St. Francis Animal Hospital

Introduction / Overview

For pet parents across Virginia, especially those in the bustling Fredericksburg area, finding a veterinary practice that genuinely understands the unique bond shared with our animal companions is paramount. St. Francis Animal Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, has established itself as a highly regarded institution, known for its deep commitment to providing compassionate, professional, and thorough veterinary care. For over a decade, as evidenced by long-term client relationships, this hospital has been a trusted partner in maintaining the health and well-being of beloved pets, from their puppy and kitten days through their senior years. The team at St. Francis Animal Hospital, including standout professionals like Dr. Steifel, is consistently praised by local Virginians for their extensive knowledge, patience, and exceptional bedside manner, even with nervous or uncomfortable pets. They are renowned for their ability to delve into complex pet issues that might have been overlooked elsewhere, taking the time to listen intently to pet owners' concerns and offer practical, helpful recommendations. The efficient and helpful front office staff further complements the high standard of care, making every visit a smooth and reassuring experience. For any pet owner in the Virginia region seeking a dedicated and professional veterinary team that treats pets like family, St. Francis Animal Hospital offers a truly commendable option.

Location and Accessibility

St. Francis Animal Hospital is conveniently located at 4624 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, USA. For pet owners residing in Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities throughout Northern Virginia, this address offers excellent accessibility. Harrison Road is a well-known thoroughfare in the area, making the hospital easy to locate and reach for routine appointments, urgent care needs, or planned procedures. Its position within the local community ensures that comprehensive veterinary services are readily available to a wide demographic of Virginia pet owners.

Accessibility is a significant practical consideration for pet parents in Virginia. A conveniently situated veterinary clinic reduces travel time and potential stress for both pets and their human companions, which is especially important for anxious animals or during busy schedules. The ease of access to St. Francis Animal Hospital allows for consistent adherence to preventive care schedules, prompt attention to new health concerns, and overall better health management for pets. While specific hours were not provided in the prompt, veterinary hospitals typically offer hours that accommodate a range of client schedules. For locals, having a reputable and compassionate animal hospital like St. Francis Animal Hospital so easily accessible provides considerable peace of mind, knowing that expert care is just a short drive away whenever their furry family members need it most.

Services Offered

St. Francis Animal Hospital is a well-established, full-service small animal veterinary hospital offering a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and dental care for dogs and cats. Their comprehensive services are designed to address all aspects of a pet's health and well-being throughout their life. Key services typically offered include:

• Comprehensive Wellness & Preventive Programs: These include regular annual wellness exams, vaccinations (core and lifestyle-dependent), parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms), and discussions about diet, behavior, and overall pet well-being. They emphasize early detection of health problems.
• Diagnostic Services: Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including in-house laboratory testing (blood, urine, fecal analysis), digital radiography (X-rays), and ultrasound. They also work with external laboratories and can utilize services like endoscopy and EKG for more in-depth evaluations. All radiographs are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist.
• Surgery Services: They perform a range of surgical procedures, including routine spay and neuter operations, as well as various soft tissue surgeries (non-joint or bone related). For advanced orthopedic or complex soft tissue surgeries, they can collaborate with board-certified surgeons who may perform procedures at their facility.
• Dentistry: Comprehensive dental care includes annual dental exams and cleanings, extractions, and full-mouth dental X-rays to prevent and treat oral diseases that can affect a pet's overall health.
• Nutritional Counseling: Providing guidance on proper diet and nutrition to help pets maintain a healthy weight, fight against disease, and promote overall well-being tailored to their age, breed, and health conditions.
• Behavioral Consultations: Discussing basic behavioral issues like obedience training, housetraining, and socialization, as well as advanced issues. They strive to make visits comfortable and low-stress for cats and nervous pets.
• Acupuncture: Offered as an integrative service, acupuncture can relieve pain, muscle spasms, and improve nerve regeneration and blood circulation, often used for arthritis and some neurological problems.
• In-House Pharmacy & Pet Supplies: Convenient access to necessary medications, including a well-stocked pharmacy for prescriptions, and often offering pet supplies. They also have an online pharmacy.
• Palliative & End-of-Life Care: Providing compassionate support and medical assistance during a pet's final days, including hospice care, to ensure comfort and a peaceful transition.
• Microchip Implantation: A vital service for permanent identification, significantly increasing the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners.
• Specialized Care: The team includes veterinarians with specific interests and expertise in areas like dermatology, pain and arthritis management, and hormonal imbalances, allowing for targeted solutions to complex health problems.
• Travel Certificates: As a federally accredited veterinary practice, they can issue domestic health certificates for pets traveling within the USA.

