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50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Veterinarians in Sandpoint, ID
Founded in 1964, Pend Oreille Veterinary Service has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care to pets in the North Idaho region. Our mission is to provide excellent service to clients, compassionate and cutting-edge medical care to patients, and unwavering commitment to our community. With a state-of-the-art facility in Ponderay, Idaho, we offer comprehensive veterinary hospital care, including advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, and geriatric care. Our team of seven fully accredited veterinarians brings decades of combined experience and specialized expertise in areas such as orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, and laser therapy.

We prioritize client education and transparent communication, ensuring pet owners make informed decisions about their animals' health. Our veterinary-supervised boarding facility provides a safe, loving environment for pets when owners travel. Recognized as the best-rated animal hospital in the region with a 4.7/5 rating, we maintain a reputation for timely, thorough care and cost-effective services. Our app enables clients to manage appointments and access pet health resources conveniently. We actively contribute to the local community and remain independent of national franchises to better serve our clients' unique needs.
Services
General Surgery Dentistry Advanced Imaging Geriatric Care Laser Therapy Orthopedic Surgery Endoscopy Pet Loss Support Internal Medicine Pet Boarding
Details
  • Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
  • We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care for urgent pet health needs.
  • Our state-of-the-art facility includes digital radiology and advanced diagnostic tools.
  • Seven fully accredited veterinarians provide specialized expertise in multiple disciplines.
  • We maintain a 4.7/5 rating as the top-rated animal hospital in the region.
  • Our independent practice ensures personalized care without corporate constraints.
What people say
Timely and thorough care Compassionate and competent staff Cost-effective compared to franchises Immediate emergency availability Well-maintained facilities
Services
General Surgery
Our veterinarians perform routine and advanced surgical procedures, including spays/neuters, soft tissue operations, and orthopedic repairs using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Patients receive preoperative diagnostics, pain management, and postoperative monitoring for optimal recovery outcomes.
Dentistry
We provide comprehensive dental services including cleanings, extractions, and oral health assessments. Routine care prevents periodontal disease while advanced treatments address tooth fractures and infections, maintaining pets' overall health and comfort.
Advanced Imaging
Digital radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopy enable precise internal evaluations. These tools help diagnose organ conditions, detect foreign objects, and guide minimally invasive procedures, ensuring accurate treatment planning for complex cases.
Geriatric Care
Specialized wellness programs address age-related changes in senior pets. Services include mobility assessments, chronic pain management, and early detection of conditions like kidney disease or arthritis through regular bloodwork and physical exams.
Pet Boarding
Our supervised boarding facility offers safe, comfortable stays with individualized attention. Pets receive regular exercise, medication administration when needed, and immediate veterinary care access during their owners' absence.
People
Dr. Christine Smart
Veterinarian and Owner
Dr. Christine Smart joined Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in 2005 and became an owner in 2008. She provides comprehensive veterinary care with a focus on client communication and patient comfort.
Dr. Christina Ponsness
Veterinarian and Owner
Dr. Christina Ponsness moved to Sandpoint in 2008 and joined the team in 2013 before becoming an owner in 2014. She specializes in companion animal care and wellness planning.
Dr. Kendra Hollar
Veterinarian
Dr. Kendra Hollar graduated from Washington State University in 2024. She brings expertise in modern veterinary techniques and a commitment to continuing education in animal health advancements.
Dr. Charles Ashton
Veterinarian
Dr. Charles Ashton has practiced at Pend Oreille since 1988 after graduating from Colorado State University. He specializes in surgical procedures and long-term patient management strategies.
Dr. Bruce Vogel
Veterinarian
Dr. Bruce Vogel joined the team in 1995 following graduation from Ross University. He focuses on internal medicine and diagnostic imaging, utilizing his extensive experience to improve patient outcomes.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide general surgery, dentistry, advanced imaging, geriatric care, orthopedics, endoscopy, and pet loss support. Emergency services are available during business hours.
Do you offer after-hours emergency care?
Our regular hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-5pm, Saturday 8am-5pm. For urgent after-hours needs, we recommend contacting regional emergency clinics.
What boarding amenities are available?
Our supervised boarding includes individual kennels, playtime, medication administration, and immediate veterinary access. Pets receive personalized attention throughout their stay.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at 208-263-2145 or use our online booking system. We prioritize urgent cases and offer same-day appointments when possible.
Are payment plans available?
We accept major credit cards and cash. For extensive treatments, we recommend CareCredit financing options to help manage veterinary expenses.
What diagnostic tools do you use?
Our facility includes digital radiology, ultrasound, endoscopy, and in-house blood analyzers for rapid, accurate diagnoses of complex medical conditions.
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Reviews (2)
Eliyanah Cervin
Oct 28, 2020 Report
They got us in for a same day appointment even though we had just moved into town so were new patients. Everyone was very kind, polite and knowledgeable. The doctor was wonderful, answered all of our questions, very carefully and clearly explained our options so we could have the surgical intervention necessary for our dog's broken leg.
Dianne David
Dec 19, 2019 Report
Had emergency with our dachshund, they worked us in that same afternoon. Very professional & friendly staff.