
Where Pets Are Family, Too.
“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”
-Colette
Our Story
In the summer of 2003, we “hung our shingle” in a cozy 1,200 square foot suite, nestled between an indoor tanning salon and a quiet office space. With only a handful of clients and fueled with the energy of youth, we began hosting puppy parties in our clinic. Munching on Chips Ahoy with clients while watching their newest four-legged additions romp and wrestle, we were granted the gift of friendships and the honor of walking alongside these families through the lives of their precious pups. As our clientele grew, our IKEA-efficient space began to feel a little too cozy.
Always on the hunt for a “new home,” we stumbled upon an answer to prayer: a larger building within the same area! Our new location is now only a half mile from our original site and provides the space we so desperately needed. Dr. Jen’s office is no longer shared with the X-ray machine! It’s hard to believe we first opened our doors twenty-two years ago! We’ve watched our clinic family grow, welcomed our own children and those of our staff, and continue to share life with so many of our clients. We’re truly honored and humbled to play a part in the lives of such wonderful people and their priceless fur babies.
Our Mission
We believe that pets truly are family too and will always treat them as such. We emphasize kindness and compassion, ensuring this extends not just to our four-legged friends, but to all of our pet parents as well. We never cease to be amazed by the profound depth of the human-animal bond, understanding that this remarkable relationship is vital to the lives of both. One of our greatest privileges is to protect and nurture this deep, abiding friendship.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Jennifer Vigil Smith, DVM
Graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Smith is a New Mexico native. Growing up, she was surrounded by a menagerie of animals in her rural home of Tomè. Included were two horses, a clutch of dogs, stray cats always ready to accept a free meal, and even a tank filled with goldfish. Inspired by James Herriot, Dr. Smith set her sights on becoming a veterinarian. She graduated from Colorado State University (twice): once as an undergraduate and then with her veterinary medical degree in 2001. In 2003, she and her husband opened Desert Hills Animal Clinic.
While Dr. Smith has never delivered a calf in the middle of the night during a wintery blizzard (maybe she isn’t exactly like James Herriot), she is honored to play a part in so many wonderful two and four-legged families. She enjoys medicine, dentistry, preventive care, and client education. Dr. Smith shares her life with her wonderful husband, Scott, two beautiful daughters, and their trio of dogs. They stay busy with homeschool, travel, volunteering with church events, and lots of outdoor time.
Dr. Elisa Trullinger, DVM
Graduate of Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Trullinger graduated in 2003 from a joint program of Oregon State University and Washington State University. She has been practicing at Desert Hills Animal Clinic since 2012. While all of veterinary medicine excites her, her main interests include surgery, preventative medicine, and client education. She has been blessed to be able to use her skills to provide veterinary care for underserved animal owners in Bolivia and on the Navajo Nation through Christian Veterinary Missions. Dr. Trullinger is also an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University, and has been serving in their Diagnostic Challenge program since 2012.
Elisa hails from Oregon, where she grew up and married her college sweet-heart, Von. They moved to New Mexico in 2004, and love living in the East Mountains. They have 4 children, and she spends her “spare” time away from the clinic homeschooling them. She and her husband also volunteer with True North Financial Ministries by teaching one-day Biblical financial workshops and providing financial counseling. With any other extra time she enjoys being involved in their church, hiking and enjoying the outdoors, learning, and teaching. She currently has one bouncy, lab-hound mix dog that makes sure she’s out for a walk at least twice daily!
Visit Us
6501 Wyoming Blvd. NE
Bldg. A
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone:
(505) 821-4990
By Appointment Only
Hours:
Monday–Friday
8AM - 5PM Every Other Saturday
8:30AM - 12:30pm