Celebrating 50 Years of Local and Female Ownership
Southwest Pet Hospital is celebrating 50 years of local and female ownership in Springdale, Arkansas, with a new logo and refreshed exterior. Our new look honors our history and our continued commitment to the pets and families of Northwest Arkansas.
The hospital’s documented history reaches back to September 1969, when newspaper announcements named Southwest Pet Hospital and veterinarians Dr. Donald Mayfield and Dr. Donald G. Wilson. Our tradition of female ownership began in 1976 with Dr. Anita “Sunny” Hinshaw, an early female veterinarian in Northwest Arkansas who helped establish the Springdale animal shelter. She led the practice for nearly 35 years.
Dr. Michelle D. Wendell purchased Southwest Pet Hospital in February 2011. Her approach centers on personalized veterinary care, compassion, and attention to each patient’s unique needs. Through open communication, client education, and a dedicated team, we help families make informed decisions and build lasting relationships rooted in trust.
Dr. Wendell’s commitment has also extended to animals awaiting homes at the Springdale Animal Shelter and through Recycled Rovers Rescue, which she established in 2011 and which became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014. Through the rescue, she has saved more than 1,000 dogs and a handful of cats, giving them a second chance at life.
As an independently owned hospital, our care is guided by a veterinarian who knows our patients, listens to their families, and is personally invested in this community. As we celebrate this milestone in 2026, we look forward to caring for generations to come.