Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Baltimore for Comprehensive Pet Care
Since 1999, DocSide Veterinary Medical Center has been a trusted provider of comprehensive veterinary care in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded by Dr. Deborah Tierney and Dr. Irvin Herling, our practice emphasizes advanced medical treatments, client education, and compassionate service to ensure pets receive the highest standard of care. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostics, surgical facilities, and Fear Free certified methods to minimize pet stress while prioritizing health outcomes.With decades of combined experience, we offer preventive medicine, emergency services, and specialized care for dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Our commitment to continuous innovation and community education has established us as a leader in veterinary medicine, serving pets and owners through personalized, transparent communication and ethical practices.
Services
Behavior Counseling
Dental Care
Diagnostics
Emergency Care
Surgery
Wellness Care
Nutrition Counseling
Microchipping
End of Life Care
Internal Medicine
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Fear Free certified to reduce pet anxiety during visits.
- Emergency care available with immediate appointment access.
- Veterinary team with over 30 years of combined experience.
- Advanced diagnostics and surgical technology on-site.
- Personalized client education focused on pet wellness.
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certification
What people say
Excellent care
Very friendly
Quick and good
Extremely kind
Highly recommend
Services
Dental Care
DocSide offers comprehensive dental services to maintain oral health, including cleanings, extractions, and digital radiographs. Annual evaluations prevent infections that can harm organs like the heart and kidneys. Our team uses ultrasonic scaling and anesthesia for comfort, ensuring pets receive preventive and restorative care to avoid tooth loss and systemic disease.
Emergency Care
Emergency services address critical conditions like trauma, poisoning, or seizures, with immediate appointments available during operating hours. After-hours care refers to partnered clinics for 24/7 coverage. Our staff stabilizes pets before procedures, prioritizing rapid diagnostics and treatment to improve outcomes during crises.
Surgery
Our surgical team performs soft-tissue, orthopedic, and laparoscopic procedures using sterile facilities and advanced monitoring. Pre-surgical labs ensure anesthesia safety, while post-op pain management promotes recovery. Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic spays reduce recovery time, combining technical skill with compassionate care for optimal outcomes.
Diagnostics
Advanced diagnostics include digital radiographs, ultrasound, and endoscopy for rapid, non-invasive evaluations. In-house labs provide immediate results for bloodwork and urinalysis, aiding in disease screening and treatment planning. These tools enable accurate diagnoses, from heart conditions to gastrointestinal issues, ensuring targeted care.
Behavior Counseling
Behavior consultations address issues like aggression, anxiety, or house-soiling through medical evaluation and training guidance. Our team identifies underlying health causes before developing modification plans. Education on positive reinforcement helps owners implement consistent strategies, improving pet well-being and strengthening human-animal bonds.
People
Dr. Deborah Tierney
Medical Director
A Baltimore native, Dr. Tierney has over 30 years of veterinary experience. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University and is Fear Free certified. Her expertise spans preventive care and complex medicine.
Dr. Irvin Herling
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Herling practices since 1972, specializing in minimally invasive surgery and imaging. A former Veterinary Technician Program Director, he brings decades of surgical and medical knowledge to patient care.
Dr. Patrick Coughlin
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Coughlin has 20+ years of experience in exotic and companion animal care. After working in Phoenix and Seattle, he returned to Baltimore to focus on diverse medical needs and client education.
Dr. Emma Vaughan
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Vaughan specializes in feline medicine and client communication. Graduating from North Carolina State University, she emphasizes feline behavior and wellness, ensuring personalized, gentle care for cats.
Questions
What services does DocSide offer for pets?
DocSide provides preventive care, dental services, surgery, diagnostics, emergency care, nutrition counseling, behavior consultations, and end-of-life support for dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
How do I book an emergency appointment?
Call (410) 522-0055 immediately for emergencies during operating hours. After-hours cases are referred to partner clinics listed on our website for urgent care.
Are payment plans available for veterinary care?
Payment options include credit cards and online payments. Financing is not offered, but we discuss cost-effective treatment alternatives to meet client needs.
What is Fear Free veterinary care?
Fear Free certification trains our team to reduce pet stress using gentle handling, positive conditioning, and calming environments, ensuring a comfortable experience for anxious animals.
Can I access my pet's medical records online?
Yes, our Pet Portal allows clients to view records, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions. Access details are provided during your first visit or via our website.
