I love Dr. Williamson and this practice! They have done wonders for my girl! I feel they have improved her quality of life and mine in turn! I have been with this practice for years! read more

Everything about the business looks professional until you are there longer than 10 minutes. This place was recommended by my vet to help figure out my cat's allergies. In short, I would not recommend. For full details continue reading. I am budget sensitive so I called ahead to get an estimate. Upon arrival, everything was fine. I even explained my budget restrictions to the vet. She acknowledged my needs and made me feel like I was in good hands. She gave me the run down of what to expect to happen. She then left the room and said that she would be back to discuss results and treatment options. I was very satisfied when she left the room. 15 minutes later the vet tech brought my cat back into the room and proceeded to give me discharge information. I was confused because this was not part of the explanation that the vet had just told me. When I asked to talk to the vet, I was denied access. I was then told that she was busy treating other animals. The vet tech gave me the bill on a sticky note. It was $300 more than what I had expressed to the vet that I could spend. When I expressed my concern for the amount due, I was greeted with a quick reasoning why it was okay for the bill to have exceeded my budget as well as where I could proceed to pay it. I asked for the vet again. I was denied a second time. I then expressed my concern from a customer service stand point and was quickly met with a quick rebuttal of the vet tech having greater experience than myself with customer service. (I generally never speak up, but I felt that this was a direct insult to my intelligence, as well as intentional neglect for my rights as a customer). After being insulted, I asked to see the vet again. Again, I was quickly denied. It was at that moment the vet tech went on to explain that "they" had already wasted enough time on us. They had a quota of patients to see every day and now me and my cat have over-extended our stay and could kindly wait outside if we wanted to. I expressed my concern with those comments and again I was quickly met with excuses for poor service. I refused to leave the room until I had spoken to the vet. In an attempt to stall, I asked to see a formal invoice for the visit, instead of a pink sticky note. The vet tech left the room promptly and walked down the hallway in the opposite direction of the receptionist. I immediately walked to the receptionist desk and kindly asked for an invoice. (The person who assisted me is the only reason that this review has a 1 star rating. Her efforts were very much welcomed. I gave her a 5 star, which I added to the -4 stars that I gave the vet + vet tech totaling +1 star. I know that sounds extreme; just bear with me). Once receiving a formal invoice, I learned very quickly that there were items on the bill that I did not authorize. They were also, not explained to me prior to performing on my cat. Mind you, some were authorized and some were not. When I asked about the unauthorized charges, I was told that because they had already performed treatment to my cat, that I am fully responsible. The vet tech also explained that we the cat had already received several free services that I did not authorize either. I explained that this was not acceptable and that I was not paying for these charges. I would gladly make payment on the services in which I had given prior consent. I wanted to talk this over with the vet, because there was a very clear plan before she left the room. Once she left, a majority of the agreed upon procedures were not not done at all. At that point the vet tech exited the room. After sitting there for what seemed to be 10 minutes, I felt as if the vet was uninterested in my concerns. I decided to leave the room and attempted to make payment on my bill. The receptionist told me that the vet was busy and would call me by Friday. (I am still waiting on the phone call from the vet; tomorrow is 1 week after my visit and I have yet to get a call from the vet). The next day, I realized that they did not give me all of the medication that I had paid for. Upon calling, I was met with a quick rebuttal on why my cat didn't need the medication. I went on to further explain that I had already paid for it. After playing phone tag with the receptionist for over 4 hours, I was then informed that I was able to come get the medicine. After all of that, I still did not resolve the reason in which I went to the dermatologist to begin with, my cats allergies. I decided to have blood work done at my family vet due to a cheaper cost. Before going to my vet, I got a printed copy of what type of testing was needed from the dermatologist. After dropping off my cat for blood work, I get a call from my vet saying that additional tests are needed. When asking why, I was told that the dermatologist called and added a test to the list and would not prescribe any further medication to my cat unless this was done as well. To be continued... read more

