Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Bethesda for Over 70 Years
Since 1953, Benson Animal Hospital has been a family-run institution dedicated to providing comprehensive veterinary care in Bethesda and the Washington, DC area. Founded by Dr. Albert Benson and now led by his son Dr. Randy Benson, our practice combines decades of experience with modern medical advancements to serve small animals. We offer routine medical, surgical, and dental care, along with emergency services during business hours, ensuring personalized attention for every pet.Our team prioritizes client education, empowering pet owners to make informed decisions about their animals' health. With a legacy of compassionate care, we treat pets as family members and maintain a commitment to excellence recognized through seven consecutive 'Best Veterinarian' awards in Montgomery Magazine. Our facility includes advanced imaging technologies and a dedicated team of veterinarians and technicians, all focused on delivering trusted, community-centered care.
Services
Primary Care
Advanced Imaging
Surgery
End-of-Life Care
Dental Work
Health Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run practice with 70+ years of experience in veterinary care.
- Our team provides thorough client education to ensure informed pet health decisions.
- We offer advanced diagnostics including digital x-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy.
- Free onsite parking and convenient downtown Bethesda location for easy access.
- We honor discounts for first responders and active-duty military personnel.
What people say
Compassionate care
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent service
Personalized attention
Thorough explanations
Services
Primary Care
We provide comprehensive primary care including yearly wellness visits, preventative check-ups, and disease diagnosis. Our approach combines modern medicine with personalized attention to ensure pets receive tailored treatment plans. Clients benefit from detailed explanations of health conditions and treatment options, fostering informed decision-making for long-term pet wellness.
Advanced Imaging
Our hospital offers digital x-ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy for precise in-house diagnostics. These technologies enable rapid, accurate assessments of internal conditions, reducing wait times for critical information. Immediate access to advanced imaging supports timely treatment decisions for both routine and emergency cases.
Surgery
We perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays/neuters, soft-tissue surgery, and orthopedics. Scheduled surgeries occur Tuesday and Thursday mornings with emergency capabilities available 24/7. Preoperative consultations ensure pet owners understand procedural risks, recovery processes, and post-operative care requirements.
End-of-Life Care
Our team provides compassionate guidance during end-of-life decisions, offering emotional support and practical advice for pet owners. Services include pain management options, home care recommendations, and bereavement resources. We prioritize maintaining pets' quality of life while respecting owners' emotional needs throughout this difficult process.
Dental Work
We offer complete dental services including preventative cleanings, extractions, and oral surgeries. Digital dental x-rays allow comprehensive assessment of tooth and gum health. Our veterinarians emphasize preventive care to avoid periodontal disease while addressing existing dental issues through modern treatment techniques.
People
Albert Benson
Founding Veterinarian
Dr. Albert Benson founded the hospital in 1953 after graduating from the University of Georgia. He practiced for 60 years before retiring, establishing a legacy of compassionate veterinary care that continues through his family's leadership.
Randy Benson
Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Randy Benson has practiced at BAH since 1985, following in his father's footsteps. With over 35 years of experience, he provides medical leadership while maintaining hands-on patient care, combining generational knowledge with contemporary veterinary practices.
Sophia Benson
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Sophia Benson brings specialized training in anesthesia and pain management. As a third-generation veterinarian, she contributes fresh expertise while continuing the family's commitment to personalized pet care through her clinical interests in soft tissue surgery and end-of-life care.
Dan Murphy
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Dan Murphy has practiced veterinary medicine since 1990, previously owning a Capitol Hill clinic. His experience includes 22 years of private practice, bringing diverse expertise in general veterinary care to complement BAH's team approach.
Wendy Guingrich
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Wendy Guingrich contributes 20+ years of experience in preventative medicine for multiple species. Semi-retired from rural practice, she provides part-time expertise at BAH, focusing on chronic illness management and preventive care for companion animals.
Questions
Do you provide emergency veterinary services after hours?
We handle emergencies during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic in Rockville, Friendship Hospital for Animals in DC, or Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and checks for veterinary services. Payment is required at the time of service, though we can provide documentation for potential insurance reimbursement.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients and strive to make every visit comfortable for pets and owners. Appointments can be scheduled for routine care or emergencies during our regular business hours.
Do you offer pet health certificates for travel?
We provide required health certificates for domestic pet travel, ensuring compliance with destination-specific regulations. Please schedule appointments well in advance of travel dates for proper documentation.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Bethesda and the Washington, DC metropolitan area, with convenient access from surrounding communities including Rockville, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring.
Do you offer discounts for military or first responders?
Yes, we provide discounts for active-duty military personnel and first responders as a token of appreciation for their service to the community.
