Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Emergency & Specialty Veterinary Care in Suffolk, VA
Since 2012, The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise has been a trusted provider of emergency and specialty veterinary care in Suffolk, VA. Our mission is to deliver compassionate, expert care for pets and support for their families during critical moments. With board-certified specialists in cardiology, surgery, dentistry, and critical care, we combine advanced medical technology with heartfelt service. Our team collaborates closely with primary care veterinarians to ensure continuity of care, emphasizing transparency, empathy, and clinical excellence.Rooted in the Hampton Roads community, we serve pets from Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and beyond, offering 24/7 emergency services and referral-based specialty treatments. Through our Healing Animals Together Fund, we provide financial assistance to pets in need, reinforcing our commitment to both animals and their owners.
Services
Cardiology
Emergency Care
Critical Care
Dentistry
Surgery
Anesthesia
End-of-Life Care
Referral Services
Diagnostic Imaging
Pet Dentistry
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency services with overnight hospitalization.
- Our team includes board-certified specialists in cardiology, surgery, and critical care.
- We provide collaborative treatment plans with primary care veterinarians.
- We utilize state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technology.
- We ensure transparent and compassionate communication with every client.
Associations and certifications
- American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
What people say
Compassionate employees
Speedy service
Knowledgeable staff
Thorough explanations
Supportive during euthanasia
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency services provide immediate care for pets with life-threatening conditions, including trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses. Staffed by experienced veterinarians and equipped with advanced diagnostics, we stabilize critical patients and coordinate follow-up care. Our team prioritizes rapid triage, transparent communication, and compassionate support for pet owners during high-stress situations.
Cardiology
Board-certified veterinary cardiologist Dr. Merrilee Small specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in pets. Services include echocardiography, ECG, and management of congenital defects and chronic diseases. We offer outpatient and inpatient care, focusing on early detection and personalized treatment plans to improve quality of life for pets with cardiovascular issues.
Surgical Services
Led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Jeff Stallings, our surgical team performs orthopedic, soft tissue, and oncologic procedures using minimally invasive techniques. We provide pre- and post-operative care, tailored anesthesia protocols, and pain management. Our focus is on precision, safety, and long-term recovery for pets requiring complex surgical interventions.
Dentistry
Advanced dental care includes endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontal treatments for pets. Dr. Colleen Fox, a dentistry specialist, addresses complex oral conditions using digital imaging and specialized techniques. We emphasize preventive care and restorative procedures to alleviate pain and prevent systemic health issues caused by dental disease.
Critical Care
Board-certified criticalist Dr. Jocelyn Patterson leads treatment for pets with multi-organ failure, severe trauma, or metabolic crises. Our ICU offers continuous monitoring, advanced diagnostics, and tailored therapies. We collaborate with specialists and primary veterinarians to stabilize patients and manage recovery from life-threatening conditions.
People
Jeff T. Stallings
Surgeon & Co-Founder
Dr. Stallings is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic, soft tissue, and oncologic procedures. He co-founded The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise to provide advanced surgical care in Hampton Roads, combining clinical precision with compassionate treatment for pets and their families.
Merrilee T. Small
Cardiologist & Co-Founder
Dr. Small is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing heart conditions in pets. As a co-founder of The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise, she brings over 15 years of experience in cardiology, emphasizing early detection and personalized treatment plans to improve pet longevity.
Colleen Fox
Dentistry Specialist
Dr. Fox specializes in advanced veterinary dentistry, including endodontics and oral surgery. With a focus on restorative care, she addresses complex dental issues to enhance pets' quality of life. Her expertise ensures comprehensive oral health solutions for patients at The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise.
Jocelyn Patterson
Critical Care Specialist
Dr. Patterson is a board-certified criticalist managing life-threatening conditions in pets. Her work at The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise involves intensive care for trauma, metabolic crises, and post-operative recovery, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered treatment strategies.
Allison Rye
Practice Manager
Allison oversees hospital operations with over 20 years of veterinary management experience. She focuses on operational excellence and team development, ensuring The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise maintains high standards of care while supporting sustainable practices in emergency veterinary medicine.
Questions
What emergency services are available at The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise?
The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise offers 24/7 emergency care Monday-Friday, including overnight hospitalization, diagnostics, and treatment for trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses.
Do I need a referral for specialty services?
Yes, specialty services like cardiology or surgery require a referral from your primary veterinarian to ensure coordinated care.
What payment options does The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise accept?
We accept major credit cards and offer financing through CareCredit, Scratchpay, and AllPet for qualified applicants.
How does The Cove Center Of Veterinary Expertise Center of Veterinary Expertise support referring veterinarians?
We collaborate closely with primary care vets, sharing detailed records and updates to ensure seamless continuity of care for referred patients.
What end-of-life care options are available?
Our compassionate end-of-life services include pain management, counseling, and personalized support to help families navigate difficult decisions with dignity.