Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’re always happy to help.

Appointments

What types of pets do you see?

We treat dogs and cats. For exotic veterinary care for small mammals or pocket pets, we recommend our sister hospital, Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital.

Yes! We’re always excited to welcome new pets and their families into our care. Call us today or book an appointment online to get started.

To help us get to know your pet and provide the best care possible, please bring:
 
• Your pet on a secure leash or in a carrier
• Any previous medical records or vaccine history
• Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
 
We look forward to welcoming you and your pet!

To deliver the best care possible to our patients and reduce wait times, we operate by appointment only.

We understand that health concerns can arise unexpectedly. While we do our best to accommodate same-day appointments, availability is limited and tends to fill quickly. We recommend calling ahead so our team can check current openings and guide you on the best next step for your pet.

General

Being AAHA-accredited means we’ve met rigorous standards in over 900 areas of veterinary care, from cleanliness and safety to team education and medical protocols. Only 15% of U.S. practices earn this distinction, and we’ve proudly maintained it for more than 30 years.

Armistead Avenue Veterinary Hospital opened in 1956 and has been part of the Hampton community ever since. We’re honored to serve families across multiple generations and look forward to welcoming you into ours.

From your first visit, you’ll be welcomed by a team that views veterinary care as a true partnership. We’re here to offer guidance, answer questions, and support you through both routine checkups and unexpected health concerns. Every visit is designed to be as calm and comfortable as possible, with a focus on lifelong health, well-being, and peace of mind.

Financing

We do not offer in-house payment plans. However, we do accept CareCredit, which allows you to spread out costs over time. Click here to learn more about our financing options.

The application is fast and secure. Simply apply online, and you’ll receive an instant decision. Need assistance? We’re happy to walk you through the process in person.

Once your account is active, just use your CareCredit card at checkout like any other payment method. If you apply during your appointment, we can help you access your account number for immediate use.

You can use CareCredit for a wide range of veterinary services and products, from wellness exams and dental cleanings to surgeries and more. It’s also accepted by many human healthcare providers.

Most plans work on a reimbursement model, which means you pay for the visit, then submit a claim to your provider. Some insurance companies now offer direct payment options. All pet insurance plans can be used at our clinic.

The best policy depends on your pet’s age, breed, activity level, and any existing health conditions. With Pawlicy Advisor, you can explore your options and select coverage that meets your needs, without the guesswork.

Services

Yes! The Armistead Animal Inn offers doggy daycare and overnight boarding for dogs and cats. It’s the perfect place for social pets who enjoy extra attention and activity throughout the day.

Yes. Indoor pets are still at risk. Viruses can travel on shoes, clothing, or other animals. Plus, pests like fleas and mosquitoes find their way inside. Rabies vaccines are are also legally required in Virginia for both cats and dogs.

Yes. Pets are experts at hiding discomfort, and wellness exams help us catch subtle changes before they turn into bigger problems. Regular visits also build a stronger health history for your pet.

Senior pets benefit from more frequent checkups and routine bloodwork to monitor for age-related conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or dental issues. Our goal is to keep your older pet comfortable, active, and happy for as long as possible.

Many senior pets do very well with surgery, especially with proper planning. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork, tailor pain management to their age and condition, and monitor them closely to minimize risk.

If your pet has a lump, recurring infection, injury, or condition that isn’t improving with medical treatment, surgery may be recommended. We’ll walk you through all your options before moving forward.

Some drowsiness is normal after anesthesia, but we take every step to manage pain before, during, and after surgery. Your pet will go home with appropriate pain management and aftercare instructions.

We’ll send you home with a detailed recovery guide tailored to your pet’s procedure. This may include activity restrictions, incision care, and when to come back for a follow-up.

Most pets recover from routine surgeries in 7–10 days, though healing time may vary depending on the procedure. We’ll check in during follow-ups to make sure everything is healing properly.

Bad breath, drooling, red gums, loose teeth, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat can all be signs of dental problems. If you notice anything unusual, we recommend scheduling a dental exam.

Yes. Anesthesia is what allows us to thoroughly clean beneath the gums, take X-rays, and make sure your pet is completely relaxed and pain-free during the procedure. It’s the safest and most effective way to care for their teeth.

Most pets benefit from a dental cleaning once a year, but some—especially small breeds or older pets—may need them more often. We’ll create a schedule based on your pet’s individual needs.

Not if they’re healthy. Tooth loss usually means there’s an issue like advanced periodontal disease. Regular dental exams can help catch problems early and prevent unnecessary tooth loss.

Not if they’re healthy. Tooth loss usually means there’s an issue like advanced periodontal disease. Regular dental exams can help catch problems early and prevent unnecessary tooth loss.Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is ideal, but we know that’s not always realistic. We’ll help you choose dental diets, chews, or rinses that fit your lifestyle and keep your pet’s mouth as healthy as possible between cleanings.