Independence Veterinary Hospital is locally owned by husband and wife Dr. Derrick Kier and Dr. Karen Smithwick. With their incredible medical team of animal lovers, the doctors will provide you and your pet the care they would expect for their own family pets. The moment you call us with a question or concern, we’ll be invested in helping you and making sure your pet is the healthiest and happiest they can be. When you and your pet visit our animal hospital, you can expect to be treated with the utmost empathy. We want you to feel safe, comfortable and listened to when you turn to us for your pet’s needs.
Get to know us better in person! Schedule an appointment with us today.
Why Choose Us?
There are many vets to choose from in Virginia Beach. How do you know you’ve found the right one?
We Value Your Time
For every appointment we see, we take as much time as we need to explain your pet’s needs and our treatment recommendations for them. Your time is important to us, and we want to ensure you leave us feeling better informed and confident.
We Nurture Our Team
When our team is happy and healthy, so too are our patients and clients. This means practicing clear, compassionate communication and building up empathy among our team members so that together, we can provide the highest-quality care.
We Build Relationships
We’re not just here to treat your pet. We’re here to get to know you and be a trusted caregiver, a good listener, and a sturdy support system for your family through all the ups and downs of life with your companion.
We're Cat Friendly Certified
If you share your life with a feline family member, we have Cat Friendly Certified staff who can make your pet’s visit an enjoyable one. This involves low-stress handling, tasty distractions, pheromones, and other techniques to help your cat relax and be more receptive to the treatment they need.