Frequently Asked Questions
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1977
South Shore Veterinary Hospital FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. Don’t see your question answered? Our team is available by phone at (651) 464-4210 or through the contact form on our website. No question is too small — we are always happy to help.
Are you currently accepting new clients?
Yes, we warmly welcome new clients and their pets. South Shore Veterinary Hospital has one of the largest veterinary teams in the Forest Lake area, which means we have the capacity to take on new patients without compromising the quality of care our existing clients rely on.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes. We offer same-day urgent care services for pets who need to be seen before a regular scheduled appointment is available. Urgent care visits are conducted as drop-off appointments — you bring your pet in, our team evaluates them, and a veterinarian will contact you by phone to discuss findings and recommended treatment.
Most urgent care patients are ready for pickup after 2:00 PM on the same day. Please always call ahead before coming in, as same-day capacity can be limited.
If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, we will help advise you on whether urgent care or a dedicated emergency facility is the most appropriate option.
Do you perform orthopedic surgery?
Yes. Orthopedic surgery is one of our most significant areas of surgical expertise. We routinely perform TPLO surgery — the gold standard surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs — as well as fracture repair, luxating patella correction, and other complex orthopedic procedures.
What other surgical services do you offer?
In addition to orthopedic surgery, South Shore Veterinary Hospital offers a comprehensive range of soft tissue surgical procedures — including spays and neuters, mass and tumor removal, gastrointestinal surgery, bladder surgery, wound repair, and more. We also offer minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, a specialty capability that is not available at every veterinary practice in our area. Laparoscopic procedures are associated with reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery times for appropriate candidates.
How many veterinarians do you have on staff?
South Shore Veterinary Hospital has one of the largest veterinary teams in the Forest Lake area, with multiple doctors on staff representing a wide range of clinical interests and areas of expertise. Having many veterinarians on staff means greater availability for appointments, more capacity for urgent care, and the ability to consult internally on complex cases.
Are any of your veterinarians Fear Free-certified?
Yes. Several of our veterinarians hold Fear Free certification, a credential that reflects specialized training in recognizing and reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in animal patients. Fear Free principles are woven into the way we handle every patient at South Shore Veterinary Hospital, from routine wellness visits to surgery and urgent care. Our goal is to make every visit as calm and positive as possible for your pet.
What animals do you treat?
South Shore Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats. Our team is experienced in the distinct health needs, behavioral considerations, and medical conditions of both species, and we are committed to providing a low-stress experience for every patient.
Do you have an in-house pharmacy?
Yes. South Shore Veterinary Hospital maintains a full in-house pharmacy, which means that in most cases your pet's medications can be dispensed directly at the time of their appointment — no separate trip to a pharmacy and, in many cases, the ability to begin treatment sooner. We also offer an online pharmacy for the convenience of home delivery of medications, preventatives, and prescription diets. Prescription refill requests can be submitted through our online prescription refill form.
How do I prepare for my pet's first visit?
For your first visit, it is helpful to bring any previous medical records, vaccination history, and a list of current medications. If your pet has had recent lab work or imaging done elsewhere, bringing those records allows our veterinarians to build a more complete picture of your pet's health from day one. New clients are also welcome to complete our new client registration form online in advance to help streamline the check-in process.
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve?
We are located at 380 W Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025. We serve pet owners throughout the Forest Lake area and surrounding communities, including Wyoming, Hugo, Marine on St. Croix, Chisago City, Lindstrom, North Branch, Lino Lakes, Columbus, Ham Lake, White Bear Lake, and Stacy. Directions to our hospital are available on our Contact page.