About Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists

about-chesapeake-veterinary-surgical-specialists-maryland

Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, formerly Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Surgery (CVRS), was founded in Annapolis in 1992 as a component of the Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC).

The medical staff of Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists is composed of nine staff surgeons, three surgical residents, surgical interns, Registered Veterinary Technicians, technician assistants, and ICU technicians. All of our staff surgeons are boarded or board-eligible by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists is associated with emergency care facilities that have 24 hour doctor care in our intensive care units at all of our locations:  AAVEC in Annapolis and Pet+E.R. in Hunt Valley.  Our two locations have doctors on premises 24 hours a day to ensure that all of our patients receive the highest quality care.

If you would like to learn more about our practice, see our surgical informational brochure or our pet rehabilitation brochure.

Collaboration with Referral Specialists


Our direct access to a multitude of other veterinary specialists in all three of our locations means that we are able to offer cross-specialty care for the most complex cases. Our practice is co-located within the Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center, a coalition of board-certified veterinary specialists in the disciplines of emergency medicine and critical care, surgery, canine rehabilitation, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, eye care, neurology and advanced imaging.

We regularly collaborate with:

Excellent4.8 Based on 832 reviews fromSee all reviews review us onDorothy Jo-Ann M.Dorothy Jo-Ann M. ★★★★★ Every step, from making the appointment to the consultation was everything one would want. Excellence at every stepResponse from the ownerIt's always a pleasure to serve clients like you. We’re thrilled to hear that every step—from scheduling to consultation—met your expectations. Excellence in care is what we strive for, and your kind words mean a lot to our team. Thank you for sharing your experience! Patricia S.Patricia S. ★★★★★ they were super nice. Very gentle with Abby.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words! We’re so glad Abby felt safe and cared for, and that our team could be gentle and compassionate with her. 🐾💙 We appreciate you trusting us with her care! CarrieCarrie ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for the great feedback! We’re happy to hear you had a positive experience at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Hunt Valley and appreciate you allowing us to care for your pet. Patti G.Patti G. ★★★★★ The level of care our Italian greyhound received was way beyond anything I expected! Dr. Moore gave our boy exceptional care and the assistants were amazing. They kept in contact twice a day! I was able to go visit the day after his surgery for 15 minutes and that meant the world to me! I highly recommend them. Surgery was preform the very next day after the necessary test were preformed. Thank you to all involved in the care of our boy, Amico!Response from the ownerPatti, thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so glad Amico received the care he needed and that our team, including Dr. Moore and the assistants, could keep you informed and supported throughout his surgery and recovery. It’s great that you were able to visit him—that connection is so important. We truly appreciate your trust and recommendation. J QJ Q ★★★★★ Very knowledgeable and experienced staff. Very good with the animals. Great communication and options provided. To anyone that has an issue with the price, they need to understand these people are experts in their field. Board certified & no different than a human specialist doctor.Response from the ownerThank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re glad you felt well informed and supported by our knowledgeable team, and we truly appreciate your recognition of the expertise and care that goes into what we do. Your understanding and trust mean a great deal to our staff, and we’re honored to care for your pet. Mary S.Mary S. ★★★★★ Went there w a very sick dog they did a complete work up and sent us to an er vet. They were great!Response from the ownerMary, we’re glad our team could provide a thorough evaluation and guide you to the care your dog needed. Thank you for sharing your experience! Beth M.Beth M. ★★★★★ Our pup had CCL surgery with Dr. Jey. The staff and Doctors were AMAZING! It was never an inconvenience when I called 10 times a day to check on my baby boy. The Doctors called numerous times to check on Apollo when he came home. They also called numerous times just to let me know he was ok and what was going on. I would ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND Chesapeake Veterinary Services. Dr. Jey and staff get a 110 out of 100 from me.Response from the ownerBeth, thank you so much for this wonderful review! We’re thrilled Apollo’s CCL surgery went well and that our team could provide the support and care you needed throughout his recovery. Checking in and keeping you informed is something we take very seriously, and it means so much to hear that it made a difference. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the doctor and the entire team—they’ll be over the moon! Apollo is lucky to have such a loving owner. Rebecca H.Rebecca H. ★★★★★ Dr. Minihan preformed orthopedic surgery on my pet following an injury.sustained in an accident, following a stay at the Per ER where my pet also received extraordinary care, Dr Minihan is an extremely skilled surgeon and was able.to save my pet’s limb from amputation. She has been tremendously kind, patient and absolutely available to us during this stressful time. The staff are polite, knowledgeable and efficient , keeping in touch with us even after hours and during the snow storm to ensure that our pet was well taken of. We are so very grateful to Dr. Minihan, as well as the techs and staff who cared for and continue to monitor and care for our boy.Response from the ownerRebecca, We’re so grateful you trusted us with your pet during such a stressful time. Dr. Minihan and our entire team are dedicated to providing skilled, compassionate care, and we’re thrilled we could save your pet’s limb and support you throughout the process. Your kind words about our staff mean so much—thank you for allowing us to care for your boy. Thank you for sharing your experience. Kathy W.Kathy W. ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for the great feedback! We’re happy to hear you had a positive experience at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Annapolis and appreciate you allowing us to care for your pet. svanzijl1svanzijl1 ★★★★★ Prompt and caring. No complaints. Clean facility , very competent veterinarians.