Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Pet Care Services in Walker, MN
Walker Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility serving Walker, MN since 1982. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive care including preventive medicine, diagnostics, surgery, emergency treatment, and geriatric services for companion animals. We emphasize responsible pet ownership through health education tailored to northern Minnesota's unique environment. Our services extend to wellness programs for puppies/kittens, adult pets, and seniors, along with dental care and chronic disease management.With decades of combined experience, our veterinarians deliver personalized care while maintaining affiliations with specialist referral networks. We offer advanced diagnostics, nutritional counseling, and parasite prevention programs using leading products. Our facility combines modern veterinary technology with a commitment to community-based care at reasonable costs.
Services
Preventive Services
Flea Control
Heartworm Prevention
Tick Prevention
Wellness Exams
Diagnostic Services
Dental Services
Surgical Services
Emergency Services
Nutritional Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We provide comprehensive veterinary care since 1982
- Our team offers personalized attention to each patient
- We maintain specialist referral networks for complex cases
- We emphasize preventive care and client education
- We offer affordable pricing for northern Minnesota residents
Services
Preventive Services
Our comprehensive preventive programs include vaccinations, parasite control, and wellness exams to maintain pet health. We focus on early disease detection through regular check-ups and offer tailored prevention plans for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. This proactive approach helps avoid costly treatments while extending pets' lifespans through early intervention.
Surgical Services
We perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays, neuters, and soft tissue surgeries. Our facility maintains surgical standards with board-certified specialist referrals for advanced cases. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and modern monitoring equipment ensure patient safety during all procedures.
Emergency Services
We provide urgent care during regular business hours for critical conditions like trauma, poisoning, or severe illness. Emergency services include immediate assessment, stabilization, and treatment for life-threatening situations. Added urgency fees apply for these critical care interventions.
Senior Pet Wellness
Specialized programs for aging pets include comprehensive exams, bloodwork, and diagnostic testing. We address age-related conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and cognitive decline while developing personalized management plans to maintain quality of life for senior animals.
Diagnostic Services
Our in-house laboratory capabilities enable rapid bloodwork analysis and urinalysis. Radiology services include digital X-rays for internal organ assessment. Specialized diagnostics like endoscopy and advanced imaging are available through specialist referrals for accurate disease diagnosis.
People
Dr. Michele Vedbraaten-Larson
Practice Owner
Graduated from Bemidji State University (2004) and veterinary school (2012). Specializes in soft tissue surgery and preventive medicine. Purchased Walker Animal Hospital in 2022 after practicing locally since 2013.
Dr. Steve Ekholm
Semi-Retired Veterinarian
Founded Walker Animal Hospital in 1982. Practiced for 40 years before semi-retiring in 2022. Continues part-time service while maintaining community animal welfare involvement.
Toby Larson
Practice Manager
Joined veterinary field in 2022 after healthcare career. Co-owns Walker Animal Hospital with Dr. Michele. Coordinates daily operations while building client relationships.
Lisa VanVickle
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary team member for 29 years. Joined Walker Animal Hospital 27 years ago after Bloomington experience. Provides client service and technical support with extensive institutional knowledge.
Julie Rister
Receptionist
Served as full-time receptionist since 2010. Veterinary experience spans multiple states including Michigan, Colorado, and Minnesota. Manages client interactions and appointment coordination.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, emergency treatment, dental services, and chronic disease management for dogs and cats.
Do you handle emergency situations?
Yes, we offer emergency services during regular business hours for urgent pet medical needs.
Are you equipped for senior pet care?
Our senior wellness program includes specialized exams, diagnostics, and treatment plans tailored to aging pets' needs.
How do you handle flea and tick prevention?
We offer comprehensive parasite prevention programs using effective products and educational guidance for pet owners.
Do you provide nutritional counseling?
Yes, our team offers personalized dietary recommendations based on your pet's specific health requirements.
What sets your clinic apart?
Combining decades of experience with modern veterinary technology, we deliver personalized care while emphasizing client education and preventive medicine.
