from taking my 7 months old Cavalier King Charles spaniel to emergency here since he keeps losing his balance, he can’t walk, he’s very disoriented, and does not want to eat. First of...
I just came back from taking my 7 months old Cavalier King Charles spaniel to emergency here since he keeps losing his balance, he can’t walk, he’s very disoriented, and does not want to eat. First of all, the nurse started right off by saying she can have him stabilized before the doctor even sees him and that this would cost me from $500-$700 I said no and that I would wait for the doctor. The doctor was so unprofessional and not helpful. After a supposedly “check up” the doctor said my pup was fine and that this is completely normal and even good to see in a puppy when this is not true. How in the world would these symptoms be good?! Then they took my pup to the back to run some blood test, but they kept him in the back from longer than needed. This seems very shady to me, specially after reading the reviews. My puppy actually seems worse now than before we took him. If anything happens to my dog I’m blaming this place! So unprofessional! I do not recommend!
Ann Hamilton
2 May 2017
REPORT
I don't know what these people did to my dog in the back but ever since she has been petrified to go to her regular vet. I will never take her back here again. I heard stories about this place but it ...
I don't know what these people did to my dog in the back but ever since she has been petrified to go to her regular vet. I will never take her back here again. I heard stories about this place but it was an emergency so I took her. Now I fully regret it!
Karen Raines
17 Apr 2017
REPORT
My pet Jeremy had to have emergency surgery due to a kidney stone lodged in the urethra. Service was excellent, Dr. Kidder and staff was excellent. I received updates before and after surgery. I recei...
My pet Jeremy had to have emergency surgery due to a kidney stone lodged in the urethra. Service was excellent, Dr. Kidder and staff was excellent. I received updates before and after surgery. I received a 1 day postop call to followup after the surgery.
I work in a trauma center so I was impressed with the cleanliness of this facility. Also, I was impressed with the surgical site. Beautiful work performed by the surgeons. So far no complications.
Karen 4/14/2017
Amanda Chambers
31 Mar 2017
REPORT
My dog has been to the Emergency Room at VCA three times and I've been pretty impressed with the vets and staff. Each time we see a tech immediately and a vet within 10-15 minutes of arrival.
My dog...
My dog has been to the Emergency Room at VCA three times and I've been pretty impressed with the vets and staff. Each time we see a tech immediately and a vet within 10-15 minutes of arrival.
My dog is extremely anxious and when I took him to a different emergency vet, they just told me to contact his behaviorist as there was nothing wrong with him. The vets at VCA really listened when I told them something was wrong and described my dog's symptoms. He got the medication he needed that improved his condition within 24 hours.
Follow-up on test results is timely and a vet called a few days later to see how my dog was doing. Emergency care is always expensive and VCA prices are about what other emergency vets in the area charge. The vet did provide a cost estimate as well as different options from treating his symptoms to doing additional testing to determine the exact cause of his problems.
I would recommend the VCA emergency clinic. While I hope I don't have a sick dog again, I would not hesitate to bring my dog back if needed.
Jeffrey Hord
21 Jan 2017
REPORT
EDIT/UPDATE: My Australian Shepherd has been a patient at VCA VRA for about 6 months. I've worked with two of the doctors and several of the vet techs in an effort to resolve his hind limb lambness. ...
EDIT/UPDATE: My Australian Shepherd has been a patient at VCA VRA for about 6 months. I've worked with two of the doctors and several of the vet techs in an effort to resolve his hind limb lambness. They've used therapeutic laser, B-12 injections, acupuncture, stretching/manipulation, and various exercises, but unfortunately nothing has really worked. However, that's just sort of the nature of the business, especially with this sort of injury: there's simply no guarantee of success.
I've had a few bad experiences with the practice's Chief of Staff, Steve Steinberg. Perhaps I'm the exception to the rule, but I always sensed a defiant and dismissive attitude from Dr. Steinberg whenever I would raise concerns about my dog's lack of improvement, or inform him when my dog would have a relapse following a vigorous P.T. session at VCA VRA. His response was NEVER, "oh no, I'm so sorry; let's get your dog in here right away to see what went wrong and explore what we can do." Instead, he jumped immediately to, "well, you don't seem happy, I think you should take your dog somewhere else." It's like he doesn't want to hear that your pet isn't doing better; if you're not seeing immediate results, then his solution is to show you the door, not redouble his efforts to find a solution. Personally, I find that attitude to be unacceptable in any health care provider.
The rest of the staff, however, seems to be top notch. When I first posted my concerns re: Dr. Steinberg, I was invited to come in for a complimentary follow-up consult with one of the orthopedic surgeons. I truly appreciated this act of customer service, and my experience with Dr. Gauthier was very positive. Furthermore, the veterinary techs and support staff are all very good, especially Robin P.; I can tell that they care about their patients and they try their best to help. I wouldn't discourage other pet owners from giving VCA VRA Gaithersburg a shot.
