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30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Veterinary Care Anchorage AK
At Southside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center, we are dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care with a focus on compassion, professionalism, and community. Since 1996, our team has served Anchorage, Girdwood, Eagle River, and surrounding areas, offering comprehensive services including wellness exams, advanced surgical procedures, and canine rehabilitation. We prioritize listening to clients and earning their trust through transparent communication and high-quality care. Our state-of-the-art facility supports diagnostics, dentistry, and emergency services, ensuring pets receive timely treatment. We foster a creative and supportive professional environment while continuously striving to improve our standards.

Our veterinarians and staff are committed to lifelong learning and staying at the forefront of veterinary medicine. We understand the deep bond between pets and their owners, which drives our mission to keep pets healthy and happy throughout every stage of life. By maintaining an in-house pharmacy and offering telehealth consultations, we simplify access to essential medications and advice. Our dedication to community extends to educating pet owners about preventive care and responsible pet ownership. Through these efforts, we aim to be the trusted partner in pet health that families rely on year after year.
Services
Wellness Exams Veterinary Surgery Dental Care Diagnostic Imaging Canine Rehabilitation Microchipping Vaccinations End-of-Life Services
Details
  • Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
  • We have over 25 years of experience serving Anchorage area pets
  • Our facility offers advanced diagnostics and surgical capabilities
  • We provide canine rehabilitation with specialized equipment
  • Our veterinarians maintain active continuing education certifications
  • We offer emergency care referrals after hours
What people say
Professional staff Clean facility Attentive care 24/7 support Lifesaving expertise
Services
Wellness Exams
Comprehensive health assessments for pets of all ages, including puppy/kitten packages and senior care. Our exams detect potential issues early while providing preventive care guidance for lifelong health. Services include vaccinations and parasite prevention tailored to each pet's lifestyle.
Veterinary Surgery
Advanced surgical care from routine spay/neuter to complex orthopedic and soft tissue operations. Our board-certified surgeons use modern techniques for fracture repair, ligament reconstruction, and abdominal procedures. Pre-anesthetic testing and post-operative monitoring ensure patient safety throughout the surgical process.
Canine Rehabilitation
Specialized recovery programs using therapeutic laser, underwater treadmills, and tailored exercise plans. Designed for post-surgical recovery, arthritis management, and mobility improvement in dogs. Our certified rehabilitation specialists create customized treatment plans to restore function and reduce pain naturally.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiography and ultrasound services for accurate internal organ and skeletal evaluations. We perform specialized studies including PennHip evaluations and cardiac ultrasounds. Advanced imaging helps diagnose fractures, tumors, and internal diseases quickly to guide effective treatment decisions.
End-of-Life Services
Supportive euthanasia services and memorial options conducted with dignity and compassion. Our team provides counseling through the decision-making process and offers private cremation options for families seeking lasting remembrance of their beloved pets.
People
Dr. Mike Sandstrom
Managing Veterinarian
Dr. Mike Sandstrom leads our veterinary team with over 20 years of experience in small animal care, specializing in senior pet health and complex medical cases. He prioritizes client education and preventive medicine.
Dr. Tamara Juvan
Veterinarian
Dr. Tamara Juvan brings expertise in surgical care and pet nutrition, with a focus on improving quality of life through tailored wellness plans. She has special interest in feline medicine and behavior.
Angie
Technician
Angie, our associate hospital manager, has over a decade of experience assisting in diagnostics and patient care, specializing in dental procedures and maintaining our high clinical standards.
Questions
What types of pets do you treat?
We specialize in cats, dogs, and ferrets, providing species-specific care from wellness exams to advanced medical treatments by doctors trained in small animal medicine.
Do you handle pet emergencies?
While we don't provide 24/7 emergency services, we recommend trusted local emergency clinics for after-hours care and will see urgent cases during regular business hours.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, and CareCredit financing for veterinary services. Payment is due at time of service unless prior arrangements are made.
Can I get pet prescriptions filled at your hospital?
Yes, our in-house pharmacy offers most medications. Federal law requires a valid doctor-patient relationship, so pets need recent exams before receiving prescription refills.
Do you offer travel health certificates?
As a USDA-accredited practice, we provide official health certificates required for domestic pet travel within the United States. Appointments are recommended for these services.
Reviews (7)
Ak Browncoat
Sep 05, 2021 Report
Critical:Reliability
Refused to see me. Double booked and wont accept any new customers. Good luck finding help.
Am Shemel
Jul 02, 2021 Report
I appreciate the care and concern the staff has for my elder cat. They treat him kindly & tenderly. Their work is thorough, quick & they keep me well informed about his care. The follow up is great assurance, too!
Patti Higgins
May 24, 2021 Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Southside has great doctors and the staff is top notch. I know my fur family is in safe hands cared for by people who treat them as their own. Dr Schmidt is also a ferret expert and able to diagnose and treat cancer saddling with other issues. They are also incredibly kind when dealing with the passing of loved ones.
Patty Andersen
Apr 21, 2021 Report
Positive:Professionalism,Reliability,Responsiveness
Our families pets have been going to Southside for over 30 years. (27 from Nome). Theyre thoughtful and caring people. The vets have performed multiple surgeries and made excellent diagnosis on our pets. A+ place.
Paul Ivanoff Iii
Feb 02, 2021 Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
SAHaWC always have been so good to work with. Their front staff are great to work with and the Doctors that give care to our Labradoodle are outstanding.
Karyn Gb
Nov 04, 2020 Report
Love this place - our pets always get great treatment and we feel reassured as the pet parent that things are going well. The new staff is so much better than before. Easy to talk to, considerate and welcoming. Thank you Southside Animal Hospital!
Tayler Burgess
Jul 04, 2020 Report
Always had great interactions with the Vets & the other staff. We had two 'geriatric'(11 to 13yrs) 60lbs dogs they've been great with. Routine checks and maintenance medications. Always practical and willing to discuss options.