Our Four-Legged Friends and More is Back — and Better Than Ever! Noozhawk is thrilled to bring back this beloved special section, dedicated to celebrating the pets — and the people who love them. Whether they bark, purr, chirp, or slither, our furry, feathered, and scaly companions deserve the very best — and we’re here to showcase exactly that.
This fun and heartwarming edition spotlights the amazing local businesses, organizations, and experts committed to pet wellness across Santa Barbara County. From grooming and veterinary care to training, boarding, and pet-friendly services, this guide is your go-to resource for all things animal care.
In this issue, Noozhawk interviewed Michael Kelly, owner at The Goodland Pet Hospital, to learn more about their services — and how they’re making tails wag and people happy all year long.
The Goodland Pet Hospital
Question: What is the name of your business or practice?
Answer: The Goodland Pet Hospital.
Q: What is the mission behind your business?
A: At The Goodland Pet Hospital, our mission is to provide exceptional veterinary care grounded in compassion, integrity, and personalized service. We are committed to practicing the highest standard of medicine while fostering a warm, welcoming environment where pets and their families feel respected, supported, and understood.
Through honest communication, attentive care, and deep community connection, we aim to build lasting relationships and help every pet live a healthier, happier life.
Q: What types of animals does your business cater to?
A: Dogs and cats.
Q: Can you describe the services or products your business offers?
A: At The Goodland Pet Hospital, we offer comprehensive veterinary care to keep your pets healthy at every stage of life. Our services include:
Preventive Care – Wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and tailored care plans
Diagnostics & Imaging – In-house lab work, digital X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, and EKG
Dental Care – Dental exams, cleanings, and advanced treatment options
Surgery – Soft tissue and orthopedic procedures with attentive pre- and post-op care
Dermatology – Diagnosis and treatment of skin, ear, and allergy conditions
Internal Medicine – Advanced care for chronic and complex medical issues
Urgent Care – Same-day appointments and procedures for time-sensitive concerns
Pet Travel Assistance – USDA-accredited health certificates and guidance for domestic and international travel
We take the time to listen, explain, and partner with you to ensure the best outcomes for your pet.
Q: How long have you been in this industry?
A: We have been in the industry for 14 years.
Q: What makes your business or practice unique?
A: We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where both pets and their owners feel like family. Our team is dedicated to building lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring that every visit is comfortable and personalized.
We believe in taking the time necessary to thoroughly assess and treat your pet. Our appointments can last up to an hour, allowing us to listen carefully to your concerns and provide detailed explanations of diagnoses and treatment options.
Q: What training, education and experience do you and your staff have? Do you hold any professional certifications?
A: Our veterinarians are licensed professionals who stay current with the latest advancements in veterinary care to ensure the best outcomes for your pets. We offer a range of services, including preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and behavioral consultations, all delivered with a focus on empathy and understanding.
We are also equipped to assist with pet travel requirements, providing health certificates for both interstate and international journeys, in accordance with USDA guidelines.
Q: What is your level of expertise regarding pet health and behavior?
A: With over 40 years of service to the Goleta and Santa Barbara communities, The Goodland Pet Hospital offers experienced, comprehensive care grounded in medical excellence and compassion. Our team brings a strong skillset across key areas of veterinary medicine, including internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, diagnostics, and dentistry.
We provide thorough dental care—from routine cleanings to advanced procedures—to help maintain your pet’s comfort, health, and overall well-being. Our clinic is equipped with modern technology, including digital X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, and in-house lab capabilities, enabling us to deliver accurate, timely care.
As a USDA-accredited facility, we also assist with pet travel, offering guidance and health certification for both domestic and international trips. We’re committed to continuous learning, attentive communication, and thoughtful treatment—so pets and their people always feel supported and cared for.
Every member of our team, from our doctors to our kennel techs, are committed to ongoing education and best practices, ensuring your pet receives knowledgeable, up-to-date care in a compassionate and low-stress environment.
Q: How do you manage behavioral problems?
A: At The Goodland Pet Hospital, we know that behavioral challenges can be stressful for both pets and their people. That’s why we approach behavior concerns with patience, empathy, and proven Fear Free techniques designed to reduce anxiety and build trust.
Whether your pet is dealing with fear, aggression, noise sensitivity, or stress at the vet, our team works to create a calm, supportive environment. We focus on gentle handling, individualized plans, and open communication with pet owners to help manage behavior in a way that supports both emotional and physical health.
Our goal is to make every visit a positive experience—for both you and your pet.
Q: Do you work with all breeds/age groups?
A: Yes we do.
Q: What method of training do you use? (i.e. positive reinforcement, electronic training, clicker training, training equipment, etc.)
A: We are strong proponents of positive reinforcement.
Q: What do you do if a pet is aggressive towards you, your staff, or other animals?
