Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for all your pet questions.

Appointments

What types of pets do you treat?

We treat dogs, cats, and pocket pets like rabbits, chinchillas, sugar gliders, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, mice, guinea pigs, and more. Please note: We do not treat other exotic species like reptiles or birds.

We love welcoming new clients! To help us get to know your pet and provide the best care possible, please bring:
 
• Your pet on a secure leash or in a carrier
• Any previous medical records or vaccine history
• A list of current medications or supplements
• Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
 
You are also welcome to complete our online forms ahead of time to speed up check-in.

At Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital, we combine clinical precision with compassionate care and decades of medical excellence. Our team is thorough, communicative, and deeply committed to doing what’s right for every pet we treat. From routine wellness care to urgent needs, we provide clear guidance and tailored recommendations in a calm, supportive environment. It’s the kind of care that builds trust for generations and that’s why we’ve been a trusted name in Virginia Beach since the 1970s. We take pride in our care and our community’s trust is something we work to earn every day.

We understand that health concerns often arise unexpectedly. That’s why we offer same-day appointments Monday through Friday for urgent needs. We also have drop-off availability for added flexibility. If your pet needs care today, please give us a call so we can confirm availability and prepare for your arrival.

If you’re not sure whether it’s urgent, give us a call. Our team can help you assess the situation based on your pet’s symptoms and let you know whether they should be seen the same day. You can also visit our urgent care page for guidance on common issues that require prompt attention.

For life-threatening emergencies, please contact our sister hospital, Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital. They’re open 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. If we’re fully booked, their team also provides urgent care around the clock and can step in when immediate attention is needed.

Financing

We accept various payment options, including cash, credit cards, and CareCredit. Payment is due at the time of service. If you have pet insurance, we can provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement.

You can apply for a CareCredit card online in just a few minutes! Click here to get started. The application is secure and straightforward, and you’ll find out if you’re approved right away. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help guide you through the process during your visit.

Once approved, you can use your CareCredit card just like any other credit card. Simply present it at checkout when paying for your pet’s visit.

CareCredit can be used for most veterinary services, including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, diagnostics, surgery, and urgent care visits. If you have questions about whether a specific treatment qualifies, just ask—our team is happy to help.

Pet insurance can be used at our hospital, as well as any licensed veterinary practice. After your visit, you’ll typically pay us directly and then submit your invoice to your insurance provider for reimbursement based on your plan. Some insurance companies offer a Vet Direct Pay option, which lets them pay us directly so you don’t have to pay the full amount upfront.

No, Pawlicy Advisor is not an insurance company. It is a pet insurance marketplace that compares and helps pet owners find the best pet insurance policies from different providers. Pawlicy Advisor is a comparison tool and education platform, not an insurance carrier itself. They connect pet owners with various insurance companies and help them choose the most suitable plan.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best plan depends on your pet’s breed, age, health history, and your budget. We recommend comparing options based on coverage, exclusions, reimbursement rates, and monthly premiums. Tools like Pawlicy Advisor can help you evaluate top providers side-by-side to find the best fit for your needs.

Services

Yes. Even indoor pets are at risk for certain illnesses. Some diseases are airborne or can be brought inside on clothing or shoes, and parasites like fleas and mosquitoes can get indoors too. We tailor your pet’s vaccine plan based on lifestyle and risk.

Early detection allows us to treat conditions before they progress, often saving time, money, and stress. Annual wellness visits and diagnostics are key to improving your pet’s health span.

We recommend starting wellness care around 6 to 8 weeks old. Early visits help build a strong foundation with vaccines, deworming, nutrition guidance, and behavior advice.

Dental disease in pets is common and often goes unnoticed. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infections, or affect organs over time. Preventive dental care helps avoid these risks.

Most pets need a cleaning once a year. Some may need more frequent care, especially if they’re prone to buildup or have a history of dental disease.

Brushing your pet’s teeth a few times a week with pet-safe toothpaste is best. Dental chews, rinses, and specific diets can also support oral hygiene.

Watch for bad breath, red gums, trouble eating, drooling, or visible tartar. If you notice these, it’s time for a dental checkup.

Most surgeries are safe, but every procedure carries some risk. We perform a pre-surgical exam and bloodwork to evaluate your pet’s health and reduce the chance of complications. During surgery, your pet is closely monitored by our experienced team using advanced equipment. A dedicated technician stays with them throughout to ensure safety and comfort. If you have concerns before surgery, we’re always available to discuss them.

Recovery typically involves 7 to 14 days of limited activity. We’ll give you clear guidance on when it’s safe to resume walks, play, and bathing. Most pets need rest, supervision, and a follow-up visit to confirm healing.

Mild discomfort is normal, but we use pain relief before, during, and after surgery to help your pet feel better faster.

Surgery costs vary based on the type of procedure and your pet’s needs. We’ll provide a detailed estimate and walk you through your options so you can make the best decision for your pet’s care. For added flexibility, we also accept CareCredit, which allows you to spread payments out over time.