Airport Animal Hospital was founded and opened by Dr. Tom Hohl in 1978. Dr. Hohl worked long and hard to build a quality veterinary practice and was effective in earning the trust of a loyal client base. Dr. Paul Fitzgerald joined the practice as an associate in July, 2000. The practice grew quickly, and only two years later, in June 2002, Dr. Christine Wickenheiser was hired. In July, 2003, an ownership transition was made when Dr. Fitzgerald purchased the practice.
Dr. Leslie Clapper-Rentz joined in August, 2005, and together this group of capable and knowledgable veterinarians, along with our wonderful staff, have helped Airport Animal Hospital grow into the busy and reputable veterinary practice that it is today. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to serving your needs.
Dr. Leslie Clapper-Rentz joined in August, 2005, and together this group of capable and knowledgable veterinarians, along with our wonderful staff, have helped Airport Animal Hospital grow into the busy and reputable veterinary practice that it is today. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to serving your needs.
Served areas
- Duluth, Hermantown, Esko, Pike Lake, Cloquet, Superior
Associations and certifications
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association
- Arrowhead Veterinary Medical Association
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Services
Wellness and Preventative Care
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The Importance of Flea and Tick Prevention. Now that summer is fast approaching, your pets have a greater probability of becoming infested with ticks and fleas. These parasites thrive in warmer weather although they may go dormant during the winter in colder regions. Our early onset of spring in MN this year has greatly increased this probability.
In addition to the discomfort and sometimes misery that these parasites can bring to your pet, you and other members of your family may also be affected. When a pet has ticks or fleas, you, your kids and other members of the household may notice small bites on your bodies, especially around the ankles. There are even cases where pet owners wake up to find that a tick has attached itself to a part of their body. As mentioned earlier, ticks are main carriers of Lyme disease which can also affect humans.
In addition to the discomfort and sometimes misery that these parasites can bring to your pet, you and other members of your family may also be affected. When a pet has ticks or fleas, you, your kids and other members of the household may notice small bites on your bodies, especially around the ankles. There are even cases where pet owners wake up to find that a tick has attached itself to a part of their body. As mentioned earlier, ticks are main carriers of Lyme disease which can also affect humans.
Vaccination
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Digital X-Ray
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Digital Radiography. Airport Animal Hospital invested in a Fuji digital X-ray system in September of 2009. Digital radiography is superior to traditional X-ray systems in many ways.
Images created with digital systems show more contrast than film based X-rays, offering much higher diagnostic accuracy and value. If the original image appears too dark or too light we often have the ability to adjust and correct the image contrast without having to retake the X-ray. Digital images can be zoomed in on and adjusted in other ways to reveal more detail. The image is quickly available for viewing and can even be sent to specialists for consultation, should the need arise.
Images created with digital systems show more contrast than film based X-rays, offering much higher diagnostic accuracy and value. If the original image appears too dark or too light we often have the ability to adjust and correct the image contrast without having to retake the X-ray. Digital images can be zoomed in on and adjusted in other ways to reveal more detail. The image is quickly available for viewing and can even be sent to specialists for consultation, should the need arise.
Home Again Microchipping
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Airport Animal Hospital currently uses Home Again microchipping as our preferred form of permanent pet identification.
Dog and cat microchipping is a simple procedure. A veterinarian simply injects a microchip for pets, about the size of a grain of rice (12mm) , beneath the surface of your pets skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not likely react any more than he would to a vaccination. Anesthetic is usually not required.
Dog and cat microchipping is a simple procedure. A veterinarian simply injects a microchip for pets, about the size of a grain of rice (12mm) , beneath the surface of your pets skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not likely react any more than he would to a vaccination. Anesthetic is usually not required.
People
Paul Fitzgerald DVM
CEO
Dr. Paul Fitzgerald grew up in Rochester, Minnesota. He attended St. Cloud State University for his undergraduate work and University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for his veterinary training. Upon completion of veterinary school in 2000, Paul accepted a position as an associate at Airport Animal Hospital and moved to Duluth. In July, 2003, Dr. Fitzgerald became owner of the practice.
