Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarians in Jacksonville, NC
Established in 1950, Animal Hospital of Onslow County has provided continuous, high-quality veterinary care to pet owners in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Our practice combines decades of experience with modern medical advancements to address pet health comprehensively. The team prioritizes personalized care, utilizing advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and preventive strategies tailored to each animal's needs.Community ownership under Dr. Candice Thomas ensures local decision-making focused on client relationships rather than corporate interests. With 24-hour emergency referral support and transparent communication, the hospital remains committed to stress-free veterinary experiences while upholding rigorous professional standards.
Services
Dental Care
Dermatology
Digital Radiography
Heartworm Testing
Hospice/Euthanasia
Pain Management
Pharmacy
Surgery
Wellness Visits
Nutritional Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- We have over 70 years of experience serving the veterinary needs of Jacksonville, NC.
- Our team provides 24-hour emergency triage during regular business hours.
- Locally owned practice ensuring community-focused decision making.
- Comprehensive diagnostic capabilities including digital radiography and in-house lab work.
- Personalized treatment plans with emphasis on client education and preventive care.
What people say
Compassionate staff
Thorough explanations
Gentle animal handling
Prompt diagnostics
Clean environment
Services
Dental Care
Our comprehensive dental services address periodontal disease prevention and treatment. We perform digital dental radiography, professional cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery using modern anesthesia protocols. Early intervention helps prevent systemic health issues affecting heart, liver, and kidney function in pets.
Dermatology
Specialized allergy management includes skin testing, cultures, and customized treatment plans. We treat bacterial/fungal infections, parasite-related dermatitis, and chronic skin conditions using medicated therapies and immune-modulating medications to improve pet comfort and quality of life.
Digital Radiography
Our digital radiography system provides high-resolution internal imaging with minimal radiation exposure. This tool enables accurate diagnosis of fractures, organ abnormalities, urinary stones, and thoracic conditions through immediate image analysis and remote specialist consultation when needed.
Heartworm Testing
Annual heartworm screening uses rapid blood tests followed by tailored prevention plans. We offer various preventive options including oral, topical, and injectable formulations. Early detection and consistent protection help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular complications from mosquito-borne infections.
Hospice/Euthanasia
Compassionate end-of-life services include pain management consultations, home visits, and euthanasia with sedative protocols ensuring peaceful transitions. Our staff provides emotional support and decision-making guidance during difficult terminal diagnoses or advanced age-related decline scenarios.
People
Dr. Candice Thomas
Owner/Chief Veterinarian
Dr. Thomas has practiced small animal medicine for 20+ years, previously owning Jacksonville Veterinary Hospital. She earned her DVM from North Carolina State University and focuses on client education and community-based veterinary care since assuming ownership in 2024.
Dr. Smith
Founding Veterinarian
Established the hospital in 1950 as Onslow County's first veterinary practice. Pioneered the region's small animal care standards before retiring in 1985. His legacy of community service continues through subsequent ownership generations.
Questions
What diagnostic capabilities do you offer?
Our in-house lab processes bloodwork, urinalysis, and parasite screenings. Digital radiography provides immediate imaging with specialist telemedicine support. Cytology and culture capabilities help rapidly identify infection causes.
How do you handle emergency situations after hours?
We prioritize emergencies during regular hours. For after-hours critical care, we recommend Coastal Veterinary Emergency Clinic (910-455-3838) in Jacksonville or Swansboro Emergency and Trauma Center (910-325-8227).
What payment options are available?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and CareCredit financing. Payment is required at time of service, but flexible financing options help manage unexpected veterinary expenses.
Do you provide nutritional counseling?
Yes, our veterinarians create customized diet plans considering pet age, weight, and health conditions. We offer food trials, calorie calculators, and special diet recommendations to optimize pet wellness.
How frequently should pets receive wellness exams?
We recommend annual exams for pets under 7 and bi-annual checkups for seniors. Sick animals and those with chronic conditions require more frequent monitoring to maintain quality of life.
What surgical services are available?
Our surgical suite handles spays/neuters, soft tissue procedures, foreign body removals, and trauma repairs. Advanced monitoring equipment ensures anesthetic safety for pets of all ages and conditions.
