Business Details
Compassionate Veterinary Care in Merrillville, IN
Southlake Animal Hospital, PC has been dedicated to the well-being of animals in the Merrillville and Crown Point communities for over 25 years. Our practice combines traditional veterinary medicine with holistic and integrative therapies, offering a comprehensive approach to pet care. We prioritize wellness, prevention, and compassionate treatment, recognizing the deep bond between pets and their families. With a team of experienced professionals, we provide services ranging from routine check-ups to advanced diagnostics and specialized therapies. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures we stay at the forefront of veterinary innovation, including cutting-edge tools like HT Vista for non-invasive cancer screening.We believe in treating the whole patient, addressing both physical and emotional needs, and fostering trust through transparency and personalized care. Our goal is to extend and enhance the lives of pets while supporting their owners with expert guidance and unwavering empathy. This philosophy has earned us the trust of countless pet owners who value our dedication to excellence and compassion.
Services
Holistic Care
Laser Therapy
Dentistry
Surgery
Ultraviolet Ozone Therapy
Microchipping
Veterinary Medical Manipulation
Behavioral Counseling
Critical Care
Acupuncture
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience in integrative veterinary care
- Combines traditional and holistic therapies for comprehensive treatment
- Personalized wellness plans tailored to each pet's needs
- Team includes certified specialists in acupuncture and chiropractic care
- Pioneers in advanced diagnostics like non-invasive cancer screening
What people say
Compassionate staff
Holistic approach
Immediate response
Peaceful process
Amazing care
Services
Holistic Care
Our holistic care approach combines ancient healing methods with modern veterinary science to address chronic conditions and promote overall wellness. Services include herbal medicine, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling, focusing on the pet's physical and emotional health. This method is particularly effective when conventional treatments fall short, offering natural solutions for pain management and immune support. Patients benefit from customized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses targeted light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in pets with arthritis, injuries, or post-surgical needs. This non-invasive treatment accelerates tissue repair, decreases inflammation, and improves mobility without medication side effects. We customize protocols based on each pet's condition, ensuring optimal recovery. Many owners report significant improvements in their pets' activity levels after just a few sessions.
Dentistry
Our dental services prevent and treat oral diseases that can impact pets' overall health. Regular cleanings, extractions, and advanced diagnostics help avoid systemic infections from untreated periodontal disease. We educate owners on home care techniques while using modern tools to ensure thorough examinations. Early intervention preserves dental health and prevents costly complications from untreated oral issues.
Critical Care
Critical care provides intensive treatment for pets with life-threatening conditions or post-trauma recovery needs. Our team monitors vital functions and administers specialized treatments round-the-clock. This service includes advanced diagnostics, pain management, and nutritional support tailored to each patient's condition. Close observation in our hospital setting ensures immediate response to changing medical needs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments use fine needles to stimulate specific points, relieving chronic pain and improving organ function in pets. This TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) technique helps manage arthritis, paralysis, and digestive issues by restoring energy flow. Sessions are customized based on individual diagnoses, often complementing conventional treatments for enhanced outcomes.
People
Dr. Andrea Carlson
Practice Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Andrea Carlson has practiced veterinary medicine since 2002, specializing in integrative care for over 15 years. She became owner of Southlake Animal Hospital, PC in 2015, transforming it into an integrative practice combining traditional and holistic methods. Certified in multiple holistic disciplines, she focuses on nutritional counseling and chronic disease management while maintaining a strong presence in local dog breeding and training communities.
Shannon
Receptionist and In-Room Veterinary Assistant
Shannon has worked at Southlake Animal Hospital, PC since 1994, bringing decades of experience in client communication and patient care. She values the emotional connection between pets and owners, finding fulfillment in assisting with both routine visits and critical care situations. Her career has spanned all hospital operations, making her a trusted point of contact for generations of clients.
Tara
Veterinary Technician
Tara has served as a veterinary technician at Southlake since graduating in 2013. Her passion for animal behavior led her to rescue work and advanced training in pet care. She specializes in client education and hands-on patient support, particularly in behavioral and rehabilitation cases. Her expertise extends to local animal rescue organizations through volunteer efforts.
Savannah
Veterinary Assistant
Savannah joined Southlake in 2022 after building extensive experience in holistic animal care. She focuses on senior pet care and special needs patients, applying her hands-on expertise from operating a rescue for several years. Her approach emphasizes quality of life improvements for geriatric animals through alternative therapies and environmental enrichment techniques.
Nicole
Receptionist
Nicole joined the team in 2025, bringing eight years of veterinary experience. She transitioned from corporate veterinary systems to prioritize compassionate care in smaller practices. Her background includes pet retail and rescue work, giving her unique insight into client needs and animal behavior. She coordinates client communication while advocating for holistic treatment approaches.
Questions
What makes Southlake Animal Hospital unique?
We combine traditional veterinary medicine with holistic therapies like acupuncture and nutritional counseling to address pets' complete well-being.
Do you offer after-hours emergency services?
We currently operate during standard business hours but provide referrals for urgent care needs outside our operating times.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Use our online portal, call us directly at 219-942-0909, or download our app for convenient appointment management.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and pet insurance. Financing options are available through CareCredit.
Are holistic treatments covered by insurance?
Many holistic treatments are covered when included in veterinary wellness plans. Check your specific policy for details.
Can I request a refill for pet medications online?
Yes, use the 'Request a Refill' feature on our website or through our mobile app for fast processing.
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