APAW Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center

06/17/2026

06/10/2026

🎓🐾 Congratulations, Michelle "Shelley" Ortez! 🐾🎓

The entire APAW family would like to congratulate Shelley on graduating from the University of Maryland this May with her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science!

Shelley wears many hats at APAW as both a Veterinary Assistant and Client Service Representative. She is an invaluable member of our team, helping our doctors communicate care and treatment recommendations to our Spanish-speaking clients and ensuring every family feels heard, understood, and supported.

This accomplishment is especially meaningful because Shelley is the first person in her family to graduate from college—a milestone that reflects her hard work, determination, and dedication to her goals.

Her journey doesn't stop here! Shelley plans to apply to veterinary school next year as she works toward achieving her dream of becoming a veterinarian. We have no doubt that her compassion, work ethic, and love for animals will make her an outstanding doctor one day.

Please join us in congratulating Shelley on this incredible achievement! We are so proud to have her as part of the APAW family and can't wait to see all the amazing things she accomplishes in the future. ❤️🐶🐱

05/25/2026

🎉🦷 Congratulations to Rollie Proctor! 🦷🎉

During our Dental Health Awareness Season, Rollie, a handsome 4-year-old Miniature Pinscher, received his surgical dental cleaning with us at A.P.A.W. Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center and was selected as one of our dental raffle winners! 🐾✨ Rollie went home with a bag of C.E.T. Veggie Dents dental chews to help keep his smile healthy and shining bright! 😁🪥

At A.P.A.W., our mission is to provide high-quality compassionate veterinary care, and that includes helping every pet achieve and maintain good dental health. Dental disease can impact much more than just the mouth — it can affect a pet’s overall health, comfort, and quality of life. That is why we are so passionate about educating our clients on the importance of preventive dental care and early treatment. ❤️

We want to thank Carmen for trusting us with Rollie’s care and for prioritizing his health and wellness. We also want to thank ALL of our amazing clients who continue to partner with us to give their pets the best care possible. Your dedication to your pets truly makes a difference, and we are honored to be part of their healthcare journey. 🐶🐱✨

Congratulations again to Rollie and Carmen! 🎊

05/22/2026

A.P.A.W. Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center had the absolute pleasure of visiting DCA Montessori School to spend time with some amazing young learners!

Lauryn and Aaliya (soon to be Dr. Thompson) led two fun and interactive sessions—one with children ages 3–6 and another with ages 7–10—focused on what it means to care for our pets. We talked about what foods pets can and cannot eat, the importance of kindness and responsibility, and introduced them to the role of a veterinarian—the doctor who keeps our furry family members healthy.

At APAW, we believe that high-quality veterinary care goes beyond our hospital walls. It includes educating our community, empowering pet owners, and inspiring the next generation to treat animals with compassion and respect.

Of course, the star of the day was Lauryn’s dog, Ryleigh, a 3-year-old Sheltie, who soaked up all the love and attention! She happily greeted every child, showed off her tricks, and brought lots of smiles, laughter, and applause.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—helping shape future pet parents who understand that caring for an animal is both a privilege and a responsibility. 💙🐾

05/06/2026

🌼 May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month! 🐾

Just like people, pets can suffer from allergies and asthma—especially during seasonal changes.

Signs to watch for:
• Itching, licking, or chewing
• Red or irritated skin
• Sneezing, coughing, or breathing changes

At APAW, we can help manage your pet’s symptoms with:
✔️ Allergy management plans
✔️ Medications and treatments
✔️ Guidance for long-term comfort

🐶🐱 Don’t let allergies or breathing issues impact your pet’s quality of life—we’re here to help them feel better.

📞 Call 301-552-3800 to schedule an exam.

05/01/2026

Today, Dr. Boyce met Charlie, a one-year-old kitty, for his very first vet visit 🐾

We also welcomed his owner, Malik Myles, a new feline dad who learned all about vaccines, lab work, and wellness care to keep Charlie healthy and thriving.

