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 819 reviews fromSee all reviews review us onTammy 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.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!!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.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.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. Lorie T.Lorie T. ★★★★★ The staff and surgeon were very pleasant and knowledgeable. They kept me updated throughout the procedure and my kitten was cared for as I would have cared for him at home.Response from the ownerLorie, thank you so much for your kind words. We’re truly glad to hear that you felt well informed and that your kitten was cared for with the same love and attention you would give at home. That level of trust means everything to us. We cannot wait to share your comments with our staff. Bridgette D.Bridgette D. ★★★★★ 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. Adrienne F.Adrienne F. ★★★★★ Everyone at this location has been wonderful and helpful.Response from the ownerAdrienne, thank you for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that our team has been helpful and provided a positive experience. Your trust and support mean a great deal to us. Hope A.Hope A. ★★★★★ My dog had TPLO surgery with Dr Buirkle and the entire experience was exceptional. My dog is recovering beautifully, and I’m so grateful for the skill and compassion from the entire team. Highly recommend!Response from the ownerWe’re so pleased to hear that your dog is recovering well and that Dr. Buirkle and our team provided exceptional, compassionate care throughout the TPLO surgery process. Your recommendation means a great deal to us. Thank you for sharing your experience. Margaret H.Margaret H. ★★★★★ Very efficient and friendly helpful staff . My dog felt so much safer due to your non skid floors !!! A big for her and me , thank youResponse from the ownerMargaret, we’re thrilled to hear that your dog felt safe and comfortable during the visit, and we’re glad the non-skid floors helped. Our team always strives to provide a friendly, efficient, and welcoming environment for both pets and their families. We truly appreciate your trust and thank you for your amazing review! Darlene S.Darlene S. ★★★★★ Response from the ownerDarlene, thank you for the great feedback! We’re happy to hear you had a positive experience and we appreciate you allowing us to care for your pet. Lilly C.Lilly C. ★★★★★ My kitten Edgar ended up passing here a little over a year ago. I cannot begin to express how helpful everyone was with this difficult (and expensive) process. They were clear, kind, and knowledgeable around services/expenses and tried their very best to help my little man. They even sent me a card after. Although, this experience is one I would very much like to forget - their gentle kindness was certainly something I will take with me. Thank you!Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to share your experience and for your kind words. We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Edgar, and we know how painful that time was for you. It truly meant a great deal to our team to be able to support you and your little man through such a difficult process. We always strive to be clear, gentle, and transparent, especially during moments like these, and we’re grateful that our care brought you some comfort. Edgar was very loved, and we’re honored to have been part of his journey. Please know our thoughts remain with you, and thank you again for trusting us. Debra M.Debra M. ★★★★★ Response from the ownerDebra, thank you for the great feedback! We’re happy to hear you had a positive experience and we appreciate you allowing us to care for your pet. 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. Edward M.Edward M. ★★★★★ Excellent presentation of proposed TPLO procedure and frank discussion of costs. Surgeon answered all questions.Response from the ownerWe are absolutely thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our presentation and discussion of the TPLO procedure. Thank you for sharing your feedback! Terri G.Terri G. ★★★★★ Brought our dog here for an Orthopedic surgical evaluation. It was extremely easy to get an appointment. Easy to complete what paperwork they needed before arriving. The staff was friendly and helpful. Dr Burgess was kind, caring and very informativeResponse from the ownerTerri, your feedback is incredibly valuable. We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team and kind words about Dr. Burgess. Thank you for sharing your feedback! Jenness S.Jenness S. ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for the great feedback! We’re happy to hear you had a positive experience and we appreciate you allowing us to care for your pet. js_loader