Granville Hill
8 Dec 2016
REPORT
While they did a very good job in breaking his seizure clusters and while he was there. I tried to contact them afterwards as my pup wasn't eating as he should, i.e. instead of eating a meal in 5 to ...
While they did a very good job in breaking his seizure clusters and while he was there. I tried to contact them afterwards as my pup wasn't eating as he should, i.e. instead of eating a meal in 5 to 10 minutes, he was taking an hour to an hour and a half to finish his meal.
Of course, I was very bothered by this and the fact that his appetite wasn't coming back. I was happy when I called, as the Doctor who saw us when we checked in was there, Dr. Dustin Beauchamp. When he didn't return my call in over 2 hours, I called back. The receptionist told me that Dr. Dustin Beauchamp said that I should contact my own Vet instead of calling them. I couldn't believe their attitude, especially as they were the cause of this problem.
So they are fine while they have your money, but once you're gone, they lose interest in you! I WILL NEVER GO TO VCA AGAIN!!!!
Jennifer Carey
27 Sep 2016
REPORT
I had my girl here for about a month receiving critical care. They kept saying she would pull through (she was only 6yrs). They would not let me visit with her very long - which I think is a huge mist...
I had my girl here for about a month receiving critical care. They kept saying she would pull through (she was only 6yrs). They would not let me visit with her very long - which I think is a huge mistake when your family member is critical. They need your emotional support. They never were able to diagnose her condition and had the nerve to berate me when she was no longer rallying, and in an O2 tent, to give me grief about taking her home for euthanasia. On my way out with her - they had the nerve to ask me if I would consider a necropsy so they could learn from her case. Hell no. They failed her. There is a much better facility near Leesburg, VA.
Heather Finnefrock
18 Jul 2016
REPORT
I have had to take my Golden Retriever here several times. The first time was in 2009 when he ended up having bloat, and had to have emergency surgery. The staff is amazing! That night, someone act...
I have had to take my Golden Retriever here several times. The first time was in 2009 when he ended up having bloat, and had to have emergency surgery. The staff is amazing! That night, someone actually stayed in the space with Brody, so he wasn't left alone. Ever since then, this is our "go-to" for emergencies, since it is much closer than his primary vet. My pup is super special, with lots of issues, and every time we take him in, we have a great experience. They are all fantastic!
Casey Cahill
8 Jun 2016
REPORT
I will never forget the comfort we were provided by an outstanding veterinarian; Dr. Lindsay Vega. Though continually and effectively tending to so many issues, her ability to concentrate on our baby...
I will never forget the comfort we were provided by an outstanding veterinarian; Dr. Lindsay Vega. Though continually and effectively tending to so many issues, her ability to concentrate on our baby Zoey was extraordinary. We lost Zoey (she reached the end of a long life as a Golden Retriever); but Dr. Vega was precise, communicative, and compassionate. My wife, daughter and I were all there in Zoey's passing; and truly. Dr. Vega made a very painful experience so valuable in retrospect. She exhibits greatly what I wish all humans possessed in some part.
Carlos Douglas
10 May 2016
REPORT
This place is way over priced and sneaky, i had taken my 12 week old puppy because he was vomiting and they diagnosed that he had intussusception, basically one intestine going into another, they said...
This place is way over priced and sneaky, i had taken my 12 week old puppy because he was vomiting and they diagnosed that he had intussusception, basically one intestine going into another, they said they had professionals that do this surgery. I went to see my dog and they said he was doing ok but needed to stay another day, cost me like $1700 for the surgery and i thought i would be picking him up the next day. The next day comes and i get a call saying the surgery didnt go well and they would have to do another surgery and it would cost another $1700 oh and the price to stay last night was $400. I couldnt believe they would charge me again and ontop of that they said he would have to stay in intensive care being watched by a vet all night and that would cost $800 a night. I couldnt believe it now i was looking at $4500 bill to go thru all this and thats just 4 weeks after i got the puppy. I decided to get him euthanized instead and ended up paying a little over $2000 because i decided not to go thru the same surgery that they didnt do right the first time. Before they put him to sleep they asked me if i wanted them to test him to see what cost him the sickness and for a second i wanted to so i can let the breeder know and then the VCA told me that would cost me like $600 for the results, i was shocked. That place is all about money first and more money second.
Aimee Gerace
27 Apr 2016
REPORT
We came in the evening bc we found a tick on our pup and could not get it off! Carl was so helpful and came right out to get it off...it was nice that they were so attentive and fast.
So glad to k...
We came in the evening bc we found a tick on our pup and could not get it off! Carl was so helpful and came right out to get it off...it was nice that they were so attentive and fast.
