Animal Clinic and Wellness Center

The staff and the doctors at the Animal Clinic and Wellness Center are dedicated to the emotional and physical well-being of our patients. Core to our wellness philosophy is prevention of illness, which we implement through strategically planned wellness visits incorporating behavioral and nutritional counseling.

When unfortunate illness or injury occurs, we provide compassionate, individualized care and state of the art medicine and surgery. We utilize every resource available (extended hours, around-the-clock care, alternative medicine and physical rehabilitation) to restore our patients to health.
  • Animal Clinic and Wellness Center
  • 628 Penniman Road
  • Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Phone: 757-253-0812
  • Fax: 757-253-0908
  • After Hrs ER: 757-234-0461
  • Email Us
  • Mon & Wed: 7:30AM-8:00PM
  • Tues, Thurs & Fri: 7:30AM-6:00PM
  • Sat: 8:00AM-1:00PM
  • Sun: Closed
  • Dr. Meryl Lessinger

    Dr. Meryl Lessinger

    Dr. Lessinger has been a staff veterinarian at the Animal Clinic and Wellness Center (formerly the Animal Clinic of Williamsburg) since 1983. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and was honored to be chosen one of 17 interns for the world-renowned Animal Medical Center of New York City. After her internship, she practiced in Manhattan for 3 years. It was there that she started her work with humane organizations to better the lives of less fortunate pets. She and her husband, Nick, moved to Williamsburg to pursue a dream of providing cutting edge veterinary medicine to the community. She continued her devotion to humane work by becoming the founding Medical Director of what would become the Heritage Humane Society

    Dr. Lessinger is certified in acupuncture and is one of only a few certified canine rehabilitation therapists.
     
    Dr. Lessinger and Nick have one daughter, 3 dogs, 5 cats, 2 horses, and 1 bird. In her spare time (what’s that?), she enjoys the challenge of learning dressage and traveling with Nick.
    Years in Practice:
    Education:
    University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
    Email:
  • Dr. Rosalie Gibson

    Dr. Rosalie Gibson

    Dr. Rosalie Gibson is a 2007 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine with clinical rotations completed at Purdue University.  Her professional interests include internal medicine and soft tissue surgery.  She is also a firm believer in preventive medicine through semiannual or annual wellness exams.  She believes routine wellness exam provides an opportunity to develop a relationship with patients while evaluating their health to determine what interventions or therapies are necessary.

    She is from Chicago ("the windy city") where winter seems to linger much too long. Dr. Gibson is looking forward to mild winters without shoveling 5 to 8 inches of snow. Her hobbies include tennis and hiking. Her 4 legged companions include 2 dogs (Bock and Shaffley) and 4 cats (Boss, Hugo, Spidey-Bitey, and Neo).
    Years in Practice:
    Education:
    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
    Email:
  • Dr. Julie Scaccia

    Dr. Julie Scaccia

    Dr. Scaccia graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.  Prior to veterinary school, she obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of South Carolina.  Her professional interests include internal medicine, diagnostic ultrasound, exotic animal medicine (small mammals and reptiles) and soft tissue surgery.  She recently completed a credentialing course in veterinary stem cell medicine, a treatment to help pets with arthritis.

    Dr. Scaccia is dedicated to furthering the human-animal bond, and loves to interact with both patients and clients.  She loves to receive tail wags, "paw shake", and contented "purrs" from her patients.

    After working in Georgia, she is glad to return closer to her family near her home state of Pennsylvania.  She is happy to live in an area that has four seasons and that offers such beautiful scenery.  Her hobbies include hiking (especially with her dog), kayaking, reading and traveling to the mountains.
    Education:
    University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
    Email:
  • Dr. Jodi Smith

    Dr. Jodi Smith

    Dr. Smith was born in Lancaster, Ohio, raised and traveled extensively as a military "Brat", and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 1995.  Since graduating, she had practiced in Billings, Montana, Atlanta, Georgia, and in several cities across Ohio.  She has a wide range of clinical & surgical experience, ranging from dogs, cats, and 'pocket pets' to reptiles, birds, exotic captives, horses, and every type of food animal species.  Her special interest include Laser exclusive soft tissue surgery, reproductive physiology, dermatology, exotic pet care, and pediatric/geriatric healthcare for pets.

    Dr. Smith has two children, Braig and Trystyn, and although from Lancaster, has recently relocated to the Williamsburg area.  Free time is enjoyed with her family and her CONSTANTLY changing number of beloved pets!!  Currently, Dr. Smith is the proud owner of 4 precocious cats (Morgyn, Motzi, Koby & Zuki), a very needy, but extremely lovable, adopted Golden Retriever named Jack; a cute little Shitzuhuahua named Peso, and two rats fittingly named Yogi & BooBoo.  Dr. Smith is a life-long die-hard Buckeye & Cubbies fan!

    Years in Practice:
    Education:
    Ohio State University
    Specialities:
    Special interest in Laser surgery, Small Animal Health, Avian & Exotic Medicine
  • Dr. Tracey Lord

    Dr. Tracey Lord

    Dr. Lord graduated from the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, where she first became interested in alternative forms of medicine.  She was certified in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and completed Chinese herbal training through the same organization.  In 2004, Dr. Lord was certified in animal chiropractic through the Healing Oasis.

    Dr. Lord has been working exclusively as a holistic veterinarian since 2005.  She uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies, spinal manipulation, nutrition, homotoxicology and other supplements in daily practice with the goal of improving health and well being for her patients.  Treatment protocols are patient specific, with an emphasis on quality of life.

    Dr. Lord is able to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from the healthy pet whose owners want a more natural approach to health care to arthritis cases, chronic liver or kidney disease, cancer and asthma, just to name a few.

    The majority of patients enjoy their treatments and are excited to come back in, once they get used to the routine. Frequently, owners report improvement, not only in the specific problem that they originally sought treatment for, but also in the animal’s overall attitude and condition.  Dr. Lord is very excited to be part of the team here at the Animal Clinic & Wellness Center and is looking forward to developing lasting relationships with you and your pets.
    Education:
    Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine