About
Our Hospital
Four Generations of Trust
South Side Animal Hospital has been a cornerstone of south Edmonton since 1952. We are one of the city’s longest-standing veterinary practices and one of only a few Edmonton clinics accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
We are not a corporate chain. We are a family-owned practice where your pet receives individual attention from veterinarians and staff who genuinely care.
Four Generations of Trust
South Side Animal Hospital has been a cornerstone of south Edmonton since 1952. We are one of the city’s longest-standing veterinary practices and one of only a few Edmonton clinics accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
We are not a corporate chain. We are a family-owned practice where your pet receives individual attention from veterinarians and staff who genuinely care.
A Family Tradition
While cleaning out her grandmother’s home, Dr. Heather Steele discovered something unexpected tucked in an old box: a 1963 spay certificate from South Side Animal Hospital. The certificate was issued to her grandfather, Stan Steele.
Four generations of the Steele family have trusted this clinic with their beloved pets. Dr. Heather Steele’s father, Dr. Tom Steele, was a 1974 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine who dedicated over 35 years to veterinary work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. He earned respect throughout his career for his compassion, commitment to excellence, and approachable nature.
Those same values live on at South Side Animal Hospital today.
Many of our clients share similar stories. They brought their childhood pets here. Now they bring their own children and grandchildren through our doors with the next generation of family pets. That kind of trust is never something we take for granted.
Our Story
1952 — Classmates Dr. Jack McManus and Dr. Gordon Nimmons established South Side Animal Hospital as the first small animal practice in south Edmonton.
1964 — The clinic began voluntary accreditation with the American Animal Hospital Association. This accreditation goes far beyond the mandatory provincial requirements to operate a veterinary practice in Alberta. It is a commitment to the highest standards of patient care, safety, and excellence.
1971 — South Side Animal Hospital became involved with the Edmonton Association of Small Animal Veterinarians, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing local continuing education for veterinarians and promoting collegiality within the veterinary community.
1980s — The clinic helped establish the Edmonton Veterinarians Emergency Clinic, created by local veterinarians to provide after-hours emergency access for pets in Edmonton.
1994 — Dr. Ed Neufeld became the clinic owner and director.
1999 — Dr. Heather Steele completed her third-year summer practicum at South Side Animal Hospital after bringing her cat, Sasha, to the clinic for ear mite treatment. Under Dr. Neufeld’s mentorship, she developed a deep love for small animal medicine and surgery. She happily joined the clinic full-time in 2003.
2005 — Dr. Neufeld retired and Dr. Heather Steele became the clinic owner and director. Our team of dedicated animal health professionals has stayed true to South Side’s long-standing vision: the highest standard of care, strong professional and community involvement, and an approachable, family-focused practice with excellent customer service.
Today — South Side Animal Hospital continues to serve south Edmonton with the same values that Dr. McManus and Dr. Nimmons established over 70 years ago.
what makes us different?
We are AAHA Accreditation! What does this means for your pet?
The American Animal Hospital Association sets the highest standards for veterinary care in North America.
Less than 15% of animal hospitals earn this accreditation. AAHA accreditation is voluntary.
When you see the AAHA logo, you know your pet is receiving care that meets or exceeds the highest industry standards.
We choose to undergo rigorous evaluation every three years because we believe your pet deserves the best possible care.
70+ Years in Edmonton
We have been here since 1952. We have watched south Edmonton grow and change. We have cared for generations of family pets, including our own fur families.
That longevity is built on trust, quality care, and relationships that span decades. We plan to be here for your family for many years to come.
Family-Owned & Operated
We are not owned by a corporate chain. Dr. Heather Steele owns and operates South Side Animal Hospital. She works alongside her team every day. When you call, you speak with people who know your pet by name.
This personal approach matters. Your pet is not a number in a system. Your pet is family.
Exotic Pet Expertise
Our veterinarians love rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small mammals. These unique companions deserve specialized care that understand their specific needs.
We regularly attend continuing education focused on exotic companion mammal medicine because the field is constantly evolving.
Our Mission and Vision
Our Vision
We are a veterinary practice team of veterinarians, registered veterinary technologists, receptionists, and veterinary assistants that creates a hospital fostering excellence in our profession.
Our Mission
South Side Animal Hospital is a professional team that works together to create an environment promoting the well-being of all animals. We provide exceptional service to the owners and guardians of these animals and encourage a strong development of the human-animal bond. We strive for excellence in our care and promote continuing education for all of our staff to learn and appreciate new treatments and approaches.
Call to Book Your Appointment
(780) 434-6462
Servicing Edmonton and surrounding areas
Meet Your Care Team
Our team includes experienced veterinarians, skilled registered veterinary technologists, compassionate veterinary assistants, welcoming receptionists, and a talented groomer. Every person here chose this work because they genuinely love animals.
Dr. Heather Steele, DVM
Owner and
Director
Marnie, RVT
Office
Manager
Rosa
Veterinary Assistant and
Receptionist
Darlie
Pawlished Pets
Grooming