A: At The Goodland Pet Hospital, we understand that aggression in pets often stems from fear, pain, or anxiety. Our team is trained to respond with calm, non-confrontational techniques rooted in Fear Free principles, designed to reduce stress and build trust over time.
If a pet becomes aggressive during a visit, we take the following steps:
Pause and assess: We stop and evaluate the situation to protect both the pet and our team. We never force a procedure that could escalate fear or risk injury.
Minimize stressors: We adjust the environment—using low lighting, quiet spaces, or pheromone diffusers—and apply gentle, low-stress handling techniques.
Modify the plan: When needed, we may reschedule the appointment, offer pre-visit medications (like anti-anxiety meds), or develop a desensitization plan tailored to the pet’s needs.
Communicate clearly: We involve the owner every step of the way, working together to understand the pet’s triggers and develop a care strategy that prioritizes their emotional well-being.
Our goal is always to ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone involved—without compromising the pet’s trust or dignity.
Q: What advice would you give to a new pet owner?
A: Bringing a new pet into your family is exciting—and sometimes a little overwhelming! We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Here are a few recommendations to help your new furry friend thrive:
Schedule a wellness exam early — A thorough check-up helps us get to know your pet’s health history, set up a vaccination plan, and catch any early concerns.
Discuss nutrition and diet — Every pet’s needs are different. We’ll help you choose the right food and feeding schedule to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Set up parasite prevention — Fleas, ticks, and worms can pose serious health risks. We’ll recommend safe, effective prevention based on your pet’s lifestyle.
Begin socialization and training — Positive experiences and gentle training help pets adjust to their new environment and develop good behavior. We can offer advice or referrals.
Ask about microchipping — It’s the best way to protect your pet in case they get lost.
Keep emergency info handy — Make a list of important phone numbers, including our clinic, your local emergency vet, and a trusted pet sitter or friend.
Stay up-to-date on vaccinations — Keeping vaccines current helps protect your pet and those around them.
Watch for behavioral changes — If you notice anything unusual, let us know. Early intervention can make a big difference.
We are excited to be part of your pet’s journey and are always here to answer questions or provide guidance!
Q: Are you currently accepting new clients?
A: Yes we are!
Q: Can you name a few common reasons animals end up in your shelter?
A: We are a hospital, not a shelter, but most of our patients are coming in for general checkups.
Q: What kinds of challenges have you faced within the pet care industry? How did you or your team manage them?
A: Like many businesses, The Goodland Pet Hospital faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid changes in safety protocols, evolving client needs, and supply chain disruptions meant we had to rethink how we deliver care—all while staying true to our commitment to compassion and excellence.
Through it all, our team showed incredible resilience, creativity, and dedication. We adapted by enhancing contactless check-ins, implementing curbside services, and increasing our communication to keep clients informed and comfortable. These changes allowed us to continue providing the high-quality care pets deserve while prioritizing the health and safety of our community.
We emerged from this experience stronger and more connected, with renewed appreciation for the trust our clients place in us. Moving forward, we remain committed to flexible, thoughtful care that meets the needs of pets and their families—no matter what challenges arise.
Q: How do you help make your client feel at ease leaving their pet in your care?
A: We know it’s not always easy to leave your pet in someone else’s hands—especially when they’re sick, nervous, or undergoing a procedure. That’s why at The Goodland Pet Hospital, we go out of our way to make sure every client feels confident, informed, and supported.
Here’s how we help build that trust:
Clear, compassionate communication – We walk you through every step of your pet’s care plan and make sure your questions are answered. We speak openly, respectfully, and in plain language so you feel informed, not overwhelmed.
Fear Free environment – Our team uses gentle handling and calming techniques to ensure your pet feels as safe and stress-free as possible, whether they’re here for a wellness visit or something more complex.
Warm, familiar faces – We work hard to maintain continuity of care, so your pet sees familiar team members and you build lasting relationships with people who truly know and care about your animal.
Updates and reassurance – Whether your pet is staying with us for surgery or an extended treatment, we provide timely updates and check-ins so you’re never left wondering how they’re doing.
A culture of kindness – Our team treats every pet as if they were our own—with patience, empathy, and respect. You’re not just dropping your pet off at a clinic—you’re leaving them with people who genuinely care.
Q: Can you describe the process to adopt an animal at your shelter?
A: We are not a shelter and do not have pets available for adoption.
Q: Are you a nonprofit? Do you accept donations?
A: No we are not a nonprofit.
Q: How do you keep the public informed about your business or service(s)?
A: We post updates to our website as well as send messages out.
Q: What is the typical cost of your service(s) or product(s)? Do you offer any payment plans or discounts?
A: Our general exam fee is $99. Before moving forward with any other services, we provide a detailed estimate and explanation.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Q: What is one fun fact about your business?
A: Our resident clinic cat Claire can often be seen sunbathing in the window.
Click here to learn more about The Goodland Pet Hospital!