Anicira Veterinary Center of Manassas

03/04/2025

Join the Manassas team for a FREE Vaccine Clinic! This event is open to everyone at no cost. Just come on by – it's first-come, first-served, and no appointment is needed!

When: April 5th, from 10am to 12PM
Where: 9975 Pennsylvania Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110

Dogs are eligible for their rabies and distemper (DAPPv) vaccines, while cats are eligible for their rabies and combo (HCP) vaccines.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, please take note of these important details:
🐾 Bring your pet's vaccination records if you're not a recent client at Anicira
🐾 All pets MUST be spayed or neutered to receive free vaccines
🐾 And please, be patient with our dedicated team members as they assist each pet with care and attention 😊

A huge THANK YOU to Petco Love for generously donating the HCP and DAPPv vaccines that make this event possible.

We're excited to welcome you and your furry friends! See you there! 🐶🐱

02/28/2025

Happy Friday! Sarge here (the small, cute, scruffy one), your trusty friend with a very important reminder! You know what time it is... almost the first of the month so...flea, tick, and heartworm prevention time! These nasty little critters are out there waiting for their chance to strike, and all it takes is one bite to cause a whole lotta trouble.

It doesn’t matter if you're living the high life in a fancy bedazzled purse or chilling on the couch—yes, even those who rarely touch their little feetsies to the ground need their monthly preventatives! And don’t forget about those indoor kitties—mosquitoes can sneak in, and those fleas and ticks? Well, heck, they’ll just hitch a ride right on your shoes, or if you're not careful, stroll right through an open door.

So, keep those pesky parasites at bay, folks. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for flea shampoo. The only thing that should be biting around here is how adorable your pet is! Keep up with the preventatives, and we’ll all stay happy and itch-free!

02/26/2025

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

Did you know... in 2024, Anicira’s PitFix program helped 173 pets, assisted 162 families, and provided $40,517 in free care.

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to two incredibly sweet and lovable pit bulls, Leroy and Maddox, who were lucky to benefit from the PitFix program. These two adorable pups are shining examples of why this program is so important!

Pit bulls and pit bull mixes like Leroy and Maddox are among the most at-risk breeds in shelters due to overpopulation and unfair breed misconceptions. But thanks to the PitFix program, Leroy and Maddox now have a brighter future and a chance to live their best lives with their loving families. The program’s affordable spay/neuter surgeries help reduce shelter intake and make life better for these sweet dogs and their humans. Let's keep spreading the love and making a difference for pups like Leroy and Maddox! 🐾❤️

02/24/2025

Happy Monday, friends! Our February Team Member Spotlight shines on the incredible Stephanie, one of our standout client service representatives (CSRs). With 8.5 years of dedicated service at Anicira, Stephanie has truly found her calling, saying, “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Her genuine love for people and their pets is evident in every interaction. Stephanie thrives on the deep, meaningful relationships she builds with pet parents and their beloved furry companions. "What I love most is knowing that, in moments of urgency, I can help ease their worries and bring them peace of mind," she shares. Stephanie’s unwavering compassion and commitment make her a cherished part of our team, and it’s clear that her heart is as big as her dedication to making a difference for both pets and their families.

02/21/2025

Happy National Pet Dental Care month! Dental care is a crucial aspect of maintaining a pet’s overall health, and regular veterinary dental cleanings are important to prevent oral diseases. When it comes to dental procedures for pets, there are two main approaches: non-anesthetized and anesthetized dental cleanings.

Non-anesthetized dental cleanings, while less invasive and often seen as a less risky option, have significant limitations. During these procedures, the pet is awake, which makes it difficult to thoroughly clean the teeth, especially in areas that are hard to reach. The pet’s movement and discomfort can make it challenging to perform a comprehensive cleaning. While some pets may tolerate these procedures, they can cause stress and anxiety, making the experience unpleasant. Moreover, the cleaning may not effectively address underlying dental issues, such as tartar buildup below the gum line, which can lead to long-term oral health problems.

Anesthetized dental cleanings, on the other hand, provide a much more thorough approach. Anesthesia allows the vet to perform a complete oral exam and cleaning. This includes cleaning beneath the gum line, where the most harmful bacteria and plaque often reside, and addressing dental issues such as gingivitis, broken teeth, or abscesses. Anesthesia ensures that the pet is pain-free and still during the procedure, which reduces the risk of injury and allows for a more effective and detailed cleaning. It also provides the opportunity for more advanced dental care, including X-rays, to detect hidden dental issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Take a look at some before and after photos of some of our fully anesthetized patients!

