History Meets Modern Care at Animal Vision Center of Virginia

By Dr. Heather Brookshire 

At Animal Vision Center of Virginia, our team—and our clients and pet patients—thoroughly enjoy the ambiance of the Pembroke Manor House, a landmark that has stood in Virginia Beach since 1764. Here, we have combined modern pet care with a commitment to preserving this historic site.

Just like your own home, our Pembroke Manor House location requires ongoing maintenance to safely accommodate people and pets. But operating in a 200-year-old structure involves a few extra steps. This spring, we completed several exterior improvements to make our ophthalmic care practice even more inviting for our clients and their furry companions.

For context, Pembroke Manor House is listed on the Virginia Beach Historic Register, the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The brick Georgian-style residence sits on land originally granted in 1635 by the King of England to Adam Thoroughgood, a notable leader in the Virginia Colony. Over time, the family divided the property among its heirs, including Capt. Jonathan Saunders, who built Pembroke Manor in 1764. Other family members occupied the home throughout the years, until the Kellam family bought the manor house and grounds in 1781.

It is remarkable to think of the generations who have lived in this beautiful space, including, no doubt, their working animals and beloved pets.

New Features for the Enjoyment of People and Pets

When we opened our Pembroke Manor House location in 2022, we dedicated a portion of the grounds to a low-vision park for dogs with sight impairments. Designed by the landscape firm WPL Land Design, the park’s first phase took place shortly after opening. This spring, WPL returned, with support from Winn Nursery, to expand on the project.

With a sensory experience in mind, the park features fragrant, native plants—ideal and safe for pets with sight impairments to explore. In addition, a border of shrubs and plantings form a natural park perimeter to help pets feel safe and secure as they move through the space.

We also recently completed a full re-pointing of the building façade, with the assistance of Nexus Caulking. They also helped us bring the colonial garden back to its likely original glory with a beautiful, brick walkway. Winn Nursery will be installing a boxwood perimeter and perennial plantings in this area over the next few weeks. Additionally, we have introduced a pollinator garden at the property’s edge, filled with flowers and plants to support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Before and after photos highlight the recent re-pointing work that revitalizes the Pembroke Manor House entryway.

Bringing the Pembroke Manor House colonial garden back to life.

New native plants are thriving in our low-vision dog park, specially designed for pets with visual impairments.

Inside Pembroke Manor House, we transformed the basement into a meeting and conference space. Last year, we hosted members of the Coastal Virginia Veterinary Medical Association for our annual conference here. We look forward to hosting this gathering again for another educational gathering this summer.

Just as Pembroke Manor House once welcomed guests of the Saunders family more than two centuries ago, my team and I are pleased to continue in their steps, by welcoming “animals of all shapes and sizes” to Animal Vision Center of Virginia. We invite pet owners to stop by and experience our space – where history, care and comfort come together for the well-being of your beloved companions.