Exceptional, Full-Service Veterinary Care in Atlanta, Georgia A family run animal hospital since 1973
Vernon Woods Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital in North Sandy Springs, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Our local, family-owned animal clinic has been treating pets for over 40 years—founded by Dr. Jay Empel in 1973 and now under the leadership of his son, Medical Director, Dr. Andrew Empel.
We provide a full range of medical services to your pets, including physical exams, soft-tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, and oral surgery, preventative dental care, spay / neuter, behavior counseling, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, health certificates for travel, microchipping, nutrition counseling, hospice / euthanasia, radiology, ultrasound, echocardiograms, tonometry, and oncology/chemotherapy care. In addition, we offer many client conveniences, such as boarding and grooming, an online pharmacy, access to your pet's records through our pet portal, and house calls should your pets need it.
Wellness Care & Sick Pet Care
At Vernon Woods, we believe every pet deserves both excellent medical care and a stress-free experience. From routine wellness exams to more complex care, we focus on building trust and ensuring each visit supports your pet’s long-term health and happiness.
We have Fear Free™ & Cat-Friendly Certified DVMs
We understand so much more about our pets' emotional well-being, and the impact on your pet's health and happiness from stress, anxiety, and fear before, during, and after their visit to the vet.
Our team has been certified in the latest Fear Free™ and Cat-Friendly methods to reduce anxiety in your pets. They will work with you to identify the techniques that work best, such as gentle control, positive conditioning, naturopathic remedies, Feliway pheromone spray and pheromone diffusers, Adaptil sprays and collars, and even Thundershirts.
Learn more about our dedication to your pet's positive veterinary experience here.
New Pet Owners Near Atlanta, Georgia
Welcoming a new pet is exciting and can feel overwhelming. Vernon Woods is here to help you get off to a great start with:
- A friendly, experienced team that makes your first visits comfortable and informative
- Guidance tailored to your pet’s age, species, and lifestyle
- Support for lifelong wellness, from kittens and puppies to small mammals
Whether it’s vaccinations, nutrition, or behavior tips, we help your new companion thrive.
Puppy Exams in Atlanta, Georgia
Give your puppy the best possible start with our early-care visits. At Vernon Woods Animal Hospital, we offer:
- Vaccinations tailored to your puppy’s age and lifestyle
- Parasite prevention (flea/tick, heartworm protection)
- Behavior & nutrition guidance to set them up for lifelong health
- All services delivered in a calm, Fear Free® environment that puts pets at ease
Kitten Exams in Atlanta, Georgia
Our Cat Friendly Certified team makes every visit calm, positive, and tailored to your kitten’s needs. During your kitten’s early visits, we may recommend:
- Vaccinations to protect against common feline illnesses
- Parasite prevention for a healthy start
- Nutrition and litter box guidance to support good habits early on
All care is delivered in a gentle, stress-free environment designed for cats.
A kind and compassionate veterinary team
The veterinarians and staff at Vernon Woods Animal Hospital are here to be your trusted pet partner. When it comes to your pet's health and happiness, we want you to know that our door is always open. We pledge to be open and honest, and give you the detailed answers to any pet questions you have.
In addition, our team works together to ensure that your pet's needs-as well as yours-are met while in our care. We take pride in the fact that we also have two additional locations to serve you should your pet need it—Brookhaven Animal Hospital in Brookhaven and North Springs Animal Clinic in North Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Pet Care Insights
Our blog offers timely pet-health insights, such as:
