Spotlight on an HSLC Partner: Not your Typical Veterinary Hospital 

By Valerie Burton

Loudoun County is a place where animals are part of life, and compassionate, competent veterinarians abound. Many of them collaborate with the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) by providing discounted services, and this is an invaluable support that enables HSLC to help more animals. One of our partners is Tally Oaks Veterinary Wellness Center, a practice owned by a woman who knew from elementary school that she was going to be a vet.

“I grew up on a small farm, with lots of pets,” says Dr. Tania Woerner, VDM, “so I knew at a very early age exactly what I was going to do. I also loved to read and study, which did help a lot.”

Accustomed to being surrounded by a variety of animals–dogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, cows—it was a natural decision to set up her practice in a bucolic setting where all are welcome and made to feel comfortable. The center, located on a serene property in Purcellville, is named for the trees that are the landscape’s most prominent feature. The serenity extends into the waiting room, which overlooks tranquil horse pastures and a barn. The exam rooms have soft music playing and the aroma of essential oils.

If this is sounding more like a day spa than a vet’s office, it’s because Tally Oaks is a holistic all-around wellness center for animals. Every aspect of services provided has the intention of soothing the anxiety normally provoked by visits to the vet, because a more relaxed animal will receive a better and more accurate exam. Two members of the Tally Oaks staff received certification from a nationally-recognized program called the Fear-Free Initiative. Under this purview, techniques such as eliminating wait time are used to alleviate stress in furry-faced patients (and the people who care for them).

Holistic services incorporate all aspects of an animal’s life in treatment, not just the symptoms of a disease or injury. By exploring the history, genetics, environment, relationships, nutrition, stress level, and everything else that affects well-being, Dr. Woerner and her staff aim to provide gentle, minimally invasive solutions to issues that may be interfering with quality of life. This approach is not in contrast with western treatment; it is in fact a complement to traditional practices which are still a necessary component of overall health.

For example, an animal may have an underlying condition requiring surgery, drug treatment, medical testing—all of these are provided at Tally Oaks. The holistic approach alleviates symptoms and goes a step further, seeking to resolve underlying causes of disease that may be preventable, as this is preferable to getting sick in the first place.

Tally Oaks offers well-known and widely accepted holistic therapies. In treating the animals who are her patients, and who are cherished by their caretakers, Dr. Woerner determines the best combination of both conventional and holistic therapies.

Partnering with HSLC to provide discounted services like low-cost spaying and neutering is another way for Tally Oaks to promote a holistic, loving approach to animals. “It is critical that we all work together to make sure there aren’t any unwanted or uncared for pets,” Dr. Woerner says. “By offering discounted spays and neuters, free exams, and discounted services, I can do my part to assure that more pets are adopted and receive the medical care they deserve.”

Please browse our website for more information about HSLC, our partners, and animals available for adoption.

For more information about Tally Oaks Veterinary Wellness Center, please visit www.tallyoaksvet.com.