Dr. Fitzgerald and his wife stay very busy raising their family of five young children. He enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing and hunting, camping, and golf. He is very involved in the community serving on the Animal Allies Humane Society board of directors, Dravet.org board of directors, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota northern regional advisory committee, the St. John's School Commission, and is a member of the St. Benedict's Knights of Columbus.
DVM - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
B.A. Biomedical Science - St. Cloud State University
Dr. Fitzgerald and his wife stay very busy raising their family of five young children. He enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing and hunting, camping, and golf. He is very involved in the community serving on the Animal Allies Humane Society board of directors, Dravet.org board of directors, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota northern regional advisory committee, the St. John's School Commission, and is a member of the St. Benedict's Knights of Columbus.
DVM - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
B.A. Biomedical Science - St. Cloud State University
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Reviews (22)
Mary Reynolds
Jun 23, 2022
We are very disappointed and saddened by the manner in which the staff at Airport Animal Hospital handles patients in crisis. We had established, regular care for our pet for the past 2 years. This month, our pet had a seizure, (followed by a stroke, occurring after our phone call) and we were told when we phoned at 8am that "We are fully booked and we can attend to you next week." When I further described the condition of our pet and I broke down crying we were put on hold, then told this, "You can do a 'Wait & See'.
Come to our parking lot. You may need to wait 10 minutes or 2 hours, or.you'll have to wait and see." They close at 5pm, no weekends hours, no referral to another doctor was given. We called another clinic and they immediately took us in and explained that our situation takes priority despite not being a client there. Their staff handled our situation seamlessly and professionally without losing time with their scheduled clients.
This office has medical protocols in place to handle pets and people in need of acute medical assistance, as should all accredited Veterinarians, as should the doctors at Airport Animal Hospital (AAH). The AAH falls way below the standard of care. The AAH need to be aware of how they are effecting the entire community by not meeting basic standards of care.
Come to our parking lot. You may need to wait 10 minutes or 2 hours, or.you'll have to wait and see." They close at 5pm, no weekends hours, no referral to another doctor was given. We called another clinic and they immediately took us in and explained that our situation takes priority despite not being a client there. Their staff handled our situation seamlessly and professionally without losing time with their scheduled clients.
This office has medical protocols in place to handle pets and people in need of acute medical assistance, as should all accredited Veterinarians, as should the doctors at Airport Animal Hospital (AAH). The AAH falls way below the standard of care. The AAH need to be aware of how they are effecting the entire community by not meeting basic standards of care.
Bailey Lofgren
May 07, 2022
Patricia Monson Geerts
Mar 08, 2022
Sydney Bee
Feb 26, 2022
Kay Upnorth
Jan 27, 2022
Highly recommended. They are friendly, professional and caring. Our new kitten required an overnight stay with his recent surgery. He came home happy, healthy and full of energy. AND- they followed up his stay with a phone call to see how he was doing. The entire staff is experienced, but Dr Mary Wictor is truly outstanding!
Scott Welty
Dec 12, 2021
K. Meenan
Jan 03, 2021
This place used to be great. For simple wellness visits, maybe they still are. However, I would not trust them with anything more serious than that, as they are too busy and too unprofessional to cater to anything past annual shots and a prescription for flea and tick medications. We learned that the hard way. If you want quality care, please go elsewhere.
Lauren McDonald
Dec 18, 2020
THE BEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN DULUTH! Unfortunately, when having to put my cat down for medical issues, I called all around Duluth to find a place available at a reasonable price. Some places wanted a ton of money and were not very willing to help. I ended up choosing Airport Animal Hospital due to their reasonable prices. However, I got way more than that.
I had never used this animal hospital before. They were so kind and caring when I had to bring my pet in to put down and gave me ample time to say my goodbyes. The vet that helped put my cat down was extremely and genuinely caring and sympathized with my loss. He also made sure to comfort my cat during her last few moments. All of the staff were very sincere and nice.
