Partner Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center is excited to announce the newest addition to its growing team of specialists: Dominick Valenzano, DVM, DACVS-SA, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal. Dr. Valenzano officially joined the surgery team at Partner’s Frederick, Maryland hospital on April 21, 2026, bringing with him a wealth of surgical expertise and a deeply collaborative approach to patient care, including veterinary surgery.
Expanding Access to Advanced Care
For Partner Co-Founder and CEO Katie Brooks, LVT, CVPM, this hire has been a long time coming. “We’ve been working on hiring another surgeon, knowing how critical it is to support the current needs of the hospital and our community,” she says. “Dr. Valenzano is a wonderful human and we are so happy to have him joining the Partner team.”
The addition of a board-certified veterinary surgeon in Dr. Valenzano expands the hospital’s surgical capacity and strengthens its ability to serve pets and pet owners across the Frederick community and beyond.
A Foundation Built at Top Institutions
Dr. Valenzano’s path to veterinary surgery is rooted in rigorous academic and clinical training. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland before completing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, he completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong interest in advanced surgical care. He then returned to Cornell to complete a demanding residency in small animal surgery, leading him to become a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
Clinical Interests: From the Chest to the Joints
Dr. Valenzano’s clinical interests span several of the most complex areas in veterinary surgery, including thoracic surgery, minimally invasive joint surgery, and abdominal surgery. His bioengineering background and evidence-based approach to patient care make him well-suited for the technically demanding cases that Partner’s patients often require.
A Collaborative Philosophy
What sets Dr. Valenzano apart is not just his technical skill, but his belief in the power of teamwork. “I’m passionate about working closely with primary veterinarians and other veterinary specialists to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive care before, during, and after surgery, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome and quality of life for every pet,” he says. “I love surgery, because every case takes a collaborative approach. I think the best outcomes result from working closely with the anesthesia team, other veterinarians, and the pet owners.”
Outside the Hospital
When he’s not in the operating room, Dr. Valenzano enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their dog, Juneau. His hobbies include playing guitar, hiking, and ice hockey.
A Milestone for the Whole Team
In making the announcement, Brooks also took a moment to recognize the team that held things together during the search. “I also want to take a moment to sincerely thank our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Phelps, and the entire surgery team for their flexibility, teamwork, and commitment covering such a high volume of surgeries and supporting our patients. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done to support our patients and each other, and I’m excited to see this team grow to be able to help more patients in a sustainable way.”
Partner Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center continues to build a team that reflects its commitment to compassionate, expert care for pets and the people who love them.
Should you find yourself in a veterinary emergency, we can help!
Call our Frederick location at 301.200.8185
Call our Richmond location at 804.206.9122