Veterinarians
Compassionate Veterinary Care for Rockbridge County Pets · Lexington, VA
Published in partnership with Animal Clinic of Rockbridge
Book online anytime
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
Animal Clinic of Rockbridge has been serving the Lexington and Rockbridge County community since 2004, when Dr. Michelle Schenley moved to the area after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schenley is a Fear Free Certified veterinarian and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that minimizes stress for pets. The clinic is a full-service veterinary medical facility offering everything from wellness exams and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgery, and end-of-life care.
The clinic's team includes licensed veterinary technicians Barbara (with the clinic since 2007), Megan, and Erin—all Fear Free Certified—along with veterinary assistants and animal care staff who provide hands-on support for boarding, daycare, and medical procedures. The clinic's Fear Free approach uses calming pheromones, positive reinforcement, extra time and TLC, and pre-visit medications when needed to make veterinary visits as pleasant as possible. This philosophy extends to every service, from routine wellness exams to dental cleanings and surgical procedures.
Animal Clinic of Rockbridge offers a comprehensive range of services including wellness and preventative medicine, surgery with full anesthetic monitoring (blood pressure, ECG, oxygen levels), dental care with state-of-the-art digital x-ray machines, nutrition and weight counseling, microchipping, radiology and ultrasound, therapeutic laser therapy, and rehabilitation/physical therapy. The clinic also provides boarding and daycare in outdoor runs with covered exercise areas, grooming services, house calls, hospice and euthanasia services, and emergency/critical care. Payment plans and a 3% cash discount are available to make care more accessible.
The clinic is known for serving dogs, cats, and other small animals with a focus on responsible pet ownership and preventative health care. Dr. Schenley and her team emphasize client education, helping pet owners understand their pets' needs at every life stage—from puppy and kitten wellness packages to senior care and chronic disease management. With extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturday morning appointments twice a month, and a responsive team available by phone, the clinic makes it easy for busy pet owners to access care. Whether you're searching for the best vet in Lexington VA, Fear Free veterinary care near Rockbridge County, or a clinic that offers both medical treatment and boarding in one place, Animal Clinic of Rockbridge delivers comprehensive, compassionate care.
Dr. Michelle Schenley — DVM, CCRP, Fear Free Certified
Best for: Pet owners seeking Fear Free veterinary care, dogs and cats needing rehabilitation or physical therapy after surgery or injury, pets with dental disease requiring digital x-ray diagnostics, families needing boarding and medical care in one location, anxious or fearful pets who struggle with traditional vet visits, senior pets requiring hospice or end-of-life support
Service area: Lexington, VA and surrounding Rockbridge County
Why choose Animal Clinic of Rockbridge: Animal Clinic of Rockbridge stands out in the Lexington area as one of the few Fear Free Certified practices with a CCRP-certified veterinarian offering advanced rehabilitation and physical therapy—services typically only available at specialty hospitals. The clinic also combines comprehensive medical care (surgery, dental, diagnostics) with boarding, grooming, house calls, and hospice services under one roof, making it a one-stop shop for pet owners who value convenience and stress-free care.
Fear Free Certified Veterinarian and Staff: Dr. Michelle Schenley and multiple staff members are Fear Free Certified, using proven techniques to reduce anxiety and stress for pets during veterinary visits—including calming pheromones, positive reinforcement, and pre-visit medications when needed.
Advanced Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Dr. Schenley is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), offering therapeutic laser and rehab services for pets recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or needing mobility support—rare for a general practice clinic.
Full-Service Care Including Boarding and Emergency: The clinic provides not only comprehensive medical services (surgery, dental, diagnostics) but also boarding with outdoor exercise runs, grooming, house calls, hospice care, and emergency/critical care—making it a one-stop shop for all pet needs.
Digital Dental X-Rays and Modern Surgical Monitoring: All dental cleanings include digital x-rays to detect disease below the gum line, and every surgical patient receives IV catheter placement, IV fluids, and continuous monitoring of blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels by licensed veterinary technicians.
What are the qualifications of the veterinarian?
