The Complete Small Business Catalog: 50+ Dog-Friendly Businesses in RVA

Cary Street Veterinary Hospital

Welcome our next local business to the spotlight: Cary Street Veterinary Hospital! Cary Street is one of the only Fear Free certified vet practices around (an ideology we also follow here at Tuckered Out!) Their doctors recognize the importance of an animal’s emotional wellbeing in the veterinary experience. They go above and beyond to ensure your pet is comfortable, including maintaining an empty lobby to reduce stressful encounters between animals, focusing on consent-based procedures and cooperative care, and offering yummy treats throughout your pet’s visit (diet permitting). They offer unlimited complimentary “Happy Visits” to help acclimate more fearful patients to the veterinary experience by offering them tempting treats with only attention, praise, and petting at their own pace. They won’t perform any kind of treatment or service at that visit, so they learn that good things happen at the vet, too! Once they become comfortable, the vets can go through the motions of a pretend exam to help them get used to that kind of touch, which will help tremendously at the visit when services are performed. Telehealth appointments are also available for pets who may be fearful of in-person visits. Want to make the vet more enjoyable for your dog or cat? Give Cary Street a try!