Spearfish Veterinary Clinic

09/03/2025

Looks like Chachi did some shopping/ re-decorating this weekend to get into the fall spirit! 😅😉 We heard he's planning on decorating the 'bathroom' next. & yes, that's a photo of his old bff, Cheech. ❤️

(ps, the lights only had batteries in them for the photo.😇)

08/30/2025

We will be closed 9/1/25 in observance of Labor Day. For emergencies contact .

We will see you back on 9/2. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day from Ours to Yours! Drop your pup pictures in the comments - we love to seem them!

08/17/2025

Caring for Pets, Honoring the Past, Excited for the Future

In 1999, Dr. David Elsom purchased Spearfish Animal Hospital, beginning a journey built on compassion, dedication, and the love of caring for animals and their families. For more than two decades, Dr. Elsom has poured his heart into this practice—serving as the only veterinarian on staff for nearly 80% of its history. His steady presence and genuine care have shaped the hospital into the trusted place it is today.

Now, in 2025, we are excited to share the next step in that story. Dr. Jackie Martin has purchased the practice and, with this new chapter, our clinic will be rebranded as Spearfish Veterinary Clinic. While the name is evolving, our mission of exceptional, compassionate care remains the same.

Originally from Minnesota, Dr. Jackie Martin earned her veterinary degree at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career practicing in Iowa before relocating to the Black Hills in 2021. Dr. Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the practice, with special interests in ultrasonography (including echocardiograms), acupuncture, general surgery, and caring for hobby farm animals. Her dedication to advancing veterinary medicine and building lasting relationships with clients makes her a wonderful fit for leading the next chapter of our clinic.

Our associate veterinarian, Dr. Melanie Garbel, helps us strive for more with her expertise and enthusiasm. She has a special passion for orthopedics, dermatology and dentistry, and is continually expanding her skills. Soon, she will also be offering an exciting new orthopedic therapy, adding even more depth and options to the quality of life care we can provide our patients.

Dr. Elsom isn’t going far—he will continue to practice part-time. Alongside him, Dr. Jackie Martin and Dr. Melanie Garbel are eager to grow with our clients, patients, and community.

To all of the wonderful families who have supported and trusted Dr. Elsom over the years: thank you. Your loyalty and kindness have made this practice what it is today, and we can’t wait to continue building on that foundation with you.

Here’s to the next chapter at Spearfish Veterinary Clinic—where the heart of our care will always remain the same.

07/10/2025

Rory wasn't feeling too well this morning, so she had to come in (she's already feeling better & back home!). But her mom couldn't resist sharing a memory that came up from 11 years ago today with us: Rory's very first puppy visit! What a special and seriously cute coincidence! ❤️🐾

07/02/2025

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
🐾❤️🤍💙🐾
We will be closing tomorrow (July 3rd) at 12pm and we will be closed on the 4th.
We'll resume our regular business hours on Monday July 6th.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend from all of us at Spearfish Animal Hospital!

06/19/2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELIN!🎂
We've been seeing her since she was a puppy and she brings a smile to our faces every time she walks in the door!

Ps, she didn't actually get any donuts, but she did get some dog treats! 🍩

06/11/2025

Get your dogs tested and get them on monthly prevention! We recommend Heartgard for a monthly heartworm prevention, but if you are looking for something with heartworm prevention AND flea & ticks, we also recommend Simparica Trio!

Did you know there have been 14 dogs tested positive for heartworms in just Pennington County since the beginning of the year? Of those 14 heartworm positive dogs, 5 of those tested positive during the month of May! That's only reporting the little over 2000 dogs tested and we know there are way more dogs in Pennington County!

How do you prevent your dog from testing positive for heartworms? Since it is difficult to control the mosquitos that spread the nasty heartworm parasite, your dog's best defense is a prescription preventative like Heartgard Plus or Nexgard Plus given once monthly. Since we are seeing a consistent increase in the number of heartworm positive dogs in our area, annual testing is recommended. While heartworm infections can be treated, the treatment is "not for the faint of heart." Definitely an instance where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

06/11/2025

We love you Archie!
UPDATE: sweet little Archie was found by a client and brought to us and has been reunited with his family!❤️❤️

04/22/2025

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the ladies at the front desk who play a vital role in keeping our clinic functioning efficiently through their tireless dedication, big hearts and hard work. (The good laughs are a bonus!) Happy Veterinary Receptionist Week, Shanae & Jodi! We appreciate you more than you know.

04/17/2025

Thinking summer thoughts with Root Beer Floats on a cold, dreary day.

04/02/2025

Have you considered bringing your senior pet in for a wellness check? Dr. Garbel has her beloved rescue, 13-year-old Golden Retriever Sadie, in for blood work, radiographs and ultrasound to monitor for any developing changes. It's the best way to prepare for the future! Schedule your gracefully aging pets to get checked out with us and Dr. Garbel may just make out with your pet, too! 😆😆😆 (we're kidding)