Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Veterinary Care in West Des Moines, IA
Ashworth Road Animal Hospital was established in 1957 with a singular mission: to provide exceptional veterinary medical and surgical care for pets. Our team of four veterinarians brings over 44 years of combined experience, specializing in feline, canine, and exotic pet care. We operate a state-of-the-art clinic equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, digital radiology, and laser surgery capabilities. Our approach emphasizes preventative medicine, personalized attention, and collaborative care between pet owners and our veterinary team.We maintain strict safety protocols in our radiology department and offer 24/7 emergency care through partner facilities. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through certifications like the Cat Friendly Practice designation and ongoing professional development in areas like acupuncture and geriatric care.
Services
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgery
Emergency Treatment
Preventative Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Acupuncture
Microchipping
Parasite Prevention
Geriatric Care
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- Four veterinarians with 44+ combined years of experience
- State-of-the-art facility with digital radiology and laser surgery
- 24/7 emergency care through partner specialty hospitals
- Personalized treatment plans developed with pet owners
- Certified in feline medicine and acupuncture therapy
Associations and certifications
- Cat Friendly Practice
What people say
Friendly staff
Patient care
Expertise
Follow-up calls
Five-star service
Services
Pet Vaccinations
We provide core and non-core vaccinations for dogs and cats, following state regulations and individual pet needs. Our program includes rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia vaccines. Preventative immunizations protect against life-threatening diseases while meeting legal requirements for pet ownership in Iowa.
Dental Care
Our dental services include routine cleanings, digital x-rays, and treatment of periodontal disease. We address broken teeth, gum infections, and oral tumors using modern techniques. Regular dental exams help maintain your pet's overall health and prevent systemic infections.
Surgical Procedures
We perform various surgical procedures including spaying/neutering and laser surgery. Our facility maintains strict safety protocols with electronic monitoring during anesthesia. Post-operative care includes pain management and detailed recovery instructions for pet owners.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiology and ultrasound capabilities enable accurate diagnosis of internal conditions. Our state-certified technicians perform full-body and dental imaging to identify fractures, organ abnormalities, and dental issues with minimal patient discomfort.
Emergency Care
For after-hours emergencies, we partner with two local specialty hospitals providing 24/7 critical care. Our network ensures immediate access to advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, and intensive care units for pets requiring urgent medical attention.
People
Dr. Jessica Merk
Veterinarian
Graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. Specializes in feline medicine and certified Cat Friendly Practitioner. Joined practice in 2004 and became owner in 2016.
Dr. Sara Niemand
Veterinarian
Certified in acupuncture through Chi Institute. Specializes in canine physical therapy, pain management, and exotic pet care. Joined the hospital in 2017 after graduating from Iowa State University.
Dr. Samantha Frahm
Veterinarian
Certified Cat Friendly Practitioner with interests in exotic pet medicine and geriatric care. Joined in 2021 after completing veterinary school at Iowa State University.
Dr. Katherine Wiedmann
Veterinarian
Doctorate from Michigan State University. Certified Cat Friendly Practitioner with expertise in surgery and dermatology. Joined in 2021 after practicing in Colorado.
Questions
What emergency care options are available?
We partner with two local specialty hospitals providing 24/7 emergency services. Contact Iowa Veterinary Specialties (515-280-3100) or Iowa Veterinary Referral Center (515-727-4872) for urgent care.
What vaccination records are required?
Dogs require rabies vaccination at six months old. We maintain records for all administered vaccines and provide documentation for legal compliance and travel requirements.
How often should pets receive dental exams?
Annual dental exams are recommended for all pets. Our digital x-ray system detects hidden dental issues and periodontal disease that may not be visible during routine checkups.
What microchipping services do you offer?
We implant ISO-standard microchips and register them with major databases. The process takes 15 minutes during a routine visit and requires updating contact information if you relocate.
Do you provide care for exotic pets?
Our veterinarians treat small mammals, reptiles, and exotic pets. Specialized services include nutritional counseling and species-specific preventative care programs tailored to non-traditional companion animals.