We’re so excited to be part of their journey—this is just the beginning of a beautiful partnership 💙

05/01/2026

🦴 May is Arthritis Awareness Month! 🐾

Is your pet slowing down, hesitant to jump, or stiff after resting? These could be signs of arthritis.

The good news—there are ways to help your pet stay comfortable and active!
At APAW, we offer a case-based multi-modal approach for your pet's comfort:
✔️ Joint and muscle supplements to support mobility
✔️ Laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
✔️ Medications and personalized treatment plans

🐶🐱 Arthritis doesn’t have to limit your pet’s quality of life—we’re here to help them feel their best.

📞 Call 301-552-3800 to discuss a pain management plan for your pet.

04/17/2026

🏷️ National Pet ID Week (April 17–23) 🐾

If your pet ever gets lost, proper identification can make all the difference.
✔️ Collar with ID tag
✔️ Microchip (permanent ID)
✔️ Updated contact information
A microchip greatly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet.

🐶🐱 It’s a small step that provides lifelong protection.

📞 Call 301-552-3800 to schedule a microchip appointment.

04/17/2026

🐾 Understanding the Rising Cost of Veterinary Care 🐾

We know that many of our clients—especially those on fixed incomes—are feeling the impact of rising costs, and we want you to know: we hear you, and we care. 💙

Like many industries, veterinary medicine has been affected by economic changes over the past few years. The cost of medical supplies, medications, lab testing, equipment, and even basic operating expenses has increased significantly. At the same time, advances in veterinary medicine allow us to provide better diagnostics, treatments, and longer, healthier lives for your pets—which is something we all want.

🐶 So what does this mean for you and your pet?

Our goal has never changed. We are here to:
✔️ Provide compassionate, high-quality care
✔️ Work with you to create a plan that fits your budget
✔️ Offer options when possible—whether that’s prioritizing care or discussing alternatives

We understand that not every plan looks the same for every family, and that’s okay. We believe in honest conversations and partnership so you can make the best decision for your pet and your situation.

💡 Ways to plan ahead for your pet’s care:

• Routine wellness visits to catch issues early
• Pet insurance or a dedicated savings fund
• Asking us about phased or prioritized treatment options
• Asking us about our puppy/kitten packages and wellness plans to save!

We recommend looking into these financial options to assist with costs:
https://www.carecredit.com/
https://scratchtopay.com/

Don't know what pet insurance is best for you and your pet? Check out PawlicyAdvisor to compare pet insurance in one place to determine what works for you and your furbaby.

https://www.pawlicy.com/

🤝 We’re in this together
Veterinary care is more than medicine—it’s about supporting the bond between you and your pet. No matter your circumstances, we are committed to helping you navigate your pet’s care with compassion and respect.

If you ever have concerns about costs, please talk to us. We will always do our best to find a solution that works for you and your pet.

📞 Call us at 301-552-3800 to discuss your pet’s care or schedule a visit.

— Your APAW Veterinary Hospital Family 🐾💙

04/15/2026

🐾 Committed to Your Pets Living Longer Better 🐾

At A.P.A.W. Veterinary Hospital, learning never stops.

Dr. Johnson, Dr. Boyce, and Dr. Hunt took some of our team members to attend a continuing education dinner focused on canine osteoarthritis, hosted by Veterinary Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Group and American Regent Animal Health.

Why does this matter? Because arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility in our dogs—and it often goes unnoticed in the early stages.

By staying up to date on the latest advancements, treatments, and pain management options, we are better equipped to:
✔️ Recognize subtle signs of pain
✔️ Provide more effective treatment plans
✔️ Improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life

🐶 Our goal is simple: help your pets move easier, feel better, and live happier lives.

If you’ve noticed your pet slowing down, hesitating to jump, or seeming stiff, don’t wait—there are more options than ever to help them feel like themselves again.

📞 Call us at 301-552-3800 to learn more about arthritis support and treatment options.

— Your APAW Veterinary Team 💙🐾