Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital

07/16/2024

Update - he was found and is back at home!

This is one of our patients. Please let us know if you see him.

07/11/2024

Stop by and fill out an application or call 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal.

07/05/2024

We are in need of newspaper! If you have any to donate you may bring it by the clinic anytime. If we are closed feel free to leave it on our porch. Thank you!

07/02/2024

We’ll be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and will reopen for regular hours on Friday, July 5.

We anticipate a busy couple of days leading up to the holiday, so please call 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 if you need a refill of your pet’s anxiety/noise phobia medication to help them make it through the fireworks.

Follow the link to a Fireworks Survival Guide from Florida Veterinary Behavior Service if you and your pet need some extra help in preparing.

Download this article Fireworks Survival Guide

06/28/2024

This month’s blog is about venomous snake bites. Let us know if there are any questions not covered in the post!

How To Treat A Pet For Snake Bites & Snake Bite Prevention - By Dr. Adam Cooner – Co-owner, Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital In Alabama, warmer weather and longer days generally increase the chance of encountering Want to know how to treat a pet for snake bites & snake bite prevention? Check out ...

06/28/2024

This sweet baby was found trapped underneath someone's truck at a gas station. One of our employees helped rescue her and now she is looking for her forever home after no owners were found. Her name is Clara, and she is estimated at around 8 months old and is now spayed, up to date on her vaccines and tested negative for FIV/FeLv. She is sweet as can be and loves to play! Please call 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal to learn more about Clara.

06/26/2024

We have 5 guinea pigs still looking for their forever homes. Nebula, Pumba, Simon, and a bonded pair Dumbo, and Darwin. Click on each picture to learn more about them individually. Please call us at 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal. If you are unable to adopt, please share their posts to help spread the word.

06/24/2024

We've updated our website! You'll find information about our team, the services we provide, and a link to our new blog. We plan to update the blog monthly and will be tackling lots of topics relevant to your pets' health. The current blog post is about pet wellness care.

We are pleased to offer laser therapy to assist our patients in helping to treat their pain. Laser therapy uses pockets of laser energy to speed up the regeneration of cells which can help in relieving pain on a cellular level.

06/10/2024

I’ve never held a guinea pig before today. He was so cute and sweet.
 Also, look how huge that rabbit is 😳
Dr. Burke says guinea pigs make great pets. The sad thing is they only live 4 to 5 years 😢
She also says rabbits aren’t for everyone as not all of them like to be held. However, our big fella today didn’t seem to have a problem with it. 
I’ve obviously seen too many animated films - I just kept thinking both of them were gonna start talking at anytime this morning. Any guinea pig or rabbit families out there?

04/30/2024

We still have 4 guinea pigs left looking for homes. These are all Males and all have very sweet temperaments. The two in the upper photos are adult males and the two lower ones are just 3 months old. Please call 205-823-6002 to set up a time to come meet them. You can ask for Crystal for more information!

04/27/2024

Time flies when you’re having fun, and it feels bittersweet to report that Alex has completed her 8-week preceptorship with us. On May 6, she’ll join our profession as a full-fledged veterinarian, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. We’re honored to have played a small part in preparing her, but, truthfully, Alex needed no one’s help. She’s ready for her new role and will do great things.

04/19/2024

Do you know any high school students looking for a summer job? We are looking to add to our kennel and reception teams for the summer. No experience necessary but must be willing to learn and work in a fast-paced environment. Please call 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal to set up an interview, or you may stop by and fill out an application.

04/11/2024

*Update*
Our power is back on, but our phones still seem to be having some issues.

We are currently without power, and our phones are down. If you need us urgently you may message us on here. We will update when we are back up and running.

Send a message to learn more

03/11/2024

We have almost adopted out all of our sweet babies! We have 3 baby males left, and recently took in an adult male that is needing a home too! Please consider adopting Darwin, Hershey, Dumbo, or Pumba into your home today. Call 205-823-6002 and ask to speak to Crystal or Dr Burke if you are interested.

Guinea Pig fun fact: Did you know that when guinea pigs are excited, they do something called "popcorning" it is a movement that consists of twists and squeaks. They really look like popcorn kernels popping!

03/03/2024

Starting Monday, you may see a new face around the clinic. Alex Hughes is a soon-to-graduate fourth year veterinary student at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, and she will be completing her preceptorship at Alford. The eight week preceptorship allows graduating veterinary students to put their knowledge and clinical skills to work under the direct supervision of practicing veterinarians, preparing them for the day-to-day realities of veterinary medicine.

Alex grew up in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and received her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in music at the University of South Alabama. After graduation, she’ll return to Mobile as an Associate Veterinarian at Village Animal Clinic where she plans to do small animal and exotic family medicine. Her biggest interest is in small animal dentistry. She has 4 dogs: Cookie, a 17 year-old chihuahua mix, Riley and Chloe, both 7 year-old German Shepherd Dogs, and Roman, a 4 year-old Beagle.

Alex is smart, capable, and compassionate, and we’re excited to have her. Please help us make her feel at home as we welcome her into our profession.

02/22/2024

Axle is still looking for a forever home!

Axle is a handsome English Coonhound who is ready for a family to share a home with! He loves playing with other dogs but would rather live without cats. He has enjoyed the company of the staff at AAVH but says he is ready to move on to bigger and better things in life! If you think you would be a good fit for this handsome hunk or to learn more about him, please give us a call at 205-823-6002. You can ask for Dr. Cooner, Dr. Burke or Crystal to set up a meet and greet with Axle today!