We welcome you to reach out to your veterinarian to discuss this in greater detail if there are questions!

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! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Edgar, a little adventurer who captured the hearts of nurses, vets, and everyone who crossed his path during his short but unforgettable stay with us. Edgar’s journey began back in December when he was hospitalized with a case of vomiting and diarrhea. After receiving some much-needed care, Edgar was sent home to continue his recovery. Over the next few months, his family noticed he had a few ups and downs, with recurring episodes every week or so—like a dramatic soap opera, but with a much fluffier (and significantly cuter) cast.

After many heartfelt discussions and a bit of head-scratching, Edgar’s family decided to give the mystery a twist and opted for an exploratory surgery to figure out what was causing these episodes. Enter Dr. Brehm, who skillfully performed the surgery and uncovered—wait for it—a hard piece of rubber toy! It seems Edgar had been indulging in a little too much chewing fun!

Now, Edgar’s Dad says he’s fully recovered and "is a goober through and through." And we couldn’t agree more! As you can see from the pictures, Edgar’s idea of “personal space” is very much… flexible. He’s clearly all about being close to his friends—like, impossibly close! We’re over the moon to hear that he’s back to wrestling with his sibling again. Go, Edgar!

02/14/2025

Meet sweet little Pika! She was discovered outside a pet store in 2018, crying out for food and warmth. With no sign of her mama cat, Pika was brought in and quickly became a beloved member of the family. Her name, Pika, was chosen because her rescuers were out playing Pokémon Go when they found her!

From that day forward, Pika filled her family’s home with love and comfort. So when her family began to notice a slow decline in her health, they acted quickly and rushed her to an emergency vet. There, she was diagnosed with pyometra, a serious and life-threatening condition.

Thankfully, Dr. Brehm performed a successful surgery, and Pika has made a fantastic recovery. "She purrs all the time now," says her family. We couldn’t be happier to hear that Pika is back to her playful, purring self! This heartwarming recovery is truly something to celebrate!

02/12/2025

We hope you're all enjoying the snow day! Today, we'd like to introduce Ske and his family. "We rescued Ske in 2015 after losing our son at 34 weeks pregnant," his mom shares. "He’s been my baby ever since." The bond they share is truly special—Ske is not just a pet, but a healing presence in their lives, providing love and comfort during some of their toughest times. So in January, when Ske started feeling unwell, they quickly rushed him to an ER. There, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a foreign object, causing Ske to feel so poorly.

Due to financial constraints, Ske’s family was referred to Anicira, where Sashi's Fund covered his life-saving surgery. "They’ve been a blessing to us. I’m so thankful," says Ske's mom.

Two weeks post-surgery, this big, cuddly boy is recovering well and likely enjoying the snow with his human siblings!

02/10/2025

Happy Monday! Today, we'd like to introduce you to Lord Byron and one of his devoted humans, Jo. Born in sunny California, Lord Byron was surrendered as a young kitten. At the time, little was known about him, other than that he was a tuxedo, domestic long-haired male cat with some eye issues. In the spring of 2021, fate intervened when Jo was looking to adopt another furry companion.

"I generally adopt older cats, so Mr. Black Tuxedo was my last choice," Jo recalls. But after reviewing the histories of her other options, she realized that Lord Byron was the perfect match for her. His adoption was quick, and within his first week with Jo, he received a thorough veterinary evaluation. Jo says, "The ophthalmologist diagnosed Lord Byron with ulcers in his eyes. He would continue to develop infections, but because he could still see, it was best to treat the infections and allow him to keep his vision."

For years, Lord Byron’s humans followed all the prescribed treatments diligently. Then, in 2024, they relocated to Virginia. During an initial appointment with a new ophthalmologist, Lord Byron was diagnosed with enophthalmos. Due to the ongoing progression of his condition and the potential cancer risk, it was recommended that Lord Byron undergo surgery to remove his eyes.

