At VCA Animal Care Hospital, we look forward to welcoming you, your cats, and your dogs. At VCA Animal Care Hospital, you’ll meet a knowledgeable and compassionate staff that has been providing quality veterinary services in Richfield, South Minneapolis and East Bloomington communities since 1987
Our staff strives to create a relationship with you and your pet the moment you walk through our doors. We believe our technician and reception teams are an integral part of your experience at our hospital, which is why they have the knowledge and experience to answer questions, share their education, and act as a direct link to our veterinarians.
The VCA network gives us access to local and nationally recognized specialists, so your pet receives the highest quality health care. Through education, communication, and preventative medicine, we work to give your family and long and healthy life together.
Local Medical Issues
There are numerous local medical issues that can impact your pet's health and require your attention. Heartworm disease, for example, is one such problem. Since mosquitoes, which thrive in our region, transmit it, it is a serious cause for concern. It can be fatal to both dogs and cats, but is almost 100% preventable with safe, effective, and easy-to-administer heartworm preventive medicines.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is also prevalent in our area, and can be risky to both you and your pet. The bacteria are found in most animals, including livestock and wildlife (deer, raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats and other rodents), and are passed via the urine into water sources. The bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface water, moist soil, and recreational water sources, such as ponds and lakes. Your dog can become infected by drinking, swimming in, or walking through contaminated water. Exposure risk is highest during times of increased rainfall "summer and early fall". This disease can cause severe illness in people. The most common forms of leptospirosis can be prevented by vaccination.
Lastly, Lyme disease, transmitted by the deer tick, is another problem in our area. It can cause joint problems, fever, and long-term kidney problems in dogs. Exposure can be prevented by careful tick prevention. There is also a vaccine for Lyme disease in dogs.