Veterinarians

Dr. Back

Dr. Back started working at his hometown vet hospital when he was 16 years old. He graduated from Cornell in 1989 and became a partner at Beach Pet Hospital in 2004. Dr. Back’s favorite part about working at Beach Pet is enjoying the client’s bonds with their animals, and being trusted to care for their pet’s well being. Dr. Back says “It is such an honor that clients are comfortable bringing their pets to our hospital. Pets are almost like our kids, and sometimes you love them just as much. It warms my heart to see the smiles on families' faces when we save their furry loved ones and give them the care they need.

Our hospital Tortoise, Mary, lives in Dr. Back’s yard in the warmer summer months. When the sunshine starts to not shine so bright, and the wind begins to get chilly, Mary likes to spend her time in our Ultrasound room where it is nice and toasty. Dr. Back also has a 60-year-old Tortoise named Trudy, he's one tough shell! Last but not least, Dr. Back has a chihuahua named Raven. If you have ever met her, then you know she is a spoiled rotten princess, and that is why we love her!

Dr. Back enjoys surfing with his favorite board and playing soccer on the beach. He also loves to attend music festivals, and 2 of his favorites are FloydFest and the locally famous Something In the Water. His favorite part about SITW was watching Snoop Dog play basketball. Dr. Back's favorite Snoop Dog quote is “If it's flipping hamburgers at McDonald's, be the best hamburger flipper in the world. Whatever it is you do you have to master your craft”.

Dr. Laurence

Dr. Laurence is a native of Virginia Beach. He attended the University of Virginia for his undergraduate and Virginia Tech for his veterinary degree. He is a member of the AVMA and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. He joined the Beach Pet team in September 2009 after working in small animal emergency medicine for 6 years. Dr. Laurence has many interests in veterinary medicine, including soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. He and his wife, Erin have one son, Brian and one cat named, Arlo, also a dog named Owen. Dr. Laurence's interest outside of veterinary medicine includes spending time with his family, running and following his favorite sports teams (particularly UVA athletics and the Boston Red Sox).

Dr. Gagnon

Dr. Gagnon’s first veterinary experience was working as a kennel assistant at an animal hospital in Portsmouth during her summers home from college. She attended Virginia Tech for undergraduate studies and vet school. Her undergraduate degree was in Animal Science, which is why she still has a soft spot for cattle and sheep. Dr. Gagnon’s favorite part about working at Beach Pet is getting to know her clients and bonding with their pets. Dr. Gagnon says “I feel like part of the family when clients give me the privilege of taking care of their pets. It is an honor!”. She also loves working with her colleagues and incredible support staff.

Dr. Gagnon has 3 tuxedo cats who are littermates. Their names are Dunkin’, Monte, and Marinella. Dunkin’s favorite thing to do is chase squirrels and climb trees, while Monte and Marinella prefer to bask in the sun. They like to bird watch, but not chase. Lazy kitties! If you do not know Dr. Gagnon, then we should tell you that she is a 1930’s film buff! Her favorite movies are “Double Indemnity” and “Singing in the Rain”.

Dr. Imrich

Dr. Imrich holds his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and received his doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Virginia Tech in 2006. As a member of the AVMA, his interests are held in internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, and ultrasound.

He is a Virginia Beach local and Cox High School graduate. He joined the staff at Beach Pet Hospital in 2014. His hobbies include running, windsurfing, diving and most recently gardening with his wife, Trista. Dogs William and Jones complete their family.