So glad to know this is so close by when we need them!
Ruth K.
4 Mar 2016
REPORT
We were overwhelmed by the love and caring shown to us and the expert, professional care given to our Buddy. I would not hesitate to recommend VCA for veterinary care for your pet. At every step, th...
We were overwhelmed by the love and caring shown to us and the expert, professional care given to our Buddy. I would not hesitate to recommend VCA for veterinary care for your pet. At every step, they kept us informed of his condition and gave us wonderful advice and supported us in our decision to end Buddy's suffering.
Ella White
8 Feb 2016
REPORT
Very caring, understanding and sympathetic
Angela Liberty
17 Oct 2015
REPORT
Tina Conway
DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) MA
Internal Medicine
VCA Veterinary Referral Associates
500 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
The purpose of this letter is twofold. First, Mattie and I want to se...
Tina Conway
DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) MA
Internal Medicine
VCA Veterinary Referral Associates
500 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
The purpose of this letter is twofold. First, Mattie and I want to send along the happiest of birthday wishes on your special day. We hope that it is fun filled and continue to wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors.
Additionally I want to take this opportunity to thank you for saving Matties life. As you are well aware, my Lab Mattie was in bad shape when I first brought her to you. Her esophagus had been severely burned and left unattended for days which exacerbated her condition, she was coughing, drooling, could barely swallow, vomited everything she tried to eat and was extremely underweight. I was devastated; the situation looked dire. Yet despite her severe and adverse condition, you were kind, empathetic and hopeful.
From the very beginning and without hesitation you accurately diagnosed Matties condition and carefully and confidently created a detailed and strategic plan providing her with the best chance for a good recovery with a functional esophagus. And now, although she cannot swallow big chunks of food as before, I can say without hesitation that she is a happy, happy dog with an endlessly wagging tail. She thoroughly enjoys eating, playing and taking long walks. Her brother is happy, I am happy and even her little friend Ponki is happy that shes home.
In summary, Dr. Conway, I must write that it were not for your constant concern, diligent care and impeccable skill as a doctor my beloved dogs ashes would have been in an urn on my fireplace mantel. You are an extremely talented doctor and an extraordinary woman. I feel extremely lucky to have ended up on your doorstep and your company is very fortunate to have such a talented, dedicated and skilled doctor as yourself in their practice.
I am eternally grateful.
Sincerely
Angie Liberty
Michael Price
17 Aug 2015
REPORT
This review is for service received about 4 years ago. Unknown to us one of our cats swallowed a piece of plastic and was vomitting every few minutes. We took her to VCA Referral in Gaithersburg becau...
This review is for service received about 4 years ago. Unknown to us one of our cats swallowed a piece of plastic and was vomitting every few minutes. We took her to VCA Referral in Gaithersburg because it was the middle of the night. They examined her and determined that she had the piece of plastic lodged deep in her digestive system and that immediate surgery would be needed to remove it. The doctor took plenty of time to explain their diagnosis and why surgery was needed. They did the surgery that night and everything went great. Our cat fully recovered. We were very happy with the service we received from them on this occasion. The facility is very large, modern, and clean. It looks like they are able to utilize many of the latest tools and techniques. They also have board certified specialists such as veterinary internists and oncologists on staff They do not do wellness care (i.e. checkups and vacinations). This incident cost us about $5000.00 so they are not cheap. Luckily we had pet insurance that covered it all. If you have a real emergency they are the place to go but you will definitely pay top dollar for the service. Our cats are our children so for us it was well worth it. If you are going there to see specialist it may take a long time to get an appointment. We had another cat who needed to see a specialist on short notice and they told us it would be at least a week before they could schedule that. We ended up taking that cat to a different animal hospital for that reason.
csjdogs
1 Feb 2012
REPORT
WATCH OUT!Big fancy place,big fancy charges!They will charge you unbelievable amounts of money,and still not cure your dog.Go elsewhere!
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FAQs
Where is Veterinary Referral Associates located?
Veterinary Referral Associates is located at 500 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877. It's easily accessible to pet owners in the Gaithersburg area and surrounding communities.
What time does Veterinary Referral Associates open and close each day?
Veterinary Referral Associates is open Monday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Tuesday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Wednesday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Thursday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Friday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM. On Saturdays, it's open 00:00 AM to 24:00 PM. On Sundays, it's open 00:00 AM to 24:00 PM.
Is Veterinary Referral Associates open on Saturdays?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates is open on Saturdays. Their Saturday hours are 00:00AM to 24:00 PM.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates offer emergency or 24-hour services?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates provides emergency veterinary care. They have 24-hour emergency service – if your pet has an after-hours emergency, you can call their emergency line at or go to the clinic for immediate care.
How can I book an appointment at Veterinary Referral Associates?
