Guardian Equine Veterinary Services

10/22/2026

Rabies is real… and it’s in our area.

All domestic animals should have a rabies vaccines. Horses and other large animals should be vaccinated yearly.

Call/Text Guardian Equine Veterinary Services if your horse needs to get up to date on this important vaccine.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]

SKUNK TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN SUFFOLK

The Suffolk Health Department is alerting the public that a skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk was picked up by Suffolk Animal Control in the 1700 block of White Marsh Road. Due to the extent of its symptoms and health condition, the skunk was tested for rabies.

Rabies is a fatal disease, but it can be prevented. The most common way people are exposed to rabies is when an infected animal bites or scratches them. The infected animal’s saliva enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane. Prompt evaluation and complete treatment are critical. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies, and without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, the disease is fatal in 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated. State law requires all dogs and cats older than 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

Angela Tillery, health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly recommends Suffolk residents protect their families and their pets from rabies.

• If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7855 or the Suffolk Health Department at 757-514-4751.

• Seek prompt medical treatment for any animal bite to ensure timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.

• Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.

• Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Please consult your veterinarian, Suffolk Animal Control, or the Suffolk Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.

• Confine your pets to your property.

• Securely seal garbage containers with lids.

For more information on rabies, contact the Suffolk Health Department at 757-514-4751, Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7855, or visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

10/22/2026

Excited to celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week!

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services is proud to support the AAEVT-American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants by ensuring all employees are members of the association.

This week we’re cheering for the vet techs, assistants and support staff who show up for horses every single day! Their skill, patience and heart shape every visit, recovery and positive outcome. 🌟

Happy National Veterinary Technician and Assistant Appreciation Week! Tag a teammate who makes your barn calls better, and send some love to our friends at AAEVT-American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants 🙌🩺

10/20/2026

For Day Two of National Veterinary Technician Week, Dr Gard would like to give a special “shout out” to all of the Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) who were a part of her journey through vet school. CVTs run the hospitals and patient care for the teaching hospital at the University of Illinois and are the guiding force for veterinary students. Their passion for teaching and veterinary medicine shine through every day. Today, we celebrate them!

Happy National Vet Tech Week 💙🧡

While we are always incredibly thankful for our veterinary technicians we extend extra kudos this week in celebration.

If you see a this week be sure to share your appreciation. Won't see one? Share some love in the comments! 👏

10/19/2026

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week! 🎉

This week, October 18–24, we proudly celebrate the incredible veterinary technicians whose expertise, compassion, and dedication make a lasting difference in animal health care every day!

This year’s theme, recognized by NAVTA, “Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: Endless Compassion, Expert Care; Celebrating the Soul of Veterinary Medicine,” highlights the essential role credentialed veterinary technicians play in providing exceptional patient care, supporting clients, and strengthening the veterinary healthcare team.

Veterinary technicians are so much more than support staff—they are anesthetists, radiographers, dental hygienists, surgical assistants, lab technicians, client educators, and above all, dedicated advocates for animal health and welfare.

To all the amazing veterinary technicians who make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them—THANK YOU for all that you do! ❤️🐾

10/17/2026

Dr Gard spent the last three days in Blacksburg serving the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) as President. Watch this quick preview, and check back in for scenes from the week, to include Industry Day, VVMA board meeting, sugar gliders at karaoke, Mentor Days, snazzy shoes and SO MANY SELFIES!

09/29/2026

Dr Gard spent Sunday at the Virginia State Fair, representing Guardian Equine Veterinary Services and Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA).

It was a full day showing the public all aspects of equine veterinary medicine. Dr Gard and her trusty assistant Megan enjoy meeting new people and inspiring the next generation. Fair food and exploring other vendors were also highlights.

Thanks to Greenlee Farms LLC for sharing space and letting us use your amazing Shires to bring in the crowds!

09/27/2026

Dr Gard was honored to represent the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) at a continuing education event sponsored by the Coastal Virginia Veterinary Association at Animal Vision Center in Virginia Beach

09/17/2026

Dr Gard was honored to represent women in agriculture in Virginia by the Virginia Farm Bureau.

As the owner of Guardian Equine Veterinary Services and President of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), Dr Gard prioritizes public education about large animal veterinary medicine and inspiring the next generation of large animal veterinarians.

(Link in comments)

08/19/2026

First annual OPEN HOUSE for the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA)!

07/30/2026

Dr Gard had the honor to be featured on The Business of Practice Podcast. Dr Gard and Dr Larson spoke about their roles in organized veterinary medicine, as presidents of their state veterinary medical associations.

In this episode, Drs. Katie Larson and Sherri Gard shared how volunteering in organized veterinary medicine has allowed them to make a difference in the industry.

The Business of Practice podcast is brought to you by CareCredit.