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50+ Years
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Emergency
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Trusted Veterinary Care for Dogs, Cats & Exotic Pets in Kensington, MD
Wheaton Animal Hospital has been a trusted part of the Kensington and Wheaton communities since 1974, providing lifelong veterinary care with warmth, experience, and heart. Our full-service animal hospital cares for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, and small mammals, treating each pet with compassion and respect. We prioritize personalized wellness plans, advanced diagnostics, and species-specific expertise, including exotic pet care.

Our team, many of whom have served for decades, builds lasting relationships with pets and families, ensuring familiar, trusted faces at every visit. Rooted in community trust, we combine traditional veterinary practices with modern techniques to support pets at every life stage.
Services
Wellness Care Dental Care Exotics Surgery Vaccines In House Diagnostics
Details
  • Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
  • We have over 50 years of experience serving Kensington's pet community.
  • Our team includes veterinarians with specialized expertise in exotic pet care.
  • We provide personalized wellness plans tailored to each pet's unique needs.
  • Same-day appointments ensure timely care for urgent pet health concerns.
  • Decades-long team continuity fosters deep understanding of client histories.
Services
Wellness & Preventive Care
Our personalized wellness plans include physical exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and early detection lab work tailored to your pet's unique needs. We focus on building lifelong health strategies through nose-to-tail examinations and species-specific guidance. Regular checkups help catch subtle health changes early, ensuring proactive care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets at every life stage.
Dental Care
We provide comprehensive dental services including cleanings, digital X-rays, and extractions using modern anesthesia protocols. Our team addresses issues like tartar buildup, resorptive lesions, and overgrown teeth in mammals and exotic species. Post-operative care plans ensure smooth recovery while preventing systemic health complications from untreated dental disease.
Exotic Pet Expertise
Our veterinarians offer specialized care for reptiles, birds, small mammals, and aquatic animals. Services include wellness exams, diagnostics, and surgical procedures tailored to species-specific needs. We provide husbandry guidance for habitats, nutrition, and behavioral enrichment to support optimal health in non-traditional pets like parrots, turtles, and chinchillas.
Surgery & Dental Care
From spays/neuters to soft tissue surgery and mass removals, our surgical team uses advanced monitoring and pain management techniques. We perform procedures on traditional and exotic pets with customized anesthesia protocols. Post-operative follow-ups ensure proper healing while minimizing infection risks through tailored recovery plans.
Same Day Appointments
We prioritize timely care for pets showing symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or injuries. Our team accommodates urgent cases with immediate diagnostics and treatment options. Same-day services include emergency exams, diagnostics, and stabilization procedures while maintaining regular appointment availability for scheduled care.
People
Dr. Gary Schwartz
Medical Director & Veterinarian
Dr. Schwartz specializes in exotic animal care and has served the hospital since its founding in 1974. He treats diverse species including reptiles, birds, and small mammals while maintaining a passion for continuous learning in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Amy Scheiner
Veterinarian
With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Scheiner focuses on problem-solving and nurturing human-animal bonds. She practices general veterinary care and enjoys competing in dog agility events while contributing to the hospital's long-term client relationships.
Dr. Robyn Johnson
Veterinarian
Dr. Johnson has been with the team since 2002, offering general practice and emergency medicine expertise. She builds long-term client relationships and contributes to theater arts through the Young Victorian Theatre Company's board.
Heather Donovan
Practice Manager
Heather has managed hospital operations since 1989, ensuring smooth client experiences across generations of pet families. Her cat-savvy approach helps nervous felines feel comfortable during visits while maintaining organizational excellence.
Questions
What types of pets do you treat?
We care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other small mammals.
Do you accept new clients?
Yes! We offer a $75 discount for new clients' first appointment when scheduled in advance.
What should I bring to my pet's first visit?
Bring previous medical records, a list of medications, and any questions. Secure your pet in a carrier or leash.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Kensington, Wheaton, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Forest Glen communities.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes, we provide same-day veterinary care for urgent situations when available.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (301) 949-1520 or book online through our website for all appointment types.
Reviews (6)
Nikii Schaeffer
Oct 06, 2021 Report
Been taking my two kittens I adopted recently. All the staff members have been fantastic with giving them medical care and answering any questions I have as well as following up with me. They have a separate side of the waiting room for cats and dogs which I really appreciate.
Hannah Brand
Sep 25, 2021 Report
The vets and vet techs here are amazing. They really take the time to get to know your pet and ask detailed questions about their diet, living space, bathroom habits, etc. Much better experience over than other local vets. But they are extremely busy, so expect to have some wait time upon check in and check out
Manuel Penado
Sep 14, 2021 Report
Critical:Professionalism
The Doctor decided to take it upon her on what to do with my 14 year old friend that passed away and assures i never requested cremation and ashes back.
Janice Kochan
Jun 28, 2021 Report
They are the best! I've been taking my birds and dogs to Wheaton Animal Hospital since the 1980's. They are knowledgeable and kind. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Sun Tzu
May 02, 2021 Report
Has been my pets' hospital for 25 years. Dedicated, knowledgeable. Kind and supportive staff. When my adopted dog passed away from a tumor, they sent a beautiful flower arrangement.Clean, and now, have great COVID protocols in place. I would highly recommend. And so would my latest pet and those who preceded him.
Pavel Y.
Apr 29, 2021 Report
This is a great veterinary hospital. Dr. Schwartz has been taking great care of our dogs there, and we had very good experience there with Dr. Sussman earlier. The admin and medical staff are very friendly and helpful. Quality of care has been excellent, and their prices are reasonable, all things and their competition considered.