You can book an appointment online with Veterinary Referral Associates via our website. Simply click the 'Book an Appointment' button on their profile or use TopVet’s online scheduling. Alternatively, you can call the clinic at to schedule a visit.
What services does Veterinary Referral Associates offer?
Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg offers a range of veterinary services, including 24 Hour Emergency, Acupuncture, Allergy Testing, Anesthesiology, Behavioral Counseling. From routine wellness exams and vaccinations to surgeries and diagnostics, they provide comprehensive care for your pets.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates offer vaccinations for pets?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates provides pet vaccination services. They offer core vaccinations for dogs and cats (like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.) as well as any recommended booster shots. You can schedule your pet's vaccines during normal appointment hours at their Gaithersburg clinic.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates offer pet dental care?
Absolutely. Veterinary Referral Associates offers pet dental care services, including teeth cleanings, dental exams, and treatment of dental issues for cats and dogs. Regular dental care is part of their preventive services to keep your pet healthy.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates provide boarding or kennel services?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates has boarding facilities for pets. They can board your cat or dog in a safe, comfortable environment when you’re away. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during holidays, as space can be limited.
Do they perform spay/neuter surgeries at Veterinary Referral Associates?
Veterinary Referral Associates provides spaying and neutering services for pets. Their veterinary team in Gaithersburg has extensive experience in these routine surgical procedures. They will also guide you on post-operative care for your pet.
Can Veterinary Referral Associates microchip my pet?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates offers pet microchipping. Microchips help identify your pet if they ever get lost. The procedure is quick and can be done during a regular appointment.
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
Open 24 Hours
Tuesday
Tue
Open 24 Hours
Wednesday
Wed
Open 24 Hours
Thursday
Thu
Open 24 Hours
Friday
Fri
Open 24 Hours
Saturday
Sat
Open 24 Hours
Sunday
Sun
Open 24 Hours
Popular Hours
6a
12p
6p
12a
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No data for {{popularHourDay.text}}
Closed on {{popularHourDay.text}}
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Veterinary Referral Associates
Gaithersburg, Maryland
General Info
Veterinary Referral Associates is a Gaithersburg-based business that strives to serve local pet owners with compassion and understanding. Additionally, the practice acknowledges the special bond between pets and their owners, aiming to promote wellness and assist pet parents with chronic or urgent medical problems. Veterinary Referral Associates wants to ensure that every visit from pets in Gaithersburg and beyond is an experience rather than a trauma for parents juggling care plans in Maryland. Animals undergo a check-in process that assesses their responses to scent layering, floor texture, proximity and movement, and eye contact. Clinicians begin the examination by observing posture and handling feedback, and they adjust or stop upon signs of restlessness, breath change, or resistance. Examinations include intricate analyses of fur thickness and body moisture, muscle tone, limb activity levels, tooth surfaces (for oral temperature), and abdominal pliability. Owners are invited to identify and discuss recent behaviors within their homes where subtle changes in daily rituals, vocal tone, and energy flow provide clues about the next steps. Veterinary Referral Associates offer a comprehensive range of services including diagnostics, vaccinations, pain management, senior wellness and disease prevention plans. Appointment scheduling allows for either a one-time visit or an extended multi-day session, depending on both the pets’ and their homes’ emotional capacity. Visual tools such as diagrams, tracking calendars, and photo logs become integrated to aid communication over multiple visits. Follow-up care isn’t a reminder—it’s a conversation. Check-ins are based on behavior and not simply time. Pet owners learn how to observe behavior post sensory reentry and regulation through the activities. This applies to pets that shut down or outwardly act out after an intense experience. Veterinary Referral Associates provides services to Gaithersburg and the surrounding Maryland areas. The care starts with awareness of keeping the routines of home intact and respecting physical and emotional boundaries.
Business Hours
Monday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Tuesday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Wednesday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Thursday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Friday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Saturday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Sunday
00:00AM-24:00PM
Popular Hours
6a
12p
6p
12a
{{getPopularHourTime(item.time)}}
No data for {{popularHourDay.text}}
Closed on {{popularHourDay.text}}
Services
24 Hour Emergency
Acupuncture
Allergy Testing
Anesthesiology
Behavioral Counseling
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Bloodwork
Boarding
Cardiology
Cold Laser Therapy
Dental Care
Dermatology
Diagnostics
Emergency Care
Genetic Disease Testing
Hospice and Palliative Care
In-House Pharmacy
Internal Medicine
Laboratory
Laser Therapy
Microchipping
Neurology
Nutritional Counseling
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedic Surgery
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Prescription Medications
Puppy and Kitten Care
Radiology (X-rays)
Spay/Neuter
Surgery
Ultrasound
Vaccinations
Wellness Exams
Reviews
Sheyla
24 May 2022
I love this place. If your baby needs help take them here. My boy Kuma received the best care imaginable. All staff treated my baby as family, and my husband and I felt confident in their diagnosis & ...
