What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 8pm Tuesday 7am - 8pm Wednesday 7am - 8pm Thursday 7am - 8pm Friday 7am - 8pm Saturday 7am - 12pm

Opossum Pike Veterinary Clinic

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United States
Frederick, MD
Opossum Pike Veterinary Clinic

We are a busy, 4-doctor AAHA-accredited (member of the American Animal Hospital Association), veterinary clinic.

Our main hospital is located in Frederick; however we have two satellite offices: one in Thurmont and one in the Ballenger Creek area. We offer medical care for dogs and cats as well as exotic pets such as: rodent pocket pets (mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas), rabbits (all breeds), birds (all breeds), and most reptiles excluding snakes.

07/20/2025

A new face on Tuesday and Thursday Nights! Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jessica Plunkard to the Opossum Pike Family!

Starting in August, Dr. Jessica Plunkard will be seeing patients on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:00-8:00 PM. She began seeing patients on Tuesdays a few months ago and will be adding in Thursdays as well. Some of you may have already met her during your appointments.

Dr. Plunkard grew up in Woodsboro, MD, and graduated from Clemson University in 2016. She graduated from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 and completed a residency in Laboratory Animal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, and anything outdoors. Dr. Plunkard currently lives in Woodsboro with her two cats, Quill and Khal.

07/14/2025

Canine Influenza Update!

Did you know that canine influenza ("dog flu") viruses are constantly evolving, just like human flu viruses?

This means the canine influenza vaccine is regularly updated to keep up with circulating strains — and staying current helps protect your pet and others around them.

During the big summer travel months, if your dog visits daycare, boarding facilities, groomers, or dog parks-- vaccination is highly recommended.

If it’s been a while since your dog’s last flu vaccine, or you’re unsure if they should get it, give us a call! We’re happy to review their vaccine status and discuss what’s best for your pup.

07/09/2025

Wildlife Wednesday! Let’s Talk Local Maryland Wildlife!

As one of the few vet practices that accept injured local wildlife- we have seen a lot of our wild neighbors. Have you had any interesting wildlife encounters recently? A deer wandering through your yard? A raccoon visiting your bird feeder? A snapping turtle on your driveway?

We’d love to hear about your sightings! Share your story (and photos if you have them!) in the comments --and if you’re not sure what to do when you come across wildlife that seems sick or injured, we’re always happy to offer advice.

Remember: Maryland wildlife is an important part of our ecosystem. The more we understand and appreciate our wild neighbors, the better we can coexist with them safely and responsibly.

Tell us about the critters you’ve spotted around your home or neighborhood this summer!

07/08/2025

World Zoonoses Day marks the discovery of the rabies vaccine and raises awareness about diseases that can spread between animals and humans! As your local veterinary team, we’re here to help protect both pets and people from these risks.

Zoonotic diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and intestinal parasites can be passed from pets to humans — but the good news is, many are preventable with routine veterinary care!

-Keep your pets up to date on vaccines
-Use year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
-Practice good hygiene after handling animals
-Schedule regular wellness exams

Your pet’s health helps protect your family’s health too. If you have questions or need to update your pet’s care, give us a call!

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Opossum Pike Vet! Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!

06/30/2025

Microchip Your Pet For Safety!

Did you know more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year? Fireworks, parties, and open doors can cause even the calmest pets to panic and run. That’s why proper identification is more important than ever.

At Opossum Pike, we recommend all pets wear a secure collar with updated ID tags—and for extra peace of mind, we offer microchipping right here in our clinic. Microchips are safe, permanent, and can help reunite you with your pet quickly if they ever get lost and can be checked nation wide at veterinary facilities and animal shelters.

Protect your furry family this holiday and give us a call to hear more about microchipping at 301-662-2322

06/27/2025

Fireworks & Fur Babies: Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Fourth of July!

While we love the sparkle and celebration, many pets find fireworks scary and stressful. As your local veterinary team, here are a few tips to help your furry family members feel safe:

1. Create a safe space – Set up a quiet, cozy room where your pet can retreat. Use white noise, calming music, or a fan to help muffle the sound.
2. Keep them indoors – Even confident pets can panic and bolt when fireworks start. Make sure doors, windows, and gates are secure.
3. Don’t forget pet IDs! More pets get lost on 4th of July than any day of the year! Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID tag—just in case.
4. Let us know if we can help! For pets with severe anxiety, we can recommend calming products or prescribe medications to make the night easier.