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words! We’re glad you found our care prompt and compassionate, and that our team and facility met your expectations. Your trust means a lot to us! A C (.A C (. ★★★★★ They took wonderful care of our sick cat and were helpful and transparent in the care they were providing her.Response from the ownerWe’re glad we could provide transparent, compassionate care for your cat during her illness. Your trust and kind words mean a lot to our team. Thank you for sharing your experience. Lauren K.Lauren K. ★★★★★ This is my second experience with this facility in Annapolis. I’ve been very pleased every time. the first time he went in for a neurological MRI for an FCE event. The vet recommended that I spend my money on treatment. . She was sure it was an FCE. My boy was mostly recovered until He started limping and hopping! Evaluated for surgery for the TPLO. Good follow up good updates.Response from the ownerLauren, thank you for sharing your experience and for trusting our Annapolis team with your boy’s care. We’re glad we could provide clear recommendations and thorough follow-up, from his FCE evaluation to his recent TPLO assessment. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, informed care and keep you updated every step of the way. It means a lot to hear that you’ve been pleased with both visits, and we’re grateful to support you and your pup through his recovery journey. Tammy RTammy R ★★★★★ My best friend had to have surgery on his spleen. They were very knowledgeable, compassionate and caring with him. They answered all questions and fully explained all options. They even called several times when we got home to check on him and listen as I was scared or had a million questions. At the worst time they made things not feel as horrible as it is.Response from the ownerTammy, we know how frightening and emotional it can be when a beloved pet needs surgery, and we’re honored you trusted us during such a difficult time. Our team strives to be not only knowledgeable, but truly compassionate and present for both pets and their families. We’re glad we could answer your questions, explain options clearly, and continue to support you once you were home. Please know we’re always here for you and your best friend—wishing him a smooth and continued recovery. Thank you so much for sharing this heartfelt review. pam J.pam J. ★★★★★ You can't find a better veterinary practice than the Annapolis team. They keep you informed. They are caring, kind, considerate, respectful and they take excellent care of your pet. You have everything right there at this practice, from emergency to surgery to internal medicine to cardiac Care etc. so when I took him into emergency on Saturday night they took his care until the surgical team took over. I didn't have to move him and take him somewhere else. Thank the Lord!My dog came in with a swollen neck. They immediately took him back and started trying to evaluate and locate the issue also gave pain meds so he would be more comfortable. My poor little Luke was in pain. He had a salivary gland rupture, which is not common and pretty serious. From the minute I walked into emergency Saturday night through Tuesday when I picked him up to bring him home from surgery, I was confident in everything they were doing. Dr. Wolf was/is amazing. She is so knowledgeable and caring. I just love her! When I picked him up to bring him home, she wanted to make sure I was completely comfortable with everything I needed to do and she took the time to walk me through it. They ALL kept me updated on every process and his condition. It was hard being away from him that long, but they keep you abreast of everything and always letting you know that you can call and talk to them, if you have any concerns or questions.They were up front with me at all times about what it was going to cost. They give you a low and a high-end quote so you can be prepared. The emergency room came in lower than the high-end of the quote. The surgical team was pretty much spot on.I wanted my baby to have the best care and I believe I got it with the Annapolis team. Luke could not have been in better hands. This was an extensive surgery and he received excellent care.Thank you to the complete Annapolis team!!Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing such a detailed and heartfelt review. We’re thrilled to hear that Luke received excellent care from start to finish and that Dr. Wolf and the entire Annapolis team were able to support both him and you through such a serious situation. It means a lot to know that you felt informed, supported, and confident in every step of his emergency treatment and surgery, and we’re glad the seamless care—from emergency to surgery—helped make a stressful experience more manageable. Your kind words are deeply appreciated, and we’re so happy Luke is doing well at home. Vicki S.Vicki S. ★★★★★ Staff and doctors are all amazing!! This entire ptactice is absolutely un matched!! Love love love Dr. Gauthier!!!💕❤️💕Response from the ownerVicki, thank you so much for the love! We’re thrilled to hear how much you appreciate our staff and doctors, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with Dr. Gauthier. Your support truly means the world to us! Felix G.Felix G. ★★★★★ Great service provided by staff and Dr.Response from the ownerFelix, it's always a pleasure to serve clients like you. We’re glad you had a great experience with our staff and doctor. Thank you for your feedback! FrancineFrancine ★★★★★ Dr Burkle and staff And front desk are very nice!!Response from the ownerFrancine, thank you for your kind words! We’re glad Dr. Burkle, the staff, and front desk made your experience a positive one. Kyle S.Kyle S. ★★★★★ I can't say enough good things about this place. Referred here from my vet in Manchester MD for a surgical procedure for my dog. From the front desk staff, to the techs and doctor (Minihan) the experience was exceptional. Everything from start to finish. Prompt emails of paperwork, prompt return calls ,easy check in and consultation, scheduling, and surgery/post care. It was all so thorough with a kind, HAPPY, and knowledgeable staff. Surgery cost was extremely reasonable as well. You're in good hands here! Our family is grateful for such a positive experience.Response from the ownerKyle, we’re truly grateful you trusted us with your dog’s surgical care and that your experience—from scheduling and communication to surgery and post-operative care—was so positive. It means a great deal to hear that Dr. Minihan and our entire team made you feel supported, informed, and comfortable every step of the way. Your kind words and gratitude truly encourage us, and we’re honored to have been able to help your family. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. Laura C.Laura C. ★★★★★ Our dog had surgery for 3 compressed discs and not only was the Neurology center great, with compassionate care, they always responded to any concern or question. The rehab facility was also amazing. The staff was friendly, caring and efficient. They took their time to explain everything, as well as to answer any questions that I had. Both centers provided a excellent and compassionate experience.Response from the ownerLaura, we’re so glad your dog received compassionate, thorough care from both the Neurology and rehab teams. It’s wonderful to hear that your questions were answered and that you felt supported throughout the process. We’re grateful to have been part of your dog’s recovery journey. Thank you for sharing your experience! Mike W.Mike W. ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for the great feedback! We’re happy to hear you had a positive experience at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Annapolis and appreciate you allowing us to care for your pet. js_loader