I love this place. If your baby needs help take them here. My boy Kuma received the best care imaginable. All staff treated my baby as family, and my husband and I felt confident in their diagnosis & treatment for him to get better. Kuma is getting better and he was finally able to sleep like normal after his surgery without pain. Thank you all @ VRA.
Bill Malstrom
10 May 2018
This place is great! I'm not sure why there are more than a few negative reviews, but our experience was extremely positive. In reading reviews, anytime I see a lot of grammar, spelling, and punctua...
This place is great! I'm not sure why there are more than a few negative reviews, but our experience was extremely positive. In reading reviews, anytime I see a lot of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, I immediately discount the accuracy of their reported experience. Yes, medical care for your pet is expensive. Yes, people can make errors when quoting pricing over the phone. Yes, employees at a veterinary surgical center are humans and can get stressed out and fatigue just like everyone else. And yes, sometimes you can spend a lot of money and not get any real answers, and that sucks, but that's life.
I was referred to this place for radiation of an Osteosarcoma (bone tumor), on my 12.5 year old dog's rib. Difficult to treat, to say the least. The staff at the front was helpful and polite, Dr. McGowan was engaged, professional, warm, and knew her stuff. The Radiation Tech Mike (apologies if I botched the job title) who administered the treatment was organized, very friendly and welcoming to dogs and people, and took good care of my old sick dog who has acute anxiety during Vet visits. They even made the effort to schedule us between rush hour times, so we didn't get crushed on the DC and Baltimore highways (we came from northern Baltimore County). And, to top it all off, a couple weeks after her last treatment, they called to follow up and check on her. Good people doing good things at this facility.
Clarisa xoxo
9 May 2018
All about the money. They try to get as much money out of you as possible.
Vets couldn’t give a diagnosis to my cat and he seemed to be getting worse each day he was there.
My family and I ended up ...
All about the money. They try to get as much money out of you as possible.
Vets couldn’t give a diagnosis to my cat and he seemed to be getting worse each day he was there.
My family and I ended up having to euthanize my baby because he was suffering and the vets didn’t know how to help him get better.
Some of the staff was very rude.
Goldenhandsdesign Cathy Jackson
4 May 2018
I was from out of town, and had an emergency with my older Yorkie at night. We rushed her there and the staff was great. Unfortunately it was her time, I knew it would be coming sooner or later but al...
I was from out of town, and had an emergency with my older Yorkie at night. We rushed her there and the staff was great. Unfortunately it was her time, I knew it would be coming sooner or later but always hoped later. They really were super, the hospital is very nice. It's such a tough situation to have to go through, especially when you are out of town.
Mary V.
19 Mar 2018
Took my dog to Veterinary Referral Associates and dog was seen by Ann Bolek, DVM for treatment which included stitches. Am grateful for the great service she provided. Also, the facility is very cle...
Took my dog to Veterinary Referral Associates and dog was seen by Ann Bolek, DVM for treatment which included stitches. Am grateful for the great service she provided. Also, the facility is very clean and has a big fish tank with lots of tropical fish. John also put my mind at ease when I called the facility--that my dog would be in good hands.
Jen Hernandez
10 Jan 2018
I just came back from taking my 7 months old Cavalier King Charles spaniel to emergency here since he keeps losing his balance, he can’t walk, he’s very disoriented, and does not want to eat. First of...
I just came back from taking my 7 months old Cavalier King Charles spaniel to emergency here since he keeps losing his balance, he can’t walk, he’s very disoriented, and does not want to eat. First of all, the nurse started right off by saying she can have him stabilized before the doctor even sees him and that this would cost me from $500-$700 I said no and that I would wait for the doctor. The doctor was so unprofessional and not helpful. After a supposedly “check up” the doctor said my pup was fine and that this is completely normal and even good to see in a puppy when this is not true. How in the world would these symptoms be good?! Then they took my pup to the back to run some blood test, but they kept him in the back from longer than needed. This seems very shady to me, specially after reading the reviews. My puppy actually seems worse now than before we took him. If anything happens to my dog I’m blaming this place! So unprofessional! I do not recommend!
Ann Hamilton
2 May 2017
I don't know what these people did to my dog in the back but ever since she has been petrified to go to her regular vet. I will never take her back here again. I heard stories about this place but it ...
I don't know what these people did to my dog in the back but ever since she has been petrified to go to her regular vet. I will never take her back here again. I heard stories about this place but it was an emergency so I took her. Now I fully regret it!
Karen Raines
17 Apr 2017
My pet Jeremy had to have emergency surgery due to a kidney stone lodged in the urethra. Service was excellent, Dr. Kidder and staff was excellent. I received updates before and after surgery. I recei...