02/04/2024

The Alford Avenue family is extremely sad to report the loss of our dear friend and employee, Kelli. After a short fight with a very serious illness, Kelli passed away this weekend. It’s not easy losing a family member and even harder to put that sense of loss into words. Many of you know Kelli, as she was one of our main receptionists for decades. Even after she left to start Gatos and Beans, the first cat cafe in Birmingham, she still worked the front desk occasionally. Her smile and perky attitude were what most people first saw when they entered Alford Avenue. She developed many friendships with the staff and clients and she will be greatly missed. Much more than a receptionist, Kelli was, for many years, the face of Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital. Kelli radiated personality, kindness, and compassion, and there was never any doubt that she loved our patients and their owners.

In lieu of flowers or cards the family asks that you show your love for Kelli by donating to a charity of your choice to honor her.

02/03/2024

Looking for a valentine this year?

Look no further.

Meet Cooper

Cooper is a 9 year old neutered male lab mix weighing only around 45 pounds. Cooper is looking for a place to settle and call home. He is UTD on vaccines, heartworm negative, and does great with cats and other dogs. What more could you want from such a handsome mature guy? If you think you could give Cooper the home and love that he needs please give us a call at 205-823-6002

01/25/2024

January 21 marked the one-year milestone for Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital under Drs. Burke and Cooner. We're so grateful to our staff for helping us through the transition and to all of you who trust us with the care of your pets. We're also grateful to Dr. Friddle for still taking our calls when we need his help navigating the less exciting parts of business ownership, namely licenses, taxes, and building maintenance.

Our hope has always been to build on the legacy Dr. Friddle established, ensuring that, even if some things change, you'll find that our committment to you and your pets has not.

01/17/2024

Update: we are working today but it is quite cold in the front part of the building. If you have a non-urgent appointment today we recommend rescheduling. We may cancel afternoon appointments if we cannot get the heater working.

The heater in the front part of our building isn’t working, so we may not be able to see appointments today. The heaters are working where we keep the animals, so they’re safe and warm. Please call before heading in to make sure we are open.

01/16/2024

Update: we are closed today and will make a decision about tomorrow in the morning. Stay safe and warm!!

Update: we have just a couple employees that have been able to make it in to take care of the animals, but we do not have enough to take appointments at this time. We will be rescheduling any appointments.

Do to the icy roads we will not be opening at 7am this morning. Once our employees can safely make it in I will update with an opening time.

12/27/2023

We have 4 girls still waiting on their forever homes, but they have some special news to share as we enter into the New Year! We have been checking weekly for any pregnancies as they unfortunately were found all together and not separated when in the dumpster. This week everyone was finally far along for us to confirm that all females are expecting! This news means that our 4 remaining females will have babies soon looking for homes as well. Keep an eye out for upcoming baby posts as they will be ready for adoption once weened from mom.

12/25/2023

Wally wishes everyone a Merry Christmas…even if his tree can’t have ornaments this year on account of his kitten roommates.

12/14/2023

Update:

I am thrilled to report that they have all been claimed by one person, which is what the owner had wanted. Thank you all who showed interest.

This holiday season, we have a special gift looking for a forever home! We have six charming Ringneck Doves that are ready to bring warmth and joy into your home. These gentle doves are not only beautiful but also filled with love and festive cheer. As we celebrate the season of giving, consider opening your heart and home to these feathered friends who will undoubtedly add a touch of magic to your holidays. If you or someone you know is interested in welcoming these doves into their home, please reach out! Let's make this Christmas season extra special for both the doves and their new family.

12/12/2023

Isn't he handsome!? Axle is a 3 year old male neutered English Coonhound. He is up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative and weighs around 70 pounds. Axle is looking for a forever home. He does have a list of not only wants, but some needs. If you think you can provide him with his wish list please call us at 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal or Dr. Cooner to set up a meet and greet.

Axles wish list:
1. No cats! (He says they are too irresistible to chase!)
2. Fenced in yard (he's a big guy with big energy!)
3. Someone who understands his breed.
4. Belly rubs and free treats!
5. Someone to throw the ball!
6. A forever home. ❤️

12/12/2023

Update: She’s been adopted!

Kahlua just recently turned a year old a few months ago. Sadly, she has spent pretty much her whole life living here at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital. She has been with us since February of 2023. While she has had all of the love, and attention that we can give her here she needs a forever home! One where she can lay on the couch, and love her family. Are you able to give her that this Christmas? If so, please call 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal or Dr. Burke to set up a meet and greet! She gets along great with dogs, cats, kids etc. She is crate trained, house/potty trained and never makes a peep! She has been spayed, is heartworm negative and up to date on all of her vaccines.

12/12/2023

Meet our Disney pigs. These sweet babies were found in cardboard boxes in a dumpster! Luckily they found their way to us and have enjoyed the last 2 weeks filling their bellies with veggies and hay. They all have clean bills of health and are ready for their forever homes. Please call us at 205-823-6002 and ask for Crystal or Dr Burke if you are interested in adopting! Keep an eye out for the 3 males on a separate post!

12/08/2023

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue has an Angel Tree! You can make donations to their account and place a cat on the tree. We all know cats love to climb our Christmas trees! Stop by the hospital to make a donation.

12/02/2023

We need newspapers and bath towels! If you have some you would like to donate please bring them in. Thank you in advance!

08/09/2023

Unfortunately, we’ve seen a recent number of coughing cases that we’re attributing to canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), otherwise known as kennel cough.

Our boarding facility is relatively small, and it doesn’t take long for this set of highly contagious respiratory pathogens to spread, even when special precautions are taken. For that reason, we are temporarily stopping all spa days and boarding intake so that we can aerate and deep clean our kennel.

We regret the incovenience, but our first priority has to be protecting our patients—your pets. Most of these cases are mild and self-limiting, but pathogens like canine influenza can result in more serious disease like pneumonia. We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we’re comfortable re-opening for boarding and spa days. We anticipate this being next week.

Thanks for your understanding.

- Dr. Cooner