Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Walker, MN
Walker Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility dedicated to providing compassionate care for pets in Walker, MN, and the surrounding areas. Our team offers comprehensive services including preventive care, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and emergency treatment tailored to meet the unique needs of companion animals. With over four decades of community service and a commitment to responsible pet ownership, we combine advanced medical expertise with personalized attention to ensure the well-being of your pets.Our staff specializes in wellness programs, dental care, and chronic condition management, supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. We prioritize client education and preventive health strategies to promote long-term pet wellness while maintaining affordability for northwoods residents. Our facility serves as a trusted resource for pet health information, nutritional guidance, and behavioral counseling, reflecting our deep-rooted dedication to both animals and their owners.
Services
Preventive Services
Flea Control
Heartworm Prevention
Wellness Exams
Surgical Procedures
Dental Care
Diagnostic Testing
Emergency Treatment
Senior Pet Wellness
Nutritional Counseling
Highlights and features
- We provide 40+ years of combined veterinary expertise in the northwoods region
- Our facility offers comprehensive care from wellness exams to emergency treatment
- We maintain advanced diagnostic capabilities including radiology and lab testing
- Our team specializes in preventive care programs for all life stages
- We offer personalized nutritional counseling and chronic condition management
Services
Preventive Services
Our preventive care programs focus on early disease detection and health maintenance through regular examinations, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. We offer tailored wellness plans for puppies, adult pets, and senior animals to ensure comprehensive health monitoring. Our approach combines routine checkups with client education to promote long-term pet wellness and reduce future medical costs.
Flea Control
We provide comprehensive flea management solutions including prevention products, treatment protocols, and environmental control guidance. Our team educates pet owners about flea life cycles and offers safe, effective preventatives to protect pets from infestations. We address flea-related health risks like allergies, skin infections, and disease transmission through customized control strategies.
Heartworm Prevention
Our heartworm prevention program includes risk assessment, diagnostic testing, and customized prevention plans using proven monthly medications. We educate pet owners about mosquito-borne transmission risks and offer comprehensive protection strategies for both dogs and cats. Our approach emphasizes early detection and prevention of this potentially fatal condition through regular testing and consistent preventative care.
Surgical Procedures
We perform various surgical procedures including spays, neuters, cesarean sections, and soft tissue surgeries. Our surgical services feature modern anesthetic protocols, advanced monitoring equipment, and post-operative care plans. For complex cases, we collaborate with board-certified specialists to ensure optimal outcomes while maintaining patient comfort and safety throughout the surgical process.
Senior Pet Wellness
Our senior wellness program addresses age-related health changes through specialized exams, diagnostic testing, and tailored treatment plans. We focus on early detection of conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and cognitive dysfunction through bi-annual checkups and bloodwork. Our team provides pain management strategies, dietary recommendations, and environmental modifications to enhance quality of life for aging pets.
People
Dr. Michele Vedbraaten-Larson
Practice Owner
Dr. Michele grew up on a Minnesota hobby farm and graduated from Bemidji State University in 2004 and Veterinary School in 2012. She specializes in soft tissue surgery and preventive care, purchasing Walker Animal Hospital in 2022. She enjoys outdoor activities and classic cars while continuing the hospital's legacy.
Dr. Steve Ekholm
Veterinarian
With over 40 years serving Walker, Dr. Steve graduated from University of Minnesota in 1982. He established Walker Animal Hospital in 1982 and semi-retired in 2022, continuing care two days weekly. Active in community organizations, he remains dedicated to local pet health and shelter support.
Toby Larson
Practice Manager
Toby joined in 2022 as practice manager after healthcare experience. He oversees operations while building client relationships. A northwoods native, he enjoys outdoor recreation and classic cars with his wife Dr. Michele, maintaining the hospital's community-focused approach.
Lisa VanVickle
Veterinary Assistant
Lisa has served as veterinary assistant for 29 years, joining Walker Animal Hospital 27 years ago. A Hackensack native, she balances family time with her multiple pets while providing compassionate care to clients and patients in the community.
Julie Rister
Client Services
Julie transitioned to full-time receptionist after 12 years part-time. With veterinary experience across three states, she brings organizational expertise while enjoying gardening, family time, and her Golden Retriever Tebow in the Walker community.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, dental services, emergency treatment, and senior pet wellness programs.
Do you handle pet emergencies?
Yes, we offer emergency services during regular business hours for urgent pet health issues.
How often should pets receive wellness exams?
We recommend annual checkups for adult pets and bi-annual exams for senior animals.
What flea prevention options are available?
We offer multiple safe, effective flea prevention products and treatment protocols tailored to your pet's needs.
Do you provide care for senior pets?
Yes, our senior wellness program includes specialized exams, diagnostic testing, and customized treatment plans.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (218)547-3222 during business hours to schedule your pet's veterinary appointment.
