Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Veterinary Care in Bethesda, MD
Benson Animal Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care in Bethesda and the Washington, DC area since 1953. Founded by Dr. Albert Benson and now led by his son Dr. Randy Benson, our multi-generational family practice combines decades of experience with modern medical advancements. We specialize in comprehensive small animal care, including routine wellness visits, advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, and compassionate end-of-life support. Our team prioritizes client education, ensuring pet owners fully understand treatment plans and health management options.With a commitment to personalized service, we treat every pet as if they were our own, offering free onsite parking and discounts for first responders and active-duty military. Our hospital maintains conservative yet up-to-date treatment protocols, balancing traditional care values with contemporary veterinary science to serve generations of pet families.
Services
Primary Care
Advanced Imaging
Surgery & Anesthesia
End of Life Care
Dental Work
Health Certificates
Wellness Visits
Preventative Check-ups
Disease Management
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer over 70 years of combined veterinary experience in a family-run practice.
- Our team provides detailed client education for informed pet health decisions.
- We maintain advanced diagnostic capabilities including digital imaging and endoscopy.
- Our hospital offers emergency surgical care during regular business hours.
- We honor military and first responder families with service discounts.
What people say
Exceptional staff
Thorough explanations
Reasonable pricing
Gentle with pets
Personalized care
Services
Primary Care
Our primary care services include annual wellness exams, preventative treatments, and chronic disease management for dogs and cats. Veterinarians perform comprehensive physical assessments, recommend vaccination schedules, and develop customized parasite prevention plans. This foundational care helps maintain optimal pet health through early detection of potential issues.
Advanced Imaging
We utilize digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopic equipment for precise internal diagnostics. These technologies enable real-time visualization of organ systems, skeletal structures, and soft tissues to support accurate treatment decisions. Our imaging capabilities reduce the need for external specialist referrals while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Surgery & Anesthesia
Our surgical services range from routine spays/neuters to complex soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures. The hospital maintains dedicated surgical suites with modern anesthetic monitoring equipment. Elective surgeries are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with emergency surgical capacity available during regular hours.
End of Life Care
We provide compassionate guidance for pet owners facing end-of-life decisions. Our team offers palliative care options, euthanasia services, and emotional support resources. The process includes thorough explanation of options and personalized attention to ensure pets receive dignified, comfortable care during their final moments.
Dental Work
Comprehensive dental services include routine cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery for periodontal disease treatment. We use specialized equipment for dental radiography and maintain strict anesthesia protocols to ensure patient safety. Preventative dental care helps avoid systemic health complications from oral infections.
People
Dr. Albert Benson
Founding Veterinarian
Dr. Benson established the hospital in 1953 after graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced for 60 years before retiring, building a legacy of compassionate care that continues through his family's leadership.
Dr. Randy Benson
Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Benson has practiced at the hospital since 1985, following in his father's footsteps. He graduated from the University of Georgia with both veterinary and animal science degrees, maintaining the family tradition of excellence in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Sophia Benson
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Benson joined the practice after completing a rotating internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with specialized training in aquatic medicine and veterinary business management.
Dr. Dan Murphy
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Murphy brings extensive experience from owning a Capitol Hill veterinary practice for 22 years. He graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and contributes expertise in preventative medicine for diverse animal species.
Dr. Wendy Guingrich
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Guingrich provides part-time care at BAH after retiring from a rural Maryland practice. She graduated from The Ohio State University Veterinary College in 2004, offering specialized knowledge in preventative medicine for various animal species.
Questions
What services does Benson Animal Hospital offer?
We provide comprehensive veterinary care including primary care, advanced imaging, surgery, dental work, and end-of-life support for small animals.
Do you handle emergency cases after hours?
We refer after-hours emergencies to nearby veterinary ER facilities but provide emergency surgical care during regular business hours.
Are payment plans available for veterinary services?
We do not offer financing options but prioritize cost-effective treatment plans and provide military/first responder discounts.
How can new clients prepare for their first visit?
New clients should complete our intake form online and bring prior medical records to streamline the initial appointment process.
What are your hospital hours?
We are open Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM, Saturday 8AM-11AM, and closed on Sundays for routine appointments.
Do you offer pet health certificates for travel?
Yes, we provide required health certificates and ensure pets meet travel requirements for domestic destinations.