Features / Highlights

• Knowledgeable and Resolving Veterinarians: A primary highlight is the deep knowledge and problem-solving abilities of the veterinary team, specifically Dr. Steifel, who is praised for helping clients "completely resolve my pets' issues that had been repeatedly brushed off by other vets at another practice." This indicates an ability to tackle complex or chronic problems effectively.
• Patient-Centered and Empathetic Care: Clients consistently note the "good bedside manner with my pets" and that the doctors and techs are "patient when the pets are nervous and uncomfortable." This focus on reducing stress for animals, combined with a commitment to compassionate care, ensures a positive experience for both pets and their owners.
• Exceptional Communication and Listening: The veterinarians are highly regarded for taking "the time to listen to my questions and provide helpful recommendations." This thorough and attentive communication fosters a collaborative relationship with pet owners, ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable with treatment plans.
• Long-Term Trust and Relationships: St. Francis Animal Hospital has earned decade-long trust from clients who have "entrust care of my two Yorkshire Terriers... since they were puppies." This speaks volumes about their consistent, high-quality care that supports pets through all life stages.
• Professional and Efficient Front Office: The "super helpful and very efficient" front office staff contributes significantly to the overall positive experience, ensuring smooth appointments and administrative processes.
• Experienced Veterinary Team: The practice boasts a team of dedicated veterinarians with over 80 years of combined experience, led by founder Dr. Curt Garner (since 2003). They are committed to strengthening the human-animal bond and providing personalized, high-quality care.
• Holistic and Integrative Approach: Dr. Garner believes in mixing "traditional medicine with dietary management and home remedies," and the clinic offers services like acupuncture and potentially chiropractic care through external specialists, reflecting a comprehensive view of pet wellness.
• Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities: The hospital utilizes cutting-edge diagnostic technology, including digital radiography where all images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, ensuring accurate and precise diagnoses.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: The veterinarians are members of various professional associations (AVMA, VVMA, PVVMA), indicating a dedication to staying current with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.

Contact Information

For pet owners in Fredericksburg, VA, and the surrounding Virginia region who are seeking professional and compassionate veterinary care, St. Francis Animal Hospital can be reached through the following contact details:

Address: 4624 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, USA

Phone: (540) 891-1275

The clinic's phone number, +1 540-891-1275, provides a direct line to their caring and knowledgeable team for scheduling appointments, inquiring about their comprehensive range of services, or discussing any specific concerns regarding your pet's health. This accessible contact ensures that pet owners in the Virginia area can easily connect with a trusted partner in their animal's well-being.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners residing in Fredericksburg and the broader Northern Virginia region, St. Francis Animal Hospital stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for all their veterinary care needs. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its compassionate approach, knowledgeable team, and commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered animal health.

Firstly, the convenient location at 4624 Harrison Rd ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout Fredericksburg. This ease of access minimizes travel time and stress for both pets and their owners, making it straightforward to bring beloved companions for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, or when unexpected health issues arise. For busy Virginians, this local presence is a significant practical advantage.

What truly distinguishes St. Francis Animal Hospital for the local community is the outstanding caliber of its veterinary team, exemplified by professionals like Dr. Steifel. Clients consistently praise the doctors and technicians for their deep knowledge and their remarkable ability to "completely resolve my pets' issues that had been repeatedly brushed off by other vets." This speaks to a practice that not only diagnoses effectively but also takes the time to truly understand complex cases and find solutions. Furthermore, their "good bedside manner" and patience with nervous pets create a less stressful experience for animals, while their willingness to "listen to my questions and provide helpful recommendations" ensures pet owners feel heard, respected, and fully informed.

The hospital’s long-standing relationships with clients, some spanning a decade from a pet's puppyhood, underscore their consistent quality of care and the trust they build within the community. Coupled with an efficient and helpful front office staff, comprehensive services ranging from wellness and diagnostics to surgery and specialized behavioral support, St. Francis Animal Hospital offers a complete and deeply compassionate veterinary solution. For any Virginian seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and empathetic veterinary partner who will treat their pet like family and provide thorough, lasting solutions, St. Francis Animal Hospital is an outstanding and trustworthy choice within their local area.

St. Francis Animal Hospital

4624 Harrison Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, USA