Let’s keep your pets safe and stress-free this holiday. Have questions? We’re here to help! Give us a call at 301-662-2322

06/24/2025

Today is National Pet Choking Prevention Day

Did you know that choking is a real and preventable emergency for pets? Toys, bones, rawhides, household objects, and even food can pose serious risks if swallowed or chewed improperly.

Tips to Prevent Pet Choking:
• Choose toys appropriate for your pet’s size and chewing strength
• Avoid giving bones, especially cooked bones—they can splinter!
• Supervise your pet during playtime and mealtime
• Keep small household items out of paw’s reach
• Learn how to perform pet CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. The following is a great video to watch on how to get a ball out of a pet throat! Please note: this is not a real dog!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GXM3ADJQp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If your pet is gagging, pawing at their mouth, or having trouble breathing—don’t wait. Seek emergency care immediately!

06/21/2025

Heat Wave Alert: Keeping Hot Dogs Cool!

With a heat wave approaching Frederick, it’s important to remember that pets are especially vulnerable to high temperatures. Dogs and cats can overheat quickly, and heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening without prompt attention.

Hydration and heat safety tips:

Always provide clean, fresh water—indoors and outdoors.

Limit outdoor activities to early mornings or late evenings.

Avoid hot pavement, which can burn paw pads.

Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a short time.

Watch for signs of heatstroke, which include:

Excessive panting or drooling

Bright red gums or tongue

Lethargy or weakness

Vomiting or diarrhea

Collapse or seizures

If your pet shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cool area and contact us immediately or your local emergency vet. Heatstroke is considered a medical emergency.

Stay cool and keep your pets safe!

06/19/2025

Wildlife Wednesday: Bear Boom in Frederick!

Lately, Frederick has had a bear-y surprising number of visitors—sightings in Urbana, near Gaither Alley, the FSK Mall, even a dip in a community pool and a playground cameo at Monocacy Middle! What’s going on?

With over 2,000 black bears in Maryland and Frederick’s rapid development, our wild neighbors are getting pushed out of their natural habitats—and sometimes right into our backyards.

How to Keep Bears Out of Your Yard:

Secure trash & food – Keep cans in a garage/shed and remove bird feeders, pet food, and grill scraps.

Clear attractants – Pick up fallen fruit, cover compost, and harvest produce early.

Make noise – Pots, horns, or loud voices can scare off a bear safely.

Use deterrents – Electric fencing around gardens, compost, or beehives is highly effective.

f You See a Bear:

Stay calm and don’t approach. Get indoors if possible.

Speak firmly and back away slowly.

Keep kids and pets close.

Don’t run—it can trigger a chase.

If the bear won’t leave or acts aggressively, call 911 or MD DNR: 410-260-8888.

We'd love to see your Frederick bear encounters here! Let’s stay bear-aware and keep both people and wildlife safe!

06/17/2025

Veterinarian Appreciation Day is June 18th, and we’d like to take a minute to thank the compassionate hearts, brilliant minds, and steady hands of our incredible veterinarians.
At Opossum Pike, our vets go above and beyond every single day, caring for your beloved pets as well as local wildlife in our community. From wagging tails to purring patients, feathered friends, and those with scales- our vets are there through every check-up, emergency, and cuddle in between.
Please join us in thanking our amazing veterinarians, Dr. Stastny, Dr. Arthur, and Dr. Hasslinger, for their dedication, knowledge, and unwavering love for animals!

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day!
Today we’re celebrating all the amazing dads out there—especially the ones with furry kids! Whether you’re tossing a ball in the backyard, sharing couch cuddles, or plating up your pet's meals- your love and care make a world of difference.
To all the devoted pet dads in our community—thank you for giving your animals a life full of love, safety, and belly rubs! We'd love to see pictures of your favorite pet dad moment- all the dog-walking, cat-snuggling, treat-giving heroes in action!
Wishing you a paw-some Father’s Day from all of us at Opossum Pike!

Address

1550 Opossumtown Pike
Frederick, MD
21701

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 8pm
Tuesday	7am - 8pm
Wednesday	7am - 8pm
Thursday	7am - 8pm
Friday	7am - 8pm
Saturday	7am - 12pm

Telephone

(301) 662-2322

Website

http://www.opossumpikevet.com/

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Our Story

We are a busy, 4-doctor AAHA-accredited (member of the American Animal Hospital Association), veterinary clinic. Our main hospital is located in Frederick; however we have two satellite offices: one in Thurmont and one in the Ballenger Creek area. We offer medical care for dogs and cats as well as exotic pets such as: rodent pocket pets (mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas), rabbits (all breeds), birds (all breeds), and most reptiles excluding snakes.