Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Veterinary Care in Virginia Beach
Independence Veterinary Hospital is a family-owned veterinary practice serving Virginia Beach for over three decades. Our team prioritizes compassionate, personalized care for pets and their owners, with staff certified in Fear Free handling and Cat Friendly practices. We offer comprehensive veterinary services ranging from wellness exams and vaccinations to surgery and dermatology. Our doctors invest time to understand each pets unique needs, leveraging trusted specialists when necessary. With a focus on community and communication, we aim to foster lasting relationships between pets and their families while maintaining the highest standards of animal healthcare. 
Services
Wellness Care
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgery
Spay and Neuter
Dermatology
Diagnostics
Grooming
Microchipping
Hospice Care
Highlights and features
- We are a locally owned practice with over 30 years of service to Virginia Beach.
- Our team includes Fear Free Certified and Cat Friendly professionals.
- We provide personalized care tailored to each pet's unique health and lifestyle.
- We offer comprehensive services from wellness exams to advanced surgical procedures.
- Our doctors prioritize client communication and education for informed decision-making.
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified
- Cat Friendly Certified
What people say
Compassionate care
Knowledgeable staff
Welcoming environment
Personalized attention
Thorough explanations
Services
Wellness Exams
Comprehensive wellness exams ensure your pet's health is maintained throughout their life. These appointments include physical evaluations, parasite screening, and tailored vaccination plans. Our team recommends biannual visits for senior pets and annual checkups for others to catch potential issues early.
Vaccinations
We provide essential vaccinations tailored to your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Core vaccines protect against deadly diseases like rabies, while lifestyle-based vaccines address specific exposure risks. Our staff educates clients on proper vaccination schedules for optimal protection.
Dental Care
Our dental services include professional cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery. We use anesthetic blocks and advanced techniques to treat gum disease and prevent tooth loss. Clients receive home care guidance to maintain their pet's oral health between visits.
Spay/Neuter
We perform spay and neuter procedures to improve pet health and reduce overpopulation. Our surgical suite uses modern monitoring equipment, and recovery includes detailed aftercare instructions. These procedures help prevent reproductive cancers and behavioral issues.
Dermatology
Our dermatology services address allergies, infections, and chronic skin conditions. Through allergy testing and personalized treatment plans, we identify root causes of irritation. For complex cases, we coordinate care with veterinary dermatology specialists.
People
Dr. Derrick Kier
Veterinarian
Dr. Kier co-owns Independence Veterinary Hospital with his wife. He brings extensive experience in dental care and surgery, focusing on compassionate treatment that prioritizes patient comfort and client education.
Dr. Karen Smithwick
Veterinarian
Dr. Smithwick co-owns the practice and shares her husband's commitment to personalized pet care. She works closely with clients to develop individualized treatment plans while emphasizing preventive health strategies.
Dr. Richard B. Johnston
Veterinarian
Dr. Johnston contributes his expertise to the team with a focus on comprehensive wellness care and client communication. He supports the practice's mission to provide empathetic, community-centered veterinary services.
Questions
What services does your animal hospital offer?
We provide wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, dermatology, microchipping, diagnostics, and hospice care for dogs and cats in Virginia Beach.
Do you see emergency cases?
We accept emergency appointments during regular business hours for urgent pet health issues requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Are your vets cat-friendly?
Yes, we have Cat Friendly Certified staff who use low-stress handling techniques to make visits more comfortable for feline patients.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (757) 473-8560 or request an appointment online through our website for all veterinary services.
What payment methods do you accept?
Please contact our office directly for details about accepted payment methods and financial policies.
Do you offer dental care for pets?
Yes, we provide comprehensive dental services including cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery with customized home care guidance.
