Veterinary Referral Associates: Specialized 24/7 Pet Care in Gaithersburg, MD

Veterinary Referral Associates Introduce

For pet parents across Maryland, the thought of a beloved companion facing a complex medical condition or a sudden emergency can be incredibly stressful. In such challenging times, having access to advanced, specialized veterinary care is not just a convenience, but a lifeline. In Gaithersburg, Maryland, Veterinary Referral Associates (VRA) stands as a beacon of hope and healing, providing an unparalleled level of comprehensive, expert, and compassionate care for pets in critical or challenging health situations.

Veterinary Referral Associates is not your typical neighborhood vet clinic. It is a state-of-the-art veterinary referral and emergency hospital, designed to offer advanced medical services that extend beyond the scope of general practice. With a team of board-certified specialists in a wide array of disciplines, VRA is equipped to handle complex diagnoses, intricate surgeries, and round-the-clock critical care. Their dedication to integrating cutting-edge medical knowledge with genuine love and attention for every animal under their care has earned them profound gratitude and trust from pet families throughout Maryland and the wider D.C. metropolitan area.

Location and Accessibility

Veterinary Referral Associates is strategically located at 500 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA. This location offers excellent accessibility for pet owners across Montgomery County and the surrounding Maryland communities. Situated in Gaithersburg, a major hub, the hospital is easily reachable from areas like Rockville, Germantown, Bethesda, and even Washington D.C. The facility's placement near major roadways ensures that in emergency situations, precious time is not lost navigating complicated routes. Ample parking is available, which is crucial when arriving with a distressed or critically ill pet. Furthermore, as a 24/7 facility, it is always accessible, day or night, weekdays, weekends, and holidays, providing continuous care and immediate attention for any pet emergency. This constant availability and ease of access are fundamental to its role as a premier referral and emergency center in the Maryland region.

Services Offered

As a leading veterinary referral and emergency hospital, Veterinary Referral Associates offers an extensive range of specialized services, going far beyond typical general practice care. Their departments are staffed by board-certified specialists, ensuring the highest level of expertise for complex conditions.

24/7 Emergency and Critical Care: Providing round-the-clock immediate medical attention for life-threatening illnesses, accidents, and injuries. This includes continuous monitoring and intensive care for critically ill pets.
Internal Medicine: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of complex, often chronic, conditions affecting a pet's internal organs, such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine, and urinary disorders.
Oncology: Dedicated to providing advanced diagnosis and treatment for pets with cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology, aiming to extend and improve quality of life.
Neurology & Neurosurgery: Specializing in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves, addressing conditions like seizures, disc disease, and paralysis.
Surgery (Soft Tissue & Orthopedic): Performing a wide array of advanced surgical procedures, from complex soft tissue operations (e.g., tumor removal, abdominal surgery) to orthopedic surgeries for bone and joint issues.
Radiology & Advanced Imaging: Utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic imaging tools including digital radiography (X-rays), ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to provide detailed insights into a pet's internal health.
Ophthalmology: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders, from cataracts to glaucoma.
Dermatology: Diagnosis and management of chronic and acute skin conditions, allergies, and ear diseases.
Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy: Offering customized physical therapy programs to aid recovery from surgery or injury, manage chronic pain, and improve mobility and quality of life.
Anesthesiology: Dedicated anesthesia services across various departments to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Feline Hyperthyroid Treatment (I-131): Providing radioactive iodine therapy, a highly effective treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats.
Blood Bank Services: Operating a blood donation program to provide life-saving transfusions for critically ill or injured pets.
Specialty Consultations: Offering referral-based consultations with board-certified specialists for complex cases that require advanced diagnostics or treatment planning.

Features / Highlights

Veterinary Referral Associates (VRA) stands out for several remarkable features that deeply impress pet owners in Maryland, particularly during their most vulnerable times.

