Little River Veterinary Clinic Introduce
For pet parents throughout Virginia, especially those in the vibrant community of Fairfax, finding a veterinary practice that feels like a true partner in your pet's health journey is incredibly important. Our beloved animal companions are more than just pets; they're cherished family members who deserve the highest quality of care, coupled with genuine compassion and understanding. In this pursuit of exceptional veterinary services, Little River Veterinary Clinic consistently stands out as a beacon of excellence and a trusted local institution.
Little River Veterinary Clinic, located conveniently in Fairfax, has been serving the local community since 1961. This remarkable longevity is a testament to their enduring commitment to animal welfare and client satisfaction. Under the experienced leadership of Dr. Judy Downs, who has been in practice for over 25 years and purchased the clinic in 1997, Little River Veterinary Clinic has continued to evolve, integrating the latest advancements in veterinary technology while maintaining its core values of compassionate service and individualized care.
What truly sets Little River Veterinary Clinic apart, as consistently echoed by glowing testimonials from local pet owners, is the profound sense of team and genuine love for animals. Clients repeatedly highlight how "Dr. Downs and everyone work as a team," and how they "take care of Maggie as if she belonged to them." This level of personal investment means your pet isn't just another patient; they are treated with the same love and respect you would give them at home. Even with a "substitute vet," clients note the consistent professionalism, knowledge, kindness, and patience, underscoring Dr. Downs's success in building an outstanding and cohesive team.
This commitment to treating every animal like family, coupled with their extensive history in the community, makes Little River Veterinary Clinic a deeply ingrained and trusted resource for pet owners in Fairfax and surrounding areas. Whether it's a routine visit or a more complex health concern, Virginia residents can rest assured that their pets are receiving attentive, knowledgeable, and heartfelt care from a team that truly cares.
Location and Accessibility
Little River Veterinary Clinic is conveniently located at 4000 Burke Station Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA. This accessible address places the clinic in a well-established area of Fairfax, making it straightforward to reach for pet owners residing throughout Fairfax City, Burke, and other nearby communities within Northern Virginia. Burke Station Road is a recognized local route, facilitating easy navigation to the clinic.
The accessibility of Little River Veterinary Clinic is a significant advantage for Virginia pet owners. Its location on a main road means it's readily identifiable, and there is generally convenient parking available, which helps alleviate the stress often associated with vet visits. For busy families, the ease of access allows for efficient trips, whether it's for a scheduled appointment or a more urgent need. The clinic also strives to offer same-day and next-day appointments based on availability, further enhancing their responsiveness and accessibility for unexpected pet health concerns. This combination of a convenient physical location and flexible scheduling ensures that pets in the Fairfax area can receive timely and effective care with minimal hassle for their owners.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive Wellness & Preventive Care: Includes annual wellness exams to evaluate overall health, tailored vaccination programs (e.g., against rabies, distemper), and year-round parasite control (fleas, ticks, heartworm).
- Dentistry: Full range of dental services, including annual dental exams, professional cleanings, extractions, and dental radiography to maintain optimal oral health.
- Diet & Nutrition Counseling: Expert guidance on proper diet and nutritional plans to support weight management, disease prevention, and overall pet well-being.
- Diagnostic Services: Equipped with in-house laboratory services for prompt blood work, urinalysis, and fecal exams. Utilizes radiography (X-rays), diagnostic ultrasounds, and EKG for advanced diagnostics.
- General Surgery: Performs routine surgical procedures such as spaying and neutering, as well as various soft tissue surgeries, with careful monitoring.
- Urgent Care: Accepts emergency cases during normal business hours, providing timely attention for unexpected pet health crises.
- Dermatology: Diagnosis and treatment of various skin disorders and conditions that can affect pets' comfort and health.
- Endocrinology: Specialized care for pets suffering from endocrine diseases or disorders, helping them on the road to recovery.
- Microchipping: Permanent identification service to greatly increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners.
- Allergy Testing & Treatment: Provides testing and ongoing treatment plans to help pets find relief from uncomfortable allergy symptoms.
- Travel Certificates Services: As a federally accredited veterinary practice, they can issue international health and acclimation certificates for pets traveling abroad.
Features / Highlights
- Long-Standing Community Presence: Serving the Fairfax community since 1961, demonstrating decades of trusted service and experience.
- Compassionate & Caring Team: Clients consistently praise the entire staff, including Dr. Downs, for treating pets with immense love and respect, as if they were their own family members.
