Caring Hands Animal Hospital

This was the best experience at a vet that I have ever had! Everything was perfect and my cat didn’t even freak out like normal! No wait time, the front desk staff, vet tech, and vet were all friendly and treated me like a valued customer. Price also seemed reasonable. I will definitely use this vet from now on!

I really wanted to like this place. I went in super thrilled to have a vet just down the road with such good reviews. The place was clean and the office staff was friendly enough. But my dog, who looooooves everyone, was very wary of the doctor. Further, when I called to schedule the appointment, I said it was for cutting her nails and a gland expression, so they said an apt with a tech would be best. I was surprised to be put in a room with a tech and a vet. I was even more surprised when, at the end, I was given a bill of $ 70 something. WHAT?! And they only trimmed her nails, saying they were pretty short (and the vet nicking her twice in the process!!), and the glands didn’t need to be expressed at all. I was like, «um, what???» And the receptionist (who was nice) said that was the price for the wellness exam. When I explained I didn’t ask for a wellness exam and that I had set it up with just a tech, she said only the vet was available. I said I would not pay that much for a nail trim. She went to the back and returned to say it would be $ 19. Still ridiculous for a nail trim but I paid. And will not be returning.

I was referred by someone I met at a dog park… actually she referred me to another office. I took my cocker spaniel puppy to the merrifield office when she needed surgery for cherry-​eye. I had a couple of other options but I’d spoken with Dr. Richards over the phone and she made me feel as if she knew exactly what she was doing. She also quoted a price without reservation. So when I took my puppy in and she looked at her, she scheduled the surgery, the surgery was performed the following Monday, the doctor followed up by email and telephone and my pet is perfectly fine!
So when I got my new puppy, I went directly to Dr. Richards. And she still sees Nala.

Always great customer service. Kind and considerate in all situations.
We have been going to Dr. Richards for 2 years. She has helped us through a lot with both our cat and dog. We appreciate how she takes the time to make sure we understand all aspects of the situation. Then the staff goes the extra mile and calls the next day to check in.
They are the best!!!

The staff at Caring Hands has been above and beyond great. As someone who is involved in cat rescue, it isn’t often you find a vet team that is willing and capable of dealing with feral and semi-​formal cats, but Dr. Richards and her team do it without a second thought. These animals are so often forgotten because they don’t always come in such a cute or cuddly package, but they deserve to be cared for and healthy just the same, and this office makes that happen.
It’s not always easy predict when you are going to be able to trap a cat, but Jennifer always remains flexible in scheduling and does her best to accommodate my times to be able to drop off and pick-​up. And as one other reviewer mentioned, it is not uncommon for one of the doctors to answer the phone or assist you with pick-​up. They are very hands on and very caring.
And for those who may have concerns because they deal with rescue animals; please be assured that they maintain a very clean and sterile facility, and keep the animals separate, as to not put any indoor animals at risk for communicable diseases. They care way to much about the health of all animals to in anyway jeopardize that.

Someone who’s been in the vet field for over 16 years, I must say. I was very impressed with this place! I just moved to Falls Church less than a week ago and my baby was having defecating issues. I called last night, 15 minutes till closing and was treated like someone who called at 7:30am. (meaning they were bright and friendly and didn’t rush me so they can close the money drawers and go home) they even sent me an estimate that evening. I was expecting them to send me one the next day.
So today, Jack had a bowl movement! I was so relieved. I called Caring Hands and Dr. Baxter answered the phone. I was shocked at first. I thought I had reached a doctor line or Back Line to the clinic. She was great. She handled everything for me. Never placed me on hold to get a receptionist.
So I kept my appointment because Jack is on special food and he was running out. And of course I cant get my food until I establish a client patient relationship with the hospital. No problem.
I arrive and was greeted by a very happy welcome. I forgot his name but he was very sweet. So filled out my paperwork. (Things go a lot smoother when records have been sent prior to the appointment btw)
The facility is very clean and maintained well. Unfortunately I waited 20 minutes to be seen but that didn’t bother me. The receptionist apologized for the wait and offered me water. I told him I’m fine and it’s okay. I understand that there may have been a sick patient before me or a client that may needed more time in their appointment. 20 min is a breeze compared to human doctors!
So Jennifer greets me in a very professional manner and we head into the room. Smooth sailing from there. She got his history (while trying to focus as Jack is being such a cute guy!) grabs his vitals and then we chat and Dr. Baxter comes in. More smooth sailing from there too.
I was such a basket case with the stress of moving and such, but Dr. Baxter was great. She sent me home with samples of his diet, gave me info with directions to a cardiology specialist and even held some food for me from last nights conversation.
Sorry it’s so long but I had the most pleasant experience here and I’m glad this was recommended to me. Thanks guys!
Side note, the room that I was in, I couldn’t hear any techs talking in the treatment area. Sometimes that can be a turn off for clients. Don’t want to hear those conversations. This room was perfect. Especially if we needed to do a blood pressure on him!