My pet Jeremy had to have emergency surgery due to a kidney stone lodged in the urethra. Service was excellent, Dr. Kidder and staff was excellent. I received updates before and after surgery. I received a 1 day postop call to followup after the surgery.
I work in a trauma center so I was impressed with the cleanliness of this facility. Also, I was impressed with the surgical site. Beautiful work performed by the surgeons. So far no complications.
Karen 4/14/2017
Amanda Chambers
31 Mar 2017
My dog has been to the Emergency Room at VCA three times and I've been pretty impressed with the vets and staff. Each time we see a tech immediately and a vet within 10-15 minutes of arrival.
My dog...
My dog has been to the Emergency Room at VCA three times and I've been pretty impressed with the vets and staff. Each time we see a tech immediately and a vet within 10-15 minutes of arrival.
My dog is extremely anxious and when I took him to a different emergency vet, they just told me to contact his behaviorist as there was nothing wrong with him. The vets at VCA really listened when I told them something was wrong and described my dog's symptoms. He got the medication he needed that improved his condition within 24 hours.
Follow-up on test results is timely and a vet called a few days later to see how my dog was doing. Emergency care is always expensive and VCA prices are about what other emergency vets in the area charge. The vet did provide a cost estimate as well as different options from treating his symptoms to doing additional testing to determine the exact cause of his problems.
I would recommend the VCA emergency clinic. While I hope I don't have a sick dog again, I would not hesitate to bring my dog back if needed.
Jeffrey Hord
21 Jan 2017
EDIT/UPDATE: My Australian Shepherd has been a patient at VCA VRA for about 6 months. I've worked with two of the doctors and several of the vet techs in an effort to resolve his hind limb lambness. ...
EDIT/UPDATE: My Australian Shepherd has been a patient at VCA VRA for about 6 months. I've worked with two of the doctors and several of the vet techs in an effort to resolve his hind limb lambness. They've used therapeutic laser, B-12 injections, acupuncture, stretching/manipulation, and various exercises, but unfortunately nothing has really worked. However, that's just sort of the nature of the business, especially with this sort of injury: there's simply no guarantee of success.
I've had a few bad experiences with the practice's Chief of Staff, Steve Steinberg. Perhaps I'm the exception to the rule, but I always sensed a defiant and dismissive attitude from Dr. Steinberg whenever I would raise concerns about my dog's lack of improvement, or inform him when my dog would have a relapse following a vigorous P.T. session at VCA VRA. His response was NEVER, "oh no, I'm so sorry; let's get your dog in here right away to see what went wrong and explore what we can do." Instead, he jumped immediately to, "well, you don't seem happy, I think you should take your dog somewhere else." It's like he doesn't want to hear that your pet isn't doing better; if you're not seeing immediate results, then his solution is to show you the door, not redouble his efforts to find a solution. Personally, I find that attitude to be unacceptable in any health care provider.
The rest of the staff, however, seems to be top notch. When I first posted my concerns re: Dr. Steinberg, I was invited to come in for a complimentary follow-up consult with one of the orthopedic surgeons. I truly appreciated this act of customer service, and my experience with Dr. Gauthier was very positive. Furthermore, the veterinary techs and support staff are all very good, especially Robin P.; I can tell that they care about their patients and they try their best to help. I wouldn't discourage other pet owners from giving VCA VRA Gaithersburg a shot.
Granville Hill
8 Dec 2016
While they did a very good job in breaking his seizure clusters and while he was there. I tried to contact them afterwards as my pup wasn't eating as he should, i.e. instead of eating a meal in 5 to ...
While they did a very good job in breaking his seizure clusters and while he was there. I tried to contact them afterwards as my pup wasn't eating as he should, i.e. instead of eating a meal in 5 to 10 minutes, he was taking an hour to an hour and a half to finish his meal.
Of course, I was very bothered by this and the fact that his appetite wasn't coming back. I was happy when I called, as the Doctor who saw us when we checked in was there, Dr. Dustin Beauchamp. When he didn't return my call in over 2 hours, I called back. The receptionist told me that Dr. Dustin Beauchamp said that I should contact my own Vet instead of calling them. I couldn't believe their attitude, especially as they were the cause of this problem.
So they are fine while they have your money, but once you're gone, they lose interest in you! I WILL NEVER GO TO VCA AGAIN!!!!
Jennifer Carey
27 Sep 2016
I had my girl here for about a month receiving critical care. They kept saying she would pull through (she was only 6yrs). They would not let me visit with her very long - which I think is a huge mist...
