VCA Capeway Animal Hospital

Located at 171 Bridge St, Fairhaven, MA 02719, USA, VCA Capeway Animal Hospital stands as a prominent and comprehensive veterinary care provider in the Fairhaven community. With a direct phone line at (508) 992-0202, this hospital is part of the larger VCA Animal Hospitals network, known for its commitment to high-quality veterinary medicine and patient care. The hospital has a long history, dating back to 1951, and has evolved into a modern facility dedicated to the health and well-being of companion animals in Fairhaven, New Bedford, Acushnet, Mattapoisett, Marion, Dartmouth, Wareham, and the broader Southcoast Area.

VCA Capeway Animal Hospital has undergone significant upgrades, transforming from a two-room practice into a modern facility spanning over 6,000 square feet. This expansion includes a "large and spacious waiting area" and "state-of-the-art exam and treatment areas," designed to provide a comfortable and efficient experience for both pets and their owners. Despite its growth and affiliation with a large network, the hospital strives to maintain a "hometown feel," as mentioned in historical context, with efforts to retain staff and ensure a consistent, caring atmosphere. Client reviews frequently highlight the "very pleasant" and "attentive and caring" nature of the staff, indicating a welcoming and supportive environment where pets are treated with compassion. The professional yet empathetic approach of the team helps alleviate the stress often associated with veterinary visits, especially during emergencies. The commitment to a positive environment aims to make each visit as comfortable as possible for both pets and their human companions.

VCA Capeway Animal Hospital offers a wide array of veterinary services, catering to various stages of a pet's life, from their first shots to comprehensive senior care. Their services are designed to address both preventive health and acute medical needs, utilizing advanced medical practices and technology. Key services include:

• General Wellness and Preventive Care: This forms the cornerstone of their practice, encompassing routine wellness exams, tailored vaccination protocols, and comprehensive parasite control to keep pets healthy and prevent common diseases. They emphasize proactive health management to ensure long, healthy lives for pets.
• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: The hospital is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as digital radiology (X-rays) and echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) to provide clear and detailed images, aiding in accurate diagnoses. This allows for quick and precise identification of internal issues.
• Comprehensive Dental Care: Understanding the importance of oral health, they offer dental services, including dental X-rays, to address issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems that can impact a pet's overall well-being. Proper dental care is crucial for preventing systemic health problems.
• General and Soft Tissue Surgery: The hospital features an in-office surgical suite for various surgical procedures, ranging from routine spays and neuters to more complex soft tissue surgeries. They also provide comprehensive anesthesia monitoring to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during procedures.
• In-House Laboratory: An on-site laboratory allows for rapid and efficient processing of blood work and other diagnostic tests, enabling quicker diagnoses and treatment plans. This immediate access to results can be critical in urgent cases.
• In-House Pharmacy: For convenience, the hospital maintains an in-house pharmacy, allowing pet owners to fill prescriptions and obtain necessary medications directly after their appointment, saving them an additional trip.
• Cold Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment option is available for managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing for various conditions, including arthritis, injuries, and post-surgical recovery. It offers a gentle alternative or complement to traditional treatments.
• Nutritional Counseling: Recognizing that diet plays a crucial role in pet health, they offer nutritional counseling to help owners choose the best food and feeding practices for their pets' specific needs and life stages, including managing weight or specific medical conditions.
• Hospice Care: For pets with terminal illnesses or those nearing the end of their lives, compassionate hospice care is provided to ensure comfort and quality of life during their final stages, supporting both the pet and their family through a difficult time.
• Pet Grooming: Basic grooming services like nail trimming are available, contributing to overall pet hygiene and health, and can be conveniently scheduled during other visits.
• Pet Boarding: For established clients, VCA Capeway Animal Hospital offers boarding services, providing a safe and supervised environment for pets while their owners are away. Boarders are kept within the hospital's general population and require up-to-date vaccinations and recent physical examinations to ensure the health of all animals.

As part of the VCA network, VCA Capeway Animal Hospital also benefits from access to extensive medical resources, including a vast knowledge base shared among over 4,000 VCA veterinarians. This network also provides pathways to VCA Specialty Hospitals for pets requiring highly advanced care in areas such as orthopedic surgery, oncology, and stem cell therapy, ensuring that even the most complex cases can receive appropriate attention.

One of the standout features of VCA Capeway Animal Hospital is its blend of local, compassionate care with the extensive resources of a large veterinary network. While offering the personalized attention of a neighborhood practice, they have access to state-of-the-art equipment and the collective expertise of a vast medical community. This balance ensures that pets receive both attentive, individualized care and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options, providing a comprehensive care solution.

The hospital's commitment to patient comfort and client education is another notable feature. Testimonials highlight veterinarians like Dr. Erin Oakham and Dr. Rocha, who are praised for being "very pleasant," "attentive and caring," and ensuring clients are "well informed." This focus on clear communication and empathy helps build trust and empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their pet's health. The flexible payment options, without clients feeling pressured, also contribute to a positive client experience, alleviating financial concerns during often stressful times.

Furthermore, VCA Capeway Animal Hospital emphasizes preventive care as a core philosophy, aiming to keep pets healthy throughout their lives through regular wellness exams and proactive measures. Their mission statement explicitly mentions restoring health, preventing disease, and alleviating suffering, underscoring a holistic and forward-thinking approach to animal welfare.

The ability to handle emergency visits and fit in sick pets on the same day, as noted in a review, demonstrates their responsiveness and dedication to urgent care, providing crucial peace of mind for pet owners during stressful situations when immediate attention is needed.

VCA Capeway Animal Hospital welcomes new clients and actively promotes their services through various initiatives. A notable offer for new clients is a Free First Exam, providing an excellent opportunity for pet owners to experience their services and meet the veterinary team without an initial consultation fee. This coupon can be accessed through their website by filling out a simple form, making it easy for new clients to try their services.

The hospital operates with convenient hours, including extended weekday hours and Saturday availability:

• Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Saturday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Sunday: Closed

They also offer online booking for appointments, making scheduling more convenient and accessible for busy pet owners. Additionally, VCA Capeway Animal Hospital participates in CareClub® Wellness Plans, which are personalized pet healthcare plans designed to make preventive care more affordable and manageable for pet owners through convenient monthly payments, encouraging consistent care.

For medication and food refills, they have partnered with Vetsource, allowing clients to conveniently order products online and have them delivered, streamlining the process. The hospital also works with various treatment financing solutions like CareCredit and Scratchpay, offering flexible payment options for unexpected or larger veterinary expenses, ensuring that financial constraints don't prevent pets from receiving necessary care.

Real customer reviews consistently praise the quality of care and the compassionate nature of the staff. One client who initially felt "hesitant... due to reviews" quickly realized there was "nothing to worry about" after an emergency visit for their kitten, stating they "would definitely recommend Dr Erin Oakham" and would be "returning and recommending them." Another grateful client highlighted the quick response and compassionate care received for their parents' sick dog, specifically commending Dr. Rocha for being "so attentive and caring" and ensuring the dog was comfortable and the owner "well informed." These testimonials underscore the hospital's dedication to patient comfort, effective treatment, and supportive client communication, making VCA Capeway Animal Hospital a trusted choice for pet owners in Fairhaven and the surrounding areas.