This place is wonderful. I’ve been to other vet clinics and Caring Hands blows everyone else out of the water.
I’ve taken my cat to the Alexandria location and had an equally good experience, but this review is for the Merrifield location.
As I’ve moved closer to this location, my cat’s records were transferred over and she was considered a new patient. That said, we walked in to the clinic for the first time to a sign on a whiteboard saying «Welcome Tila», which was adorable.
The thoughtfulness of the staff didn’t end there.
My cat was scheduled for a check up and shots. The staff explained that an emergency visit might result in a longer wait, and did everything they could to make us feel comfortable. They offered coffee and water and apologized multiple times for the wait. Knowing that the doctor was dealing with an emergency, we didn’t mind, and only waited less than an hour.
Once we were seen, I was blown away with the gentleness with which the tech handled Tila. She typically freaks out around new people, but she seemed relaxed with the gentleman.
The doctor was patient and kind. She noticed some dental issues, and the staff offered us an estimate for dental work. We didn’t feel pressured. She also answered questions about concerns regarding our considerations regarding bringing a special needs cat in to our home. She was forthright and thoughtful in her recommendations.
After the doctor left (my cat didn’t seem to notice when she received her vaccinations), the vet tech took time to answer our last minute questions about microchipping and brought a scanner and chip in to the room to show us how it all works. Moreover, other staff checked with us to ask if Tila would mind if they vaccines the lobby. They didn’t mind when I told them that my cat would be scared of the noise.
Lastly, the price of the visit, given the incredible care, seemed extremely affordable.
I HIGHLY recommend this clinic to anyone looking for a vet. There are tons of other vet clinics in the DMV, but I will never take my cat anywhere else.

This vet is very expensive– quoted me $ 500+ to have my small dog neutered. Taking him to NC where they quoted me $ 155!

Caring Hands is one of, if not the best Vet Clinics we’ve ever been to. Every Vet there is respectful, helpful, loving, careful, and thorough. They know exactly what they are doing and don’t force or run extra tests to find the problem. Instead, they use proper diagnosis and take everything into consideration before moving forward. They always take great care of our Kitten Raja and us as well. All of the techs there are always helpful and considerate. We wouldn’t go anywhere else to have our current or future pets to be treated or taken care of. We want to thank everyone there for their hospitality and help. I wish I could give them more than five stars.

I am not surprised at all that there are 5 s. We started going here about a year ago with our newest pup & 12yr old pup. The staff is amazing, from the front desk to the Dr.(s). Admittedly we are neurotic dog moms & the staff even deals with us well. We go for regular visits & emergencies too. Like today our 18mth old terrier had (what we later figured out) popped out her patella. She was obviously in a lot of pain & I was a mess. They got her right in & fixed the problem as well as gave us guidance for recovery. We breathed a huge sigh of relief. They never «up sell» & they are totally reasonably priced, even for an emergency visit. We’ve see at least 3 of the vets & love them all. The vet techs are doggie whisperers.

Love, love, love this place. Thanks for getting my Dory in on such short notice, he had a little stye in his eye and we were so worried. but you put our minds at ease and took care of my little guy! Thanks so much!

Amazing staff, amazing doctors. Our dog was well cared for from her healthy lively days to the end of her days when she suffered from lymphoma. The doctors were extremely humanistic in how we and our pet was treated throughout the experience. Patient in explaining all the treatment options, their pros/​cons and following up on the conditions of our dog. I can tell our dog was well treated there because she was never afraid or apprehensive when she’s there, and is very trusting to let the doctor do what they need to. If we ever have another pet this is definitely the vet that we’ll come back to. Thank you Caring Hands!

