Our philosophy
How we practice, and why.
Clarksburg Animal Hospital is guided by a few simple principles. They’re the reason appointments here run 30 minutes, why we note on each chart what helps your pet stay calm, and why we keep going until there’s an answer.
Our guiding principles
Four commitments behind every visit
Communication is the key to a great relationship. We explain everything and support your choices, work to decrease fear so your pet learns to trust us, grow alongside our Clarksburg neighbors, and keep going until you have answers.
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Communication
We explain everything to you and support your choices.
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Relationships
We build long-standing relationships by decreasing fear and establishing trust.
Keeping pets free of fear -
Community
We aim to be a responsible member of the community in Clarksburg and the towns around it.
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Persistence
We persist to get you answers, whether we provide them ourselves or find the resources your pet needs.
Time with you
Every visit starts with half an hour.
Dr. Rapp and an experienced, dedicated and friendly crew give you the resources every pet owner needs. We start with 30-minute appointments, which leave time to listen to your concerns and observations, and then to explain your options.
It’s important to us that you understand all of your options and feel comfortable with the choices you make. Complicated cases get follow-up calls and emails to guide you through any further decisions and check on your pet’s progress.
Customized care
No two pets get quite the same plan.
We merge modern medicine and technology with traditional relationships and service, balancing philosophy, science, personality and advanced care to meet your family’s needs.
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Vaccinations
Vaccinations shouldn’t be the same for every pet. We adjust vaccine protocols to protect your pet best for their lifestyle.
Vaccinations -
Nutrition
Many diseases can be managed with diet adjustments and supplements. We’ll guide you through a confusing world of options, and can provide nutritional consultations.
Nutritional counseling -
Behavior
We evaluate personality in puppies, kittens and new rescues to get their behavior on the right track, and help you tell whether small adjustments are enough or more help is needed.
Behavior management -
Costs
We recommend what is needed and work to keep your overall bills manageable. We also offer several specials each year to help you save on veterinary costs.
Managing costs
Why are your appointments 30 minutes long?
Half an hour leaves time to listen to your concerns and observations, and then to explain your options. It’s important to us that you understand all of your options and feel comfortable with the choices you make.
What happens if my pet’s case is complicated?
We keep going until you have answers, whether we provide them ourselves or find the resources your pet needs. We also follow up with calls and emails to guide you through any further decisions and check on your pet’s progress.
Will my pet’s care plan be tailored to them?
Yes. For example, we adjust vaccine protocols to suit your pet’s lifestyle, and many diseases can be managed with diet adjustments and supplements. Learn more about vaccinations and nutritional counseling.
Can you help with behavior in my new puppy, kitten or rescue?
Yes. We evaluate personality in puppies, kittens and new rescues to get their behavior on the right track, and help you tell whether small adjustments are enough or more help is needed. See behavior management.
My pet gets nervous at the vet. How do you help?
We work to decrease fear so your pet learns to trust us, and we note on each chart what helps your pet stay calm. Read more about keeping pets free of fear.
Do you offer ways to save on veterinary care?
We recommend what is needed and work to keep your overall bills manageable. We also offer several specials each year to help you save. For payment options, see managing costs.
Appointments
We’d be glad to meet your pet.
Call us at 301-482-2535, or book an appointment online in our Pet Portal.
Location
Clarksburg Animal Hospital23321 Frederick Rd.
Clarksburg, MD 20871 301-482-2535
Serving Clarksburg and surrounding areas.
Working Hours
- Mon – Fri
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Sat & Sun
- Closed
New clients can use the Pet Portal too. Enter your information there and make your first appointment.