Our Values
At Jermantown Animal Hospital, we believe that veterinary care should never be scary. Your pet’s mental and emotional health matters just as much as their physical health, and we’ve built our entire practice around that belief.
Fear Free Certified
We’re proud to have Fear Free Certified professionals on our team who are working to make vet visits less terrifying and more tolerable for everyone involved. Founded by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free Certification Program was developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, and veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods.
What does this mean for your pet? It means we use gentle handling techniques, calming pheromones, treats, and strategic patience to reduce stress. We’ll examine your pet on the floor if that’s more comfortable. We’ll take breaks if they need it. We understand that some pets need extra time, and we’re happy to give it to them. Our goal is simple: happier, calmer pets and less stressful vet visits for everyone involved.
Cat Friendly Practice
As a certified Cat Friendly Practice, we go above and beyond to make our feline patients comfortable at the vet. Our cat-friendly team uses special techniques to minimize stress, including minimal restraint, cat-friendly handling, and a dedicated exam room just for cats. No dog smells. No barking in the background. Just a quiet, calm space where your cat can feel safe.
We’re not afraid to get creative, either. If your cat feels safer in a carrier, we’ll work with them there. If they prefer to hide under a towel, that’s fine.
Behavioral Expertise
Dr. Johnson has a special interest in animal behavior and offers behavioral consultations for pets with anxiety, fear, aggression, or other challenging behaviors. We see many pets with behavioral issues, not just for consultations but also for their regular veterinary care. Why? Because we understand that a dog who’s terrified of the vet still needs vaccines, and a cat with anxiety issues still needs dental care.
If your pet has a history of difficult vet visits, let us know. We’ll create a plan to help them feel safer. Sometimes that means extra treats. Sometimes it means pre-visit medications. Sometimes it means taking things slowly over multiple visits. We’re patient, and we’re in this for the long haul.
Independent, Woman-Owned & Locally Focused
Jermantown Animal Hospital is a woman-owned, privately owned practice. That means Dr. Johnson calls the shots, not a corporate board. We make decisions based on what’s best for your pet, not what’s best for shareholders. We’re deeply rooted in the Fairfax community and invested in building lasting relationships with the families we serve.
Proactive, Personalized Care
We believe in proactive care, whether that’s preventative medicine or managing chronic conditions before they become urgent. Every pet is different, and cookie-cutter medicine doesn’t work. We take the time to understand your pet’s unique needs, your concerns, and your budget. Then we work with you to create a care plan that makes sense for your family.
When you call, we remember your pet’s name. When you visit, we remember their quirks. That’s not magic—it’s just what happens when you genuinely care.