I have been going to Dr. Williamson for years and cannot say enough good things about she and her staff. She actually sits down for up to an hour for the initial visit and does a full and complete history. She is extremely knowledgable (Board Certified) and is a lifesaver. She is fantastic with her communication to your regular vet, as well, and always sends a detailed copy of the medical record so he/she can have it in your pet's chart. Cannot recommend her enough! read more

OMG I'm one of those people that has a dermatologist for her dog. Never thought I'd say that, but we adopted a rescue who started showing extreme itching within 48 hours of coming home.. that was years ago. Turns out our little princess is allergic to, well, almost everything. Dr. Williamson has guided us through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up through the entire process. She even provided care for our little girl when she needed a visit to the emergency room to make sure that her allergies weren't part the cause. Is it cheap? No. But, it's not overpriced. Specialty medicine for pets is similar to with people and Dr. Williamson's training, experience and bedside manner with the pups are second to none. She was recommended by our primary vet and we've been very pleased! read more

I guess they had us at "Hello" When we first brought out cat JJ to see Dr. Nicola Williamson, we had a short wait and then we were escorted to an examination room. We were told it was the "Kitty" room, and no dogs or other pets are allowed. Having those smells in the room would elevate the cats stress, which is never a good thing. We met Ashleigh, who did vitals and took information, then waited for the doctor. At some point JJ jumped down off the couch and crawled under the desk. That's about the time Dr. Williamson enters. I started to get JJ out from under the desk and she stopped me. She said she would meet JJ there and proceeded crawl under the desk with JJ. She talked to him and stroked him for quite some time before they both emerged from under the desk. Genuine compassion cannot be mistaken That's the human part, now for the Doctor part. I took my cat JJ to Dr. Williamson out of desperation. Due to a herpes virus he was born with, he has suffered through various problems throughout his 10 years on earth. His current condition is an ulcer on the roof of his mouth that may eventually keep him from eating. Nothing normal had worked, but Dr. Williamson would not be defeated. She suggested we try an experimental treatment using existing medicines in a new way. We've been doing this for a year now, and JJ is alive, active and happy. We know we're in uncharted waters, but it's been wonderful to have him this past year. They always say people who do what they love are the best at what they do. It's obvious that Dr. Williamson loves what she does, and she is darn good at it! read more

Our family has a 5 yr old purebred English Bulldog who has suffered from various ailments most of his life. We switched him to a well known English Bulldog veterinarian in the Northern Virginia area 2 years ago hoping this would help cure his issues of swollen paws, skin shedding, goopy eyes, constant ear infections, lethargy, and the list goes on and on. Several trips to that vet and several thousands in bills proved to not be the ticket. Upon my last visit to that vet expressing I was at my wits end to help my suffering dog, she said maybe try this dermatology office in Richmond. Her words were they "have helped the gnarliest" of cases. That proved to be the only great advice our vet provided because Dr. Williamson rocks!! THANK YOU DR. WILLIAMSON and STAFF:) :) :). You have healed our dog in one week more than any other option over years!! Her treatment plan and steps to care at home have done wonders for him in just a matter of days. . . .there is new life in our dog once again and we are beyond grateful. We look forward to the return follow-up trip next month for his check-up and continued progress. He's back to running around and playing, eating w/o issue, fur and skin is looking so much healthier. Many, many thanks and highly, highly recommend. read more

Dr. Williamson and staff are incredible. I adopted my dog, Chelsea, 18 months ago. She had been neglected and had severe skin issues. Thanks to Dr. Williamson I am pleased to report that Chelsea is doing great. Dr. Willamson's compassion and expertise are superior. I know that if Chelsea needs Dr. Williamson's care in the future all I need to do is call and we will be in the office with a diagnosis and treatment without hesitation. read more

I could not be happier with the treatment we receive here. Dr. Williamson is one of the most kind and caring individuals I have ever met. Her staff is excellent and always on top of things. Basically my dog was suffering until I came here. He was chewing the pads off his feet and had numerous sores. Now, he is the picture of health. That is all because of Dr. Williamson and her staff. I trust this group implicitly. If your pet has any skin issues, PLEASE call Dr. Williamson. She is a life saver...literally!!! read more

