Committed to providing compassionate, fear-free veterinary care for all creatures great and small since 2015.
Paws & Claws Animal Hospital was founded by Dr. Sarah Martinez in 2015 with a simple but powerful mission: to provide the kind of veterinary care she would want for her own pets. After years of working in emergency medicine, Dr. Martinez saw a need for a clinic that combined cutting-edge medical care with genuine compassion and fear-free handling techniques.
What started as a small practice with just Dr. Martinez and two vet techs has grown into a full-service animal hospital with eight veterinarians, a state-of-the-art surgical suite, and the ability to treat everything from dogs and cats to birds and exotic pets. Through it all, we've maintained our founding commitment: every pet deserves excellent medical care delivered with kindness and respect.
Today, we're proud to serve over 5,000 families in the Springfield area, and we've treated more than 15,000 pets. But no matter how much we grow, we'll always remember that behind every chart and medical record is a beloved family member who deserves our very best.
Three core principles guide everything we do at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital.
We use gentle handling techniques, calming pheromones, and treats to make every visit as stress-free as possible. Our exam rooms are designed to be comfortable and non-threatening, and we take our time to let pets adjust at their own pace. For anxious animals, we offer pre-visit medications and special quiet hours.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We emphasize wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, and early disease detection to keep pets healthy throughout their lives. Regular check-ups allow us to catch problems early when they're easier and less expensive to treat.
We believe informed pet parents make the best decisions for their animals. We take time to explain diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care in plain language. We'll never rush you through an appointment—your questions and concerns are always welcome and important to us.
Our 8,000 square foot facility is equipped with modern medical technology to provide the best possible care.
Six spacious exam rooms designed for comfort, with separate entrances for dogs and cats to minimize stress in the waiting area.
Modern surgical suite with digital monitoring equipment, advanced anesthesia systems, and sterile preparation areas.
Complete diagnostic laboratory for blood work, urinalysis, and cytology with same-day results for faster treatment.
Digital radiography and ultrasound imaging for quick, accurate diagnosis of internal conditions and injuries.
On-site pharmacy stocked with medications and preventive treatments so you can leave with everything you need.
Climate-controlled boarding areas with individual kennels, plus separate isolation ward for contagious patients.
Our experienced team includes board-certified veterinarians, licensed vet techs, and compassionate support staff.
DVM from UC Davis (2008). Board certified in internal medicine. Specializes in complex medical cases, ultrasound, and endoscopy. 15+ years experience.
DVM from Cornell (2012). Advanced surgical training. Specializes in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine. 12+ years experience.
DVM from Colorado State (2016). Exotic animal medicine certification. Specializes in avian, reptile, and small mammal care. 8+ years experience.
DVM from Ohio State (2018). Special interest in dermatology and allergies. Fear-free certified. Gentle approach with nervous pets. 6+ years experience.
Registered Veterinary Technician. Anesthesia and surgical nursing specialist. Manages our technical team and surgical protocols. 10+ years experience.
MBA with 15 years in veterinary practice management. Oversees operations, client services, and ensures smooth running of the hospital.
We believe in supporting our community and helping animals in need beyond our clinic walls.
We partner with local animal rescues to provide discounted veterinary care for shelter animals. Every year, we donate over $50,000 in services to help homeless pets find their forever homes. We also offer reduced-rate spay/neuter services for rescue organizations.
Our veterinarians visit local schools to teach children about responsible pet ownership, animal safety, and careers in veterinary medicine. We host "Junior Vet" days where kids can tour the clinic and learn about how we care for animals.
We sponsor and participate in adoption events, pet health fairs, and fundraisers for animal welfare organizations. Each spring, we host a free microchip clinic to help reunite lost pets with their families. Our team volunteers at the county animal shelter monthly.