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Your Trusted Partner for Veterinary Care in Meriden, CT
At Meriden Animal Hospital, we are a family-owned veterinary practice dedicated to enhancing the lives of pets and their parents through proactive, preventive healthcare. Established over five decades ago, our full-service small animal hospital is staffed by four compassionate veterinarians and a team of skilled professionals committed to providing individualized care. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including wellness visits, diagnostic procedures, dental care, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, and advanced imaging such as digital x-rays and ultrasounds. Our state-of-the-art facility, renovated to support modern veterinary medicine, enables us to treat pets during illness and maintain their health across all life stages.

With a focus on education, guidance, and holistic care, we partner with pet owners to ensure their companions thrive. Recognized as Best Veterinarian and Best Place to Work by local publications, our legacy of excellence is built on over 75 years of combined experience among our doctors. We prioritize Fear Free Certified practices, collaborate with internal medicine consultants, and provide 24/7 emergency care to address urgent needs. Our commitment to innovation includes partnerships with board-certified specialists like Dr. Phillip Pacchiana, ensuring access to advanced surgical procedures. Through personalized service and a dedication to lifelong wellness, we honor our role as trusted partners in pet healthcare.
Services
Canine Wellness Feline Wellness Dental Care Radiology Soft Tissue Surgery Orthopedic Surgery Inpatient Care Ultrasounds Emergency Services
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 50 years of combined veterinary expertise with advanced diagnostic capabilities.
  • Our Fear Free Certified team prioritizes stress-free care for anxious pets.
  • 24/7 emergency services ensure immediate care during critical situations.
  • Board-certified specialists perform advanced orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries on-site.
  • We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each pet's unique needs.
What people say
Compassionate care Experienced staff 24/7 emergency service Personalized treatment State-of-the-art facility
Services
Canine Wellness
Our canine wellness programs focus on preventive care, including vaccinations, nutrition counseling, and early disease detection. Tailored to each dog's age and lifestyle, these plans promote longevity and vitality through regular check-ups and customized health strategies.
Feline Wellness
Feline wellness services address the unique needs of cats, offering routine exams, parasite prevention, and specialized dietary advice. We emphasize stress-free visits and early intervention to maintain optimal health for cats at every life stage.
Orthopedic Surgery
We perform advanced orthopedic procedures like ACL repairs, fracture fixes, and hip surgeries using modern techniques. Partnering with board-certified specialists ensures complex cases receive expert care, often at lower costs than referral centers.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease management. We utilize digital imaging and pain management to ensure safe, effective treatments that prevent systemic health issues linked to poor oral hygiene.
Emergency Services
Available 24/7, our emergency care addresses critical conditions like trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses. Equipped with monitoring tools and staffed by experienced veterinarians, we provide immediate stabilization and treatment for life-threatening situations.
People
James St. Clair, DVM
Owner
Dr. James St. Clair leads Meriden Animal Hospital with expertise in radiology and orthopedics. He joined the practice in 2004, earned his DVM from Ross University, and specializes in chronic pain management. A dedicated husband and father, he balances practice leadership with family life.
Amy Anderson, VMD
Veterinarian
Dr. Amy Anderson brings over two decades of experience in soft tissue surgery and geriatric care. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, she balances her veterinary work with family life, caring for her four dogs and three cats while enjoying baking and reading.
Lee H.
Business Practice Manager
Lee H. oversees operations at Meriden Animal Hospital, combining marketing expertise with a passion for animal wellness. A resident of Litchfield, CT, he manages creative projects and enjoys cooking and outdoor activities with his pets.
Phillip Pacchiana, DVM, MS, DACVS
Board-Certified Surgeon
Dr. Phillip Pacchiana specializes in advanced surgical procedures, including neurosurgery and orthopedics. With a master's in veterinary surgery, he provides expert care for complex cases, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments at Meriden Animal Hospital.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
We provide 24/7 emergency veterinary care for critical conditions, including trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses, with immediate stabilization and treatment.
Do you offer specialized surgical procedures?
Yes, we perform orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgical procedures, including ACL repairs and fracture fixes, often with board-certified specialists on-site.
How do you handle dental care for pets?
Our dental services include cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease management, using digital imaging and pain management for safe, effective treatment.
Are financing options available for treatments?
Yes, we offer CareCredit financing to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses with flexible payment plans.
What wellness programs do you provide for cats and dogs?
We create tailored wellness plans for cats and dogs, focusing on preventive care, vaccinations, nutrition, and early disease detection to ensure long-term health.
Reviews (6)
Chet Knell Jr
Jan 06, 2022 Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Our dog Jake had an abscess tooth that needed attention. While other places said they couldn't do it for several weeks, Meriden Animal Hospital did it within a couple of days. They took great care of Jake without breaking the bank and all the while making him and us comfortable. We will be going there from now on and highly recommend!
Susan Duclos
Dec 12, 2021 Report
Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Dr Mirto provided exceptional care to our 16 year old Thumbelina as she was in her last days. As a nurse I appreciated her skill and compassion.
Taylor Hayes
Nov 06, 2021 Report
We have a 120 lb cane corso/ Italian mastiff. Due to having had multiple surgeries in his short 3 years of life, he is VERY afraid of any vets and animal hospitals. He is fear aggressive. Meaning if he is provoked, he will bite. Hes terrified and unfortunately, a massive dog. We muzzle him and explain his behavior to every vet we have to deal with. Our dog requires sedation to be treated at all. As you can imagine, it takes a special vet doctor to have the patience and compassion to work with us. Dr. James at Meriden animal Hospital is a class act. We FINALLY feel like we have a vet who understands
Charles Quiles Quilesstudio
Sep 05, 2021 Report
Dr. James is a rockstar!! My husky was attacked by a wild racoon at Hubbard Park today, and Dr. James was able to give him a booster shot right away ... during his lunchbreak... thank you so much for putting your patients first. These kind of actions make all the difference in the world
Robin Reagan
Sep 05, 2021 Report
The most caring people... It's not about money money ! Like Piper Olson is ! I was so grateful... They took me right in and cared for my cat.. and they let me be in the room with her.. unlike Piper Olsen... They were totally honest with me... They weren't trying to drain my bank account.. like Piper Olsen.! This is the best veterinarian I've ever been to.. and if I ever get another pet.. this is where I would go.. and I recommend this place to everyone.. the most caring staff.. they care about the pets.. not about money money money ! Piper Olson charged me 274 .00 to wait hours in the parking lot
Mary Rossi
Aug 04, 2021 Report
The staff is very kind and really listen, I have never been rushed when I have questions about my "babies". My Mom had a stroke in May so I am taking care of her 14 year old Mini Poodle. Our little Poodle became ill and Dr. James and the staff all pitched in to help me. They were super busy but they didn't turn us away like her life long vet did out on Southington. Yeah, we know where the best place is!!! MAH!