Dr. Michelle Schenley is a 2003 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine with over 20 years of experience. She is Fear Free Certified and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), specializing in reducing pet anxiety during visits and providing advanced physical therapy and rehab services. The clinic's licensed veterinary technicians (Barbara, Megan, Erin) are also Fear Free Certified.
How much do services cost at Animal Clinic of Rockbridge?
Pricing varies by service. The clinic offers payment plans to help manage costs for more expensive procedures like surgery or emergency care. A 3% discount is available for clients who pay with cash (not checks). For specific pricing on wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, boarding, or other services, call (540) 463-2015 for a quote.
What is Fear Free veterinary care and how does it work?
Fear Free is an approach designed to prevent and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits. At Animal Clinic of Rockbridge, this includes using calming pheromones in exam rooms, positive reinforcement and treats, allowing extra time for nervous pets, gentle handling techniques, and prescribing anti-anxiety medication before visits when appropriate. Dr. Schenley and multiple staff members are Fear Free Certified and trained in these methods.
What should I expect during my pet's first visit?
New patients will receive a comprehensive physical exam, discuss preventative care options (vaccinations, heartworm and flea/tick control, spay/neuter), and may have internal parasite testing and blood work done depending on age and health status. The staff will take time to get to know you and your pet, answer questions, and create a customized wellness plan. Fear Free techniques will be used throughout to keep your pet comfortable.
Does the clinic offer boarding and what are the accommodations?
Yes, Animal Clinic of Rockbridge offers boarding and daycare with outdoor runs that are fenced, covered, and provide exercise time. Pets receive tender loving care, long walks, and attention from highly qualified animal caretakers. Boarding is available for dogs, cats, and other small animals.
What emergency and after-hours services are available?
The clinic provides emergency and critical care during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, call the clinic's main phone (540) 463-2015 or cell phone (540) 529-0674. The staff can provide guidance or direct you to an emergency veterinary hospital if needed.
What advanced services does the clinic offer that other vets may not?
Animal Clinic of Rockbridge offers several advanced services: rehabilitation and physical therapy (Dr. Schenley is a CCRP), therapeutic laser therapy for pain and healing, digital dental x-rays to detect hidden dental disease, full anesthetic monitoring during surgery (blood pressure, ECG, oxygen levels), ultrasound and radiology, house calls, and hospice/euthanasia services. The clinic also has an in-house pharmacy and microchipping.
How do I schedule an appointment or contact the clinic?
Call (540) 463-2015 to schedule an appointment or use the online appointment request form on the clinic's website. The clinic is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8am-5:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 8am-7:30pm, and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month 8am-12pm. For grooming services, call (540) 409-8032. You can also reach the clinic by cell at (540) 529-0674.
“We love Animal Clinic of Rockbridge! All the staff are beyond kind. Our dog knows where she’s at when we start up the driveway and starts jumping around so excited. She loves them. Can’t recommend them highly enough.”
— Gabriela Gino, Google Review
“Recently moved to the area and rescued a puppy. I was nervous about finding a good vet, but they treated my Diana so well. Everyone was petting her and telling me how sweet she was despite her jumping all over people. They gave her all the vaccines she needed and truly treated her with care. She did not even flinch when the needle went into her skin. You can tell how professional they are and that they truly care for animals. Got a free bandana at the end for her too.”
— Emma Wilbur, Google Review
“We have taken 3 of our 4 cats there to be spayed and neutered, and our 4th cat is also now a regular there. The staff are beyond lovely, and the vets answer all questions in terms that anyone can understand. Great place!”
— carrie crawford, Google Review
“They were so good with my dog and definitely full of love there!!”
— Heather Wolfe, Google Review
“I am always happy with the care my pets recieve from ACR veterinarians and staff. We love Dr. Schenley. She care from my young nervous to senior pets with so much care and compassion.”
— Trisha Humphries, Google Review
Book online: Request Appointment →
Phone: (540) 463-2015
Address: 1541 N Lee Hwy, Lexington, VA 24450 (Get directions)
Website: animalclinicofrockbridge.com/
Facebook: Animal Clinic of Rockbridge on Facebook