Veterinary Care Services
Our veterinarians and support team are here to provide friendly, professional veterinary care. Learn more below about how we examine, diagnose, and treat your pet.Veterinary Care for Dogs and Cats
Annual Physical Exams, Checkups, Vaccines, and Preventive Wellness Care
Click here to see our Surgical, Diagnostics, and Specialty services.
If your pet is having an emergency, click here!
Call us immediately if you have an urgent medical concern. Contact Us
Our veterinarians, technicians, and staff are available during business hours only to help you get your pet the medical attention it needs. We can accommodate same-day appointments in a lot of cases, depending on the urgency of the situation. Depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, we may recommend that you transfer to and emergency specialist for continued critical care and supervision.
If your pet has ingested something that is potentially poisonous, call the 24/7 Animal Poison Control number – (888) 426-4435
Consider the Symptoms
If you suspect your pet is undergoing an emergency, consider their visible symptoms.
Observe: Is your pet acting unusual, or doing something out of the ordinary?
Orient: Focus in on the primary symptom(s)
Decide: Contact us or an emergency clinic for assistance!
Act: After speaking with our staff, follow our timely triage process and recommendations to get your pet the care it needs.
If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms from this list, they should be treated immediately.
- Pale gums
- Rapid breathing
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Change in body temperature
- Difficulty standing
- Loss of consciousness or Seizures
- Excessive bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Inability to urinate or defecate
No matter what, we are here to assist you in getting the proper care for your pet.
General Wellness Care & Annual Physicals
Keep your pet in peak health with our annual checkups for cats and dogs. Each visit includes physical examinations, health screenings, updates to any relevant vaccines, and a nutritional/behavioral consultation. Because each animal is unique, and your cat or dog’s visit will be tailored to suit its lifestyle, health history, and any special needs.
For Canines, or Dogs
Puppies
Your puppy will receive a series of vaccinations every 3 – 4 weeks until after 16 weeks of age. At each visit a physical examination, intestinal parasite screening, and vaccines specific to your puppy/kitten’s lifestyle will be given. Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention will started on your first visit. Deworming may be recommended. Please remember to bring a fresh fecal sample and any medical history/previous vaccinations to your visit.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs need annual wellness exams in order to stay healthy. During each checkup, our veterinarians will determine your dog’s health status by talking to you about its nutrition and lifestyle, as well as through physical and dental examinations. Based on what our vets find, they will update your pet’s vaccines, recommend any relevant treatments, and provide you with all the care and nutrition you need to keep your best friend healthy for another year.
Senior Dogs
When your pet reaches eight years of age the Essex Middle River Veterinary Center will recommend your pet “join” our senior wellness program. We want to see your older pet every six months, instead of annually, for thorough examination, routine blood work, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and other diagnostic procedures, to better identify and treat any age related problem, ultimately improving the quality and longevity of your pet’s life.
For Felines, or Cats
Kitten
Your kitten will receive a series of vaccinations every 3 – 4 weeks until after 16 weeks of age. At each visit a physical examination, intestinal parasite screening, and vaccines specific to your kitten’s lifestyle will be given. Preventive care and medications, such as flea and tick prevention, will be recommended for your pet at your first visit. In some cases, deworming may be recommended.
Please remember to bring a fresh fecal sample and any medical history/previous vaccinations to your visit. For more resources for your first visit, such as what to expect, please visit our Forms & Directions page.
Adult Cats
Adult cats need annual wellness exams in order to stay healthy. During each checkup, our veterinarians will determine your cat’s health status by talking to you about its nutrition and lifestyle, as well as through physical and dental examinations. Based on what our vets find, they will update your pet’s vaccines, recommend any relevant treatments, and provide you with all the care and nutrition you need to keep your best friend healthy for another year.
Senior Cats
When your pet reaches eight years of age the Essex Middle River Veterinary Center will recommend your pet “join” our senior wellness program. We want to see your older pet every six months, instead of annually, for thorough examination, routine blood work, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and other diagnostic procedures, to better identify and treat any age related problem, ultimately improving the quality and longevity of your pet’s life.
20% off Cat Wellness Exams, Every Tuesday!
Feline Tuesday – Schedule a Tuesday appointment extra savings:
- 20% off exams for adult and senior cats!
- Every week, All year round!
We Now Provide Fear Free Nail Trims
EMRVC knows that nail trims can be stressful for animals. That’s why we incorporated the Doggie Lift into our nail-trim service. We work to ensure each nail-trim patient has a relaxing experience—More like a pet-icure! Treat your pet today!
Check out this video to see it in action.
Plus, each trim counts toward a free nail-trim! With your Nail Trim Card—Buy 5 and every sixth nail trim is free!
Laboratory Health Screenings
Our Health Screenings are the affordable way to make sure your pet is living its best life by providing you cost savings through our comprehensive laboratory testing bundles.
For Your Dog
1+ Year & Older
Young Dog Health Screen
Health screen includes:
- Chemistry tests: We run ten tests to screen for kidney, liver, and pancreatic disease, as well as to check sugar levels
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health of dog
- Intestinal parasite tests from fecal sample includes Giardia which is transferable to humans
- Blood parasite screening to identify if your dog has been exposed to vector-borne (e.g., heartworm) or other infectious diseases
Adult Dog Health Screen
Health screen includes:
- Twenty-seven Chemistry tests to screen for kidney, liver, and pancreatic disease, as well as to check sugar levels
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health of dog
- Intestinal parasite tests from fecal sample includes Giardia which is transferable to humans
- Blood parasite screening to identify if your dog has been exposed to vector-borne (e.g., heartworm) or other infectious diseases
- Thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too little thyroid hormone—a factor in obesity
Senior Dog Health Screen
Health screen includes:
- Chemistry tests (27) to screen for kidney, liver, and pancreatic disease, as well as to check sugar levels
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health of dog
- Intestinal parasite tests from fecal sample includes Giardia which is transferable to humans
- Blood parasite screening* to identify if your dog has been exposed to vector-borne (e.g., heartworm) or other infectious diseases
- Thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too little thyroid hormone
- Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infections and other diseases, and to evaluate the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine.
