Comprehensive Veterinary Care in Sterling, VA

At our veterinary hospital in Sterling, VA, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for pets at every stage of life. From routine wellness exams and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, our experienced team is here to support your pet’s health with personalized attention and modern veterinary medicine.

Our Purpose

Our goal is to be a veterinary team you can rely on—supporting your pet’s health with thoughtful guidance, compassionate care, and attention through every stage of life.

Conveniently Located

Located in Sterling, VA, we proudly serve pets and their families throughout the surrounding communities. Our accessible location makes it easy to receive trusted veterinary care close to home.

Our Team

A dedicated team committed to your pet’s health and well-being

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. 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.

Dr. Surya Teja Naidu

Veterinarian

Dr. Surya Teja Naidu graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) in Tirupathi in 2018. He spent the next three years refining his clinical skills as a veterinarian at a prestigious multispecialty pet hospital in Bangalore, India, where he gained extensive experience in advanced veterinary care.

In 2022, Dr. Naidu relocated to the U.S. to further his academic and professional growth in pharmaceutical science. At Marshall University, he engaged in groundbreaking research on MRSA and antibiotic resistance under the mentorship of Dr. Long, contributing valuable insights to the field of pharmacology.

Driven by a deep commitment to veterinary medicine, Dr. Naidu successfully completed the rigorous board exams of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program, overseen by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), while pursuing his master’s degree.

Dr. Naidu’s passion extends beyond the clinic and laboratory. He is an avid enthusiast of Indian cuisine and finds joy in preparing authentic dishes and exploring diverse culinary traditions. His love for food and culture complements his professional journey, reflecting a well-rounded approach to both his career and personal life.

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

Administrative Director

Hello! My name is Caitlin, and I have been with Heritage 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.

Reeta Rehman

Practice Manager

Hi! My name is Reeta and I have been working at Heritage Animal Hospital since 1999. After initially pursuing a long and successful career in Business and Hotel Management, I decided that my true passion was in the care and service of animals. I have had pets for most of my life and have always felt a special connection to my pets. As an Administrator/Manager of Heritage Animal Hospital, I have had the opportunity to interact with many families and their pets and helping to ensure that each pet gets the best quality health care brings me utmost joy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with Family,(including all the fur babies in the family) traveling, event planning, music, fashion, reading and needlepoint.

Sarah

Veterinary Assistant

Hi! My name is Sarah. I graduated from High Point University with my B.S. in Biology. Currently, I am applying to vet school and hoping to attend next fall.

I have always been a huge animal person my entire life, which has led to having over 28 pets, including dogs, rabbits, turtles, toads, hamsters, and quails. Right now, I have my turtle, New Zealand White Rabbit, and English Bulldog. In my free time, I love to read, snuggle with my rabbit, and travel. I am so excited to meet everyone and love on your pets.