I brought my cat here after he was throwing up the night before. We had some bloodwork done, and I was hoping to hear some results the next day. I called them after two days, but nothing. Over a week went by, and I still didn’t hear anything. Finally, I called again and had to wait until the next day for the doctor to be in. By this time, my cat was already better, so by that time getting the bloodwork results was kind of pointless, other than it let me know there wasn’t anything else wrong with him.
They really dropped the ball on this one. I might give them another shot since so many of the people on here are raving about this place, but I’ll be going to the Van Dorn location, which is closer to where I live anyway.

Great veterinarian!
We have experienced all levels of care here, from end-​of-​life care for our elderly dog to wellness check-​ups for our new pup. The staff here are compassionate and professional, and the facility is very well-​maintained and easy to access from all points in the Arlington/​Falls Church/​Merrifield area. I’ve also found the pricing to be on the more affordable side compared to other vets I have visited in the Arlington area over the past few years.

This is a fabulous, extremely professional vetrinary clinic. We’re new to the area and needed a vet for our fur-​child, and we’re so happy that Unilocal directed us to Caring Hands! Dr. Murphy and her assistant put our skittish girl at ease, answered all of our questions, and patiently addressed our concerns. Kathy at the front desk welcomed us and made us all feel at home. We feel quite lucky to have found this clinic.

I am a happy parent! Just a great experience all around. I turned to Unilocal to help me find a new vet for my dog since we had recently relocated and she was due for her annual checkup. I’m always a little wary when I take my dogs to a new vet but Caring Hands made us feel welcomed right from the start. As soon as we walked in there was a sign welcoming my dog Rylee and we were seen right away. The staff was great; very attentive, informative, and polite. They were very sweet to my pup, respected the vaccine schedule my dog was already on, and did not suggest unnecessary vaccines/​procedures like some vets do. Their prices are reasonable for the area as well. I will definitely be bringing my other dog here once she’s due for a checkup, and look forward to continue working with Caring Hands to ensure my dogs remain happy and healthy.

My sister recommended that i check out Caring Hands when I adopted my dog Meeko. I eventually did after he ate a blanket, my underwear, his bed, etc. The team at Caring Hands was very understanding and helpful while Meeko was at their clinic. Dr. Richards was especially helpful when it came to explaining my options about surgery and in the end we did not have to do surgery (thank the Lord) and my little Meeko went home feeling better. Now that he has eaten another blanket (don’t ask how he got to it, i have no idea) I have a feeling that I will be back to CH for another checkup. In the meantime I can’t say enough about the vets and staff that work there and how helpful they were about little Meeko.

If I could give this clinic 10 stars I would! Our pug has diabetes and epilepsy. It’s been a nightmare these last few months getting them under control. Every time I call, I get an answer or a call right back. We’ve been for emergency visits during the day and they are so awesome about bringing you back and taking care of you in the crisis. Their prices are much lower than the other clinic we were going to in Vienna.
I feel all the doctors at this practice are passionate, educated and caring doctors who want the best for the animals. I never feel like I am being ripped off or manipulated into spending money when it’s unnecessary.
I’ve referred friends to this office and they all rave about it as well. This is an A++++++ clinic from our Pug Frank and Coach the Lab.

Caring Hands has been my go-​to place for my older cat. When our younger kitty had developed a serious health problem we called them. We were lucky that the Merrifield location could see us on such short notice on a Sunday. Dr. Richards was very caring towards our very sick kitty. She was just as compassionate in discussing diagnosis and treatment options with us. We came in with a very grim prognosis but left feeling assured that we had a good course of treatment for our sick kitty.
Follow up care has also been exceptional. Our little cat is on the mend and back to being her feisty self all thanks to Caring Hands.
The level of trust I have in Dr. Richards and the friendly staff of Caring Hands is why we keep coming back.

Dr murphy and staff were amazing! They treated me like family the prices are reasonable if u are looking for a vet, caring hands vet hospital is the place to go