Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Guardian for Pet Health in Flatwoods, KY
At Guardian Animal, we approach veterinary care with a deep commitment to treating pets and their owners like family. Founded by Dr. MJ Wixsom, a veterinarian with a unique background in the United States Coast Guard and advanced degrees in biology and veterinary parasitology, our practice combines military discipline with compassionate care. We offer comprehensive services for cats, dogs, and exotic pets, including allergy management, dentistry, diagnostics, and surgery, all supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Our team prioritizes continuous education, ensuring we remain at the forefront of veterinary advancements while maintaining personal connections with each client.Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), we uphold the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Our dedication extends beyond clinical care, as seen in our community outreach, client education, and emotional support during challenging times. Whether its routine wellness exams or emergency treatment, we strive to provide exceptional, personalized care for every pet throughout their life stages. Our mission is to foster the human-animal bond through expertise, integrity, and unwavering compassion.
Services
Allergies and Dermatology
Dentistry
Diagnostics
Exotic Pet Care
Surgery
Luxury Boarding
Nutrition and Weight Management
Laser Therapy
Telemedicine
Wellness Plans
Highlights and features
- Dr. MJ Wixsom brings military discipline and over 40 hours of annual veterinary continuing education to patient care.
- We hold AAHA accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to the highest veterinary standards.
- Emergency care is available 24/7 through our partnership with Tri State Animal ER.
- Our services cater to exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and small mammals, not just cats and dogs.
- Personalized wellness plans and client education help pets thrive throughout their life stages.
Associations and certifications
- AAHA
What people say
Excellent care
Knowledgeable and kind staff
Compassionate
Life-saving emergency care
Personalized attention
Services
Allergies and Dermatology
Our dermatology services address skin conditions ranging from allergies to autoimmune disorders. Using in-house diagnostics, we identify causes like environmental factors or infections. Treatments include topical creams, dietary changes, or long-term management strategies tailored to each pet's needs.
Dentistry
We provide preventive and therapeutic dental care, including cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease management. Safe anesthesia and monitoring ensure patient safety during procedures, while client education promotes ongoing oral hygiene between visits.
Diagnostics
Our in-house laboratory enables rapid blood work and urinalysis, while imaging technologies like X-rays and ultrasounds help diagnose internal conditions. Quick diagnostics allow immediate treatment planning for both routine and critical cases.
Exotic Pet Care
We offer specialized care for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Services cover wellness exams, habitat advice, dietary guidance, and treatment for species-specific conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for non-traditional companion animals.
Surgery
Our surgical suite handles procedures from spay/neuter operations to complex soft-tissue surgeries. Each case receives individualized attention with pre-surgical diagnostics and post-operative care to maximize recovery outcomes for all companion animals.
People
Dr. MJ Wixsom
Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Wixsom, a former Coast Guard officer, transitioned to veterinary medicine after a sea career ended by injury. She earned dual degrees in biology and veterinary parasitology, becoming the first at her university to achieve both during veterinary school. Her commitment to continuing education exceeds 40 hours annually, and she opened Guardian Animal to serve eastern Kentucky's pet community with progressive medicine and personal attention.
Questions
What are your hospital hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 8:00AM-6:00PM, Thursday until 7:00PM, and Saturdays 8:00AM-12:00PM. Closed Sundays.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we partner with Tri State Animal ER for urgent care when we're closed.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Wells Fargo, and Scratchpay. CareCredit options available.
Can I board my pet?
We offer boarding for dogs, cats, and small animals. Bring your own cage for exotic pets.
Do you treat exotic animals?
Yes, we provide care for birds, reptiles, and small mammals like ferrets and rabbits.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require advance notice for appointment cancellations to accommodate other clients.
Videos
