About Sandhills Veterinary Hospital
At Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that pets are an important part of the family. When you choose a veterinary hospital in Columbia, SC, you want more than medical care alone. You want a team that will treat your dog or cat with compassion, communicate clearly, and help you feel confident in every decision about your pet’s health.
A Veterinary Hospital in Columbia, SC That Treats Your Pets Like Family
Our team is proud to offer professional, welcoming veterinary care for dogs and cats in Columbia with an approach that is both thoughtful and personal. Whether your pet needs preventive care, diagnostic testing, surgery, or support through the senior years, we are here to help with trusted guidance and a caring touch.
Our Story
Sandhills Veterinary Hospital opened in August 2012 and is locally owned by Dr. John Thomas and Stephanie Johnston Thomas. The practice was built on a shared vision: to combine a love of animals, strong medical knowledge, and a commitment to serving pet owners with integrity and compassion.
As a family-run small business, Sandhills Veterinary Hospital was created to be a place where pets, clients, and team members are all treated with care and respect. Dr. Thomas’s medical background, combined with Stephanie’s legal and business experience, helped shape a practice centered on both quality veterinary medicine and meaningful client relationships.
Over the years, the hospital has continued to grow with the support of long-term team members who feel like family. That sense of connection remains an important part of who we are today. We know how much pets mean to the people who love them — we are pet parents too. We bring that understanding into every appointment.
Compassionate Care for Dogs and Cats
At Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to support your pet’s health through every stage of life. We believe in delivering up-to-date veterinary care while also taking the time to get to know you, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported.
We care for dogs and cats with services designed to promote long-term wellness and address a wide range of medical needs. From routine wellness exams and vaccinations to laboratory testing, X-rays, soft tissue surgery, and geriatric care, we are here to help your pet stay healthy and comfortable. We also provide new puppy and kitten exams to help young pets get started with the preventive care they need early in life.
No matter the reason for your visit, our team is committed to providing care that is professional, compassionate, and centered on your pet’s well-being.
What Sets Our Veterinary Hospital Apart
Choosing the right veterinarian in Columbia, SC matters. At Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, we work hard to provide a client experience built on trust, empathy, and reliable medical support.
A Family-Focused Approach
We treat your pets like family because we know that is what they are. Every recommendation we make is guided by the same care and consideration we would want for our own pets.
Professional, Reliable Care
Our hospital provides dependable veterinary services in a clean, welcoming environment, giving clients a trusted place for both routine and advanced care.
Personalized Guidance
Every pet is unique. We take the time to understand your pet’s lifestyle, health history, and individual needs so we can recommend care that makes sense for them.
A Welcoming Experience
We know veterinary visits can feel stressful at times. Our team works to create an experience that feels supportive, respectful, and reassuring for both pets and their people.
Proudly Serving Columbia and the Surrounding Community
Sandhills Veterinary Hospital is located in Northeast Columbia in the Clemson Road Office Park, between I-77 and Hard Scrabble Road. Our hospital is proud to serve pet owners in Columbia, SC and surrounding communities with compassionate veterinary care for dogs and cats.
Being part of this community means a great deal to us. We are grateful for the trust local families place in our team, and we are committed to being a dependable resource for pet care close to home.
Community Involvement
Supporting our community is an important part of who we are. Sandhills Veterinary Hospital is proud to give back to organizations and causes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and animals throughout the area.
Our hospital has supported groups including SQ Rescue, Guardians of the Night with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Harvest Hope Food Bank, and various local schools’ sports and fundraising events. We also sponsor two dogs for Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services, providing all of their medical care at no cost because we believe assistance dogs play an important role in so many lives.
These efforts reflect the values that guide our practice each day: compassion, service, and a sincere commitment to the community we call home.
Supporting Our Community: Proud Partner of PAALS
At Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, we believe veterinary care extends beyond the walls of our clinic. We are proud to support our local community by partnering with PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services), a Columbia-based nonprofit dedicated to training service dogs for individuals with disabilities.
PAALS works to enrich and empower children and adults with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities by training highly skilled assistance dogs and providing animal-assisted programs. These dogs play an important role in helping people live more independent, confident, and fulfilling lives.
Sandhills Veterinary Hospital is honored to be a veterinary partner of PAALS. As part of this partnership, we sponsor two service dogs in training by providing all of their veterinary care.
A Team You Can Trust
When you bring your pet to Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, you can expect a veterinary team that values honesty, communication, and quality care. We know that trust is earned, and we work to build that trust with every visit by listening carefully, offering thoughtful recommendations, and treating every pet with kindness.
Our clients come to us looking for a veterinary hospital in Columbia, SC where they can feel comfortable asking questions and confident in the care their pet receives. We are honored to be that trusted partner for so many families.