Our History

South Side Animal Hospital is one of Edmonton's longest-standing practices and is proud to be one of only a few clinics in the Edmonton area to achieve accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). We believe in practicing high quality medicine but also pride ourselves on being a welcoming, approachable, and compassionate clinic. We want you and your pets to become a part of our family.

In 1952, classmates Dr. Jack McManus and Dr. Gordon Nimmons established South Side Animal Hospital as the first small animal practice in south Edmonton. They decided that in order to become a higher quality practice they should voluntarily undergo accreditation with the American Animal Hospital Association starting in 1964. This was above the mandatory provincial accreditation to maintain a veterinary practice in Alberta. They also became actively involved in the Edmonton Association of Small Animal Veterinarians, Edmonton Veterinarians Emergency Clinic, and various other community groups.

Dr. Heather Steele first came to South Side Animal Hospital as an owner when her cat Sasha needed treatment for ear mites. She found the clinic to be knowledgeable, friendly, and caring and decided to do her third year summer practicum for veterinary medicine at South Side under Dr. Ed Neufeld. Dr. Neufeld helped build her love of small animal medicine and when the opportunity arose to come and work with Dr. Neufeld as a veterinarian, she happily accepted. Upon Dr. Neufeld’'s retirement, Dr. Steele became the clinic owner and director in 2006. She and her team of dedicated animal health professionals have stayed true to South Side's long standing vision for the highest standard of care, strong professional and community involvement, and an approachable, family-focused practice with excellent customer service.