Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency

07/27/2026

Learn more about Dr. Young, who is joining us in September!

Dr. Young brings a wealth of experience, skill, and a passion for advancing veterinary medicine. His impressive background includes participating in a cheetah surgery at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, showcasing his ability to apply advanced surgical expertise to some truly extraordinary cases.

We look forward to introducing Dr. Young more fully in the coming weeks and are thrilled for our clients, patients, and referring veterinarians to benefit from his expertise.

With the help of 3D modeling technology, a team of veterinary experts successfully carried out a rare spinal surgery on an 11-month-old cheetah cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in August.

07/22/2026

We are thrilled to announce we are expanding our Emergency Department with the addition of Dr. Shelby Flynn.

Dr. Shelby Flynn was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia before attending the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Flynn's passion for veterinary medicine was inspired by her grandparents, Drs. Daniel and Virginia Flynn, whose dedication to caring for animals instilled in her a lifelong commitment to the profession. Despite a love of equine medicine and horseback riding, Dr. Flynn developed a strong interest in small animal emergency medicine during her time at UGA. She is committed to providing exceptional emergency care while supporting pets and their families through life's most critical moments.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Flynn enjoys cheering for the Cavaliers and Bulldogs, hiking, and spending time with her fiancé and rescue pittie, Maybel.

07/08/2026

VVSE is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr Martin Young, who will be starting our neurology department in September!

About Dr Young:
Dr Young grew up in a military family living and traveling in Europe which inspired a lifelong wanderlust as well as curiosity to explore and understand. That curiosity is the foundation for his career in veterinary medicine and ultimately neurology. After completing a BS at Colorado Christian University, he plunged into his veterinary career with an MS in anatomy and doctorate in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University. An internship at South Paws Veterinary Hospital in Fairfax drew Dr Young to the east coast, and residency with Bush Veterinary Neurology Service kept him in Virginia for the past 18 years.

His passion in veterinary medicine is to help restore the family relationship that is so often challenged by disease and injury. There is such an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction watching a dog walk after a spinal cord injury or playing frisbee following the removal of a brain tumor. Neurosurgical oncology and complex spinal corrections are areas of interest for Dr Young.

Dr Young and his fiancé, Lindsey, enjoy traveling and hiking with their 8-yr old COVID hound dog Zorie. Both activities allow the opportunity to pursue the hobby of amateur astrophotography. Additionally, Dr Young coaches middle school soccer for his son Hudson’s team. He is excited to join the team at Virginia Veterinary Specialty and Emergency to continue to enhance our understanding of neurology through collaboration and compassion.

07/06/2026

We have a big announcement coming later this week! 👀 Can you guess what it might be?

07/03/2026

We wish you a happy and safe 4th of July weekend! Our Emergency Department will be open and ready to help if you need us! The specialty hospital will reopen Monday morning.

Don't forget to update your pet's ID tag info, medicate early if you have a fearful pet, create a safe space that your pets can't escape from and keep any leftovers out of reach.

06/29/2026

What is a Veterinary Ophthalmologist?

06/24/2026

Dr. Sara Smith is VVSE's first Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist!

Dr. Smith born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley and attended Virginia Tech for both her undergraduate and master degrees. She then went onto North Carolina State University to earn a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. With a desire to specialize, Dr. Smith completed a one-year small animal surgical and medical internship at Colorado State University in 2016 and then completed a three-year comparative ophthalmology residency in 2020 at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Smith has spent the last 6 years in private practice working as an ophthalmologist in Denver and Colorado Springs, but is excited to be back home surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is eager to be a part of the Virginia Veterinary Specialty and Emergency family and bring veterinary ophthalmology to Charlottesville and surrounding regions.

06/22/2026

Don't forget, Sara Smith, DVM, MS, DACVO starts next week, Thursday, July 2nd! We are so excited for our ophthalmology department to open. 🎉

05/24/2026

Our emergency department is open 24/7. If your pet is in need of assistance this holiday weekend, we're here to help! Specialty departments will be closed and reopen Tuesday 5/26. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

05/18/2026

Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, needs to work on mobility, or even drop a few pounds; VVSE Rehab is the place for that. Recovery starts here!