Dr. Leslie Sheridan has opened LightSpring Virtual Veterinary Care, Virginia’s first privately owned, telehealth-only veterinary practice approved by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine.
The clinic operates entirely online, offering 30-minute video appointments for $75. Each visit includes a treatment plan, with medications shipped directly to clients through the practice’s online pharmacy.
Sheridan, who has more than 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, said virtual care allows her to reach animal owners who may struggle to access traditional clinics.
“Telehealth allows me to provide quality care while meeting clients and their animals where they are,” she said. “Virtual consultations make veterinary care accessible to more animal owners across Virginia.”
LightSpring launched in June 2025 and serves both small and large animals. Sheridan said telehealth is especially helpful for people with transportation challenges, anxiety about clinic visits, or pets that become stressed in traditional settings. The service also helps fill gaps in rural areas where large-animal veterinarians are scarce.
Sheridan grew up on a 200-acre farm in Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She spent 13 years working at Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic in Fishersville before teaching in Blue Ridge Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program for seven years.
Her experience with online teaching prepared her for virtual veterinary care long before the pandemic.
“Teaching through video calls gave me the skills to connect and communicate through a screen,” Sheridan said.
After working for a national telehealth provider, Sheridan decided to open her own practice, citing frustration with rushed appointments.
“That kind of time crunch doesn’t allow for the personal care I value,” she said.
While virtual care has limits — animals needing X-rays, blood work or surgery still require in-person visits — Sheridan said telehealth offers meaningful support for many everyday health concerns, including skin issues, mobility problems, behavior questions and follow-up care.
To maintain hands-on skills, Sheridan continues practicing in person every other Friday at the Animal Clinic of Verona.
She has also volunteered internationally with Christian Veterinary Mission in Ecuador, Tanzania and Bangladesh, experiences she said deepened her understanding of the bond between people and animals.
As a mother of three, Sheridan designed LightSpring to balance family life with her career while expanding access to veterinary care.
Virginia residents can book appointments at lightspring.vet. Visits are available mornings and evenings, and typically can be scheduled at least an hour in advance. Each consultation includes a written summary and treatment plan.
