Anicira

03/11/2025

Good morning and happy Tuesday! 🌸 Spring is almost here, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine than with your best furry friend by your side? Whether it's playing outside with a wagging tail or curling up with a cozy cat purring in your lap, there’s nothing like the unconditional love and joy pets bring into our lives. Adopting and fostering is such a rewarding experience – you give an animal a second chance at a happy life, and in return, they shower you with endless affection and companionship 🐾❤️

If you're ready to open your heart and home, take a moment to check out the adorable adoptable pets at RHSPCA - https://rhspca.org/adopt/. You never know – your new best friend might be waiting for you! 🌟

Pictured: Tony the 10 year old hound, Kasper the kitty, King the cute pitty, and Sassy McFrassy the black and white kitty!

03/07/2025

Happy Friday, friends! Today, we're (re)-introducing the Anicira apparel store! Interested? Maybe just a bit curious? Click on the link to check it out: https://www.bonfire.com/store/anicira-veterinary-center/

As the weather quickly changes, don’t expect many of us to be shouting “sweater weather” while channeling our inner Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler. But, lucky for you, we’ve got Anicira's Online Store to satisfy all your swag needs and update your wardrobe!

Want a hat or beanie that’s cooler than a snow cone on a hot day? We’ve got it. Need a mug that makes that first sip of coffee feel like a hug from the universe? You bet. Maybe you’re one of those bold souls who still rocks a sweater in the spring and summer—no judgment, we’re all about comfy and cozy! Not into sweaters or hoodies? No biggie! Our t-shirts are ready to be your new best friend.

And here’s the absolute best part: a portion of the proceeds goes straight to saving a pet’s life! So really, you're not just shopping... you're basically a superhero. (We don't have capes for sale though...not yet!)

03/05/2025

A huge, gigantic, over-the-top THANK YOU to everyone who entered Anicira's Best Smile Contest! We were absolutely FLOORED by the flood of adorably silly photos — we couldn’t stop grinning! 😁 But, as much as we wanted to crown ALL of you as winners, there can only be TWO, and the judges have made their VERY important (and smile-filled) decision! 🎉

Drumroll, please... 🥁 The winners are Charlie (left) and Ryder (right), who have officially been deemed the proud owners of THE cutest smiles in the land! 😍

Thanks again to all of you for participating, and stay tuned for more ridiculously fun contests in the future! Who knows? Your pet’s next big win could be just around the corner! 🐾

03/05/2025

Happy Wednesday! Let’s give a warm welcome to the one and only, Cleo! This handsome fella definitely knows what he wants — and he expects nothing less than purr-fection. When he came in for his dental surgery a few weeks ago, he had some very specific requests: belly rubs (but only after you ask nicely, and only once, mind you) and a firm stance against the meowing kitty above him (his vocal protests were heard loud and clear). Despite his royal demands, brave Cleo had two teeth extracted, and the rest of his pearly whites got a thorough cleaning and polishing.

03/04/2025

Dear friends of Anicira:

In 2025, Anicira Veterinary Center proudly celebrates 20 years of nonprofit service to our community, and we would love for you to join us for a special community Open House on Tuesday, April 1st, from 5 PM to 7PM! Drop-in to our Harrisonburg hospital at 1992 Medical Avenue to meet our dedicated team, enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and beverages, take a behind-the-scenes tour of our hospital, pick up a special swag bag, and learn some of the ways Anicira made a difference in 2024, including:

- 33,097 pet patients served
- 433,122 free nutritious pet meals distributed
- $792,000+ in free healthcare provided to over 6,500 pets!

No RSVP is needed—just come as you are and help us celebrate two decades of keeping pets happier and healthier and pet families together.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

03/02/2025

🌟 Mud, teamwork, and paws! 🌟

This amazing group of Ancira veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and veterinary nurses conquered the Mad Anthony Mud Run in Waynesboro this weekend, proving that the determination and drive that they show every day at work translates to any challenge!

They pushed through the course with the same dedication they show for animals every day and their close bonds of support, laughter, and encouragement were just as evident at the race as they are at the hospital. You have to love their matching shirts featuring Dr. Akers’ cat Kenny, too!

