Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Columbia, SC
Ambassador Animal Hospital has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care in Columbia, SC since 2001. Our practice centers on compassionate, comprehensive care for pets, emphasizing preventive medicine, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans. As an AAHA-accredited facility, we maintain rigorous standards exceeding industry requirements while combining cutting-edge technology with a family-oriented approach. Our team of experienced veterinarians and support staff prioritizes clear communication, offering 24/7 emergency services and convenient amenities like on-site laboratories and digital imaging.We foster long-term relationships with pet owners through educational resources, tailored wellness programs, and a commitment to treating every animal as part of our extended family. This philosophy has sustained our reputation as a trusted partner in pet healthcare for over two decades.
Services
Pet Vaccinations
Pet Dentistry
Pet Surgery
Dermatology
Flea Prevention
Diagnostic Lab
Emergency Care
Preventative Care
Kitten Exams
Microchipping
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- We offer AAHA-accredited care meeting the highest veterinary standards
- Our team includes experienced veterinarians with decades of local service
- We provide 24/7 emergency veterinary care for urgent situations
- Our on-site laboratory enables rapid diagnostic testing and treatment
- We maintain transparent communication about pet health and treatment options
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What people say
Exceptional end-of-life care
Knowledgeable and compassionate staff
AAHA-accredited excellence
Prompt emergency response
Personalized treatment plans
Services
Pet Vaccinations
Our vaccination programs protect pets against common infectious diseases through customized schedules based on age, lifestyle, and health status. We offer core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP, along with lifestyle-specific options for boarding or multi-pet households. Our team explains each vaccine's purpose and maintains detailed immunization records to ensure compliance with local regulations and optimal disease prevention.
Pet Dentistry
We provide comprehensive oral health services including professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, and surgical extractions. Our protocol includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork, intravenous catheterization for medication access, and post-operative pain management. Regular dental maintenance prevents systemic health issues while addressing immediate concerns like fractured teeth or periodontal disease through advanced veterinary techniques.
Pet Surgery
Our surgical services range from routine spays/neuters to complex soft tissue procedures. The facility features modern anesthetic monitoring equipment and dedicated surgical suites. We perform dental extractions, mass removals, and foreign body surgeries with emphasis on patient safety through continuous vital sign monitoring and multimodal pain control strategies tailored to each animal's specific needs.
Dermatology
We diagnose and treat skin conditions including allergies, infections, and parasitic infestations. Our approach combines diagnostic testing with targeted therapies for chronic ear infections, autoimmune disorders, and environmental allergens. Treatment options include medicated baths, dietary modifications, and advanced pharmaceutical interventions to alleviate discomfort and address underlying causes of dermatological issues.
Preventative Care
Our preventive care plans include annual wellness exams, parasite screening, and early disease detection through bloodwork. We develop customized vaccination schedules, nutrition plans, and parasite prevention strategies tailored to each pet's life stage and health status. Regular check-ups help identify potential issues before they become serious health concerns requiring more intensive treatment.
People
Joe Trimmier
Co-Owner
Dr. Joe Trimmier has practiced veterinary medicine in South Carolina for over 20 years. Raised with farm animals, he brings extensive experience in companion animal care and emergency medicine to our practice.
Erin Trimmier
Co-Owner
Dr. Erin Trimmier specializes in feline medicine and equine care. With decades of local veterinary experience, she focuses on compassionate treatment and client education about pet health maintenance and disease prevention.
Katy Carothers
Veterinarian
Dr. Katy Carothers graduated from North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She has practiced in Columbia since 2007, emphasizing preventive care and geriatric pet medicine for dogs and cats.
Gailene Holland
Veterinarian
Dr. Gailene Holland brings international perspective to our team after growing up in multiple countries. She focuses on diagnostic medicine and complex case management, applying her diverse clinical experience to patient care.
Elizabeth Slade
Veterinarian
Dr. Elizabeth Slade specializes in internal medicine and surgical procedures. She combines her background in dairy farm work with advanced veterinary training to provide comprehensive care for companion animals in the Columbia area.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive care including wellness exams, vaccinations, dentistry, surgery, dermatology, diagnostics, and 24/7 emergency services for cats and dogs.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (803) 787-3840 during regular business hours or use our online scheduling system for non-urgent appointments.
Do you handle pet emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care for urgent medical situations outside regular business hours.
Are payment plans available?
We accept major credit cards and offer CareCredit financing options for qualified applicants seeking flexible payment arrangements.
Is your hospital AAHA certified?
Yes, we maintain AAHA accreditation, meeting over 900 quality standards exceeding typical veterinary requirements.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Everett Rankin
Jun 21, 2022
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We see Dr. Joe Trimmier at Ambassador. I have never known a more professional and caring veterinarian. The entire staff at Ambassador is absolutely top notch. They will always take care of all my critters!
Ansley Bradley
May 26, 2022
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My three angels are treated like family at Ambassador. This is the only vet office my dogs have been "thrilled" to go to. Moxy, my senior girl, has a history of seizures and Ambassador not only worked with us to develop a life changing (and life saving) medicine and diet regiment, but every visit is tailored to her special and specific needs, ensuring she feels safe and loved. I cannot express how comforting it is to so thoroughly trust and respect the ones taking care of our babies.
Barbara Hansen
May 23, 2022
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I was in last week with my 17 year old cat and Dr. Katy was so patient and kind with her and did a very thorough exam. Millie is doing great! I received a very detailed report on her condition.
Sabrina Slater-Warren
May 18, 2022
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Ambassador Animal Hospital has always taken excellent care of my animals. I have tried other Vets for convenience, but I always come back to Ambassador. They are very knowledgeable, patient, professional, and personable. I love the entire staff.
Shannon Foley
Apr 15, 2022
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I've been going to Ambassador Animal Hospital for over 25 years. The team there is like family. Never have a problem getting seen. So grateful for Dr. Joe and his team.
Morgan Lanier
Mar 11, 2022
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Love our visits to Ambassador for the past 11 years- always friendly and helpful staff. My dog has seizures and I'm grateful for the care she receives!
Carleen Ward
Feb 21, 2022
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Joe and Erin are caring professionals who take great care of our pets. They also have been very supportive and flexible with treating the 13+ foster dogs that we've had vetted with them over the years with Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue.
