About Us

Welcome to Veterinary Dermatology of Richmond!

Our mission is to improve the quality of our patients’ lives by offering compassionate and courteous specialized dermatology care while increasing the knowledge of our referring veterinarians and clients. Dr. Nicola Williamson, a board certified veterinary dermatologist, has advanced training and expertise in the management of allergic skin disease. She has devoted her professional career to the understanding and treatment of allergies and skin diseases in animals. Therefore, we are able to discuss and offer a variety of treatment options for most of the hundreds of skin disorders animals are susceptible to. Our diagnostic tests rule out other factors to hone in on what’s really bothering your pet, be it allergies, mites, mange, skin cancer, or simply a reaction to a drug.

What is a Board Certified Dermatologist?

The American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) is an organization of veterinarians formerly certified as specialists in dermatology. To be eligible for diplomate status, a licensed veterinarian (post graduate training – 4 years of veterinary school) must complete an internship program (1 year) and a residency (3 years) in an accredited ACVD program. This additional training involves extensive training in anatomy; physiology and pathology of the skin; clinical dermatology; research; and dermatopharmacology. After the completion of residency training, the certification process includes requirements for original research, publication in scientific journal, medical presentations, and demonstration of superior case management. The final step in the certification process is the successful completion of a multi-day comprehensive examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. Only those dermatologists with diplomate status (Dip. ACVD or DACVD) are recognized as experts by the veterinary medical community.