- Team-Oriented Approach: The staff works cohesively as a team, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for both pets and owners.
- Knowledgeable Professionals: Veterinarians and team members are consistently described as knowledgeable, providing clear explanations and sound advice.
- Experienced Leadership: Dr. Judy Downs has over 25 years of experience and has owned the clinic since 1997, ensuring consistent high standards of care.
- Adaptable & Patient: Even with substitute vets, the clinic maintains its high standards, with staff being smart, kind, and patient, especially with anxious pets.
- Focus on Preventative Care: Emphasizes wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite control to help pets live long, healthy lives.
- Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide array of services from routine check-ups to advanced diagnostics and surgery, covering most pet health needs.
- Positive Patient Experience: Pets are noted to be "loved" and even "wag their tail" when visiting, indicating a comfortable and welcoming environment.
- Same-Day/Next-Day Appointments: Strives to offer flexible scheduling for immediate needs, providing crucial convenience for busy pet owners.
Contact Information
Address: 4000 Burke Station Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA
Phone: (703) 273-5110
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For pet owners in Fairfax and across the vibrant state of Virginia, Little River Veterinary Clinic is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for their cherished animal companions. The compelling reasons for its local appeal are deeply rooted in its enduring commitment to compassionate, comprehensive, and community-focused care.
Firstly, the clinic's long history, dating back to 1961, establishes it as a trusted and reliable institution within the Fairfax community. This longevity, coupled with the consistent leadership of Dr. Judy Downs, signifies a practice that has continually adapted and excelled, building generations of loyalty. For Virginians, choosing a veterinary clinic with such a rich history often means benefiting from a deep understanding of local pet health trends and a well-established network of care.
Secondly, and most profoundly, is the clinic's renowned team and their approach to patient care. Clients consistently rave about how Dr. Downs and her entire team treat pets "as if she belonged to them," fostering an environment where animals are "loved." This genuine affection and personalized attention, even extending to how a "substitute vet" maintains the same high standards of kindness and patience, create an atmosphere of trust and comfort that is invaluable for both pets and their owners. For pet parents in Virginia, knowing their furry family members are in such truly caring and knowledgeable hands provides immense peace of mind.
Finally, the comprehensive range of services, from routine wellness and advanced diagnostics to specialized care like dermatology and endocrinology, ensures that Little River Veterinary Clinic can address a vast spectrum of pet health needs. This, combined with their efforts to offer same-day or next-day appointments and convenient accessibility on Burke Station Road, positions them as a practical, empathetic, and highly effective partner in maintaining the health and happiness of pets throughout the Fairfax area. For those seeking a veterinary home where professionalism meets heartfelt dedication, Little River Veterinary Clinic is undeniably the perfect fit.
Little River Veterinary Clinic Photos








Little River Veterinary Clinic Location
Little River Veterinary Clinic
4000 Burke Station Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA
Little River Veterinary Clinic Reviews
Dr Downs and everyone work as a team. They take care of Maggie as if she belonged to them. I know she is loved when she is going to see Dr Downs.
Jun 30, 2025 · Ellen SherryAs always, it was a professional visit.All team members were helpful and knowledgeable.There was a substitute vet. He was smart, kind, and patient.Thank you, Dr. Downs for having a great team.Max says, "Thank you for my care."🐾❤️
Feb 19, 2025 · Linda WilkoffDr. Downs and the staff at LRVC have cared for my little companions for decades. They have always taken outstanding care of them and I am very grateful.
Apr 04, 2025 · Kenny StewartDr. Downs has been our family vet for many years and many pets.She has lovingly cared for them and euthanized as needed.She has always been intelligent, caring, and supportive.Each team member has been there to support our pets, too.Thank you. 🐾❤️Our present pups, Maggie and Max.
Jan 25, 2023 · 1SortiI'm deeply disappointed with this clinic. Dr. Judy Downs has a terrible attitude towards clients; she becomes angry at every question I ask her. It's evident that her main focus is on making money from clients, and she appears to care very little about the well-being of animals.When my cat's condition worsened, my husband called the clinic because Dr. Judy Downs had previously seen her and we needed advice on medication to help. However, she refused to speak with us, possibly because of my dissatisfaction with the way she had treated us during our last visit. Regrettably, my cat passed away shortly after.
Dec 05, 2023 · Diana Yakovleva
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