St. Francis Animal Hospital is thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael Petersen to our team! Dr. Petersen received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. He began his career serving rescue pets with MARS Veterinary Services in Brooklyn Park. He transitioned to Diamond Lake Animal Hospital in Minneapolis, where he has been a lead veterinarian for nearly eight years. Dr. Petersen is especially passionate about surgery, dentistry, and ultrasonography, and is a member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is a respected voice in our local veterinary community, and we are excited to be able to offer his skills to our clients and patients.
Outside of the clinic, Mike spends most of his time at home with his wife, Erin, and three children, Hazel, Ivy and Jasper. He shares this home with two amazing feline family members, Cocoa (pictured) and Luna, as well as a number of fish. In his spare time, Mike enjoys playing ultimate frisbee competitively, as well as disc golf. Drag’n Thrust, his ultimate frisbee team, won the US National Title in 2013 and 2014 and went on to win the World Title in 2014!
“We have known Mike since he graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Throughout the years, he has become very well-respected within the veterinary community, first working with rescue pets, then dedicating nearly eight years to an independently-owned veterinary practice in South Minneapolis. He is known for the outstanding care that he provides to his patients; his thorough communication and collaboration with his clients; his expertise in surgery, dentistry, and ultrasonography; and the active role he takes in advancing veterinary care in Minnesota. We are honored to have Dr. Petersen at St Francis. He is a wonderful addition to our team of exceptional doctors.” – Dr. Jennifer Blair
Why do you love being a veterinarian?
I came about the realization I wanted to be a vet more slowly than most. I had finished my undergraduate degree in Biology without a firm plan, and found my way into the pet industry, and realized that I wanted more challenges, more interesting work, and above all, more ability to help. I have always had an inquisitive mind, and love the diagnostic challenges that come along with the job. Above all, I love seeing the bonds grow between pet parents and their furry kids. The relationships built between myself, your pet and you are why I love what I do.
Why are you excited to join St. Francis Animal Hospital?
I am very excited to join such a knowledgeable, compassionate and professional team at St. Francis. It’s so important to me, not only to provide the best care I can for my patients, but develop lasting relationships with their families. This is what really makes the work worthwhile. In the brief time I have gotten to know the staff, I have been very impressed with everyone working here. I will love having such a great team of doctors and staff with so much experience to make sure that all my patients receive the best care possible. I’m also excited to meet all of you and your furry friends!
Thank you to everyone for giving Dr. Petersen a warm welcome to our community! You can book appointments and surgical/dental procedures with Dr. Petersen beginning on February 22nd.