For Your Cat
1+ Year & Older
Young Cat Health Screen
Health screen includes:
- Chemistry tests: We perform 11 tests, to screen for kidney, liver, and pancreatic disease, as well as to check sugar levels
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health of cat
- ProBNP test to determine if the heart has stress and/or stretch. 1 in 6 cats have undetected forms of heart disease.
- Intestinal parasite tests from fecal sample includes Giardia which is transferable to humans
Adult/Senior Cat Health Screen
Our health screen includes:
- 27 Chemistry tests to screen for kidney, liver, and pancreatic disease, as well as to check sugar levels
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health of cat
- ProBNP test to determine if the heart has stress and/or stretch. 1 in 6 cats have undetected forms of heart disease
- Intestinal parasite tests from fecal sample includes Giardia which is transferable to humans
- Thyroid test to determine if the gland is producing too little thyroid hormone—which may cause weight issues
- Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infections and other diseases, and to evaluate the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine
Our Everyday Special Offers
Military Service Discount
Because we are a Veteran-Owned business, we value the sacrifices that you have made.
We offer 10% off to both current and former members of the armed services. Including the fire, police, and seniors of our community!
Please present our staff with either a DD214, ID card, or other identifying document at the time of check out.
Terms: Cannot be combined with any other offer.
10% off Pet Dental Services
Details/Fine Print:
- Patient must be recommended for a dental cleaning and book the cleaning appointment within 30 days of the recommendation to receive a 10% discount on the cleaning.
- Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Learn more about our Dental Services.
Save on Flea, Tick and Heartworm Medicine!
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can cause serious illness, and even death in pets. Our doctors are here to help you determine the best medications for your pet based upon their overall health, age and any risk factors that your cat or dog may possess.
EMRVC has instant discounts for the following preventive medicine products:
- Sentinel: Buy 6 doses, get $7 rebate. Buy 12 doses, get a $20 rebate.
- Bravecto: Buy 2 doses get a $10 rebate; buy 4 doses get a $25 rebate.
- Buy 2 Bravecto and 6 Sentinel, receive a $25 rebate.
- Buy 4 Bravecto and 12 Sentinel, receive a $75 rebate.
Contact us for more info or ask about our savings when you visit!
Earn Free Nail Trims
Buy 5 nail-trims, get the 6th free. Track your trims with our Nail Trim Card. Ask our front-desk team for yours!
Follow-us on Facebook for other chances to get free nail-trims and other great perks!
Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered some of the more common questions we receive about our veterinary practice below. Feel free to contact us if you would like more information or did not see your question answered here.
Q: Which types of pets do you see?
A: We specialize in care for cats and dogs.
For more information on the pets we care for, see our services.
Q: Which types of pets do you NOT see?
We would love to help every creature in need, but have opted to refer all exotic animals to Chadwell Animal Hospital in nearby Abingdon so we can better serve our cat and dog clientele.
For more information about the pets we care for, see our services.
Q: Do you offer any discounts?
A: We do! The following groups are eligible for a 10% discount:
- Seniors
- Active Duty military
- Veterans
- Police
- Firefighters
We also offer a 10% discount on dental care to anyone who schedules a dental visit for their pet within 30 days of our veterinarian’s recommendation.
Q: Which payment options are available to customers?
A: For your convenience, we accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and CareCredit. We do not accept checks.
Payment is due at the time services are rendered. In order to schedule and hold all surgeries, a $150.00 deposit is required.
Read our full Appointment Policy here.
A Payment Plan may be established with CareCredit to allow you to create the easiest payment option for your budget. CareCredit has an automatic 6-month NO INTEREST Plan available, as well as other plans. CareCredit can also be used with many (human) medical service providers. For financing approval, visit the CareCredit website.
If you have pet insurance, EMRVC will provide clients with all the information they need in order to submit claims for reimbursement. Pet owners are required to pay for the services rendered at the time of service and seek reimbursement from their insurance provider.
For more information, contact us.
Q: Does my pet need an appointment?
A: We strive to be available to see patients when they need us and understand that sickness and emergencies happen. We prefer our clients schedule appointments, but in the event your pet has an immediate medical concern, please call us so that we can accommodate you and your pet.
Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance of any missed appointments. Our appointment policy is posted here.
Q: What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please visit out forms page and download the New Client questionnaire. Otherwise, all we'll need is a copy of your driver’s license or other ID.
Emergency Vet Services in Essex, MD
Essex Middle River Veterinary Center is equipped to handle any pet emergency that arises during normal business hours. If your pet experiences a medical emergency after hours, we will refer you to one of the nearby emergency clinics listed on this page.
If possible, please call prior to coming to our hospital or to any of the clinics listed on this page. This will help the veterinary team be better prepared to receive and care for your pet.
Emergency Animal Hospital of Ellicott City
10270 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-750-1177
Animal Emergency Hospital
722 Baltimore Pike
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-420-7297