Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Premier Veterinary Services in Colorado Springs
Pets First Animal Hospital was founded in October 2008 by Dr. Ricia Walker, a veterinarian with over 22 years of technical and clinical experience. Our hospital prioritizes preventative care as the foundation for long-term pet health, combining thorough wellness exams, advanced diagnostics, and tailored treatment plans. We emphasize open communication with pet owners, ensuring they understand their pets' health needs and home care strategies. Our state-of-the-art facility features digital radiography, ultrasound, and an in-house lab for rapid diagnostics.We specialize in geriatric care, pain management, and behavioral counseling, leveraging over a decade of focused expertise in senior pet health. Our surgical capabilities encompass routine procedures with referrals for complex orthopedic cases. We maintain a comprehensive pharmacy for immediate medication access and partner with specialists in neurology, cardiology, and oncology to provide comprehensive care. Our team's lifelong dedication to veterinary medicine is reflected in our personalized approach to each patient and client relationship.
Services
Pet Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Digital Radiography
Surgical Procedures
Geriatric Care
Pain Management
Dental Care
Behavioral Counseling
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years combined experience in veterinary behavioral counseling
- Our hospital features digital radiography and ultrasound diagnostics
- Specialized geriatric wellness program for senior pets
- Preventative care approach reduces long-term veterinary costs
- Direct communication between exam room and in-house pharmacy
Services
Pet Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams detect early health issues through physical evaluation and lab work. These nose-to-tail assessments include cardiac, respiratory, and dental evaluations. We recommend annual visits for adult pets and bi-annual checkups for seniors.
Digital Radiography
Advanced digital imaging helps diagnose bone fractures, organ abnormalities, and respiratory conditions. We provide immediate imaging interpretation and specialist consultation for complex cases, enabling faster treatment decisions.
Surgical Procedures
We perform routine surgeries including spays, neuters, and mass removals. Complex orthopedic procedures are referred to trusted specialists. Pre-anesthetic screening and multi-modal pain management ensure patient safety and comfort.
Geriatric Care
Tailored wellness plans for aging pets include specialized nutrition, mobility support, and chronic condition management. Our program addresses common senior issues like kidney disease and cognitive decline through proactive monitoring.
Pain Management
We employ multimodal approaches combining medications, therapeutic laser, and alternative treatments. Continuous pain assessment ensures effective relief for post-surgical and chronic conditions like arthritis.
People
Dr. Ricia Walker
Veterinarian & Owner
Over 20 years in veterinary medicine with specialization in geriatric care. Graduated from Colorado State University in 2001. Holds the Gentle Doctor Award and focuses on dermatology, ophthalmology, and behavioral medicine.
Questions
What emergency veterinary services do you provide?
We offer urgent care for pets during regular business hours and provide referrals for after-hours emergencies.
Can I schedule my pet's wellness exam online?
We accept appointment requests via phone at (719) 550-1744 during operating hours.
Do you offer senior pet specialized care plans?
Yes, our Geriatric Wellness Program includes bi-annual exams and age-specific diagnostic testing for senior pets.
What diagnostic imaging capabilities do you have?
Our hospital provides digital radiography and ultrasound services with board-certified radiologist consultation.
Are veterinary specialists available onsite?
We refer complex cases to regional specialists in cardiology, neurology, and oncology while handling routine care locally.
