Small Animal Hospital

For pet owners in Minnesota, particularly within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the health and well-being of our beloved companion animals are paramount. When an emergency strikes, or when a pet faces complex or chronic health challenges, knowing there's a highly capable, compassionate, and readily available veterinary facility is incredibly reassuring. The Small Animal Hospital, a vital component of the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) in St. Paul, stands as a cornerstone of advanced and emergency pet care in the region. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of this exceptional facility, detailing its strategic location, the extensive range of services it offers, its distinguishing features, and ultimately, why it is a trusted choice for pet families across Minnesota, especially during their most challenging moments.

The Small Animal Hospital, often referred to as the Lewis Small Animal Hospital, is a not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides the area's most comprehensive care for companion animals, including specialty, emergency, urgent, and primary care services. As part of a major university system, it serves a dual role: delivering cutting-edge veterinary services to the public and contributing to the education and research that shape the future of veterinary medicine. This unique environment means that patients benefit from a collaborative approach, access to an extended network of specialists, and the latest technologies. Whether it's a sudden emergency in the middle of the night or a complex medical condition requiring a multi-disciplinary approach, the Small Animal Hospital is equipped to handle a vast array of cases, providing unparalleled care for dogs, cats, and other small animals. Their commitment to compassionate communication, even during the most difficult times, is a testament to their dedication to both pets and their human families.

The Small Animal Hospital is conveniently located at 1365 Gortner Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA. This address places it squarely on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, within the larger Veterinary Medical Center complex. Gortner Avenue is easily accessible from major roadways in the Twin Cities, making it a feasible destination for pet owners traveling from various parts of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs.

A critical aspect of the Small Animal Hospital's accessibility is its operating hours and dedicated services. It is a true 24-hour veterinary facility, offering emergency services around the clock, 7 days a week. This constant availability is a lifeline for pet owners facing unforeseen crises. In addition to emergency care, they provide urgent care hours from Monday to Friday (2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and Saturday & Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), bridging the gap between routine visits and critical emergencies. Daytime hours for primary and specialty care are also available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This robust schedule ensures that pet owners have options for immediate care when their regular veterinarian may be unavailable. Being part of a university campus generally means good infrastructure for vehicle access and parking, which is important when transporting a sick or injured pet.

As a leading academic veterinary hospital, the Small Animal Hospital offers an incredibly comprehensive array of services, encompassing emergency, urgent, specialty, and primary care.

• 24-Hour Emergency & Critical Care: This is a primary service, providing immediate assessment, diagnostics, and treatment for life-threatening conditions or severe injuries, available at any time. This includes sophisticated critical care monitoring, advanced imaging (CT, MRI, fluoroscopy), and emergency surgical procedures.
• Urgent Care: For conditions that require prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening, such as sudden illness or minor injuries, available during extended hours when primary vets might be closed.
• Specialty Services: A vast network of board-certified specialists offers advanced care in numerous disciplines, including:
  • Internal Medicine: For complex systemic diseases, chronic conditions, and disorders of various organ systems.
  • Cardiology: Diagnosis and management of heart conditions.
  • Oncology: Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management.
  • Neurology: Diagnosis and treatment of brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders.
  • Surgery (Soft Tissue & Orthopedic): From routine procedures to highly complex surgeries, supported by advanced anesthesia.
  • Dermatology: Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and allergies.
  • Ophthalmology: Specialized care for eye conditions.
  • Dentistry & Oral Surgery: Advanced dental procedures beyond routine cleanings.
  • Behavioral Medicine: Addressing behavioral issues in pets.
  • Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine: Physical therapy and recovery programs.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment including 3T MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and comprehensive in-house laboratory services for rapid and accurate diagnosis.
• Primary Care: Routine wellness exams, vaccinations, preventative care, and general health maintenance for local clients.
• Compassionate End-of-Life Care: Providing sensitive support and options like euthanasia, with a focus on respecting the pet and comforting the family during difficult decisions, as highlighted in numerous reviews. They are noted for explaining the process thoroughly and with warmth.
• Payment and Options Discussion: Reviewers specifically mention that "Costs and options were given up front," which is highly appreciated by pet owners navigating potentially expensive and emotional situations. They also work with options like CareCredit.

The Small Animal Hospital is consistently highlighted by clients for several critical features that underscore its suitability for complex and urgent pet care needs in Minnesota.

• 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care: This is arguably their most significant highlight. Being a 24-hour facility, fully staffed and equipped for emergencies, provides an invaluable resource for pet owners when unforeseen health crises arise, regardless of the time of day or night.
• Knowledgeable and Compassionate Staff: Time and again, reviews emphasize the "knowledgeable and compassionate staff" and vets who are "so thorough, compassionate, and spent so much time discussing our options." This blend of expertise and empathy is crucial, especially during emotional and difficult decisions like euthanasia.
• Transparency in Costs and Options: Clients deeply appreciate that "Costs and options were given up front." This transparency allows pet owners to make informed decisions about their pet's care without unexpected financial surprises, even in emergency situations.
• Smooth and Respectful Process for Difficult Decisions: For families facing the hardest choice, like euthanasia, the clinic is praised for making the process "very smooth, kind, respectful, and explanatory towards the whole process." The warmth and patience shown during such "arduous, sad events" leave a lasting positive impression.
• Access to Specialty Care and Advanced Technology: As part of the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center, the Small Animal Hospital offers access to a vast network of board-certified specialists and cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies (like 3T MRI, CT, and a Linear Accelerator). This means pets with rare or complex conditions can receive highly specialized attention.
• Teaching Hospital Environment: While some might perceive a teaching hospital as less personalized, in reality, it means patients benefit from a collaborative approach, with multiple experts often reviewing cases and contributing to treatment plans, all under the supervision of experienced faculty veterinarians.
• Highly Recommended for Urgent Needs: Many reviewers express their intent to return "as needed in the future" and recommend the hospital "for urgent pet needs," showcasing the high level of trust and satisfaction with their emergency and urgent care services.

For appointments, emergency care, or general inquiries, the Small Animal Hospital (Lewis Small Animal Hospital) can be reached at:

Address: 1365 Gortner Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA

Phone: (612) 626-8387

Mobile Phone: +1 612-626-8387

For pet owners throughout the Minnesota region, particularly those in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Small Animal Hospital stands as an indispensable resource for top-tier veterinary care. Its defining feature as a 24-hour emergency and critical care facility provides unparalleled peace of mind, ensuring that expert medical attention is available regardless of the time of day or night for unexpected illnesses or injuries.

What truly makes this hospital exceptionally suitable for local pet families is the consistent feedback highlighting its "knowledgeable and compassionate staff." In moments of profound stress, such as making difficult end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet, the veterinarians and staff are lauded for their thorough explanations, warmth, respect, and transparent communication regarding costs and options. As a part of the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center, it combines advanced specialty services and cutting-edge technology with a deeply empathetic approach. For any Minnesota pet owner seeking comprehensive, reliable, and profoundly caring veterinary services, especially when facing urgent or complex health challenges, the Small Animal Hospital on the St. Paul campus is an unequivocally recommended and trusted institution.

Small Animal Hospital

1365 Gortner Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA