This year, Arlington Animal Hospital is celebrating 85 years of service to the Columbia Pike community and surrounding areas. The story of Arlington Animal Hospital started at 2624 Columbia Pike when Dr. C.K. Francis founded the hospital in 1938. At that time, there were only two animal hospitals in the region, and Arlington Animal Hospital was one of them. Over the years, the hospital has seen changes in management and advancements in veterinary medicine. Still, one thing has remained constant: their dedication to providing high-quality care to their furry patients.
To get a deeper insight into the history of the hospital and its current state, we sat down with Dr. Frederick Jones, owner, and Kerry Coll-Puppe, practice manager. Dr. Jones took over ownership of Arlington Animal Hospital on October 1, 2009 from Dr. Kay Young and practice manager Kathi Kidd. While Ms. Kidd retired to Connecticut to take care of her parents, Dr. Jones has been very grateful that Dr. Young decided to stay on part-time. As a previous owner with ties to the Arlington Community, she has been an invaluable asset and mentor for Dr. Jones.
Dr. Jones mentioned that he used to have a fear of dogs as a young kid, but that soon changed after his family adopted their own dog. From that time on, becoming a veterinarian became Dr Jones’s dream. He recalls an externship during high school and a summer job as a kennel attendant at a local veterinary hospital in his hometown of Richmond, VA. After those experiences, he never wanted to do anything else and was fortunate enough to make it happen.
Dr. Jones’s vision for the hospital has always been to be the go-to veterinary clinic for the community. Their goal is for Arlington Animal Hospital to function as a state-of-the art facility that maintains a “Mom and Pop” atmosphere and level of relationships with their clients and patients.
The hospital’s manager, Kerry, works hard to recruit and train the right staff and to create a positive environment that keeps their employees happy. As a result, the team at Arlington Animal Hospital works as a unit, keeping the well-being of their furry patients as their number one priority. While many clients have their preferred veterinarians and the doctors at Arlington Animal Hospital enjoy these special relationships and bonds, Dr. Jones is also proud that these same clients are happy to have their pets seen by any of the doctors. “Every client should expect the same level of care for their pets every time they come to Arlington Animal Hospital” says Dr. Jones.
Dr. Jones firmly believes that his hospital’s comprehensive approach to veterinary medicine, combined with their warm and compassionate staff, exceptional patient care, and status as an independent neighborhood veterinary hospital, distinguishes them from other veterinary clinics in the area. Additionally, the practice manager, Kerry, takes special pride in the hospital’s accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which only 15% of veterinary practices in the U.S. have. “We have to follow very…strict guidelines…It’s the best way to do anything as it allows us to practice the best medicine,” she says.
The hospital offers a wide range of services, including wellness care, dental and oral care, surgical procedures, and injury and pain management. It is a one-stop shop for all your furry friend’s health needs!
Arlington Animal Hospital is accepting new clients at its new location, 2301 Columbia Pike, Suite G1, Arlington, VA 22204 (entrance on Wayne St.) a few minutes from its original stomping grounds. So, if you’re looking for a trusted veterinarian in the Columbia Pike area, look no further than Arlington Animal Hospital.
Arlington Animal Hospital has been a longtime supporter of the Columbia Pike Partnership and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, making them a vital part of the community they serve. This year they have pledged their support for the pet festival Paws on the Pike in the fall and the Columbia Pike Blues Festival this summer. Keep an eye out for an open house celebration honoring Arlington Animal Hospital 85th birthday later this year.
Visit Arlington Animal Hospital:
2301 Columbia Pike #G-1, Arlington, Virginia 22204.
Follow them on social media: @myarlingtonvet
Website: www.myarlingtonvet.com