Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Pet Care in Baltimore
DocSide Veterinary Medical Center, located in historic Fells Point, has been providing quality pet care in Baltimore since 1999. Our team of experienced veterinarians specializes in advanced medical care for dogs, cats, and exotic animals, emphasizing client education and positive patient experiences. Founded by Dr. Deborah Tierney and Dr. Irvin Herling, we combine decades of expertise with state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment options. Our services include preventive medicine, surgery, dental care, and emergency services, supported by Fear Free Certified protocols to reduce pet anxiety. We maintain an in-house pharmacy and offer telemedicine consultations for convenience.Our commitment to community extends through referral programs and educational resources for pet owners. With extended weekday hours and Saturday availability, we accommodate busy schedules while maintaining personalized care. Our team's extensive experience in companion animal medicine ensures comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each pet's needs. We prioritize transparency in communication and maintain rigorous standards for patient safety during procedures. Client testimonials consistently highlight our compassionate approach and prompt service during critical situations.
Services
Behavior Counseling
Dental Care
Diagnostics
Emergency Care
End of Life Care
Internal Medicine
Microchipping
Nutrition Counseling
Surgery
Wellness Care
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We are Fear Free Certified to reduce pet anxiety during visits
- Our team includes veterinarians with over 30 years of combined experience
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary services with on-call doctors
- Our facilities feature state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment
- We provide specialized care for exotic animals in addition to dogs and cats
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free
What people say
Very kind and helpful
Gentle with my cats
Highly recommend
Thorough check up
Best veterinary care
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency veterinary services provide immediate care for critical pet conditions. With on-call doctors available until 11pm nightly, we handle trauma cases, poisoning incidents, and acute medical emergencies. Our facility maintains specialized equipment for life-saving interventions and coordinates with local emergency clinics after hours.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services prevent and treat oral diseases through routine cleanings and advanced procedures. Using ultrasonic scaling and digital radiography, we address periodontal disease, perform extractions, and manage oral infections. Our preventive care helps avoid systemic health issues from dental bacteria.
Behavior Counseling
Specialized behavioral consultations address problematic pet behaviors through medical evaluation and modification plans. We diagnose underlying conditions causing anxiety, aggression, or inappropriate elimination, then develop customized training strategies for long-term improvement in pet-owner interactions.
Surgery
Our surgical center performs soft-tissue, orthopedic, and minimally invasive procedures using laparoscopic technology. With pre-operative diagnostics and advanced pain management, we ensure patient safety during spays/neuters, fracture repairs, and complex internal surgeries for optimal recovery outcomes.
Wellness Care
Annual wellness exams and vaccination programs maintain pet health through early disease detection. We provide tailored parasite prevention, nutritional guidance, and age-specific screenings for puppies, adult pets, and senior animals to promote longevity and quality of life.
People
Dr. Deborah Tierney
Medical Director
With over three decades of veterinary experience, Dr. Tierney graduated from Purdue University with dual degrees in Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine. She has received multiple local and national veterinary awards for her contributions to animal healthcare.
Dr. Irvin Herling
Associate Veterinarian
Practicing since 1972, Dr. Herling brings 50+ years of expertise in companion animal medicine. He previously directed Maryland's Veterinary Technician program and specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques and diagnostic imaging.
Dr. Patrick Coughlin
Associate Veterinarian
After practicing in Phoenix and Seattle's exotic animal hospitals, Dr. Coughlin returned to Baltimore. He combines small animal medicine experience with specialized knowledge of exotic pet care, maintaining interests in wildlife photography and zoo visits.
Dr. Emma Vaughan
Associate Veterinarian
A graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Vaughan specializes in feline medicine and behavior. She focuses on strengthening human-animal bonds through personalized care while maintaining active community involvement.
Questions
What emergency veterinary services are available after hours?
Our on-call doctor is available until 11pm nightly. For emergencies after closing, we recommend three nearby 24-hour clinics listed on our website.
Do you treat exotic animals?
Yes, our veterinarians provide care for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals in addition to dogs and cats.
What dental care services do you offer?
We provide routine cleanings, periodontal treatment, digital radiography, and oral surgery using ultrasonic scaling and fluoride treatments.
Are payment plans available for veterinary services?
We accept major credit cards and offer CareCredit financing options for qualified applicants seeking veterinary care payment plans.
How can I schedule a pet wellness exam?
Wellness exams can be booked through our online portal, by phone at (410) 522-0055, or via the PetDesk mobile app during regular business hours.
Reviews (7)
Gwendolyn M.
Dec 05, 2023
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Terrific small mammal vet! I saw doctor Coughlin and he was very thorough and knowledgeable about my rats. Also just a very nice team at this office, I was very anxious about bringing them in just due to the lack of vets that would see a small mammals in this area. I was immediately put at ease walking in the door and talking with the front desk about their pets. Will definitely be back!
Regina S.
Jun 07, 2022
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Without blinking 5 stars. My Yorkie had a seizure which lasted a couple of minutes and I ran over to Doc Side. He was attended to immediately and the receptionist, vet technicians and Dr.Orrell had been so lovely and professional. It was the first time since we have our little rescue Yorkie that this happened and clearly I was very shocked and saddened to see this little guy cramping. Thanks to the Doctor and his recommendations Sparkie is now on medications which are already kicking in and he is seizure free. I highly recommend this VMC because they not only know how to treat you little Darling but also know how to take care of the owner.
Anna Cunningham
Apr 27, 2022
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This was the worst vet experience I've ever had. The vet, Dr. Tierney, was incredibly rude, hasty, and completely unpleasant. I came here a year ago and saw a different vet who was very kind and helpful, but with Dr. Tierney the experience was the opposite. Beyond the rude and hostile treatment, she tried to sell us on $900 of treatments that were well beyond what was needed. She ended up charging as many fees as possible, even double charging for something, leaving us with a $300 bill that the previous year was less than $60. On top of the treatment and costs, the office was also very dirty. We luckily have a typical vet we go to and have only gone here for two last-minute needs, but we will not be coming back.
Janessa Shaikun
Mar 25, 2022
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I've been taking my cats to Doc Side since they were babies, and always had good experiences. Most recently, I had a bad scare, they got me in immediately, no waiting throughout the process, and every staff member was extremely kind and helpful. That is huge to have support in a potential animal crisis.
Candace Beattie
Jan 25, 2022
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DocSide has been my vet for 16+ years through 3 dogs. I can't imagine finding an office or vet that cares more about their patients or clients than Dr. Tierney and the team. They have always gone above and beyond to give the best care possible, with all factors in mind, and are THE best.
Erin Fitzpatrick
Dec 25, 2021
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I was so pleased with my experience at Doc Side vet. As a new patient and new dog owner, my vet and tech took the time to answer my questions and do a thorough check up on my new pup! Thank you!
Megan Tobin
Dec 19, 2020
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Dr. Whitfield and the whole staff always take great care of my dog. He was having some stomach issues that were very concerning and they managed to squeeze him in for a next day Saturday appointment which was such a relief. They make Bodie feel right at home and he's always excited to see them!
