Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Chester, MD
Bay Area Veterinary Hospital was established in 1996 by Dr. Cynthia Dahle, offering comprehensive veterinary care on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Our practice combines Western medicine with holistic approaches, emphasizing wellness through nutrition, exercise, and individualized vaccination protocols. We transitioned to a state-of-the-art facility in Chester in 2008, expanding our capabilities to include five exam rooms and specialized treatment areas. Our team of experienced veterinarians, including Drs. Sarah Mainardi-Wilds, Becky Ewing, and Heather Hendler, provides compassionate care for small animals, addressing both routine wellness and urgent medical needs. We maintain advanced diagnostic equipment, including digital radiography and in-house laboratories, while offering surgical, dental, and emergency services.Our Fear Free-certified approach prioritizes stress reduction for pets, and we maintain an extensive pharmacy for convenient medication access. With over 25 years of service, we combine generational expertise with modern veterinary practices to serve Chester and surrounding communities. Our commitment extends beyond clinical care through client education programs and follow-up support to optimize pet health outcomes. We maintain rigorous professional standards through annual continuing education requirements and partnerships with regional specialists. Our facility's design and operational protocols reflect our dedication to creating a calm, welcoming environment for both pets and their owners.
Services
Internal Medicine
Laboratory Services
Surgery and Dentistry
Radiology
Pharmacy
Emergency Care
Behavioral Counseling
Dietary Counseling
Vaccinations
Microchipping
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer Fear Free-certified veterinary care reducing pet stress
- Our team includes three experienced small animal specialists
- We maintain state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment onsite
- Our pharmacy provides immediate medication access
- We implement individualized vaccination protocols based on pet needs
What people say
Compassionate care
Experienced staff
Clean facility
Helpful team
Good communication
Services
Internal Medicine
Our internal medicine specialists diagnose and treat complex conditions affecting pets' internal systems. We handle chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney disease, as well as acute illnesses requiring specialized diagnostic testing. Our doctors collaborate with regional specialists for advanced cases, utilizing ultrasound and endoscopic procedures when necessary. This service ensures comprehensive management of your pet's internal health through evidence-based treatment plans.
Surgery and Dentistry
We perform various surgical procedures in our state-of-the-art operating suite, including soft tissue surgeries and dental extractions. Our team uses modern anesthetic monitoring equipment to ensure patient safety during procedures. Dental services include professional cleanings, oral surgery, and digital X-rays for diagnosing hidden dental issues. Post-operative care includes pain management and follow-up monitoring to ensure proper healing.
Laboratory Services
Our in-house laboratory provides rapid diagnostic results for blood work, urinalysis, and parasite testing. We offer complete blood counts, serum chemistry panels, and infectious disease screening to support accurate diagnoses. For specialized testing, we partner with commercial veterinary laboratories that provide expert analysis and consultation services. This diagnostic capability enables timely treatment decisions for both routine and emergency cases.
Emergency Care
We provide guidance for after-hours emergency situations through our answering service. For critical cases requiring immediate attention, we partner with Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Annapolis. Our doctors coordinate care with emergency facilities to ensure continuity of treatment for our regular patients requiring after-hours care.
Vaccinations
We offer core and non-core vaccinations tailored to each pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Our vaccination protocols follow AAHA guidelines while considering individual patient needs. We provide rabies vaccinations required by Maryland law and maintain detailed records for compliance. Titer testing options are available to assess immunity levels before administering booster vaccines.
People
Dr. Sarah Mainardi-Wilds
Owner
Dr. Mainardi-Wilds acquired the practice in 2023, continuing its wellness-focused approach while introducing new innovations. She graduated from veterinary school and maintains active licensure in Maryland.
Dr. Becky Ewing
Veterinarian
Dr. Ewing joined the team in 2013, bringing expertise in small animal medicine and surgery. She graduated from veterinary school and maintains active professional development.
Dr. Heather Hendler
Veterinarian
Dr. Hendler joined the practice in 2016, specializing in companion animal care. She graduated from veterinary school and participates in annual continuing education programs.
Dr. Cynthia Dahle
Founder
Dr. Dahle established the hospital in 1996, pioneering its holistic wellness approach. She developed the original treatment protocols that continue to guide the practice today.
Questions
Do you accept new clients?
Yes, we welcome new clients with a $50 deposit toward the initial appointment.
What constitutes a pet emergency?
Severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, seizures, eye injuries, and poisoning require immediate veterinary attention.
Is rabies vaccination required for indoor pets?
Yes, Maryland law mandates rabies vaccination for all cats and dogs over four months old.
Why continue medication after symptoms improve?
Completing prescribed medication ensures full recovery and prevents antibiotic resistance or recurring infections.
Why purchase medications through the clinic?
Clinic-purchased medications guarantee product integrity, proper dosing, and manufacturer warranties including heartworm treatment coverage.
How often should pets receive nail trims?
Most dogs require nail trims every six weeks to maintain proper foot health and comfort.
