Neighborhood Veterinary Associates - NVA

Dr. Nancy Petro is a superb veterinarian. She listens to my concerns and values my opinion when formulating her treatment plan for my cats. I trust her explicitly with the care and health of cats.
Feb 18th, 2024

My dog came in for an ear infection. As a first time client, every staff is super nice and welcoming. Dr. Petro took care of my dog and gave me advice on how to prevent it. She even listened to any worries I had. They called the next day to see if my dog was okay, which I appreciated. His ear got better within 3 days! I may consider having my pets move to her care in the future
Jan 1st, 2024

First Id like to emphasize this review is not meant to reflect my experience with the front desk staff or vet technicians. After getting new birds, I spent hours finding a quality avian vet in the area as I felt my birds were displaying signs they were sick. NVA was able to get them in same day, which I thought was a good thing. They were preemptively treated with baytril while we waited for results of their fecal to come back. I was never told what the baytril was even for. After a week I took them back because they were displaying signs they were regressing in the treatment being given. I was finally (after I asked) told the results of their fecal was negative and they were fine. A quick physical exam by Dr. Willens was done and we were sent home. His bedside manner made us feel as if wed overreacted and I felt none of my concerns or seven days of progress notes were addressed. These two visits cost us roughly $300. Nonetheless, over the course of two weeks one of our budgies condition continued to deteriorate. He was puffed up, had undigested seed in his droppings, and I again was adamant something was wrong. We rushed them to a Fairfax emergency vet 40 minutes away to address their condition. We found out they ARE in fact sick, and have AGY and had to live in discomfort for two entire weeks because we were told they were fine. This condition is not only deadly if left untreated because it is so invasive, but also very hard to identify through a fecal. I would expect a doctor who has extensive expertise in avians to know this. Further, budgies in particular do not usually present signs of illness therefore when they do it should be taken seriously. EVEN IF the birds are not demonstrating signs of illness at the vet, if an owner has photos and videos of this, they should be reviewed. Obviously under a stressful situation, such as a vet visit, they may not be puffed up and/or appear normal. Our $700 emergency vet visit could have been easily avoided if Dr. Willens had listened to our concerns, taken more time to address their condition. Going to a vet is incredibly stressful not only on the owners but on budgies as well. We took them to NVA because WE care, but it truly felt the vet, someone who is supposed to care about animals, did not. **Update** Since I am unable to respond - I am thankful the business took time to read my review and provide a response; however, based on the notes provided I would like to address that a) the treatment for pneumonia was not communicated to me by Dr. Willens from our visit on January 25th, the response I received was from the vet tech advising that this was a "catch-all" antibiotic as we waited for results of the fecal, b) A re-check free of charge was not communicated to us. Our communication on the second visit was that after a brief examination they were fine. c) We would not have visited NVA again, even with a free service charge based on the dismissal of our genuine concerns on the second visit. We were advised to stop treatment of baytril, so to say this was too early to tell contradicts the guidance received. To clarify, finances were not of concern regarding any visit. What was especially disheartening was knowing our birds were suffering in this time frame although we tried our best to communicate their symptoms. Falsifying events that transpired is shameful. We did not learn of Pender on 02/17 from the doctor. We took our birds to Pender on a Saturday (02/15) after visiting a separate emergency room because we were that concerned. This vet LISTENED and upon hearing our concerns and examining a gram stain, she determined she would treat for AGY even if it is hard to catch. My knowledge of AGY is based on reading numerous research papers and obtaining guidance from Dr. Phalen who has done extensive research on this disease. I understand wanting to defend the business. At the end of the day I simply want to communicate the importance of listening to owners and providing a receptive and transparent environment.
Mar 28th, 2024

Highly recommend this practice, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, took excellent care of our dog, and the providers took their time with each visit, explaining several options and treatments. Highly recommend Dr. Gulani in particular.
Dec 29th, 2023

My dog Mochi has been a patient with NVA since he was a pup (he had previous owners who took him here). We continued care at NVA and through the years they have been there for my little guy at every turn. Today, we had his second (or third?) dental cleaning and i could not be happier with the service we received. Everyone from front desk, techs and the doctors are so kind and thorough with their care. Doctors called me along the way and eased my concern and answered my questions! Mochi has had issues with IVDD and i was wreck when he was diagnosed. Dr Petro was so amazing to him and really cared about his recovery and well being. Thank you to the team at NVA for all you do! I know you guys see a lot of patients and things do get mixed up every so often but Im always just so impressed with how you make things right by the customer/patient.
Mar 6th, 2024