The compassionate, skilled team at Cottage Grove Animal Hospital know their clients’ pets are treasured members of the family. This is why their goal is to provide the best veterinary care for pets in the Cottage Grove area.
Dr. Mike Thrasher opened Cottage Grove Animal Hospital in 2000. Since elementary school, Dr. Thrasher knew he wanted to be a veterinarian. However, it was his internship in Nairobi, Kenya as an undergraduate that solidified his career choice.
Before attending veterinary school, Dr. Thrasher spent two years working at a veterinary clinic in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. Dr. Thrasher earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, Dr. Thrasher completed advanced training in medicine and surgery at the University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College.
“I find my clients to be the most satisfying aspect of my job,” Dr. Thrasher says. “While I enjoy diagnosing and treating pets, I believe the bonds I’ve formed with many of my clients over the past 25 years have kept my love of my job alive.”
In 2001, Dr. Peg Frank joined her husband, Dr. Thrasher, as owner of Cottage Grove Animal Hospital. When it comes to veterinary medicine, Dr. Frank most enjoys “the challenge and detective work of properly diagnosing and treating someone’s beloved family member while staying within their financial means.” Dr. Frank earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and along with her husband, she completed advanced training in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College.
Dr. Sarah Whatley joined Cottage Grove Animal Hospital in January of 2006 as an associate veterinarian. In October of 2014, she became one of the practice’s owners. Originally from LaCrosse, WI, Dr. Whatley moved to Chanhassen, MN when she was eleven years old. She loved horses and it was when her quarter horse, Classy Chassis, developed colic and was treated that she got an in-depth look into veterinary medicine and was “hooked.” Dr. Whatley went to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with a concentration in small animal medicine and surgery.
“The most satisfying part of being a veterinarian is getting to know my clients and their families,” Dr. Whatley says. “I love helping my clients learn how to care for their dogs and cats and support them through the good and bad times. The best cases are those in which I know I can make a huge difference in the life of my patients. Educating my clients and supporting them by finding treatment options that they can afford and can administer at home are two of the things I spend most of my time doing.”
All three of Cottage Grove Animal Hospital’s veterinarians see cats and dogs. Dr. Frank also sees rabbits, guinea pigs, and other pocket pets. Their mission is to provide the highest-quality pet health and wellness services so their clients and their patients can live the longest, healthiest, and happiest life together. Cottage Grove Animal Hospital also offers diagnostic and surgical capabilities, as well as advanced veterinary technology including an in-house laboratory.
If you are in the Cottage Grove area and currently seeking a family veterinarian, contact Cottage Grove Animal Hospital at 651-768-0200.
As an emergency and specialty referral hospital, AERC has a number of member clinics throughout the Twin Cities. We highly value our relationships with these family veterinarians, including Cottage Grove Animal Hospital. We encourage every pet owner to have a family veterinarian for regular wellness check-ups and vaccinations. For a complete list of our member clinics, click here.