24/7 Emergency and Critical Care: The ability to provide continuous, round-the-clock emergency services, including holidays, is a cornerstone of their operation. This constant availability ensures that pets receive immediate and uninterrupted care, a critical factor during life-threatening situations.
Unwavering Dedication and Compassion: Multiple reviews highlight the "unwavering dedication" and "compassionate and professional care" received from all levels of staff – from emergency nurses and specialists to the front desk. This consistency in care, even during late-night emergencies, provides immense comfort to anxious pet parents.
Seamless Internal Communication: The hospital's internal coordination is frequently praised. Staff are consistently informed about a pet's reactions and needs despite shift changes, ensuring that "the vets and nurses were consistently informed... as if they had been by his side the entire time." This seamless information flow is vital for complex cases requiring continuous monitoring.
Expert Board-Certified Specialists: VRA boasts a team of highly qualified, board-certified specialists across various disciplines (e.g., oncology, neurology, surgery). Pet owners appreciate that specialists take the time to "thoroughly explain" conditions, diagnoses, and treatment options, fostering "immense confidence" in the care provided.
Personalized and Detailed Updates: During critical periods, pet families receive "professional and timely updates" and are ensured they speak directly with their pet’s specialist or someone intimately familiar with their case. This level of transparency and direct communication is highly valued.
Advanced Medical Technology and Expertise: The integration of "advanced medical knowledge with genuine love and attention" is a hallmark of VRA. Their ability to manage complex cases, like a cat in an oxygen chamber for five critical days, underscores their advanced capabilities. Similarly, successful rehabilitation programs, even leading to a "too full" recovery as described by one happy client, demonstrate their therapeutic effectiveness.
Consistent Care for All Animals: Beyond individual patient care, staff are observed treating "every pet as if it were their own," taking dogs for walks and offering warm encouragement, even when owners are not present. This commitment to all animals in their care speaks volumes about their ethos.
Peace of Mind During Stressful Times: Many grateful pet owners emphasize the "peace of mind during an incredibly stressful time" that VRA provides. This emotional support, alongside medical expertise, is invaluable.

Contact Information

For emergencies, referrals, or to learn more about the specialized services offered at Veterinary Referral Associates, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 500 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA

Phone: (240) 981-6384

Mobile Phone: +1 240-981-6384

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet parents in Gaithersburg and throughout Maryland, Veterinary Referral Associates (VRA) is not merely a veterinary clinic; it is an indispensable resource, particularly when facing the most challenging and critical moments in a pet's life. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique position as a 24/7 emergency and specialty referral hospital, providing an unmatched level of advanced care that is often unavailable at general practices.

The overwhelming sentiment from local customers reflects profound gratitude for VRA's compassionate and professional approach, especially during emergency situations. Testimonials highlight the seamless internal communication among specialists, nurses, and the front desk, ensuring consistent, informed care even during shift changes. This level of coordination, combined with direct and timely updates to pet owners, provides immense reassurance during incredibly stressful periods. The presence of board-certified specialists across a multitude of disciplines—from oncology and neurology to surgery and internal medicine—means that pets with complex or life-threatening conditions receive the highest standard of tailored care, explained thoroughly and transparently to their families.

Furthermore, the observed dedication of the staff, who treat every animal as if it were their own, whether taking dogs for walks or offering gentle encouragement, speaks volumes about the genuine love and commitment that underpins their advanced medical expertise. For any Maryland pet owner whose beloved companion requires urgent, critical, or highly specialized medical attention, Veterinary Referral Associates stands as a trusted and exceptional facility. It provides not just cutting-edge treatment but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing your cherished family member is in the most capable and compassionate hands, day or night.

Veterinary Referral Associates Photos

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Veterinary Referral Associates Location