Way to go, Team! Although we are proud of all of all our Team members every day - this group literally went the extra mile and are still smiling about it ! 🐾💪

02/28/2025

Happy Friday! Tipster here, and I’ve got one important reminder for you—it’s almost the first of the month, which means (cue dramatic drum roll)... it’s flea/tick AND heartworm prevention time! 🥁 Whether you’ve got a cat, a dog, a lazy couch potato, or a wilderness explorer on your hands, it doesn’t matter—they all need protection! Indoor, outdoor, big, small—heck, even the ones who just look out the window like, "Nope, not today, nature!"—they need it too! Let’s keep those pesky critters at bay! 🐾

02/26/2025

At Anicira, we deeply cherish the strong, meaningful partnerships we've built with incredible organizations that share our commitment to making a difference. These connections are at the heart of what we do, and we are truly grateful for the collaborative spirit that helps us all thrive. Although we work with many animal welfare partners, referring veterinarians and emergency hospitals throughout Virginia, today we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to three of those amazing partners—Cat's Cradle, Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, and the Humane Society of Shenandoah County. Their unwavering dedication to the community and tireless efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in their care inspire us every day.

Without these partnerships, we may have never gotten a chance to help a feral kitty (lovingly nicknamed "Cinderella") who presented with a glass jar lid around her neck, or provide neutering services to Shiver and Timber. Together, we are creating lasting change, and we look forward to continuing our work side by side.

02/24/2025

Happy Monday, everyone! Our February Team Member spotlight is on Liz, one of our passionate Resource Center Specialists! With over 15 years of experience in customer service, Liz has brought her dedication and heart to Anicira for the past year. What drew Liz to Anicira was our powerful vision of ending animal suffering and our mission to support both animals and the community. While she’s deeply committed to the well-being of animals, it’s the personal connections she forms with pet parents that truly fuel her every day. Liz finds immense fulfillment in helping individuals, building meaningful relationships, and offering support during times of need. Her commitment to both the mission and the people she serves makes her an invaluable part of our team.

02/21/2025

Did you know that Anicira’s Pet Food Pantry provides FREE, nutritious meals to pet families who qualify twice every month? As a nonprofit veterinary hospital, we rely on amazing volunteers and business sponsors to make this vital service possible for pet families in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Together, in 2024, we provided 433,122 FREE meals to beloved pets!

Today, we extend a special thank you to Bobbi Ross, Business Relationship Manager at Park View Federal Credit Union - and her husband - for braving the cold temperatures recently as one of our first corporate sponsors! They truly went above and beyond that day, and their kindness and commitment made a significant impact on our pantry clients—THANK YOU!

We need more community leaders like Bobbi! Can you or your business help?

If you are 18+ and would like to make an important difference in the lives of pet families in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, please consider signing up online for a volunteer shift as an individual or as a business.

By partnering with us as a business sponsor, your company can make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families. Sponsorship not only provides your business with valuable recognition through our featured social media posts and email newsletters, but it also demonstrates your commitment to supporting our neighbors. Additionally, volunteering as a team is a wonderful way to boost morale, strengthen bonds, and make a direct impact together!

We’re incredibly grateful for those who help us serve pets in need—and we’d love for you to join us! Head to this link to sign up today! https://anicira.org/pet-food-pantry/

02/19/2025

The big moment has arrived! Time to cast your vote for the most pawsitively adorable smile! 🐶😺 From wagging tails to fluffy faces, these dogs and cats are ready to win your heart! Don’t be shy – share the cuteness and let’s make the world a little fluffier together!

Voting ends February 28th at midnight!

Please click the link to complete this form.

02/17/2025

Happy Monday! We hope everyone had a relaxing weekend! Did you know that many hospitals and clinics tattoo pets that have been spayed or neutered? These tattoos are usually green and are placed on the abdomen or near the sterilization site. You might be wondering, why the tattoo? Well, if your pet ever gets loose—whether they dart out during fireworks, slip out the door, or escape in some other way—animal control will check for the tattoo, along with scanning for a microchip. The tattoo signals that the pet has already been spayed or neutered, so no further surgery is needed if they’re not immediately reunited with their pet parents.

Now, let’s talk about adorable Annie! A few weeks ago, Annie was spayed and proudly received her green sterilization tattoo, a helpful reminder that she's already been spayed!

02/14/2025

Meet Tonto, our fearless hero, who bravely tackled a fully anesthetized dental surgery last month. After some pre-op x-rays, we found a grand total of nine diseased teeth. Needless to say, all of them had to go. But don’t worry, Tonto was a total trooper through it all! Post-op x-rays showed that every root was successfully removed, so now he’s all set to flash his pearly whites with a big smile.

02/12/2025

Happy Wednesday! We hope you're enjoying the snow day! Did you know...in 2024, Anicira’s PitFix program helped 173 pets, assisted 162 families, and provided $40,517 in free care.

Today, we’d like to introduce Tank, a pit bull who benefited from the PitFix program. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are among the most at-risk breeds in shelters due to overpopulation and breed misconceptions. By offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries, the PitFix program helps reduce shelter intake and improves the lives of pit bulls and their families.

