Full-Service Veterinary Hospital in Fairfax
From routine wellness care to orthopedic surgery, our skilled and compassionate veterinarians and staff do it all.
Our Goal
Our goal is to be your partner in pet parenthood.
Great Location
We are proud to serve the communities of Fairfax, Fair Lakes, Centreville, Chantilly, Fair Oaks, Herndon, Legaro, Mclean, and the surrounding areas.
Our Team
Our dedicated team cares for you and your pet
Dr. Sunil Kakarla
DVM, PH.D, Owner
Dr. Sunil Kakarla, an experienced and compassionate veterinarian in Cary, NC, grew up in India. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in India, he practiced as a companion animal veterinarian for five years in a metropolitan city in India. He moved to the United States in 2005 with a passion for practicing high-quality veterinary medicine in an advanced setting. During that process, he pursued his MS and Ph.D. in a renowned lab at Marshall University in West Virginia.
As a graduate student, Dr. Kakarla performed cutting-edge research and had several high impact publications to his credit.
As a graduate student, Dr. Kakarla performed cutting-edge research and had several high impact publications to his credit.
While pursuing graduate studies, he simultaneously completed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) in 2010.
Soon after this accomplishment, he began volunteering at several local animal hospitals. He completed his clinical experience program and obtained his license to practice in the US the same year.
In 2011, after graduating with a doctoral degree, he joined a small animal practice in Durham/RTP where he established a huge clientele and treated about 6000 to 7000 pets per year.
With his continued passion to provide the best quality veterinary care, he joined the state-of-the-art Walnut Street Animal Hospital in June 2016. As a veterinarian in the RTP area of NC, he strongly believes in quality care for pets and in being available to his patients when needed.
Sunil Kakarla is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has special interests in dermatology and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine. Dr. Kakarla is married and has a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his 1-year-old Golden-Doodle, Brownie, and a 4-year-old Poodle, Milky. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping rescue groups and shelter pets, and in his free time, he plays volleyball.
Soon after this accomplishment, he began volunteering at several local animal hospitals. He completed his clinical experience program and obtained his license to practice in the US the same year.
In 2011, after graduating with a doctoral degree, he joined a small animal practice in Durham/RTP where he established a huge clientele and treated about 6000 to 7000 pets per year.
With his continued passion to provide the best quality veterinary care, he joined the state-of-the-art Walnut Street Animal Hospital in June 2016. As a veterinarian in the RTP area of NC, he strongly believes in quality care for pets and in being available to his patients when needed.
Sunil Kakarla is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has special interests in dermatology and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine. Dr. Kakarla is married and has a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his 1-year-old Golden-Doodle, Brownie, and a 4-year-old Poodle, Milky. He enjoys serving his community by actively helping rescue groups and shelter pets, and in his free time, he plays volleyball.
Dr. Raam Krishna Karanam
Veterinary Director & Chief of Operations
After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine in India, he practiced and managed a companion animal hospital for twenty years. He moved to the United States with a passion to work as an associate in advanced-setting animal hospitals. His main aim is to cultivate a positive, happy, and inclusive working environment for the staff, providing a friendly and welcoming environment for all the clients. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his better half, Jyotsna, and their two children, Bhuvan and Rutvi.
Dr. Phani Mummareddy
Veterinarian
Dr. Mummareddy has been practicing as a veterinarian in the USA since 2021. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from one of the reputed universities in India. Then, she worked as a large animal veterinarian for three years at animal husbandry in India. To pursue a higher degree and follow her passion for career advancement, she moved to the United States. She obtained her Master’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX.
After graduating from her Master’s program, she started volunteering at a few local hospitals in Houston while completing her clinical experience program.
After graduating from her Master’s program, she started volunteering at a few local hospitals in Houston while completing her clinical experience program.
She earned her DVM in 2012. She then worked for three years as an emergency veterinarian in Pennsylvania. There, she gained extensive experience in emergency and critical care while working in a 24-hour clinic.
Dr. Mummareddy moved to North Carolina in 2015 and has since worked as a general practitioner. Her professional interests include internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery, and preventative medicine, and she has a growing interest in ultrasound.
