Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Pet's Health Partner in Nooksack
Nooksack Animal Hospital has been dedicated to the health and well-being of pets since 1955. Originally established as Sumas Veterinary Clinic, we began by serving the dairy industry before transitioning to specialize in small animal care. In 1996, we relocated to Nooksack, Washington, expanding our facilities and services to include in-house diagnostics, advanced surgical capabilities, dental care, and boarding. Effective April 1, 2022, Dr. Greg Ingman assumed ownership, allowing us to deepen our commitment to comprehensive care for dogs and cats while maintaining a legacy of trust built over decades. Our team of experienced veterinarians and licensed technicians combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate service, prioritizing preventive medicine and chronic condition management.Certified in Fear Free practices, we specialize in dermatology, senior pet care, and pain management while maintaining state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities. Our mission centers on safeguarding the human-animal bond through personalized treatment plans and transparent communication. Each team member shares a passion for continuous learning, evidenced by our investment in modern medical equipment and extensive pet health resources. With convenient access to laboratory services and specialized surgical procedures, we ensure timely diagnoses and effective treatments. Our legacy of excellence continues under new leadership, maintaining high standards of veterinary practice.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Surgery
Dental Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Preventive Medicine
Pain Management
Senior Pet Care
Laboratory Testing
Behavior Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- Our team includes Fear Free Certified veterinarians specializing in dermatology and senior pet care
- Advanced diagnostics available through on-site laboratory with bloodwork and urinalysis capabilities
- Modern surgical suite equipped for spay/neuter and soft tissue procedures
- Comprehensive pain management expertise developed through years of treating arthritic patients
- Continuity of care supported by detailed medical records and personalized treatment plans
Services
Wellness Care
Our wellness programs focus on maintaining optimal pet health through regular examinations and vaccinations. We offer age-specific protocols including puppy/kitten evaluations, adult wellness exams, and senior screening packages. Early detection of potential issues through comprehensive physical exams ensures timely intervention. Our preventive approach emphasizes nutrition guidance, parasite prevention, and customized vaccination schedules.
Surgical Services
We perform various surgical procedures including spay/neuter operations and soft tissue surgeries. Preoperative blood testing ensures patient safety while modern anesthetic protocols minimize risks. Postoperative care includes pain management plans and follow-up monitoring. Our surgical suite maintains sterility standards matching human medical facilities, with dedicated recovery areas for patient comfort and observation.
Diagnostic Lab
Our full-service laboratory provides rapid diagnostic capabilities through complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and urinalysis. Specialized testing for conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and infectious agents enables timely treatment decisions. On-site diagnostics reduce waiting periods for critical results while maintaining accuracy comparable to external reference labs. This immediate access supports urgent care situations requiring prompt intervention.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include professional cleanings, extractions, and treatment of periodontal disease. Digital radiography identifies hidden oral issues while ultrasonic scaling removes calculus buildup. We provide home care instructions and preventative measures to maintain dental health between professional cleanings. Early intervention addresses painful conditions before they escalate into systemic health concerns.
Pain Management
Our specialized pain management approach combines medication protocols, alternative therapies, and lifestyle modifications. We develop individualized treatment plans for pets with arthritis or postoperative discomfort using modern analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Regular condition assessments ensure optimal pain control while minimizing side effects. The program integrates with other veterinary services for holistic patient comfort.
People
Dr. Cheryl Hausle
Veterinarian
Fear Free Certified graduate of Ross University with clinical training at Auburn University. Specializes in dermatology and senior pet care, drawing from personal experience managing her rescue dog's arthritis. Committed to compassionate treatment of both physical and emotional well-being.
Dr. Karen Kelley
Veterinarian
Local Whatcom County native and WSU veterinary graduate. Co-founded Nooksack Animal Hospital with mixed animal experience, now focusing exclusively on feline and canine patients. Enjoys outdoor activities with her family and horses in Sumas foothills.
Dr. Greg Ingman
Veterinarian
Owner since 2022 and WSU veterinary school alumnus. Established Chuckanut Valley Vet Clinic before acquiring Nooksack Animal Hospital. Continues expanding services while maintaining passion for all animal care. WSU football enthusiast and family-oriented animal lover.
Dr. Aaron Lothrop
Veterinarian
Graduate of Ohio State University Veterinary College with experience across multiple states. Specializes in soft tissue surgery and preventive medicine while emphasizing clear treatment communication. Active outdoorsman with multiple rescue pets at home.
Questions
What types of pets do you treat?
We specialize in companion animals including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Our facilities and staff training support comprehensive care for these species.
Do you offer emergency services?
We recommend contacting your nearest 24-hour emergency facility for urgent after-hours care. Our website lists local emergency clinic contact information for reference.
What happened to equine services?
Following new ownership in 2022, we now focus exclusively on small animals. Our equine and bovine services ended to allow deeper specialization in companion animal care.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes! We welcome new patients and offer convenient online registration. Our team assists with transition records from previous veterinary providers during your initial visit.
What specializations exist among your staff?
Our team includes Fear Free Certified practitioners focused on stress reduction, dermatology experts, and pain management specialists with personal experience treating chronic conditions.
How do you handle pet anxiety during visits?
Our Fear Free Certified staff employs specialized handling techniques, calming pheromone use, and pre-visit medication protocols to minimize stress for anxious pets during examinations.
