Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Veterinary Care Services in Morgan Hill, CA
South County Animal Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care in Morgan Hill, CA since 1989. Founded by Dr. Rick Leininger, our AAHA-accredited animal hospital offers comprehensive services including wellness exams, vaccinations, surgical procedures, dental care, parasite prevention, and emergency pet care. Our team of experienced veterinarians and licensed technicians prioritizes personalized treatment plans while maintaining the highest standards of veterinary medicine.We emphasize client education and partnership in pet care, serving both routine needs and urgent medical situations. With five dedicated doctors specializing in diverse areas like dermatology, internal medicine, and equine care, we provide tailored solutions for dogs, cats, and select exotic pets. Our facility maintains cutting-edge equipment and follows rigorous protocols to ensure optimal animal health outcomes.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Pet Surgery
Dental Care
Parasite Prevention
Emergency Care
Spay/Neuter
Microchipping
Pain Management
End of Life Services
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are AAHA-accredited, meeting the highest veterinary care standards
- Our team includes specialists in dermatology, internal medicine, and equine care
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary services for urgent pet medical needs
- Our doctors maintain advanced training in pain management and geriatric care
- We provide personalized treatment plans with client education components
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams include physical evaluations, weight monitoring, and preventive care planning. Veterinarians assess vital signs, dental health, and organ function while providing tailored nutrition and exercise recommendations. These routine checkups help detect early signs of potential health issues in pets.
Pet Vaccinations
We offer core and elective vaccinations for dogs, cats, and select exotic pets. Our vaccination protocols follow AAHA guidelines while considering individual risk factors. Services include rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, and Lyme disease immunizations with proper documentation for travel and boarding.
Pet Surgery
Our surgical services include spay/neuter procedures, soft tissue surgeries, and emergency interventions. The facility features advanced monitoring equipment and pain management protocols. Veterinarians perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork and provide post-operative care instructions for optimal recovery.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatments. Digital dental radiography helps diagnose hidden issues while specialized equipment ensures thorough plaque removal. We provide home care guidance for maintaining pets' oral health between professional cleanings.
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency services handle critical cases including trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses. The hospital maintains diagnostic imaging, IV fluid therapy, and surgical capabilities for urgent situations. Veterinarians coordinate with specialists for complex cases requiring advanced care.
People
Dr. Rick Leininger
Veterinarian
Founder of South County Animal Hospital since 1989, Dr. Leininger earned his veterinary degree from UC Davis. He maintains active memberships in AAHA, AVMA, and CVMA while pursuing triathlons and wine-making as hobbies.
Dr. Michelle Griffin
Veterinarian
Practicing since 1996, Dr. Griffin joined as partner in 2009. She specializes in community outreach programs and founded 'Air For Paws' to equip fire departments with pet CPR kits. Lives in Gilroy with her daughter.
Dr. Caitlin McLeod
Veterinarian
UC Davis graduate with equine medicine expertise, Dr. McLeod joined in 2020. She focuses on preventative care and dermatology while maintaining equestrian activities. Previously worked in California's Central Valley veterinary practices.
Dr. Tricia Sera
Veterinarian
Colorado native with 20 years of small animal experience, Dr. Sera specializes in geriatric care and dentistry. Active mountain biker and surfer, she joined the team after relocating to California with her son in 2014.
Dr. Jennifer Fusco
Veterinarian
UC Davis graduate with special interest in dermatology and internal medicine. Dr. Fusco previously practiced in Sacramento before joining South County Animal Hospital. Enjoys horseback riding, baking, and nature photography.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide wellness exams, vaccinations, surgical procedures, dental care, parasite prevention, emergency services, and specialized treatments for chronic conditions in dogs, cats, and select exotic pets.
Do you handle pet emergencies after hours?
Yes, our hospital offers 24/7 emergency veterinary care with on-site diagnostics and critical care capabilities for urgent medical situations outside regular business hours.
Can I set up a payment plan for my pet's treatment?
We offer CareCredit financing options to help manage veterinary expenses through convenient monthly payments for both routine and emergency pet care services.
Are your veterinarians specialized in specific areas?
Our team includes doctors with specialized training in dermatology, internal medicine, equine care, geriatrics, and emergency medicine to provide comprehensive treatment options.
How do I refill my pet's medication?
Request medication refills through our online pharmacy portal or contact us directly during business hours. Allow 24-48 hours for prescription processing and verification.
What makes your hospital AAHA-accredited?
We maintain AAHA's rigorous standards through regular evaluations covering medical protocols, equipment, staff qualifications, and patient care practices to ensure the highest quality veterinary services.
Reviews (4)
Gino B.
Sep 16, 2025
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I've been going to South County Animal Hospital for about 25 years. Had many vet doctors there, one Dr Rick Lenniger was absolutely the best but unfortunately he's on leave. I needed to take my Dalmatian in recently and got the relief Dr. who did a battery of test and X Rays. Some results came back days later and Dr Danny called me with results and she was concerned about the findings so she asked if I can bring Finn in during her surgery day so in between surgeries she can look at him. Dr Danny did another X Ray and found some other analysis. Dr Danny called me and asked if I can come in so she can show me what her concern was.
My point, I found Dr Danny extremely knowledgeable and her concern for Finn was paramount. I would highly recommend Dr Danny, she is fantastic and thorough. Front office staff is very good especially Jeanette, Ruth, Maureen. Highly recommended this veterinarian.
My point, I found Dr Danny extremely knowledgeable and her concern for Finn was paramount. I would highly recommend Dr Danny, she is fantastic and thorough. Front office staff is very good especially Jeanette, Ruth, Maureen. Highly recommended this veterinarian.
Bit Darker
Jun 02, 2022
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Even tho it was at a horrible time in any pet owners life to put down their pets. They did it with such compassion and care. Thank you to the Dr. And Nurses who Stand next to us as we face this loss. And would be continuing to bring my pets.
David Hedayati
Mar 14, 2022
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Fantastic experience. Dr. Rick was courteous, gentle, honest, and pleasant to talk to. I don't live in the area but it's worth the drive for me.
Vance Dominguez
Feb 23, 2022
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No reflection on their service, just that appointments are over a month out which is the issue with just about every animal hospital I called. Some won't even take appointments.