I had my girl here for about a month receiving critical care. They kept saying she would pull through (she was only 6yrs). They would not let me visit with her very long - which I think is a huge mistake when your family member is critical. They need your emotional support. They never were able to diagnose her condition and had the nerve to berate me when she was no longer rallying, and in an O2 tent, to give me grief about taking her home for euthanasia. On my way out with her - they had the nerve to ask me if I would consider a necropsy so they could learn from her case. Hell no. They failed her. There is a much better facility near Leesburg, VA.
Heather Finnefrock
18 Jul 2016
I have had to take my Golden Retriever here several times. The first time was in 2009 when he ended up having bloat, and had to have emergency surgery. The staff is amazing! That night, someone act...
I have had to take my Golden Retriever here several times. The first time was in 2009 when he ended up having bloat, and had to have emergency surgery. The staff is amazing! That night, someone actually stayed in the space with Brody, so he wasn't left alone. Ever since then, this is our "go-to" for emergencies, since it is much closer than his primary vet. My pup is super special, with lots of issues, and every time we take him in, we have a great experience. They are all fantastic!
Casey Cahill
8 Jun 2016
I will never forget the comfort we were provided by an outstanding veterinarian; Dr. Lindsay Vega. Though continually and effectively tending to so many issues, her ability to concentrate on our baby...
I will never forget the comfort we were provided by an outstanding veterinarian; Dr. Lindsay Vega. Though continually and effectively tending to so many issues, her ability to concentrate on our baby Zoey was extraordinary. We lost Zoey (she reached the end of a long life as a Golden Retriever); but Dr. Vega was precise, communicative, and compassionate. My wife, daughter and I were all there in Zoey's passing; and truly. Dr. Vega made a very painful experience so valuable in retrospect. She exhibits greatly what I wish all humans possessed in some part.
Carlos Douglas
10 May 2016
This place is way over priced and sneaky, i had taken my 12 week old puppy because he was vomiting and they diagnosed that he had intussusception, basically one intestine going into another, they said...
This place is way over priced and sneaky, i had taken my 12 week old puppy because he was vomiting and they diagnosed that he had intussusception, basically one intestine going into another, they said they had professionals that do this surgery. I went to see my dog and they said he was doing ok but needed to stay another day, cost me like $1700 for the surgery and i thought i would be picking him up the next day. The next day comes and i get a call saying the surgery didnt go well and they would have to do another surgery and it would cost another $1700 oh and the price to stay last night was $400. I couldnt believe they would charge me again and ontop of that they said he would have to stay in intensive care being watched by a vet all night and that would cost $800 a night. I couldnt believe it now i was looking at $4500 bill to go thru all this and thats just 4 weeks after i got the puppy. I decided to get him euthanized instead and ended up paying a little over $2000 because i decided not to go thru the same surgery that they didnt do right the first time. Before they put him to sleep they asked me if i wanted them to test him to see what cost him the sickness and for a second i wanted to so i can let the breeder know and then the VCA told me that would cost me like $600 for the results, i was shocked. That place is all about money first and more money second.
Aimee Gerace
27 Apr 2016
We came in the evening bc we found a tick on our pup and could not get it off! Carl was so helpful and came right out to get it off...it was nice that they were so attentive and fast.
So glad to k...
We came in the evening bc we found a tick on our pup and could not get it off! Carl was so helpful and came right out to get it off...it was nice that they were so attentive and fast.
So glad to know this is so close by when we need them!
Ruth K.
4 Mar 2016
We were overwhelmed by the love and caring shown to us and the expert, professional care given to our Buddy. I would not hesitate to recommend VCA for veterinary care for your pet. At every step, th...
We were overwhelmed by the love and caring shown to us and the expert, professional care given to our Buddy. I would not hesitate to recommend VCA for veterinary care for your pet. At every step, they kept us informed of his condition and gave us wonderful advice and supported us in our decision to end Buddy's suffering.
Ella White
8 Feb 2016
Very caring, understanding and sympathetic
Angela Liberty
17 Oct 2015
Tina Conway
DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) MA
Internal Medicine
VCA Veterinary Referral Associates
500 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
The purpose of this letter is twofold. First, Mattie and I want to se...
Tina Conway
DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) MA
Internal Medicine
VCA Veterinary Referral Associates
500 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
The purpose of this letter is twofold. First, Mattie and I want to send along the happiest of birthday wishes on your special day. We hope that it is fun filled and continue to wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors.
Additionally I want to take this opportunity to thank you for saving Matties life. As you are well aware, my Lab Mattie was in bad shape when I first brought her to you. Her esophagus had been severely burned and left unattended for days which exacerbated her condition, she was coughing, drooling, could barely swallow, vomited everything she tried to eat and was extremely underweight. I was devastated; the situation looked dire. Yet despite her severe and adverse condition, you were kind, empathetic and hopeful.
