Acredale Animal Hospital

I have always been so pleased every time I bring my pets here. Dr. Green was the best. She listened to me and my concerns and I felt like she genuinely cared for my Golden Retriever. He has been sick for awhile and she did the necessary testing (she didn’t try to do extra just for the money) to confirm both her and my suspicions. I received a call as soon as the labs were back and medication had already been ordered and was ready for pick up before our conversation was complete. I won’t take my pets (my family members) anywhere else. I am so grateful to Dr. Green and the Acredale Kempsville team. You are literally lifesavers.

If your pet is timid or nervous about vet visits, I wouldn’t recommend bringing them here. I’ve worked as a Vet Tech for seven years, and I’ve never experienced a situation like the one I had with my dog today. My dog is typically happy, playful, and friendly with people and other dogs. His previous vet always used a calm, “less is more” approach to handling, which worked wonderfully—he trusted her completely and never had issues with vaccines. Last week, I brought him to this clinic after a suspected reaction to a bug bite or sting. During that visit, the tech was excellent—understanding, patient, and kind. Although my dog was timid and not feeling well, she offered treats and peanut butter, which helped him feel more comfortable. However, he seemed very scared of the male vet at that appointment, which was unusual for him. I assumed it was because he wasn’t feeling well and didn’t think much of it. This week, I returned for his recheck and to update his rabies vaccine. My dog was much improved, but the assistant at this appointment didn’t make the same effort to build trust with him as the previous assistant had. When the vet entered, my dog had the same fearful reaction as before. He was shaking and trying to avoid the vet, which broke my heart because I’ve never seen him behave this way. The situation escalated when the vet asked me to restrain my dog in the middle of the room without offering any assistance or compromise, despite how clearly scared my dog was. My dog became more anxious as the vet tried to administer the vaccine, and when the attempt failed from him jumping, the vet immediately suggested using a muzzle and then sedation. While I understand the need for safety measures, especially as a former tech, my dog wasn’t growling or acting aggressively—he was simply terrified. When I declined sedation, the vet’s tone became dismissive and he said “okay but you see what he’s doing right?”, I felt my dog was being unfairly labeled as aggressive, which he is not. It wasn’t the vaccine itself causing his reaction; it was the way he was being handled and his fear of the vet. I told him I would just prefer to reschedule this appointment, but I knew at this point I wouldn’t be coming back to him. While I understand this approach can be helpful in some cases, it felt unnecessary for my dog, given that he’s had this same vaccine administered before without any issue. It became clear to me that this clinic wasn’t willing to take the time to build trust with him, and instead labeled him as aggressive due to his fear. After the failed attempt, the assistant from our first visit stopped by, gave my dog some treats, and said hello. That small interaction made a world of difference—my dog instantly relaxed and returned to his usual self. Unfortunately, the rest of the visit left a sour taste in my mouth. I wasn’t offered a reschedule or provided with the sedative the vet recommended for next time. Ultimately, I’ve decided not to return to this clinic. I know my dog’s behavior was a direct result of fear, and I need a vet who will approach him with the patience and compassion he’s used to, especially for routine care.

I've been taking my dogs to Acredale for years. Dr. Meader has always been their vet. But she is on the emergency side now. Which disappoints me I've always been satisfied. My Kandie & Jax had appts in December. Dr Montgomery was their dr.and she was wonderful. She is just as kind, gentle and compassionate as Dr. Meader. The staff is also very nice. They understand my Kandie's anxiety and my Jax's reactivity which is comforting to me.

Acredale has been treating my Bean forever. They send me reminders of his needs & appointments, listen to our concerns, and answers all of our questions. They are gentle & efficient and I love that I can go into the waiting room with 10 dogs and it is still so quiet in there!

Absolutely DO NOT use this vet clinic. I have been going here for 20 years for my pets (minus a 4 year lapse in no pets). They got bought during covid and the entire office is now useless. They let my 10 month old puppy meds lapse and took over 2 days to respond to request for refills on meds. She had no pain management for an injured leg for 2 days due the ineptitude of this entire staff. Only after 4 phone calls in two days did they even get me to someone who could help. For 2 days straight they told me a doctor would review the medical files I had sent from the emergency vet to have the prescriptions filled. Up until the 4th call, 2.5 days later, no one had looked at the file. By all necessary means, never ever use this veterinary clinic. If you care for your pets, avoid this place and their useless staff. I have never seen a more useless group of people in my life. They are rude and have zero concern for their patients. As a person who has been using this place for the better part of two decades, find somewhere else. Also, look at these losers ratings on yelp and other places. It seems they are holding their current review score from their past.

The absolute best veterinary hospital in Hampton roads. From the front desk employees, technicians and doctors I can’t say enough. Thank you all so much for the love and superb care you give my three dogs. Do not hesitate to use this establishment. Two of my pitties Had mast cell tumors years ago. There now going on 11 and still with us. They took care of buddies teeth that needed some extractions. Again exemplary professional service. Thank you DR Bell.

Paws down this is the best veterinary clinic I have had the pleasure of taking my pets to. My husband and I have been taking our kitties to this practice for the past 3 years. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable. Each vet takes the time to answer any questions we have. They have spent 30 minutes on the phone with us before to explain a thyroid and kidney issue with our older feline.