Our Partners

At Saltwater Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing your pets with the highest standard of care. We partner with highly skilled veterinary specialists in radiology and specialty surgery to ensure we offer a comprehensive range of services. Learn more about our esteemed partners below:

My name is Dr. Brian Heiser, and I have been a board-certified veterinary surgeon since 2017. With a strong dedication to veterinary medicine, I have been expanding my practice throughout the South Puget Sound region, with occasional service days in Spokane. As a mobile surgeon, I perform specialized orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.

I am accompanied by my licensed technician, Parris Ancheta, LVT, who plays a crucial role in our surgical team. Together, we strive to enhance the surgical capabilities of local veterinary practices, ensuring that pets receive the highest quality of care without the need for referrals to distant specialty centers.

Our approach allows us to work closely with general practice veterinarians, acting as independent consultants while maintaining the primary relationship between the practice and their clients. This collaborative model not only provides advanced surgical options within the familiar environment of the local veterinary hospital but also helps practices retain the revenue associated with these procedures.

When I'm not in surgery, I enjoy engaging with the veterinary community, sharing knowledge, and discussing the latest advancements in veterinary surgery. My availability is typically from Monday to Wednesday, with limited emergency availability outside these days.

I am passionate about the work I do and am excited to continue building partnerships with local practices to deliver specialized surgical care to pets in need.

Dr. Vanessa Rizzo is a board-certified veterinary medical oncologist and the owner of Hope Veterinary Oncology Services.  Dr. Rizzo earned her DVM from Western University of Health Sciences in 2010.  She completed a rotating internship in small animal surgery and internal medicine at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.  She then completed a three-year veterinary medical oncology residency at Cornell University and earned boarded certification in 2015.  Dr. Rizzo has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 2014.

It is here that she saw a need for more personalized and accessible medicine. The Pacific Northwest is vast, and distance alone can be a barrier for many to seek out or continue cancer care for their four-legged loved ones. That’s why she started Hope Veterinary Oncology Services, and they are thrilled to be bringing veterinary cancer care closer to your home!

By partnering with these exceptional specialists, Saltwater Animal Hospital ensures that your pets receive comprehensive and specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Our collaborative approach allows us to provide a seamless and integrated experience, delivering the highest standard of veterinary care.