BluePearl Richmond, VA

The Small Animal and Exotics experience at BluePearl Pet Hospital – Richmond provides veterinary students with immersive, hands-on exposure to specialty and emergency medicine in a high-volume referral setting. 

Students will rotate through various specialty and emergency departments within the hospital, including:

• Emergency & Critical Care
• Internal Medicine
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Exotic Animal Medicine
• Coming in 2026, cardiology

The elective emphasizes a combination of clinical observation, supervised participation, and case-based learning across both common and complex presentations in dogs, cats, and exotic species.

Location: 5918 W Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230 
Facility size: ~20,000 sq ft hospital space. 

Staffing & Clinical Expertise

• The hospital is staffed by board-certified specialists in neurology, and internal medicine, (coming summer of 2026 Cardiology). Has a 3 Dr. Team of ER and is open Sunday-Wednesday (24 hours) then Thursday 7am-7pm
• The emergency and specialty teams collaborate with highly skilled veterinary technicians, a VTS in anesthesia and support staff. 

Equipment & Technology

• The Richmond hospital houses advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment. Highlights include:
  • A new 64-slice CT scanner installed as part of the ICU remodel in 2022.
  • On-site MRI.
  • Full complement of orthopedic/laparoscopic/thoracoscopic/arthroscopic surgical equipment.
  • Diagnostic imaging capabilities: digital radiography (x-ray), CT, MRI, ultrasound

Educational Infrastructure & Learning Environment

• The facility’s size, breadth of service, and technology means students can observe and assist in a wide variety of cases (emergency, internal medicine, neurology, and soon, cardiology)

Students are expected to engage actively in both learning and clinical support (if applicable) while maintaining professionalism and animal welfare standards.

• Students are typically scheduled Monday to Friday, during regular clinic hours and may vary pending the department they are shadowing (e.g., 8:00 am–5:00 pm or 7am-7pm.).
• Punctuality and reliability are essential

Clinical Involvement

Students begin by shadowing veterinarians observing:

• Consultations, diagnostics, and procedures in dogs, cats, and exotic species (such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals).
• Client communication and patient triage processes.

As competence and confidence grow, students may progress to assisted participation (if applicable in students election), which can include:

• Handling and restraining small animals and exotics safely and humanely
• Collecting samples (e.g., blood, urine, feces) under supervision
• Performing basic diagnostic tests
• Assisting Surgery and surgical preparation
• Supporting post-operative and in-patient care
• Recording clinical notes and contributing to case discussions

Professionalism and Conduct

Students are expected to:

• Adhere to all clinic policies, including safety, biosecurity, and confidentiality standards.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Demonstrate respect, teamwork, and communication skills with staff, clients, and fellow students.
• Uphold the highest standards of animal welfare in every aspect of care.

Learning and Reflection

• Students should take initiative by asking questions, seeking feedback, and engaging in case discussions.
• Active participation and curiosity are strongly encouraged to maximize learning

5918 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230
United States