From the very beginning and without hesitation you accurately diagnosed Matties condition and carefully and confidently created a detailed and strategic plan providing her with the best chance for a good recovery with a functional esophagus. And now, although she cannot swallow big chunks of food as before, I can say without hesitation that she is a happy, happy dog with an endlessly wagging tail. She thoroughly enjoys eating, playing and taking long walks. Her brother is happy, I am happy and even her little friend Ponki is happy that shes home.
In summary, Dr. Conway, I must write that it were not for your constant concern, diligent care and impeccable skill as a doctor my beloved dogs ashes would have been in an urn on my fireplace mantel. You are an extremely talented doctor and an extraordinary woman. I feel extremely lucky to have ended up on your doorstep and your company is very fortunate to have such a talented, dedicated and skilled doctor as yourself in their practice.
I am eternally grateful.
Sincerely
Angie Liberty
Michael Price
17 Aug 2015
This review is for service received about 4 years ago. Unknown to us one of our cats swallowed a piece of plastic and was vomitting every few minutes. We took her to VCA Referral in Gaithersburg becau...
This review is for service received about 4 years ago. Unknown to us one of our cats swallowed a piece of plastic and was vomitting every few minutes. We took her to VCA Referral in Gaithersburg because it was the middle of the night. They examined her and determined that she had the piece of plastic lodged deep in her digestive system and that immediate surgery would be needed to remove it. The doctor took plenty of time to explain their diagnosis and why surgery was needed. They did the surgery that night and everything went great. Our cat fully recovered. We were very happy with the service we received from them on this occasion. The facility is very large, modern, and clean. It looks like they are able to utilize many of the latest tools and techniques. They also have board certified specialists such as veterinary internists and oncologists on staff They do not do wellness care (i.e. checkups and vacinations). This incident cost us about $5000.00 so they are not cheap. Luckily we had pet insurance that covered it all. If you have a real emergency they are the place to go but you will definitely pay top dollar for the service. Our cats are our children so for us it was well worth it. If you are going there to see specialist it may take a long time to get an appointment. We had another cat who needed to see a specialist on short notice and they told us it would be at least a week before they could schedule that. We ended up taking that cat to a different animal hospital for that reason.
csjdogs
1 Feb 2012
WATCH OUT!Big fancy place,big fancy charges!They will charge you unbelievable amounts of money,and still not cure your dog.Go elsewhere!
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FAQs
Where is Veterinary Referral Associates located?
Veterinary Referral Associates is located at 500 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877. It's easily accessible to pet owners in the Gaithersburg area and surrounding communities.
What time does Veterinary Referral Associates open and close each day?
Veterinary Referral Associates is open Monday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Tuesday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Wednesday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Thursday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM, Friday 00:00 AM - 24:00 PM. On Saturdays, it's open 00:00 AM to 24:00 PM. On Sundays, it's open 00:00 AM to 24:00 PM.
Is Veterinary Referral Associates open on Saturdays?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates is open on Saturdays. Their Saturday hours are 00:00AM to 24:00 PM.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates offer emergency or 24-hour services?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates provides emergency veterinary care. They have 24-hour emergency service – if your pet has an after-hours emergency, you can call their emergency line at or go to the clinic for immediate care.
How can I book an appointment at Veterinary Referral Associates?
You can book an appointment online with Veterinary Referral Associates via our website. Simply click the 'Book an Appointment' button on their profile or use TopVet’s online scheduling. Alternatively, you can call the clinic at to schedule a visit.
What services does Veterinary Referral Associates offer?
Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg offers a range of veterinary services, including 24 Hour Emergency, Acupuncture, Allergy Testing, Anesthesiology, Behavioral Counseling. From routine wellness exams and vaccinations to surgeries and diagnostics, they provide comprehensive care for your pets.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates offer vaccinations for pets?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates provides pet vaccination services. They offer core vaccinations for dogs and cats (like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.) as well as any recommended booster shots. You can schedule your pet's vaccines during normal appointment hours at their Gaithersburg clinic.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates offer pet dental care?
Absolutely. Veterinary Referral Associates offers pet dental care services, including teeth cleanings, dental exams, and treatment of dental issues for cats and dogs. Regular dental care is part of their preventive services to keep your pet healthy.
Does Veterinary Referral Associates provide boarding or kennel services?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates has boarding facilities for pets. They can board your cat or dog in a safe, comfortable environment when you’re away. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during holidays, as space can be limited.
Do they perform spay/neuter surgeries at Veterinary Referral Associates?
Veterinary Referral Associates provides spaying and neutering services for pets. Their veterinary team in Gaithersburg has extensive experience in these routine surgical procedures. They will also guide you on post-operative care for your pet.
Can Veterinary Referral Associates microchip my pet?
Yes, Veterinary Referral Associates offers pet microchipping. Microchips help identify your pet if they ever get lost. The procedure is quick and can be done during a regular appointment.
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