Idaho Falls’ only 24-hour animal hospital is preparing for major expansion under new ownership, with plans to more than double its current space and bring in veterinary specialists to serve eastern Idaho pet owners.
Viking Veterinary Hospital acquired the emergency animal clinic at 3151 McNeill Drive in August 2024, marking the third location for the veterinary partnership formed in 2022. The facility serves as the sole round-the-clock animal hospital within a three-hour radius of Idaho Falls.
From Corporate Buyout to Local Ownership
Dr. Natasha Laughter, one of three veterinarians who founded Viking Veterinary Hospital, previously worked at the Idaho Falls emergency clinic before a national corporation purchased the operation in 2022. The corporate takeover prompted Laughter to consider leaving veterinary medicine entirely.
She partnered with Dr. Dan Lewer and Dr. Dan Richardson to establish Viking Veterinary Hospital, opening their first clinic in Nampa in December 2022. A Moscow location followed in December 2023. When the Idaho Falls facility became available for purchase in 2024, the partnership acquired the operation where Laughter had nearly ended her veterinary career.
The Idaho Falls location originally opened in 2011 as a nights-and-weekends emergency clinic before transitioning to 24-hour operations in 2020. Under Viking’s ownership, the facility continues providing emergency services around the clock.
Pricing Adjustments and Enhanced Services
Following the acquisition, Viking implemented several operational changes at the Idaho Falls location. The new ownership adjusted pricing structures and worked to strengthen relationships with existing staff veterinarians. Many employees remained with the practice under the new management, and additional doctors have been hired to expand services.
The 24-hour emergency operation requires specialized capabilities not found in standard veterinary offices. The facility conducts advanced laboratory testing in-house, delivering immediate results without sending samples to external labs. Equipment on-site includes oxygen cages for animals experiencing respiratory distress and endoscopy tools that allow veterinarians to retrieve swallowed objects without surgical intervention.
Viking Veterinary Hospital also maintains its own blood bank, supplied by donor animals from employee pets and community volunteers. The blood bank serves not only the Idaho Falls location but also sells blood products to other emergency veterinary hospitals in the region.
Blood Donor Program Offers Benefits
Pet owners interested in enrolling their dogs as blood donors must meet specific criteria. Eligible animals must weigh at least 65 pounds and pass health screenings to confirm they can safely donate. The hospital conducts blood typing and tests for infectious diseases, along with behavioral assessments. Light sedation is available when needed.
Participating donors receive free preventative care in exchange for their contributions, including flea, tick and heartworm medications, as well as vaccines. Owners can contact the blood bank at Viking Veterinary Hospital in Idaho Falls for additional information about the donor program.
Major Expansion Planned for Fall Construction
The current facility occupies approximately 2,800 square feet in a strip mall location with only three examination rooms. Increased demand for services has created space constraints that the practice aims to address through a significant expansion project.
Viking Veterinary Hospital has purchased adjacent land for construction of a new standalone building measuring 6,000 square feet. Plans call for at least six examination rooms, with the possibility of expanding to eight rooms. If city permitting proceeds smoothly, construction could begin this fall.
With an estimated construction timeline of eight to 10 months, the new facility could open by summer 2026. The expanded space will accommodate additional staff and resources to serve the growing client base in eastern Idaho.
Veterinary Specialists Coming to Eastern Idaho
The larger facility will enable Viking Veterinary Hospital to bring in board-certified veterinary specialists who complete an additional four years of training beyond veterinary school. These specialists focus on disciplines including surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry and neurology.
The addition of specialist services would provide eastern Idaho pet owners with advanced care options currently requiring travel to larger metropolitan areas. The expansion represents a significant investment in veterinary medicine infrastructure for the Idaho Falls area.
What Comes Next
Viking Veterinary Hospital continues operating its emergency services at the existing Idaho Falls location while working through the permitting process for the new building. The practice maintains its 24-hour availability for animal emergencies throughout the construction planning phase.
Pet owners seeking emergency veterinary care can visit the clinic at 3151 McNeill Drive at any hour. The facility’s round-the-clock operations remain unchanged during the transition period, ensuring continuity of emergency services for animals in Bonneville County and surrounding areas.
As the only 24-hour animal hospital serving a wide radius in eastern Idaho, the expansion of Viking Veterinary Hospital addresses a critical need for emergency and specialized veterinary care in the region. The new facility’s completion will mark a substantial upgrade in veterinary medicine capacity for Idaho Falls and the broader eastern Idaho community.