I first met Dr. Williamson when I was fostering a dog for a local rescue organization. The poor animal had close to 100% hair loss and was miserable and tired from constant itching. The case looked so hopeless that the surrendering owner had considered euthanasia because nothing, including drugs, had worked. In a very short time, Dr. Williamson's treatment decisions markedly improved the dog's life. The itching was eliminated and hair began to re-grow. The exact skin problem was identified shortly, but the animal had already begun to improve at that point because Dr. Williamson had begun a course of medicine with the very first visit; a plan designed to address a broad range of the most likely causes of the skin trouble, with minimal risk. The dog (now permanently mine) has had an extremely bushy coat ever since. (Too much hair, I sometimes think!) After a housemate's dog was stricken by a very serious infection from an unknown fungus, the animal went on to develop skin problems that we weren't sure were related. I was able to see Dr. Williamson work her magic on yet another animal. This second experience has allowed me to identify the attributes that she brings to every patient, every visit. She is extremely thorough in her knowledge-gathering, evaluating everything from the ingredient lists on food and treats to getting a full picture on behavior, affect, exposure, environment, and other factors, most of which a normal pet owner doesn't think about. She has a real rapport with her patients. She's able to put at ease animals which have had long stays and/or unpleasant visits to vets in the past and seem to remember. Many times she has gotten down on the floor with the dogs, and in a short time has diffused their episodes of drooling, pacing, or cowering, or made dogs that were already coping well even more comfortable. Dr. Williamson's impeccable reputation and national contacts have helped many of her patients as well, including my friend's fungal-infection survivor. In an effort to pin down exactly what fungus was responsible (after all previous lab results were inconclusive), Dr. Williamson began collaborations with specialists in at least three states (that I know of). Eventually, a nationally known specialist identified the fungus, which helped the dog's treatment regime. (I will not mention how few cases of this same fungus were previously identified in dogs, because it would seem far-fetched.) In every conceivable facet of veterinary medicine--compassion, empathy, knowledge, research, tirelessness, communication, evaluation of risk/reward, professionalism, reputation, collaboration, managing a staff that is a true team--she raises the discipline to a fine art. I can recommend no one more highly, in any field. read more

One star is really too many for this Veterinarian. I made an appointment for my 2 year old kitty with allergic dermatitis that has been on and off since I got her. Wanting to find a good Dr. in dermatology to determine the cause of her allergies, I called them after seeing they had a Dermatologist. Then they called me back because I do not do rabies shots after the initial kitten vaccines, due to a previous cat of mine dying due to over vaccination. My cat stays indoors. I will go out of state if I have to, my Veterinarian treats her, and I have gone to many others that will. I have the money to treat her and have good insurance on her. A Vet who wants to harm animals that already have immune system problems is not one I would want to go to. They clearly are about the money, which yearly vaccines bring in thousands of dollars to them. I will continue to tell people to stay away from this Veterinarian. read more

8 months of treatment and $1000's of dollars later and my dog's ear infections were no better than when she started. (I took her to another allergist in Richmond - Animal Allergy & Dermatology on Cary street - and my pup was literally cured within a month or two). Dr. Williamson prescribed endless amounts of expensive and harsh medications like steroids, oral antibiotics and ear washes, with no discernible results. Every time I came for a visit I was dropping $100's of dollars. In addition, the administrative staff added to the problems by a complete lack of organization. I now see Dr. Lynn Schmeitzel at Animal Allergy & Dermatology and she is a miracle worker. Trust me, do not take your pet here or you will end up draining your bank account for nothing. At times, I almost felt like they were dragging out the treatment just to make more money off me. How does it take almost a year to cure an ear infection? As a pet owner, I was blinded by love for my dog and I feel this business took advantage of me. read more