Blog

There are some moments in the life of a veterinary practice that make you stop and take a moment to appreciate how far you have come. Being selected as a finalist for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited Practice of the Year is one of those moments for our team at Palouse Animal Wellness & Surgery Center.

For many families, summer celebrations, thunderstorms, and holiday festivities are something to
enjoy. Unfortunately, our pets often experience these events very differently. The loud noises,
flashing lights, vibrations, and unpredictable nature of fireworks and storms can trigger intense
fear and anxiety in dogs and cats.

Spring and early summer on the Palouse are beautiful. The grass is green, the trails are busy, and families are spending more time outdoors with their pets. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when we begin seeing a dramatic increase in external parasites — especially ticks.

Welcoming a new veterinarian into a practice is always a meaningful moment—but it’s more than just adding a team member. It’s an opportunity to strengthen our mission, invest in mentorship, and continue raising the standard of care we provide every patient and client who walks through our doors.

At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery Center, excellence in veterinary care isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a commitment we renew every single day. That’s why I’m proud to share that we have once again been re-accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This is our 16th year of being an Accredited Clinic!

The Christmas season has a unique way of slowing us down and reminding us of what matters
most. It is a time marked by warmth, generosity, reflection, and gratitude—values that resonate
deeply with us at Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery. As we move through this special
season, our hearts are full as we reflect on the incredible patients we care for and the families
who entrust us with their beloved pets.

When people imagine veterinary medicine, the first picture that often comes to mind is a veterinarian in a white coat examining a dog or cat. While veterinarians certainly play an essential role in animal care, the truth is this: no veterinary clinic can function—let alone thrive—without a dedicated team of professionals working behind the scenes every single day.

October is National Pet Wellness Month, a perfect time to pause and reflect on how we can keep our pets living their happiest, healthiest lives. As a veterinarian, I often remind pet owners that wellness isn’t just about treating illness — it’s about preventing it.

As a veterinarian, one of my greatest responsibilities is uncovering what our pets cannot tell us. When an animal isn’t feeling well, we often rely on a combination of a physical exam, laboratory tests, and advanced imaging to reach a diagnosis. One of the most valuable tools we use at Palouse Animal Wellness & Surgery is ultrasound.

As pets age, their nutritional needs change just like ours do. At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery, we often hear the same question from pet owners:
“What should I feed my senior dog or cat to help them stay healthy?”
It’s a great question—and the right diet can make a significant difference in your pet’s quality of life during their golden years.