Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic. Click Here for More Information

NBC news story released on Aug. 31, 2025- CDC surveillance shows outbreaks of rabies rising across the U.S.

How does this affect us in Fargo-Moorhead?  
Our area has had reported cases of rabies. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical. People exposed to a suspected rabid animal undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of injections required to help the body fight off a possible rabies infection.  

It’s the law! Within the Fargo–Moorhead-West Fargo city limits, all dogs and cats are legally required to be up to date on their rabies vaccination.  Veterinary professionals are at a three-times higher exposure risk to a rabid animal than the public. For the health, safety, and protection of our team members and the community,

Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic.  

 

Common questions: 
What if I am bit by a dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact the local police department, and contact your medical provider.

What if my pet is bit by another dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact your veterinary office, and determine if the local police department needs to get involved.

What if my pet is bit by wildlife?  
This could be a public health concern. Contact your veterinarian.  The only way to confirm a rabies infection is by testing non-frozen brain material.  If the wild animal needs to be tested, safety precautions must be used when handling the wild animal.

Do I need to vaccinate my pet if I live in an apartment?
Yes, all dogs and cats within local city limits and surrounding areas are legally required to be kept up to date on their rabies vaccination.

For more information on the human rabies vaccine series, visit the ND Gov website: Rabies Vaccine Information | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Small Animal Care at Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND

Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND offers wellness exams, senior pet checkups, and lifelong care for every life stage.

Small Animal Care in Fargo, ND

At Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND, small animal care is tailored to support the long-term health and comfort of your pet. Our veterinary team offers personalized services for dogs and cats at every life stage, from early development to senior wellness. Whether your pet is due for a routine exam or needs specialized attention, our goal is to provide timely, thorough, and compassionate care.

Vet exam

Preventive Wellness Exams

Annual wellness exams are the foundation of small animal care. These visits allow us to monitor your pet’s overall health, detect changes early, and provide recommendations tailored to their needs. For senior pets (7 years and older), we recommend wellness exams every six months to address age-related conditions more proactively.

A standard wellness visit includes a comprehensive evaluation of the following:

  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Skin and coat condition
  • Teeth and oral health
  • Heart and lung function
  • Joint flexibility and weight trends

During these visits, our veterinarians will also discuss any concerns related to your pet’s behavior, nutrition, parasite prevention, or lifestyle adjustments.

Pediatric Care for Puppies and Kittens

Early veterinary care is essential to your pet’s lifelong well-being. Our first puppy and kitten visits are designed to give young pets a healthy start through a combination of preventive care and education for owners.

First Puppy Visit Includes:

  • Complete physical exam
  • Broad-spectrum deworming
  • Initial vaccines (Bordetella and DAPP – Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
  • Intestinal parasite screening
  • First dose of heartworm and flea/tick prevention

First Kitten Visit Includes:

  • Complete physical exam
  • Broad-spectrum deworming
  • Initial vaccine for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
  • Intestinal parasite screening
  • FeLV/FIV testing (optional based on lifestyle and risk)

These visits are also an opportunity to discuss spaying or neutering, litter training, nutrition, and socialization strategies.

Senior Pet Care and Ongoing Monitoring

Senior pets require more frequent exams to track mobility changes, chronic conditions, and organ function. During biannual senior wellness visits, we may recommend bloodwork, urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging to support early detection of disease and help maintain quality of life.

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) Appointments

Southgate Veterinary Hospital offers appointments with our licensed veterinary technicians for established clients. These visits provide efficient and professional care for services that may be difficult to manage at home, including:

  • Nail trims
  • Anal gland expression
  • Suture or staple removal (from surgeries performed here or elsewhere)

These appointments are convenient for maintaining your pet’s comfort between full exams.

Key Benefits of Small Animal Care at Southgate Veterinary Hospital

  • Lifelong Support: Services tailored for every stage, from young pets to seniors
  • Routine and Preventive Focus: Early detection of health issues through consistent monitoring
  • Customized Care Plans: Recommendations based on your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle
  • Trusted Veterinary Team: Experienced professionals dedicated to clear communication and quality care
  • Convenient LVT Services: Technician appointments available for select procedures

Southgate Veterinary Hospital is committed to providing reliable small animal care in Fargo, ND. Each pet receives individualized attention, and every client can expect guidance rooted in medical knowledge and respect for the human-animal bond. Contact us to book your pet’s next appointment or to learn more about our small animal services.