Steven J. Olson, DVM

For pet owners in Minneapolis, Minnesota, finding a veterinary practice that truly feels like part of the neighborhood is a valuable asset. In the heart of the Longfellow area, Steven J. Olson, DVM, and his team at East Lake Animal Clinic have been serving the community for over 30 years. This locally owned and operated clinic prides itself on providing comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats, emphasizing a practical approach that balances quality medicine with honest communication about costs and necessary diagnostics. While it might not boast all the "fancy bells and whistles" of larger, corporate-owned clinics, its strength lies in its commitment to providing essential, high-quality care without exorbitant fees, making it a fitting choice for the residents of the Longfellow neighborhood and beyond.

East Lake Animal Clinic, co-owned by Dr. Steven Olson and Dr. Travis Anderson, along with associate veterinarian Dr. Cherie Igielski, strives to be a dependable and trustworthy partner in your pet's health journey. Their philosophy is rooted in educating clients on year-round pet health through proper nutrition, exercise, and preventative care. They aim to foster deep relationships with their clients and their pets, offering a more personal and individualized approach to veterinary medicine. For those who value a down-to-earth, community-focused veterinary experience where competence and caring converge, East Lake Animal Clinic aims to be that trusted local provider right here in Minneapolis.

East Lake Animal Clinic is conveniently located at 4104 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA. This address places it squarely within the vibrant and well-established Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis. East Lake Street is a major east-west artery, ensuring easy access from various parts of the city. For residents living in Longfellow, Hiawatha, Cooper, and surrounding areas, the clinic is literally "close to home," as one grateful client noted.

The clinic's location on a main street makes it easy to find and navigate to, reducing travel time and stress for both pets and their owners. While specific parking details are not provided, as a neighborhood clinic on a significant street, it is generally expected that convenient parking options are available nearby. Being deeply integrated into the Longfellow community means that East Lake Animal Clinic is not just a medical facility but a recognized and accessible part of the local fabric, making it a practical and comforting choice for routine visits and urgent needs alike. Its accessibility helps ensure that quality veterinary care is readily available to a wide array of Minneapolis pet owners.

East Lake Animal Clinic offers a full suite of veterinary services designed to provide complete care for dogs and cats throughout their lives. Their focus is on delivering necessary, effective, and honest veterinary medicine.

• Wellness Exams and Preventative Health Care: Comprehensive annual wellness exams evaluate overall health, detect problems early, and establish baselines. This includes tailored vaccination protocols based on the pet's needs and lifestyle, and preventative programs for common parasites.
• Diagnostic Services: Equipped with in-house diagnostics, including X-rays (radiology) and a full lab for blood work, urinalysis, and fecal tests, allowing for quick and accurate diagnosis of various conditions. They also use internal and referral laboratories for more complex diagnostic needs.
• Surgical Procedures: Provides soft tissue surgeries, including routine spaying and neutering. Their staff doctors and Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) ensure attentive monitoring during pre-surgical evaluations and procedures.
• Dental Care: Comprehensive pet dental care services, including routine cleanings, periodontal care, extractions, and oral surgery, emphasizing the importance of oral health for overall well-being.
• Geriatrics: Specialized age-appropriate screening and management of health issues common in older pets, focusing on the level of care most suitable for the individual senior patient.
• Nutrition Counseling: Expert guidance on pet diets, managing weight, and addressing specific nutritional needs, helping pet owners navigate the complexities of pet food choices.
• Orthopedics: Provides care for congenital and traumatic injuries to soft tissue, joints, and bones, including arthritis management and lameness. They also collaborate with surgical specialists for advanced orthopedic needs.
• Dermatology: Aids in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin disorders, such as allergies, ear problems, parasites, tumors, and autoimmune diseases, working with specialists when necessary.
• Internal Medicine: Utilizes in-house and referral laboratories and diagnostic modalities to diagnose and treat metabolic, endocrine, inflammatory, and infectious diseases, taking a holistic approach considering nutrition, lifestyle, and age.
• Microchipping: Offers microchip implantation for permanent identification, greatly increasing the chances of reunification if a pet is lost.
• Pharmacy Services: Provides access to necessary medications and products for pet health.
• End-of-Life Care: Offers sensitive support and guidance, including euthanasia services, during the difficult time of a pet's passing.

East Lake Animal Clinic, under the leadership of Dr. Steven J. Olson, possesses several distinctive features and highlights that shape its identity within the Minneapolis veterinary landscape.

• Community Integration and Longevity: The clinic has been a staple in the Longfellow neighborhood for over 30 years, fostering deep, multi-generational relationships with local families and their pets. This long-standing presence speaks to its consistent role as a trusted local institution.
• Honest and Transparent Approach to Care: Clients frequently commend the veterinarians for being "honest about the costs and benefits of any diagnostic tests." This transparency is a key differentiator, helping pet owners feel confident they are not being pressured into unnecessary procedures or expenses, a concern sometimes raised with larger, corporate clinics. They prioritize a collaborative approach with an emphasis on client education.
• Competent and Caring Staff: The staff and veterinarians are consistently described as "competent, caring, and have all the necessary tools and equipment to provide complete care." Testimonials highlight their kindness, responsiveness, and genuine care for both pets and their human families, even treating them "like family."
• Reasonable Fees: Unlike some practices perceived as having "exorbitant fees," East Lake Animal Clinic is noted for its "reasonable fees," making quality veterinary care accessible to more members of the community. They accept various payment options including credit cards, cash, and CareCredit.
• Personalized, Non-Corporate Feel: As a locally owned and operated clinic, it offers a more personal touch compared to large corporate practices. This allows for individualized, comprehensive approaches to pet care, building stronger client-veterinarian relationships.
• Emphasis on Preventative Care and Education: The clinic places a strong emphasis on educating clients about preventative health care, proper nutrition, and ongoing wellness, empowering pet owners to take proactive steps in their pet's health.
• Dedicated and Experienced Veterinarians: Dr. Steven Olson, with his extensive experience and focus on continuing education in diagnostic ultrasonography and dentistry, along with Dr. Travis Anderson and Dr. Cherie Igielski, brings a wealth of knowledge and a collaborative spirit to the practice.

For appointments, inquiries, or any pet health concerns, East Lake Animal Clinic can be reached through the following contact information:

• Address: 4104 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
• Phone: (612) 729-2374
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-729-2374

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The team is ready to assist pet owners with scheduling visits and providing information.

For pet owners in Minneapolis, particularly those residing in and around the Longfellow neighborhood, East Lake Animal Clinic stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for veterinary care. Its deeply rooted presence in the community for over three decades underscores its reliability and commitment to local pet health. While one specific review raises concerns about a particular veterinarian's demeanor, the overwhelming sentiment from long-term clients emphasizes the clinic's core strengths: competent, caring staff, reasonable fees, and a refreshingly honest approach to diagnostics and treatment costs. This transparency is a significant advantage, empowering pet owners to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.

The clinic's comprehensive range of services for dogs and cats, from routine wellness and preventative care to sophisticated diagnostics and surgical procedures, ensures that most pet health needs can be met efficiently and effectively. For those who value a personalized experience over "fancy bells and whistles," and appreciate a local practice that genuinely cares about long-term relationships and community well-being, East Lake Animal Clinic offers a compelling alternative to larger, more corporate veterinary chains. It truly embodies the spirit of a neighborhood vet, making it an excellent and trusted option for local pet families in Minneapolis.

Steven J. Olson, DVM

4104 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA