Highlands Veterinary Center

Highlands Veterinary Center was established in July 1972 by Dr. E.V. Stromlund as Highlands Pet Clinic in the Norfolk Highlands section of Chesapeake. In May of 1980, Dr. Wayne T. Springer purchased Highlands Pet Clinic from Dr. Stromlund who was retiring. The clinic grew over the next 20 years. Dr. Wayne Springer's son Dr. Samuel Springer joined the practice in 1997. At that time, plans were under way to build a new hospital at a different location, and on February 24, 1999, the new Highlands Veterinary Center was opened at our current location on Volvo Parkway. We started offering Laser Surgeries with our Aesculight® CO2 Laser in the spring of 2007 and Digital Radiographs in the fall of 2008. Dr. Wayne Springer retired from the hospital, in August of 2014, after nearly a 40 year career in veterinary medicine.  Dr. Sam has taken over the family tradition!  We have a dedicated team of staff members who love what they do. We are a family owned practice giving personalized care to our animal patients and their families for almost 40 years.
Young boy and girl sitting in grass with dog
  • 1615 Volvo Parkway
  • Chesapeake,VA 23320-8251
  • Phone: 757-549-8609
  • 757-427-3214 After Hours Emergency
  • Email Us
  • Get Directions
  • Mon-Fri: 8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Sat: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
  • Sun: Closed
  • Closed- All Major Holidays.

  • Samuel W Springer, DVM

    Dr. Sam was born in Western Pennsylvania; however, he was raised in Virginia Beach, VA where, in 1988, he graduated from Green Run High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology at Washington Jefferson College in 1992. He went to Veterinary School at Virginia Tech. and received the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1997.  Dr. Sam joined Highlands Pet Clinic in May 1997. He oversaw the construction of Highlands Veterinary Center, which opened February 24, 1999, and became sole owner after his father's retirement in 2014.  He is a member of the A.V.M.A and is a past president of the Tidewater Veterinary Academy. He is married to Diane and has two sons, Jacob and Dylan.  In his off time, he likes singing at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, hiking with his family, mountain climbing, and fishing.  In his mountain climbing endeavor, his has climbed to the top of 49 states! (Everyone except Alaska)
    Years in Practice:
    May 10, 1997
    Education:
    Virginia Tech.- VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
    Interests:
    Mountain Climbing, Hiking, Running & Crossfit

  • Diane Springer, Practice Manager

    Diane joined our staff Sept. 2010. She was born in South Boston, VA and moved to Chesapeake, VA at the age of 11 and has lived here since. She received a BS degree in Accounting from Virginia Tech. She comes to us with 22 years of accounting experience. She is married to Dr. Sam and they have 2 boys, Jacob and Dylan. Away from work she loves spending time with her family, singing in her church choir, reading, camping, fishing and hiking. She has 2 cats named Sirius and Sage.
    Years in Practice:
    Sep 07, 2010
    Education:
    Virginia Tech- Pamplin School of Business
    Interests:
    Camping, Hiking, Reading

  • Diann Leisher, Groomer

    Diann is the pet stylist here at Highlands Veterinary Center.  She has 35+ years experience in the profession and has always loved what she does.  She likes to take her time to get to know your pet.  She has extra love for senior pets.  She also likes to groom pets that other groomers find difficult to handle.  She is mom to her fur baby, Juanita, a loving Chihuahua.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2015

  • Claire Hutchens, Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Clair was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.  She attended the College of Southern Nevada and graduated from the Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) program in 2016.  She moved to northern Virginia in the summer of 2016.  She moved to Chesapeake in the fall of 2019 when her husband's job was transferred here.  She would like to further her career by specializing in veterinary dentistry with the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technician program through the National Association of Veterinary Technician Association.  Claire loves cats, especially the spicy ones since she can identify with them.  She is mom to 7 cats, 1 dog, and 1 snake.

    Years in Practice:
    Mar 09, 2020
    Education:
    College of Southern Nevada

  • Ashleigh Pair, Veterinary Assistant

    Ashleigh was born in Bakersfield, California.  She worked on her grandfather's farm and rode horses for fun. She also was involved in FFA in high school. She graduated from her local community college with an associates degree in animal science and is currently looking into the veterinary technician program at TCC.  Ashleigh moved to VA with her husband, who is active duty in the US Navy, and their dog Stella.  Since then they have rescued two more dogs: another heeler mix Tuck and a Frenchton Magwai.  Ashleigh plans to obtain her vet tech degree and then pursue a degree in zoology.  Her dream is to work either in an equine veterinary hospital or at a zoo or wildlife conservation.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2019