Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Hospital in Morgan Hill
South County Animal Hospital in Morgan Hill, CA has been delivering high-quality veterinary care since 1989. Founded by Dr. Rick Leininger, our AAHA-accredited hospital combines decades of experience with advanced medical practices to serve dogs and cats through preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. Our team of skilled veterinarians and technicians prioritizes compassionate, individualized care while maintaining rigorous standards in wellness, surgery, and emergency medicine. With a focus on client education and community engagement, we work closely with pet owners to ensure optimal health outcomes. Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for diagnostics and treatments, including digital radiography and specialized surgical protocols.We emphasize preventive care through bi-annual exams, vaccinations, and dental services to extend pets' lifespans. Recognized as one of the top 12% of AAHA-accredited hospitals nationally, we undergo regular evaluations to maintain excellence in veterinary medicine. Our commitment extends beyond clinical care to employee development and professional partnerships that elevate industry standards. By integrating modern medical techniques with personalized attention, we strive to strengthen the human-animal bond while maintaining ethical transparency in all operations.
Services
Wellness Exams
Pet Vaccinations
Dental Care
Parasite Prevention
Surgical Services
Emergency Care
Senior Pet Care
Microchipping
Pain Management
End of Life Services
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We hold AAHA accreditation, achieved by only 12% of veterinary hospitals nationwide.
- Veterinarians with decades of combined experience, including specialized training in internal medicine and surgery.
- Comprehensive preventive care programs reduce long-term pet health risks.
- Offer 24/7 emergency services with advanced diagnostic capabilities.
- Provide CareCredit payment plans for accessible veterinary care.
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What people say
Compassionate care
AAHA-accredited excellence
Preventive focus
Experienced team
Emergency availability
Services
Pet Wellness Exams
Our twice-yearly wellness exams detect early signs of disease through comprehensive physical assessments. Veterinarians examine eyes, ears, teeth, heart function, and body condition to create customized preventive plans. Early detection of conditions like kidney disease improves treatment outcomes while maintaining quality of life.
Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup under anesthesia with IV support. Digital radiographs identify hidden issues like root abscesses. Post-procedure polishing and antibiotic protection minimize future dental disease risks while improving overall pet health.
Pet Vaccinations
Core and lifestyle-specific vaccines protect against distemper, rabies, and other infectious diseases. Tailored vaccination schedules consider age, medical history, and exposure risks. Annual boosters maintain immunity while meeting travel certification requirements for pet-safe relocation.
Emergency Care
24/7 emergency services handle critical conditions like trauma, poisoning, or respiratory distress. Advanced monitoring equipment and immediate access to blood testing enable rapid diagnosis. Our team stabilizes patients through IV fluids and pain management while coordinating specialized care.
Spay and Neuter
Surgical sterilization prevents overpopulation while improving pet health. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork ensures surgical safety. Procedures reduce risks of reproductive cancers and infections while controlling behavioral issues related to mating instincts.
People
Dr. Rick Leininger
Founder / Veterinarian
Veterinarian since 1989 with UC Davis doctorate. Developed AAHA-accredited hospital in Morgan Hill. Member of American Veterinary Medical Association with interests in preventive medicine and community veterinary outreach.
Dr. Michelle Griffin
Veterinarian
Veterinarian since 1996 with expertise in emergency medicine. Partner since 2009. Founder of Air For Paws initiative providing CPR equipment to local fire departments. Provides specialized care for critical pet health situations.
Dr. Caitlin McLeod
Veterinarian
UC Davis graduate specializing in small animal medicine. Equine medicine background from UC Davis livestock hospital. Focuses on dermatology and preventive care while emphasizing client education about pet health maintenance.
Dr. Tricia Sera
Veterinarian
Colorado State University graduate with 20 years small animal experience. Specializes in geriatric care and dental procedures. Engages owners as partners in pet healthcare planning while maintaining active involvement in continuing education.
Maureen Henningsen
Practice Manager
Practice Manager since 1996 with deep community ties. Coordinates hospital operations while maintaining commitment to staff development. Ensures smooth client experience through efficient appointment scheduling and medical record management.
Questions
What preventive care services do you offer?
We provide bi-annual wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and senior pet screenings to maintain optimal health.
Do you handle veterinary emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency services for urgent medical situations including trauma, poisoning, and sudden illness.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards and offer CareCredit financing plans to make veterinary care accessible for all pet owners.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Book online through our website or call us directly at (408) 779-6867 during regular business hours.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, we welcome new patients and provide complete medical records transfers to ensure seamless pet healthcare continuity.
What makes your hospital AAHA-accredited?
We meet 900+ rigorous standards covering diagnostics, surgery, pain management, and client communication through regular third-party evaluations.
