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Business Details
23 Years
experience
Compassionate Veterinary Care in Albuquerque, NM
Founded in 2003, we began operations in a modest 1,200 square foot space, quickly forming meaningful connections with clients and their pets through personalized care. Over twenty years later, we now operate from a larger facility just half a mile from our original location, maintaining our commitment to compassionate veterinary medicine. Our practice focuses on preventative health, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and pain management, emphasizing the profound human-animal bond. We prioritize kindness and education, offering comprehensive wellness exams, vaccinations, and advanced treatment options.

Our team includes experienced veterinarians with expertise in internal medicine, surgery, and community outreach. We maintain affiliations with local specialty clinics for advanced care while keeping our small-town clinic atmosphere. Our mission remains unchanged: treating pets as cherished family members while supporting their owners through every stage of their companions' lives. We operate by appointment only, offering structured yet flexible care tailored to each pet's unique needs.
Services
Preventative Health Exams General Surgery Dentistry Radiology Pain Management
Details
  • Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
  • 22 years of continuous service to Albuquerque pet owners
  • Comprehensive care from wellness exams to surgical interventions
  • Personalized attention with appointment-based scheduling
  • Experienced veterinarians with surgical and specialty training
  • Collaboration with local specialty clinics for advanced care
Services
Preventative Health Exams
Annual comprehensive physical exams detect early health issues through bloodwork, urinalysis, and parasite screening. Geriatric pets receive biannual recommendations. Our team addresses behavioral concerns and vaccination needs while emphasizing client education for lifelong pet wellness.
General Surgery
Routine surgical procedures including spays, neuters, and soft tissue operations performed in-house. Complex cases receive coordinated referrals to local specialists. Preoperative diagnostics ensure surgical safety while postoperative care includes pain management protocols tailored to each patient's needs.
Dentistry
Full dental services with digital x-rays, cleaning, polishing, and extractions. We address periodontal disease progression and oral pain management. Preventative sealants and home care guidance help maintain dental health, reducing systemic complications affecting vital organs.
Radiology
Digital radiography services with board-certified radiologist consultation for complex cases. We utilize advanced imaging to diagnose internal conditions affecting respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems while maintaining in-house capabilities for urgent assessments.
Pain Management
Multimodal treatment plans for osteoarthritis and chronic pain using supplements, medications, acupuncture, and cold laser therapy. We educate owners on recognizing subtle pain indicators in pets while developing customized comfort strategies for improved quality of life.
People
Dr. Jennifer Vigil Smith
Veterinarian
Graduate of Colorado State University with 20 years of clinical experience. Specializes in preventive care and dentistry. Founded the clinic in 2003. Active in community outreach and client education.
Dr. Elisa Trullinger
Veterinarian
Oregon State University graduate with surgical expertise. Practicing since 2003. Provides care through Christian Veterinary Missions. Adjunct professor at Washington State University. Special interest in preventative medicine.
Questions
What services does Desert Hills Animal Clinic offer?
We provide preventative exams, surgery, dentistry, radiology, and pain management. Advanced cases receive coordinated referrals to local specialists while maintaining primary care focus.
Do you accept emergency cases after hours?
We recommend contacting Roadrunner Veterinary Hospital or VCA Animal Hospital for after-hours emergencies. Our clinic operates by appointment during regular business hours.
How often should pets receive wellness exams?
Annual exams work for most pets. Geriatric animals benefit from biannual visits. Our team creates customized schedules based on individual health needs and life stage.
What dental care options exist for pets?
Full dental services include x-rays, cleaning, polishing, and extractions. We emphasize preventive care through oral hygiene education and regular checkups to maintain dental health.
How do you handle pet pain management?
We use joint supplements, medications, acupuncture, and cold laser therapy. Treatment plans customize to each pet's condition while educating owners on recognizing pain indicators for timely intervention.
Reviews (5)
Chad Tyson
Jun 09, 2022 Report
I have never experienced a Veterinary clinic as concerned and sympathetic when making an appointment, care during the appointment or even follow up after an appointment. They are affordable and very compassionate to all my pups! I won't let any other clinic around me dogs going forward!
Tammye Quinn
Feb 27, 2022 Report
The staff and doctors were excellent in taking care of our pup. They went over and above in helping us get emergency care for our pup and followed up with us often. So much care for our family during an extremely difficult time.
Rose Serrano
Dec 26, 2021 Report
They absolutely Are wonderful. When my boxer hayle was sick. She came (dr vigil smith) to my home to check on her several times She absolutely rocks. When my baby Carmella got sick with first signs parvo they squeezed me in) since dr vigil smith was not there they knew I had been there and saw my baby. They treated me just like she would. No DOUBT in my mind that she chose vets that had the kindness and love for animals as she does Thank you desert hills animal clinic. Rose Serrano and carmella. YOU ROCK
Tracy Little
Dec 04, 2021 Report
The staff and Dr. Moulton were very nice. It was easy to schedule and they were very efficient. Dr. Moulton was knowledgeable and answered all of my questions.
Ed Kowalczyk
Sep 22, 2021 Report
Highly recommend this establishment! Very compassionate and gentle care. The doctors are very helpful and knowledgeable. Staff is friendly and efficient. Thank you very much for caring for our dogs!