Spread the word—through PitFix, you can get your dog spayed or neutered for just $40! For more info, go to: https://anicira.org/pit-fix

02/05/2025

SPOILER ALERT: Bruno has 100% fully recovered, and, according to his mom, is back to being his rambunctious little self!! We are grateful we could be there for Bruno and his family and that this tale/tail had a very happy ending!
*****
Once upon a time, there lived a prince called Bruno. At just three years old, Bruno enjoyed a life of absolute luxury—he was pampered with soft, plush beds, the finest toys, and delicious, juicy treats of bananas and strawberries. The sun shone brightly upon him, and every day felt like a magical adventure.

However, one fateful day, something unusual occurred. The little prince began to feel quite poorly; he stopped eating and began vomiting, leaving his family worried and bewildered. They rushed to his trusted primary care vet, where they quickly decided to investigate the cause of his distress. They took special pictures (radiographs), and to their astonishment, they discovered THREE mysterious and foreign objects hiding within Bruno’s tiny belly—objects that needed to be removed immediately to save his life.

With urgency in their hearts, Bruno’s family rushed him to the enchanted kingdom of Anicira, where the kind and wise Dr. Shelby awaited. Dr. Shelby, with her skilled hands and warm heart, performed an emergency procedure to remove the troublesome items from the brave prince’s belly. And now, dear reader, prepare for the grand reveal:

Drumroll, please!

Out came a fully intact remote control that had been lost since the Christmas season! Along with it, ten crunchy carrots, and six pickles, all of which Bruno had mysteriously consumed in his mischievous quest for snacks.

Miraculously, the sweet Bruno recovered swiftly. His tiny body healed, and soon he was back to his playful self, cuddling with his sibling, the loyal and gentle Harley, under the soft glow of the moon.

Not long after, Bruno, ever so grateful, sent a heartfelt message to the kind souls at Anicira. His letter read, "I love you all bunches and thank you so much for saving my life. I promise to be a good boy and not eat remotes or get in the trash. I send lots of snuggles and Bruno smooches."

And so, Bruno lived happily ever after, always cherishing his family, his home, and the magical place that saved him.

02/03/2025

Did you know February is Pet Dental Health Month? Submit a picture of your pet's smile to win:

1. First place prize of a $75 gift card to Anicira Veterinary Center
2. Second place prize of a $50 gift card to Petco!

To enter, please email ONE photo to [email protected] with the subject "Smile Contest" and your pet's name NOW through February 17th by 5PM. Voting will take place from February 19th through February 28th.

Have you examined your pet's teeth lately? Keeping your pet's smile healthy and bright takes care and attention. Poor dental health can be painful and can cause bacteria to spread to other areas of the body, including vital organs such as the kidneys and heart. You can keep your pet's teeth healthy by providing at-home dental care - such as brushing - and by having your pet's teeth evaluated and cleaned by a veterinarian. Is your pet struggling with bad breath, teeth discoloration, or mouth discomfort? Give us a call today to schedule a dental consultation.

01/30/2025

Say hello to Maggie! She had a very important procedure done several weeks ago called ovariohysterectomy (the fancy term for spay!) During her visit, she also got a topical flea/tick and heartworm application!

So here's a friendly reminder that it’s almost the first of the month, which means it's time for your pets' monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention! Whether your pet spends all their time indoors or loves to explore the great outdoors, they BOTH need protection. Mosquitoes can still sneak inside, and fleas don’t care about your front door—they’ll invade your home any chance they get!

Not sure which preventative to use? No worries—talk to your vet at your pet’s annual exam. It’s the perfect time to get all your questions answered and keep your pet safe and healthy!

01/29/2025

Hi, friends! We're just 48 hours away from the closing of Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia 2025 Readers’ Survey! Please consider voting for Anicira Veterinary Center. Help us maintain our position as the Best Veterinary Hospital in the Shenandoah Valley Region by casting your vote.

Here's how to vote:
1. Click this link to vote for Anicira: bit.ly/4fKQMSh
2. Sign in, if prompted
3. Vote away!

Your support means the world to us as we continue delivering exceptional care to pets in our community. Please encourage your friends and family to vote! Each person may submit one ballot.

The survey closes on January 31, 2025 at 11:59pm.

We're just a week away from the closing of Virginia Living’s Best of Virginia 2025 Readers’ Survey! Please consider voting for Anicira Veterinary Center. Help us maintain our position as the Best Veterinary Hospital in the Shenandoah Valley Region by casting your vote.

Here's how to vote:
1. Click this link to vote for Anicira: bit.ly/4fKQMSh
2. Sign in, if prompted
3. Vote away!

Your support means the world to us as we continue delivering exceptional care to pets in our community. Please encourage your friends and family to vote! Each person may submit one ballot.
The survey closes on January 31, 2025 at 11:59pm.