When Lord Byron arrived at Anicira, his sweet nature immediately stood out. Though understandably nervous, he would perk up every time a nurse or veterinarian approached his kennel, eagerly seeking chin scratches after some gentle coaxing. His surgery was successful, and he recovered well at home. Jo shares, "As a side note, Lord Byron had an appointment with a veterinary oncologist to stage his cancer. Thanks to the excellent surgery he received, I’m thrilled to report that Lord Byron is now in remission and cancer-free!"

We couldn’t be happier to hear this wonderful update! A heartfelt thank you to Lord Byron’s medical team and his devoted parents for providing such exceptional care to this sweet boy.

02/05/2025

Happy Wednesday! Meet Jefe! A few weeks ago, his mom noticed he wasn't eating and began vomiting. Concerned, she quickly took him to the ER, where the vets determined he needed emergency surgery to remove a foreign object. Faced with a hefty surgery estimate she couldn’t afford, the hospital referred her to Anicira for help.

When Jefe arrived, he was understandably frightened but still the sweetest pup. Dr. Alvarez performed the surgery and successfully removed a corn cob from his stomach. To ease the financial burden of this unexpected emergency, Anicira covered the full cost of the surgery through Sashi's Fund, a program that provides financial assistance for essential veterinary care. Jefe’s mom expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am truly amazed by how far they went to help Jefe and my family."

We're happy to report that Jefe is healing well and doing great!

02/03/2025

Happy Monday! 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.

Anicira Veterinary Center is working to end animal suffering and unnecessary euthanasia by making veterinary care accessible and affordable.

01/30/2025

Say hello to Luna! She definitely made a statement in her chic cream and grey sweater when she came for her annual heartworm test. "It’s sweater weather," she barked, channeling her inner Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler—pure comedy gold.

And now, speaking of health and fashion, 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, folks! 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.

Anicira Veterinary Center is working to end animal suffering and unnecessary euthanasia by making veterinary care accessible and affordable.

01/28/2025

Happy Tuesday, friends! This sweet girl is Alisa, a 2-year-old British shorthaired kitty! In December, her family noticed she wasn't as energetic as she usually was and her appetite had decreased. When she continued to decline and new symptoms arose, Alisa's family brought her to an emergency vet where she was quickly diagnosed with pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection, and referred for surgery.

Alisa recovered well and gets to spend her days cuddled with her family now. HUGE thank you to her entire family for taking such great care of her after surgery!

Did you know the only way to prevent such a scary, life-threatening infection is to have your female pets spayed? It's true! If you ever have questions about spaying your pets, please reach out! We are happy to walk you through the procedure step-by-step.

01/24/2025

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.

Anicira Veterinary Center is working to end animal suffering and unnecessary euthanasia by making veterinary care accessible and affordable.

01/22/2025

Happy Wednesday! Our January Team Member Spotlight is Monica, who knew at a young age that she'd be working with animals. She's been in the veterinary medicine field for 3 years now, having joined Anicira last year. Monica thrives in the fast-paced surgery environment and loves getting to know her patients while working in the medical department.

Being bilingual (Spanish and English), Monica also brings valuable communication skills; fostering stronger connections with diverse clients and colleagues, enhancing team collaboration, and broadening the reach of services.

While living in Chile, she attended a vet tech program and plans to continue her education with another program soon. Though she doesn’t have pets of her own, Monica enjoys being a fun Auntie to her brother's cat, Nene!

Pictured: Monica with employee pet, Bear!

01/16/2025

Good morning and happy Thursday! Today, we'd like to introduce you to Stinka (pictured with Nurse Kaylin). In December, Stinka's mom noticed she was a bit lethargic, had a slightly decreased appetite, and was excessively licking herself. After several courses of antibiotics weren't resolving the matter, Stinka was brought to the ER, where a life-threatening uterine infection (pyometra) was discovered. Unfortunately, the estimated cost of treatment was beyond their budget. Thankfully, she was referred to Anicira, where we were able to use Sashi's Fund to provide the surgery Stinka needed to save her life.

Sashi's Fund is a program designed to help pets in Northern Virginia access affordable veterinary care, offering financial assistance for any medically necessary treatments. If you’re interested in learning more or seeing if you qualify, please reach out to Anicira directly.

Consider supporting this vital program by making a one-time or monthly donation by clicking on this link: https://anicira.org/donate-va/

Your generosity can help save more lives like Stinka’s.