Veterinary Referral Associates

Maryland Montgomery County Gaithersburg Perry Parkway

500 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA

Veterinary Referral Associates Reviews

Although from now, we don’t know how much more time we’ll have with our beloved cat, Tehran, we cannot overlook the compassionate and professional care we received at VRA—from the nurses and vets to the front desk and behind-the-scenes staff.From the moment we arrived in an emergency situation late at night, referred by our general vet, to the five critical days our 7-year-old cat spent in an oxygen chamber, we experienced nothing but unwavering dedication to his well-being and that of every animal under their care.Every time we called or visited, no matter the hour, we were met with professional and timely updates. The team ensured we spoke directly with our cat’s specialist or someone familiar with his case, providing detailed information and reassurance.The specialists took the time to thoroughly explain Tehran’s condition, potential diagnoses, and treatment options. This level of collaboration and transparency gave us immense confidence that our cat was in the best possible hands.The internal communication at VRA appeared seamlessly designed, ensuring coordination between specialists, our general vet, and even external pharmacies. Despite shift changes, the vets and nurses were consistently informed of Tehran’s reactions, behaviors, and needs as if they had been by his side the entire time.We also observed the staff caring for other animals with the same dedication. From taking dogs for walks to speaking to them with warm encouragement, the team treated every pet as if it were their own. This consistency of care, even when pet parents weren’t present, spoke volumes about their commitment.Their ability to blend advanced medical knowledge with genuine love and attention is nothing short of remarkable.We are profoundly grateful to everyone at VRA, especially Dr. Williams, Dr. Everson, Dr. Ailinger, Mandy, Margaret, and all the other nurses, vets, and staff who work tirelessly nights and days behind the scenes. Your hard work, passion, and dedication to animals do not go unnoticed. You gave us peace of mind during an incredibly stressful time, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.With heartfelt gratitude,Tehran’s Family
May 22, 2025 · Sahar William
Overall, a fantastic experience! Dr. Corral was phenomenal with my not-so-vet-friendly pup—patient, compassionate, and truly skilled at what she does. The rehab reports were detailed and easy to understand, and the custom exercise program was simple to follow at home.The only downside? Prometheus has made a full recovery... maybe even too full. He’s recently discovered the art of counter-surfing, something he never dared attempt before. Now that he’s stronger and feeling great, no sandwich is safe. On the bright side, I guess that means the program really worked!
May 07, 2025 · Jordyn Allen
I feel like they killed my cat.I brought my cat here because he was not eating or drinking. Within 31 hours of being admitted here my cat was dead. When I dropped him off he was still walking, sitting up, and moving on his own. When I came through visiting hours after speaking to the vet who said he was doing better, HE WAS NOT ABLE TO GET UP OR SIT UP. His health was worse than ever. She said he was able to come home the same day when I was on the phone with her but clearly he was in no condition to come home. She told the tech that he would need to stay another night and be discharge tomorrow. Once visiting hours were over I left. Not even 45 mins went by and I was getting a called that my cat was dying. I hurry back to the vet and my cat was barely clinging on to life. He made a noise and my mom said he’s in pain and to give him the injection as we never wanted him to go out suffering. The vet came by and put the needle through the IV and I can tell he was not ready to go as she struggled. They handed us our dead cat and walked us to the back. The vet never came back to say anything to us about our cat. The terror I saw in my cat eyes before he died will forever be scar in my memory. I believed he suffer at the facility the whole time he was there. I was not going to bring him as I wrote in my notebook a big NO by this facility by reading about other people experience here. I was in totally shock and I am still to this day that my cat was dead within 31 hours and he was not surrounded my love ones but actually suffer. We had to ask for the vet to call us and her tone was completely different from the day my cat was admitted there. She didn’t even had to decent to say sorry for your loss. Once we informed that we should have taking him home once we saw his condition has worsen she said and I quote” I wish you would have” in a cold tone. What kind of vet says that? I know my cat was going to die eventually but they sped up the process. He was not knocking at death doors when I dropped him off there but he was once I left him they care. I feel heartbroken, anger, and disgusted with the care my poor cat received here. He did not deserve to go out and suffer the way he did. I l was left with a high bill and a dead cat. Please head the warnings about there animals coming back in worse condition or dead from this facility as I saw the red flags and ignore them and now my poor cat is no longer with us.
Jun 29, 2025 · Sabrina Triggs
I cannot put into words how grateful I am for Veterinary Referral Associates. Especially Dr. Ganjei. My bunny dislocated both of his hips and was unable to walk, clean himself, or use the bathroom on his own. I was told by multiple other vets that euthanasia was the kindest option for him and it would be difficult to find someone to perform this surgery since it is so uncommon. My exotic vet said Dr. Ganjei was my only hope, but he was usually a very busy man so he might not be able to fit the surgery in his schedule. By some miracle, I recieved a call the next day saying that he was willing to do the surgery the following afternoon. The same week as my bunny's initial injury!I wasn't sure how much experience VRA had with bunnies, so I was very nervous dropping Vince (my bunny) off at their facility. The woman who came to collect Vince made sure all my questions and concerns were answered and that he would be in the absolute best hands. I feel that the staff at VRA care about their patients to the highest degree and treat them with human-level compassion and care.I was updated throughout the day on Vince's condition and even spoke to the doctor directly before and after surgery. He thoroughly explained what would be done and what options were available. They were very transparent and organized with the cost of surgery. It ended up being a reasonable price for the type of procedure it was.I received a comprehensive post surgery information sheet explaining his rehabilitation and medications I needed to pick up from my exotic vet. I even received multiple follow up calls from VRA asking how Vince was recovering, which goes to show the level of care that their staff has for the patients.Now, even though the healing process is supposed to take 8 weeks, Vince is running around and grooming himself almost as well as before only 5 weeks post surgery. It is truly truly amazing what they did for me and him and I cannot thank the staff at Veterinary Referral Associates enough.Attached is a photo directly post op, a recent photo of him almost fully recovered running around, and then some extra recent photos.
Jan 15, 2025 · Brooke Smith
They saved my dog’s life. She came in for a surgery and there were complications. Long story short she was in the ICU for 10 days, and as any pet owner knows… it can get very, very difficult. There were times we thought she wasn’t going to make it, but each doctor didn’t give up. The staff is amazing, and the doctors are incredible. I would not hesitate to take my little one here if anything were to happen in the future. I know she will be in good hands.
Dec 24, 2024 · Andrew P. Alderete