A week or two later, I received a postcard in the mail that said "sorry for your loss". Multiple staff members signed it. They truly care about their patients and want to provide quality service at a reasonable price. I will continue to take my pets to this place and feel so lucky to have found it!
I had never used this animal hospital before. They were so kind and caring when I had to bring my pet in to put down and gave me ample time to say my goodbyes. The vet that helped put my cat down was extremely and genuinely caring and sympathized with my loss. He also made sure to comfort my cat during her last few moments. All of the staff were very sincere and nice.
A week or two later, I received a postcard in the mail that said "sorry for your loss". Multiple staff members signed it. They truly care about their patients and want to provide quality service at a reasonable price. I will continue to take my pets to this place and feel so lucky to have found it!
Mary
Nov 03, 2020
Audrey S.
Apr 28, 2020
Robert Krob
Oct 23, 2019
Bill Mars
Oct 19, 2018
Dean Packingham
Jan 17, 2018
Alayna Marie
Feb 19, 2017
As the mom to two ferrets, I am usually met with people who openly state they don't know how to care for ferrets, or they pretend they do and make matters worse. Mary Wictor at Airport Animal Hospital is THE ONLY vet I have met with whom I trust entirely. Her passion for animals, AND their owners, is such a rare gift to have in one professional. Mary would give the shirt off her back for any animal or person in need, and makes sure me and my pets understand what the plan is, what to expect, and what to do in worst-case scenarios.
With Mary's team of exceptional certified vet techs, Airport Animal Hospital is all-around amazing. Even the receptionists are angels! I cannot stress enough how amazing these employees truly are.
With Mary's team of exceptional certified vet techs, Airport Animal Hospital is all-around amazing. Even the receptionists are angels! I cannot stress enough how amazing these employees truly are.
Jason Rasch
Sep 14, 2016
Dr Fitzgerald genuinely cares for his patients and takes the time to explain what is going on to the owners. My wife and I have been bringing our dogs there for years and have never had a bad experience. The entire staff make customers feel like they are getting the best care possible....mostly because they give the best care possible!
Lori Amendola
Jun 29, 2016
Love the clinic and all the great doctors that we've seen but Dr. Christine Wickenheiser is my go to :) I've brought in rescues, a pup that ended up having more specialists than I do and go in for routine care. Everyone there loves animals and that loving care shows in everything they do. The prices are fair and the
Bobbi Jo P.
Mar 13, 2015
I have an asthmatic cat and the staff at Airport Animal Hospital have been amazing in getting him all the care he needs, from a quick and decisive emergency response to respiratory distress to prescriptions and supplements. I know my pets are in good hands with their staff, especially Dr. Wickenheiser. Would recommend to everyone - can't speak highly enough.
Taylor Anderson
I've been going here almost a year now for my eastern box turtle and they are wonderful. I have never had any problems and the staff are very kind all around. They are the only place around my house who will see reptiles. They have trimmed his nails and beak for me and given me handouts on extra special care for my little dude. Awesome place
Caitlin Nova
Been bringing my dog there since she was 4 months old, she is almost 3 now. They are considerate and caring. I feel like they have the animals best interest at heart. They make accommodations, and I trust their opinions. Been through simple check ups to surgeries and they treat each situation with concern. 100% trust
Kevin Stewart
We want to thank Dr. Mary Wictor and staff for the excellent care for our beloved bunny Oreo. It was a very difficult day, we really appreciate the care and compassion. Over the years she was wonderful with Oreo, and on the last day of his life she was kind, caring and understanding in easing his journey.
Haley Adams
I take all of my fur babies here, I love that they see dogs, cats, and other "exotic" type pets like guinea pigs. All of the staff are super friendly and really care about the well being of your pet. They also do consider how price can affect what customers get and will work with you to get the best care possible.
A.S.