Norfolk Naval Station Veterinary Activity

Dr. Dowe is about the only wonderful thing about this facility. If I could give ZERO stars I would. I will not be returning. The money saved is not worth the hassle of trying to book an appointment (it's impossible to reach them by phone), the slow service, and the horrible way I was treated. Be advised if you use an electronic collar for your dog, you will be lectured, counseled, and even shamed IMMEDIATELY by DR. EDSON. She will give you her UNSOLICITED opinion as to why this is a method she condemns. Within 30 seconds of entering the exam room, she began her diatribe. I had never met her and this was the first time she had seen my dog ever. She knew NOTHING about my dog, me as a pet owner, my background, my situation, etc. She had not yet even examined my dog! When I tried to defend my choice, she just kept talking right over me with her opinions on this method of dog training. I attempted again to tell her I was not interested, she stated "I am an advocate for your dog and you came to me for this information." I go to a veterinarian for medical care for my dog, not training. For that I went to a PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER 3 YEARS AGO. By the way, the control device for my dog's e-collar was in my purse and I had not used it once while in clinic....I don't need to because my dog is extremely well behaved which DR. EDSON might have found out had she taken the time to establish a Dr/Patient relationship. Clearly she had/has an agenda. In the 3 years my dog has been wearing his e-collar, I have NEVER been treated so unprofessionally by a veterinarian. Meanwhile, in the waiting room, there were people who use prong collars for their dogs and had less control over them as they growled and jumped at my dog sitting calmly. In addition, I arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment and was seen late because they had to "switch rooms."

posted: 08/09/2023

Good luck trying to get an appointment for anything more heartworm meds lol and even then can be a headache.. I'd rater go to the low income clinic at Norfolk SPCA.. a lot less of a headache. Just short staffed I think. They are OK although went in for a wellness check.. I was concerned with several large visible fatty masses.. though the Dr would have caught them or atleast mention it to me but she was just trying to be in and out like a just going through the motions until I had to stop her and ask her about them.. then told me I needed to make a sick call appointment.. I called 1st thing in the morning for 2 months straight trying to make the appointment.. nvr happened.. talked to Norfolk SPCA and 5wks later the masses were gone lol.. too sumple.. help this helps someone.

posted: 08/17/2023

You can never get ahold of them. When you do, they're not friendly. However, the nurses and vets are very nice and patient with your pets.

posted: 08/04/2023

The doctor was amazing with my cat. Very efficient check in and visit for overseas travel with a cat. The whole staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Sidebar: if you're afraid of dogs like I am, there is no way to avoid them. Maybe let the staff know ahead of time so they can separate you from the dogs.

posted: 10/19/2021

Vet was very thorough in explaining my dogs issues. Made sure I understood it all. Great service

posted: 06/14/2023