About Us

About Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod

"The value of experience is not in seeing much, but in seeing wisely." - William Osler
Locally owned and operated in the South Yarmouth and Cape Cod, Massachusetts region for over 50 years.

Over our decades of caring for pets and their families across Cape Cod — including Yarmouth, Harwich, Dennis, Hyannis, Chatham, Brewster, Orleans, and beyond — we have built lasting bonds grounded in trust, education, and truly personalized care.
As an AAHA-accredited hospital for more than 40 years, we consistently meet rigorous standards in safety, medicine, and patient care—standards achieved by fewer than 15% of veterinary practices. This dedication ensures every pet we see receives trusted, compassionate, and forward-thinking care.

What we stand for

Trust

Trust is not something that is simply given. Trust is earned, day after day, through consistency, compassion, and communication. We know that trusting someone with your pet’s care is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. That’s why we treat every interaction as an opportunity to build that trust honestly, respectfully, and wholeheartedly.

Education

We know you chose us to be the experts in your pet’s lifelong care through every stage, from puppy and kitten to geriatric pets. We do not take that decision lightly. As dedicated experts in your pet companion’s care, we’re constantly advancing our approach with forward-thinking treatments that prioritize your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. It’s our mission to guide and educate your family every step of the way so you can make informed decisions that are best for both your pet and your family.

Personalized Care

We provide more than veterinary medicine. We treat the whole pet. When developing care plans throughout all life stages, we examine the physical, emotional, and environmental factors influencing your pet’s development. Unlike corporate practices, our doctors have the flexibility and resources to seek out the latest procedures, treatments, and medicine to ensure we provide you with the most up-to-date and effective care for some of your most treasured family members.
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Our Team

At Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, our team is united by a shared commitment to compassionate, whole-pet care. Every veterinarian, technician, and client service member brings deep expertise and a genuine dedication to strengthening the human-animal bond. Together, we’re proud to serve our community with heart, respect, and purpose.
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Our Core Values

Education
Respect
Communication
Compassion
Culture

Our Mission

“Our commitment to our community as a locally owned veterinary practice is unwavering. I stand by the mantra of “I’m trying… you’re trying” when it comes to the lifelong, multi-generational relationships we have established with our patients and their families. Our promise to you is that we will consistently deliver the same level of dedicated and compassionate veterinary care that we’d expect for our own pet companions. In return, we ask that you join us on this journey to work together to develop the best plan for you and your family. We will provide you with all the tools and resources so you are informed every step of the way.”

-Dr. Tom Burns, DVM, Hospital Director

Team

Our well-educated team of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and client services team provides care rooted in an understanding and with the goal of enhancing the human-animal bond. In a world that is becoming increasingly corporate, we know the value of collaboration. Our team is comprised of professionals who are committed to lifelong learning and learning from one another.

Family

You and your pet companions are family. Our approach has always been a proactive one. We aim to ensure your pet companions receive the highest level of preventative care, and when concerns arise, we detect them early and set a plan in motion to solve those problems. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the difference… respectful, thoughtful care with heart and purpose. Come to a place where you and your pet are greeted by name and cared for like family.

Community

We are nothing without our community. For over 50 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving the Cape Cod region, celebrating life’s milestones with you and the pets who make them memorable. Pets are family. They bring joy, comfort, and meaning to our daily lives. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. It’s an honor to care for the companions who help to make Cape Cod the vibrant, heartfelt community it is.

History: A Legacy of Trusted Care on Cape Cod

For more than six decades, the roots of Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod have been deeply woven into the fabric of our community, grounded in relationships, service, and a steadfast commitment to compassionate veterinary care.
1962
Our story begins in 1962, when Dr. Arthur Bernstein opened his veterinary practice on Route 28 in Yarmouth. At the time, Cape Cod was still largely rural, and Dr. Bernstein was only the second veterinarian to open a practice in the area. Known for his dedication to both animals and the people who loved them, Dr. Bernstein built a reputation for trusted, hands-on care. Dr. Bernstein even served as President John F. Kennedy’s veterinarian, a remarkable chapter in our early history.

That same spirit of dedication was reflected in the people who helped build the practice from the ground up. In the early years, Dr. Bernstein hired Shirley, who joined the team at just 19 years old as a receptionist. In 2026, Shirley will celebrate an extraordinary 60 years with VACC, a testament to the longevity, loyalty, and family culture that have always defined our hospital.
1971
In 1971, Dr. Robert Labdon opened his own veterinary practice on Cape Cod, bringing with him a shared belief in relationship-driven care, medical excellence, and community responsibility. In 1975, the two practices officially merged their staff and operations, forming Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod. This union united two visionary approaches into one collaborative hospital, committed to raising the standard of care for the region.

From the beginning, Dr. Labdon was more than a skilled clinician; he was a leader who believed in building lifelong relationships with pets and their families while continually advancing veterinary medicine on Cape Cod. That philosophy became the foundation of what “trusted local care” means at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod.
1992
In 1992, that commitment to service extended beyond our shores when Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod became a founding participant in Project Samaná, a veterinary relief mission in the Dominican Republic. Since then, our team has taken part in more than 40 trips, providing medical care, supplies, and performing over 200 surgeries per trip in underserved communities. Project Samaná is an enduring expression of our belief that veterinary medicine carries a responsibility to give back.
2005
In 2005, Dr. Tom Burns stepped into the role of hospital director, carrying forward the values established by Drs. Bernstein and Labdon while guiding Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod into a new era. Under his leadership, the hospital expanded services, introduced advanced techniques such as laparoscopic spays, and embraced modern technology—all while preserving the warmth, trust, and personal connection that have always defined our care.
Today
Now, as we proudly celebrate 50 years as Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, we reflect on a legacy built by visionary veterinarians, devoted team members, and generations of pet families who have placed their trust in us. Anchored in our past and guided by our values, we look ahead with excitement, purpose, and a continued commitment to the community we serve.