For over 20 years, the board-certified veterinarians of VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center 24/7 have been serving pet owners from the communities of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Founded in 1995 by three left handed doctors, VCA SouthPaws offers pet owners the peace of mind that some of the nation's top veterinarians are here addressing challenging health problems in pets. The years of advanced training required to become a "Specialist" help you rest assured that your best friend is in the best of hands.
Location
VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center
Many customers praised the staff for their compassion and kindness during difficult times, especially when dealing with end-of-life decisions for their pets.
Communication
Several reviews highlighted the importance of clear communication from the staff regarding treatment options and costs, with some expressing frustration over a lack of timely updates.
Cost Concerns
Numerous customers expressed dissatisfaction with the high costs of services and perceived upselling of unnecessary treatments, leading to feelings of being financially exploited.
Mixed Experiences
While many reviews were positive regarding the quality of care, there were notable negative experiences related to specific departments, particularly oncology and internal medicine, indicating inconsistency in service quality.
Emergency Response
The facility was frequently commended for its quick response and ability to handle emergencies, although some customers reported long wait times.
MH
Maria Hughston
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
We cannot say enough about the incredible team at VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center. Our dog, Thor, had to be transferred there during the New Year's holiday, also one of the busiest days imaginable, and yet the moment we arrived, they welcomed him with urgency, compassion, and genuine love.
Despite the chaos of the day, the front desk staff checked us in quickly and kindly, never once making us feel like an inconvenience. The nurses, doctors, ultrasound team, and X‑ray techs treated Thor as if he were their own. Even in the middle of a packed holiday schedule, they took the time to comfort him, speak gently to him, and reassure us every step of the way.
What meant the most was how they made sure we understood exactly what was happening. They explained every test, every concern, and every next step with patience and clarity. In a moment when we were scared and overwhelmed, they gave us calm, direction, and hope.
Thor is now home, resting safely, and we finally have a clear understanding of what’s going on with his health, something we owe entirely to the dedication and heart of the VCA SouthPaws team. Their compassion turned a frightening experience into one where we felt supported, informed, and truly cared for.
We are forever grateful for the love they showed our dog Thor and the peace they gave our family. We highly recommend them for ER and specialist vet services.
BL
Brendan Lane
Dec 31, 2025
5.0
Southpaws is the best animal hospital in the DMV. We have taken two of our cats here for emergency and specialist care. Every staff member and doctor we have encountered has been wonderful. Dr. Balogh and Dr. Black in particular are wonderful at patient care and go above and beyond when it comes to diagnosing a problem and developing a treatment plan. Although I hope we never have to seek out emergency or specialist care in the future, without a doubt our cats will be going to SouthPaws!
YY
Yasel Yau
Dec 31, 2025
5.0
We all have that child ( pet) that have to go to the hospital few times lol.... thank god for Vca. dr. Norton and dr. Balogh. THE BEST DRs IN VA. RECOMMENDED 100%. the staff the best, I cant say anything bad about this place. Thank you so much.
WB
Will Bellows
Dec 25, 2025
5.0
We had to say goodbye to our best friend of 8 years on Christmas Day. Everyone was incredibly kind and respectful to our boy. I hate losing my friend but it meant so much to let go of him with compassion and dignity. The doctor was compassionate and honest with us about his situation and kept us informed as data became available.
I can’t recommend losing a pet, but I can recommend VCA to help in the best way they can.
CB
Clara Botstein
Nov 23, 2025
5.0
Dr. O’Day and his team in the oncology department were able to keep my wonderful cat alive for 9 months after his terminal cancer diagnosis. They responded quickly, took very good care of him, and were always available to provide advice. If you’re in the unfortunate position of having an animal with cancer, this is a good place to go. They also accepted our insurance (Lemonade).
Frequently Asked Questions About VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center
What services does VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center offer?
VCA SouthPaws offers various services including Cardiology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Emergency Care, Oncology, Surgery, Rehabilitation, and more specialized veterinary services.
Is VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center open 24/7?
Yes, the center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing around-the-clock veterinary emergency services.
Where is VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center located?
It is located at 8500 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA.
How long has VCA SouthPaws been serving pet owners?
VCA SouthPaws has been serving pet owners since 1995, with over 20 years of experience in veterinary specialty and emergency care.
Who are the veterinarians at VCA SouthPaws?
The veterinarians at VCA SouthPaws are board-certified specialists with advanced training, providing expert care for challenging pet health issues.
Can I find more information about VCA SouthPaws online?
Yes, you can visit their official website at https://vcahospitals.com/southpaws or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/123069977901513 for more information.
Is there a nearby veterinary hospital similar to VCA SouthPaws?
Yes, CVCA Fairfax and CVCA Cardiac Care For Pets are nearby veterinary hospitals that provide pet care services in the Fairfax area.
Are there any pet specialists close to VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center?
Yes, CVCA Cardiac Care For Pets is nearby and specializes in veterinary cardiology, complementing the specialist services at VCA SouthPaws.
What other medical or health services are located near VCA SouthPaws?
Nearby medical services include Virginia Endodontics (dentistry), Family Healthcare of Fairfax (family practice), and Capital Eye Consultants (optometry), offering comprehensive health care options in the area.
Where can I find banking services near VCA SouthPaws?
Truist bank and ATMs are located close to VCA SouthPaws, providing convenient banking options for visitors and pet owners.