Business Details
19 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in West Columbia, SC
Van Crest Animal Hospital has served West Columbia, SC, and surrounding areas for over 18 years with compassionate veterinary care. Our two-doctor practice, led by Dr. Candra Smith Chambers and Dr. Nick Chambers, prioritizes personalized attention and advanced medical techniques. We offer comprehensive services including wellness exams, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and emergency care for pets. Our team combines over three decades of collective experience with a deep commitment to community needs.We utilize modern equipment for radiology, blood work, and dental care while maintaining a focus on preventative medicine. Our boarding facilities provide secure, clean environments for pets when owners travel. The practice emphasizes transparent communication, client education, and ethical treatment standards. We address both routine and complex medical conditions with equal dedication. Our mission remains centered on treating every pet as if they were our own family members.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Emergency Care
Surgical Procedures
Dental Cleanings
Diagnostic Testing
Pet Boarding
Grooming Services
Microchipping
Allergy Testing
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of veterinary experience with personalized care
- Our team provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and diagnostic services
- We maintain modern facilities with digital radiology and dental equipment
- Our practice includes specialized wellness plans for long-term pet health
- We combine veterinary expertise with genuine compassion for animals
What people say
Wonderful staff
Knowledgeable team
Caring professionals
Excellent bedside manner
Best care possible
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams ensure early detection of health issues in pets. We perform thorough physical examinations, update vaccinations, and recommend preventive care tailored to each pet's age and condition. These regular checkups help maintain optimal health through proactive medical attention.
Emergency Care
We provide immediate veterinary care for acute illnesses and injuries. Our team handles emergencies like trauma, poisoning, and severe infections with rapid diagnostic testing and treatment. The facility maintains equipment for stabilizing critical patients during after-hours emergencies.
Surgical Procedures
Our surgical services include spay/neuter operations, soft tissue surgeries, and orthopedic procedures. We use sterile techniques and modern monitoring equipment during operations. Post-operative care includes pain management and recovery monitoring for optimal healing outcomes.
Diagnostic Testing
We offer in-house laboratory services and imaging diagnostics for accurate pet health assessments. Our capabilities include blood work analysis, urinalysis, radiology, and ultrasound examinations. These diagnostic tools help identify internal conditions requiring specialized treatment.
Pet Boarding
Our boarding facility provides secure, clean accommodations for pets when owners travel. We follow specific feeding instructions and maintain daily health monitoring. The space includes climate-controlled environments and regular exercise opportunities for boarded animals.
People
Dr. Candra Smith Chambers
Veterinarian/Owner
Graduate of Tuskegee University's College of Veterinary Medicine with special interests in internal medicine and geriatrics. Practicing since 2003, she focuses on compassionate care and client education while managing chronic conditions in senior pets.
Dr. Nick Chambers
Veterinarian/Owner
Tuskegee University veterinary graduate specializing in surgery and internal medicine. Active in AAHA and SCVMA, he combines clinical practice with community service. Holds additional ministry and animal husbandry qualifications while managing surgical cases.
Questions
What wellness plan options do you offer?
We provide four monthly wellness plans covering preventative care: Puppy ($34.50), Adult Dog ($31.50), Kitten ($32.50), and Adult Cat ($29.50) plans with included services and discounts.
Do you handle veterinary emergencies?
Yes, we treat urgent medical conditions during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting regional emergency clinics while we provide stabilization care when possible.
Can I tour your boarding facilities?
Yes, we encourage facility tours. Contact us to schedule a visit and see our clean, climate-controlled boarding areas designed for pet comfort and safety.
What surgical procedures do you perform?
Our surgical services include spay/neuter operations, mass removals, dental extractions, and orthopedic procedures like fracture repairs using modern veterinary techniques and monitoring equipment.
How do your wellness plans work?
Plans provide prepaid preventative care packages including exams, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. Monthly memberships spread costs while offering 15% discounts on additional services, promoting consistent pet healthcare.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have?
We offer complete in-house lab testing, digital radiology, ultrasound imaging, and specialized allergy testing to accurately diagnose medical conditions and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Reviews (6)
Gisela Kloess
Dec 22, 2021
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My baby Barney (dog) had a broken tooth and after a Petrifying experience with a different vet, I took my dog Barney to Dr. Chambers and his team. The previous experience was so traumatic for Barney and myself that I was beyond nervous when Lex took Barney to the back to draw blood. (I did share with her the previous experience)
When Lex came back out, she told me that everything went great - that he was nervous at first but took her time to calm him down and then chop chop it was all done. After the surgery, Lex sent me the sweetest picture of my baby - when he woke up he started whining so
When Lex came back out, she told me that everything went great - that he was nervous at first but took her time to calm him down and then chop chop it was all done. After the surgery, Lex sent me the sweetest picture of my baby - when he woke up he started whining so
Holly Vissage-Smith
Dec 06, 2021
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Extremely friendly staff and caring doctor. They saw us on fairly short notice. Patiently answered my questions and worked with me by offering multiple options to suit my financial situation and do what needed to be done to make sure Reese was taken care of. Will definitely be making this my pet's veterinary clinic. I would recommend them to anyone who has furry family members!
Jennifer Green
Oct 27, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I have an elderly chihuahua with congestive heart failure and Dr. Nick was very comforting and professional. Everyone I encountered was nice and compassionate. There will be a time when treatment is at an end and I feel comfortable having Van Crest and Dr. Nick helping me through the decision making process.
I have an elderly chihuahua with congestive heart failure and Dr. Nick was very comforting and professional. Everyone I encountered was nice and compassionate. There will be a time when treatment is at an end and I feel comfortable having Van Crest and Dr. Nick helping me through the decision making process.
Tia McKinney
Oct 25, 2021
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Everyone was very nice and showed a lot of love to my puppy. They were very kind and inviting, they also showed attention and care towards my very attention loving 3 year old. My dog was comfortable and seemed to warm up to the staff quickly so he clearly trusted them as did I. Im very satisfied with thr entire experience and look forward to taking my puppy back for his next appointment.
Kathlyn Rollings
Sep 27, 2021
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Absolutely LOVE Van Crest! Both veterinarians are absolutely phenomenal! They have taken SUCH good care of my two sweet babies over the years. The whole staff is incredibly respectful and as a client, I can always see how much everyone in that office genuinely loves caring for animals. Appointments are consistently timely, effective, and very affordable. If I could give this office ten stars, I would!
Tina Miller
Sep 22, 2021
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From the moment I called to when my cats were released, the staff are so understanding! Nothing was done without my approval and everything was carefully explained! So surprise large bill!! I'm so happy with my cat's vet!!
