NEW CLIENTS
Welcome to our Family
Thank you for considering South Side Animal Hospital for your pet’s care. We are excited to meet you and your companion.
Choosing a veterinarian is an important decision. We want your first visit to feel welcoming, comfortable, and stress-free. Here is what you can expect when you join our family.
Before Your First Visit
Call to Schedule Your Appointment
We do not currently offer online booking. Please call us at (780) 434-6462 to schedule your first appointment.
When you call, our friendly staff will:
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- Ask for basic information about you and your pet
- Schedule a convenient appointment time
- Answer any questions you have
- Provide directions to our clinic
What to Bring
Medical Records (if available)
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- Previous vaccination records
- Records of any medical treatments or surgeries
- Current medications your pet is taking
- Results of any diagnostic tests (blood work, x-rays, etc.)
If you do not have records, that is okay. We will work with your previous veterinarian to obtain them, or we can start fresh with a complete exam.
For Puppies and Kittens
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- Bring a fresh stool sample if possible (we can test for intestinal parasites)
- If you adopted from a shelter or rescue, bring any paperwork they provided
For Exotic Pets (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.)
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- Information about your pet’s diet and housing
- Any concerns about eating, drinking, or behavior
List of Questions
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- Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss
- We want to take time to address everything
Payment Method
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- We accept cash, debit, and major credit cards
- Payment is due at the time of service
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What Happens During Your First Visit
Check-In at Reception
When you arrive, our receptionists will welcome you and ask you to complete a few forms. These forms collect important information about your pet’s health history, lifestyle, and any current concerns.
If you prefer to complete paperwork ahead of time, ask about accessing our client portal when you book your appointment.
The Exam Room
One of our veterinarians will meet you in a clean, comfortable exam room. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns. This is a partnership, and we want you to feel involved in every decision about your pet’s care.
Complete Physical Examination
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough nose-to-tail examination checking:
- Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
- Teeth and gums
- Skin and coat
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen
- Joints and mobility
- Weight and body condition
For puppies, kittens, and young pets, we will also discuss:
- Nutrition and feeding schedules
- Vaccination plans tailored to your pet’s lifestyle
- Spay and neuter timing
- Housetraining, behavior, and socialization
- Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworm, intestinal worms)
For adult and senior pets, we will discuss:
- Any changes in appetite, energy, or behavior
- Vaccination needs
- Preventive care recommendations
- Dental health
- Weight management
- Bloodwork or other screening tests if appropriate
Treatment Plan and Recommendations
After the examination, your veterinarian will discuss their findings with you and recommend a care plan. We will explain:
- What we found during the exam
- Any treatments or diagnostics we recommend
- The reasons behind our recommendations
- Cost estimates for any procedures or medications
We believe in transparent pricing. We will discuss all costs with you before proceeding with any treatment.
Questions and Next Steps
Before you leave, we will make sure all your questions are answered. We will schedule any follow-up appointments and provide you with clear instructions for home care if needed.
Payment and Pricing
We understand that veterinary care is an investment in your pet’s health. Payment is due at the time of service.
We accept:
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard)
Pet Insurance: We do not bill pet insurance directly, but we are happy to provide you with detailed invoices and medical records to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Financing Options: We work with iFinance Pet Card, which offers financing options for veterinary care. Ask our team for more information.
What Makes South Side Animal Hospital Different
We are one of only a few AAHA-accredited clinics in Edmonton. This means we voluntarily meet the highest standards for veterinary care in North America. Less than 15% of animal hospitals earn this accreditation.
70+ Years in Edmonton
We have been caring for Edmonton pets since 1952. We are not a corporate chain. We are a family-owned practice where your pet receives individual attention.
Exotic Pet Expertise
Our veterinarians love rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small mammals. If you have an exotic companion, you have come to the right place.
Compassion & Experience
Our veterinarians, registered veterinary technologists, veterinary assistants, and receptionists genuinely care about animals. We treat every pet like family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept walk-ins?
We operate primarily by appointment to ensure each pet receives the time and attention they deserve. If your pet has an urgent medical issue during business hours, please call us immediately and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do you offer online booking?
At this time, all booking have to be called into our office at 780-434-6462
Do you offer emergency services?
We provide urgent care during business hours, but we are not a 24-hour emergency clinic. For after-hours emergencies, please contact Guardian Veterinary Centre, Pulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency, or Boreal Veterinary Centre. Their contact information is available below.
What if my pet is nervous or fearful at the vet?
We understand that vet visits can be stressful for some pets. Our team is trained to work gently and patiently with anxious animals. Let us know if your pet has special needs or fears, and we will do everything we can to make the experience as positive as possible.
Can I stay with my pet during procedures?
You are always welcome to be present during exams and consultations. For surgeries and procedures requiring anesthesia, pets are cared for in our treatment area by our veterinary team. We will keep you updated throughout the day.
Do you see exotic pets?
Yes! We see rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and degus. Our veterinarians have specialized training in exotic companion mammal medicine.
Can I see all my pet's records?
Once you become a client, you will have access to our online client portal. The portal allows you to:
- View your pet’s medical records
- Request prescription refills (once set up)
- Receive appointment reminders by email or text
- Access invoices and payment history
When you book your first appointment, ask our team about setting up your portal access.
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
