Veterinary Clinic License Approved For Prince William County's Animal Services

MANASSAS, VA — Animal shelter pets in Prince William County will now be able to get veterinary care at a clinic on site.

The Prince William County Animal Services Bureau announced Thursday it received a state license to run a veterinary clinic at its Animal Services Center, located at 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas in the mid-county area. The veterinary clinic will focus on providing medical services for animals under the Animal Services Bureau's care. It will be led by supervising veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Nelsen with a team of two licensed veterinary technicians and a veterinary assistant.

"The veterinary clinic will enable us to enhance our existing services and ensure that all animals at our center receive the medical attention they deserve in a more efficient timely manner," said Anthony Cleveland, director of the Prince William County Animal Services Bureau. "With on-site veterinary care, the Center will be able to expedite the treatment and triage process for injured or ill animals and provide routine health checks."

The animal services bureau thanked Dr. Wanda Pool, Dr. “Tookie” Myers and other staff at Deepwood Veterinary Clinic for assisting with pet needs over the last five years.

Nelsen brings experience providing veterinary care for different types of animals. She first worked in rural Pennsylvania, providing mixed animal veterinary services to five counties. Nelsen would care for animals like dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, big parrots, goats, horses and cows. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, Nelsen became a medical director overseeing 27 other veterinarians around Virginia. She was nominated as one of Northern Virginia Magazine's top veterinarians in 2024. She received a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 and earned a Shelter Medicine Graduate Certificate.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as the shelter veterinarian and build this program from the ground up," said Nelsen in a statement.

The Prince William County Animal Services Bureau is part of the county's police department. It is tasked with enforcing animal welfare laws, providing 24-hour service for injured animals and other emergencies, running the county's Animal Services Center, and providing animal education seminars.

"We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to offer these services to the residents of Prince William County for the first time ever," said Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham. "When the new Animal Services Center was envisioned, we wanted to ensure there would be space and the ability to provide this level of care. I’m happy to say this is now a reality and we welcome Dr. Nelsen to our team."

The county's animal services will also recognize World Spay Day by covering spay or neuter fees for dogs and cats adopted from the animal shelter on Feb. 21, 22, 23 and 25. The offer applies to standard procedures only.

Residents may find more information about Prince William County Animal Services Bureau on its website or by calling the Animal Services Center at 703-792-6465.