Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Forest Lake, MN
Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital has been dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for over 50 years. Our team of experienced veterinarians and staff prioritize both patient health and client education, ensuring pets receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. We emphasize open communication, empowering pet owners to make informed decisions about their animals' health. With a focus on preventive care, advanced diagnostics, and surgical expertise, we serve Forest Lake and surrounding communities from our modern facility built in 2009. Our commitment extends beyond clinical care through community involvement, animal rescue partnerships, and specialized services like cold laser therapy and dental radiology. We maintain rigorous professional standards through continuous staff training and collaboration with veterinary specialists.The hospital's legacy of trust is built on decades of consistent service, transparent operations, and a genuine passion for animal welfare. Our facility features dedicated spaces for wellness exams, urgent care, and end-of-life services, reflecting our comprehensive approach to pet healthcare. We actively support local adoption efforts and maintain memorial spaces for pets that have passed, demonstrating our deep connection to the community. Through technological investments and staff development, we ensure our practice remains at the forefront of veterinary medicine while maintaining the personal touch that defines our service philosophy.
Services
Wellness Care
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgery
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years serving Forest Lake with veterinary expertise
- Experienced team with specialized training in multiple disciplines
- Client-centered approach emphasizing pet owner education
- Modern facility with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities
- Comprehensive care from wellness exams to surgical interventions
What people say
Compassionate staff
Thorough explanations
Experienced veterinarians
Clean facility
Personalized care
Services
Wellness Care
Annual wellness exams help detect health issues early while building trust between pets, owners, and our veterinary team. These checkups include comprehensive physical examinations, parasite screening, and personalized health counseling. Our preventive approach emphasizes nutrition guidance, behavior assessments, and vaccination planning to maintain optimal pet health.
Vaccinations
We provide core and lifestyle-based vaccinations to protect pets from preventable diseases. Our protocol includes rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia vaccines, with recommendations tailored to each pet's environment and exposure risks. Our staff explains vaccine benefits and schedules during annual exams to ensure informed owner decisions.
Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings and oral examinations under general anesthesia ensure thorough periodontal assessment. Using digital radiography and ultrasonic scaling, we diagnose and treat gum disease, tooth fractures, and resorptive lesions. Post-cleaning polishing and home care recommendations complete our comprehensive dental service.
Surgery
Our surgical services range from routine spays/neuters to complex soft-tissue procedures. With specialized pain management protocols and collaboration with traveling surgical specialists, we perform cystotomies, pyometra treatments, and foreign body removals. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and monitoring ensure patient safety during all procedures.
Cold Laser
Photobiomodulation therapy accelerates healing and reduces inflammation through targeted light application. We use this non-invasive treatment for post-surgical recovery, arthritis management, and wound healing. Each session delivers specific wavelengths to stimulate cellular repair while providing pain relief for improved patient comfort.
People
Dr. Susan Brenteson
Owner
Dr. Brenteson graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2005 and became certified in veterinary acupuncture. She took ownership in 2019 after practicing at the hospital since 2019. She volunteers with local animal rescues and enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and pets.
Dr. Tom Randall
Veterinarian
A 1991 University of Minnesota graduate, Dr. Randall owned the practice from 1997-2019. He maintains special interests in emergency medicine and enjoys mentoring veterinary students. He practices general medicine and surgery while sharing his expertise with the community.
Dr. Jennifer Jelinski
Veterinarian
After eight years in the Army, Dr. Jelinski earned her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota. She focuses on preventive medicine and soft-tissue surgery. Her military experience enhances her ability to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining calm during complex procedures.
Dr. Kiva Rudd
Veterinarian
A University of Minnesota graduate, Dr. Rudd brings diverse experience from California to Minnesota. She balances a busy practice schedule with caring for multiple rescue animals. Her outdoor interests align with Minnesota's seasonal activities, enhancing her connection to local pet owners.
Cassie
Practice Manager
Transitioning from client to leadership role, Cassie completed veterinary practice management training in 2024. Her intercultural studies background helps manage diverse client relationships. She oversees daily operations while maintaining the hospital's welcoming atmosphere for pets and owners.
Questions
What services does Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital offer?
We provide wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, cold laser therapy, and emergency services for companion animals.
Do you accept new clients?
Yes! New clients receive a $1 promotional exam when they call 651-464-2752 for scheduling.
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
We offer Tuesday and Thursday evening hours until 6pm and Saturday appointments from 9am-12pm.
What should I do for after-hours emergencies?
Call us at 651-464-2752 for emergency guidance. We'll direct you to appropriate 24-hour facilities when needed.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call 651-464-2752 four to eight weeks in advance for routine appointments, or immediately for urgent care needs.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Payment is required at time of service, but we accept CareCredit financing for veterinary expenses.
