Veterinary Resources
At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we believe that informed pet owners make better advocates for their animals. Whether you are searching for emergency veterinary assistance, researching a new pet, or looking for trusted medical information, the resources below are here to provide reliable answers.
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1977
Emergency Assistance
When a pet emergency arises outside of our regular business hours, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. If you believe your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call ahead before leaving for any facility so the team can prepare for your arrival.
Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Services / BluePearl
Open 24/7 for emergencies
Phone: (763) 754-5000
Location:
1285 Grey Fox Rd. Ste. 100
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota
Open 24/7 for emergencies
Phone: (651) 501-3766
Location:
1160 Helmo Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128
If your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, contact this helpline immediately. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Pet Poison Helpline provides expert guidance on toxin exposures in pets and can advise you on the appropriate next steps — including whether emergency veterinary care is needed right away.
Dog Training
A well-trained dog is a happier, safer, and more confident companion — and the right training program can make an enormous difference for both dogs and their owners. The following training resources serve the Forest Lake area and come recommended for pet owners looking to build a stronger relationship with their dog.
This service offers in-home dog training services in the Minneapolis north metro area, using a communication-based approach designed to address behavioral issues in the dog’s own environment. Their methods focus on building a clearer relationship between dogs and their owners rather than relying on food-based motivation alone.
Katie’s K9 provides professional dog training services with a focus on building confident, well-mannered dogs through positive, relationship-centered methods. Their programs serve a range of needs, from basic obedience to more complex behavioral challenges.
This school offers group and private training programs designed to develop reliable obedience and strengthen the bond between dogs and their handlers. Their curriculum is grounded in positive reinforcement and is appropriate for dogs at a variety of skill levels.
If your dog’s behavioral challenges appear to be rooted in anxiety, fear, or a medical issue rather than a training gap, our team at South Shore Veterinary Hospital also offers pet behavioral counseling as part of our veterinary services. A conversation with one of our veterinarians can help determine whether a training program, a behavioral consultation, or a combination of both is the right starting point for your dog.
New and Future Pet Owners
Whether you are still deciding whether a pet is right for you, actively searching for your next companion, or welcoming a new animal for the first time, the resources below can help you start on the right foot.
Located in Wyoming, MN, Northwoods Humane is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and adoption of animals in the Forest Lake area and surrounding communities. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, starting with your local humane society is a wonderful way to give a deserving animal a second chance at a loving home.
This site is a nationwide pet adoption platform that aggregates listings from thousands of shelters and rescue organizations across the country. If you are looking for a specific breed, age, or species, Petfinder’s search tools make it easy to find adoptable pets from shelters and rescues near you.
AKC is an excellent resource for prospective dog owners researching breed characteristics, temperament, exercise needs, and health considerations. Whether you are deciding between breeds or researching a dog you already have, the AKC’s breed library and health resources are among the most comprehensive available.
Traveling with Your Pet
Traveling with a pet requires advance planning — particularly when crossing state lines or traveling internationally, where health certificates, vaccination documentation, and other requirements may apply. The resources below can help you navigate the logistics of pet travel with confidence.
This page is the authoritative source for information on interstate and international pet travel requirements in the United States. If you are planning to travel abroad with your pet or move between states, this is the first place to check for current requirements — which vary by destination and can change.
This site offers a comprehensive worldwide travel guide for pet owners, including destination-specific entry requirements, airline pet policies, pet-friendly hotel listings, and practical advice for making travel as smooth as possible for both you and your companion.
Veterinary Medical Information
Cornell University is one of the most respected sources of feline health information available to the public. Their library of cat health topics is written by veterinary experts and covers everything from routine care and common illnesses to complex conditions and end-of-life considerations.
This site provides current, evidence-based information on heartworm disease in dogs and cats, including how heartworm is transmitted, how it is diagnosed, and the importance of year-round prevention.
American Veterinary Medical Association
This veterinary authority maintains a broad library of pet health resources covering a wide range of species, conditions, and care topics. Their content is developed and reviewed by veterinary professionals and represents a trustworthy foundation for general pet health research.
Pet Loss Support
Losing a pet is a profound and deeply personal experience, and the grief that follows is real — regardless of what others may say. If you are navigating the loss of a beloved companion, please know that you are not alone, and that support is available.
This service from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine offers free support services for people coping with the loss of a pet, including phone consultations with trained counselors and an extensive library of resources on grief, loss, and the human-animal bond. Whether you are anticipating a loss, in the midst of one, or still healing months later, their services are available to you.
If you are struggling with grief following the loss of a pet, our team is always willing to listen, and we are happy to point you toward additional support resources that may help. You can also find more information about end-of-life care, quality of life assessment, and the euthanasia process on our Pet Euthanasia page.