Dr. Mummareddy is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the North Carolina Veterinary Medicine Association.
Dr. Mummareddy loves her job and strives to deliver high-quality medical care to enable happy and healthy patients to continually bring joy to their owners. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Dr. Mummareddy moved to North Carolina in 2015 and has since worked as a general practitioner. Her professional interests include internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery, and preventative medicine, and she has a growing interest in ultrasound.
Dr. Mummareddy is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the North Carolina Veterinary Medicine Association.
Dr. Mummareddy loves her job and strives to deliver high-quality medical care to enable happy and healthy patients to continually bring joy to their owners. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Akhil Thummala
Associate Veterinarian
After graduating from the College of Veterinary Science in India, I practiced as a small animal vet in metropolitan cities for two years and moved to the United States. While working on a master's in hospital administration, I simultaneously pursued a career in small animal practice. I specialize in providing comprehensive and personalized veterinary care for dogs, cats, and other beloved pets. My approach is rooted in empathy and communication, ensuring that both pets and their owners feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the healthcare journey. I strive to create a positive and trusting environment where every pet receives the attention
and care they deserve.
Sarah Van Staalduinen
Administrative Director
Sarah is an NC State graduate with double majors in Animal Science and Applied Nutrition. She has lived with animals her entire life and has always had a special place in her heart for them. She has been with the company since 2019, and she loves her job. Not only does she have the opportunity to meet new people and pets on a daily basis, but she also gets to help those fur babies stay happy and healthy with their families. Her favorite things to do outside of work include spending time with her furry kiddos; two dogs named Ochi and Denali, and two cats named Juniper and George. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking with her dog, or taking part in any other activities in which she can include them.
Caitlin O’Neil
Client Coordinator
Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I have been with Walnut Street Animal Hospital since 2017. I started out as a receptionist and after being with this practice for a year, I was promoted to Manager and transferred to our sister location, Capital Boulevard Animal Hospital. I absolutely loved the experience of opening a new clinic and getting acquainted with all of the rescues. I am excited to start my new role as Client Coordinator with the company. I have always loved working with clients and making sure the owner and furbaby have a positive experience. In my free time, I am with my 2 human kiddos as well as my own furbabies.
Shannon Gorman
Veterinary Assistant
Shannon joined our team in March of 2023 and is currently a student at Penn Foster, earning her degree in veterinary technology. Shannon grew up with dogs and cats in her home and worked with local rescues/shelters. Shannon currently has a pit mix named Rosie; a mastiff named RJ; and three cats named Viking, Salem, and Lucille. Outside work, Shannon enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends, family, and her fur babies.
Yoojin Cho
Veterinary Assistant
My name is YooJin, and I joined the team in May of 2024. I am a student at BYUI majoring in Animal Science Pre-Vet and hoping to go to veterinary school. I am obsessed with cows and hope to be a large and small animal veterinarian. When I am not at work, I enjoy reading, camping, hiking, swimming, or just laying in bed.
Sol (Heejin) Bazurto
Veterinary Assistant
My name is HeeJin or Sol, and I've been with the company since July 2024. I love playing softball and working out.
Chenoa Clark
Veterinary Assistant
Hello, my name is Chenoa. I am an assistant here at Fairfax Ridge Animal Hospital, and I am currently a vet tech student. When I am not studying, I am reading, hanging out with friends, or playing with my two cats, Nami and Pumpkin.
Jenny Hermance
Receptionist
Jenny has lived in Fairfax for a few years after moving from central Maryland with her husband and two dogs, Molly and Noodle. When she isn’t helping people and their pets, she enjoys baking and being outdoors with her dogs. She worked in customer service for the majority of her life and is happy to have transitioned her skills to work with pet parents.
You’ve Come to the Right Place
High-quality veterinary care in Fairfax
Fairfax Ridge Animal Hospital provides compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for dogs and cats in Fairfax, Fair Lakes, Centreville, Chantilly, Fair Oaks, Herndon, Legaro, Mclean, and the surrounding areas.