Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Veterinary Excellence
Valley Veterinary Service (VVS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care since 1988, combining advanced medical expertise with compassionate, personalized service. As Pennsylvania's first AAHA-accredited hospital, we adhere to the highest standards in veterinary medicine, offering comprehensive services ranging from preventive wellness and diagnostics to complex surgical procedures. Our team, many of whom have served the community for over a decade, prioritizes the human-animal bond by delivering state-of-the-art care in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. We emphasize early disease detection through annual exams, utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools including digital radiography and ultrasound, and maintain an in-house pharmacy for immediate medication needs.Our surgical suite employs modern anesthesia protocols and pain management techniques to ensure patient safety and comfort. With a deep commitment to community stewardship and professional integrity, we empower pet owners through educational resources on nutrition, dental care, and behavioral health while maintaining a balanced approach to both clinical excellence and emotional support for pets and their families.
Services
Wellness Exams
Diagnostic Testing
Surgical Procedures
Dental Care
Pain Management
Allergy Treatment
Emergency Services
Microchipping
Nutrition Counseling
Ultrasound Imaging
Highlights and features
- AAHA-accredited hospital since 2000 with industry-leading standards
- Emergency services available during regular business hours
- Same-day diagnostics with in-house lab and imaging capabilities
- Veterinary team averaging over 10 years of local service
- Integrated wellness approach combining preventive care with advanced treatment
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams detect health issues early through thorough physical assessments, tailored vaccination schedules, and parasite prevention plans. We develop customized health strategies for each pet's life stage, providing nutrition counseling and microchipping services to maintain optimal wellness. Annual and semi-annual check-ups form the foundation of our preventive care approach.
Diagnostic Imaging
We offer same-day diagnostic capabilities with digital radiography, ultrasound, and in-house lab testing. Our advanced imaging equipment enables precise evaluation of internal organs, skeletal structures, and cardiovascular systems. The facility supports electrocardiography for heart conditions and microscopic analysis for infection detection, ensuring timely treatment decisions.
Surgical Procedures
Our surgical suite handles routine and emergency procedures using modern anesthesia protocols and pain management techniques. The team performs soft tissue surgeries and complex interventions with precision equipment, maintaining strict patient monitoring throughout each procedure to ensure safety and optimal recovery outcomes.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include professional cleanings, digital dental radiography, and periodontal treatments. We perform tooth extractions and oral surgeries using gentle anesthesia protocols, supported by client education on home dental care and preventive measures to maintain overall pet wellness.
Emergency Care
We provide emergency treatment for trauma, poisoning, respiratory distress, and other critical conditions during regular hours. Our facility features advanced diagnostic tools and treatment capabilities for immediate care, with access to life-saving equipment and specialized veterinary expertise to handle urgent pet health crises.
People
Michelle Bartus
Veterinarian
Dr. Bartus has practiced veterinary medicine since 1984. She co-owns VVS with her husband, focusing on small animal ultrasonography. She enjoys mission trips and ballroom dancing, and owns a three-legged cat named Tri Pod.
Peter D. Nelson
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson, practicing since 1984, specializes in veterinary surgery. He and Dr. Bartus received the Rostraver Business of the Year award in 2014. He enjoys Pittsburgh sports teams and mission work supporting animal health globally.
Julie
Hospital Manager
With over two decades at VVS, Julie holds a Master of Agriculture degree and manages daily operations. She focuses on veterinary practice management certification while balancing farm life with her family in Pennsylvania.
Susie
Certified Veterinary Technician
Susie brings decades of surgical assisting experience to VVS. With veterinary credentials since 1987, she balances her animal care work with family life, including her border collie Captain and small family farm operations.
Devon
Certified Veterinary Technician
Devon holds specialized training in ultrasonography, returning to VVS in 2022 after advanced training. She balances continuing education with travel and pet care for her two cats while maintaining strong client relationships.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
We provide emergency care during regular business hours for conditions like trauma, poisoning, and respiratory distress. After hours, we recommend contacting your local emergency animal hospital directly.
Do you accept same-day appointments?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments for urgent care needs. Please call us at (724) 929-5425 immediately for availability and we'll make every effort to accommodate your pet's needs.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have?
Our facility includes digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house laboratory testing, and microscopic evaluation for rapid diagnosis. These tools support comprehensive diagnostics from routine bloodwork to complex internal medicine assessments.
Are your staff Fear Free certified?
Our entire team maintains Fear Free certification to reduce pet anxiety during veterinary visits. This specialized training focuses on creating positive animal experiences through gentle handling and stress-reduction techniques.
Do you offer dental care services?
Yes, we provide professional teeth cleanings, dental radiography, periodontal treatments, and oral surgery. Our dental services combine advanced equipment with gentle anesthesia protocols to maintain your pet's oral health.
How can I order medications?
Our in-house pharmacy stocks prescription medications and preventive treatments. You can order medications online through our website or contact us directly to refill prescriptions for same-day availability.
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