At Meriden Animal, we are more than just a veterinary clinic – we’re a family dedicated to helping pets and their parents live their best, healthiest lives. Our practice is built on a foundation of proactive and preventive healthcare, and we firmly believe that every pet deserves the highest quality of individualized care. We’re a privately owned, full-service small animal veterinary hospital with a team of four compassionate veterinarians. We offer services including wellness visits, diagnostic procedures, dental, soft tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, pharmacy, prescription food, internal medicine, advanced diagnostic capabilities in addition to digital x-ray and ultrasound. Our recently renovated facility with state-of-the-art equipment and services allows us the opportunity to not only treat your pet when they are ill but help keep them healthy through all stages of their life. Through education, guidance, and individualized care, we are honored to become a holistic partner in your pet’s life.
Come see what our clients haved loved for over 50 years, and why we’re consistently voted Best Veterinarian & Best Place to Work by the Record-Journal and CT Now.
James St. Clair, DVM
Dr. James joined his father, affectionately know by both patients and staff as Doc, at Meriden Animal Hospital in 2004 after earning his DVM from Ross University. He purchased the practice from Doc in 2007.
Dr. James earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. Dr. James studied at the University of Illinois for his clinical training and specialized in radiology, ultrasounds, and physical therapy.
While Dr. James loves all aspects of veterinarian medicine he finds radiology, orthopedics, chronic pain management, and physical therapy especially interesting.
When Dr. James isn’t practicing and running the two other businesses that he owns, he loves being an amazing husband and father.
Amy Anderson, VMD
Dr. Amy Anderson joined the Meriden Animal Hospital team in 1999. Dr. Anderson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Religion from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania where she received her VMD.
While Dr. Anderson loves all aspects of veterinarian medicine she finds soft tissue surgery and geriatric care the most interesting.
When Dr. Anderson is not working she loves spending time with her three kids, four dogs, and three cats. She also enjoys finding time to read and bake, which everyone at MAH loves when she does!
Jess Mirto, DVM
Dr. Jess Mirto grew up in North Branford, CT, and studied Small Animal Science as part of the Vocational Agricultural Program at Lyman Hall High School. Dr. Mirto earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Pace University in New York in 2014 and then attended St. George’s University in the Caribbean. She completed her clinical training at Ohio State University.
While Dr. Mirto loves all aspects of veterinarian medicine she finds internal medicine and anesthesia especially interesting.
When Dr. Mirto is not helping the patients at Meriden Animal Hospital she loves spending time with her family and friends as well as watching television and hiking with her pups!
Godmiel Vazquez, DVM
Dr. Godmiel Vazquez, or Dr. G as he is affectionately known, was born and raised in Meriden, CT, and has been a mentee of Meriden Animal Hospital since he was 15 years old. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary concentration. Dr. G attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical training at Tufts University. Dr. G is Fear Free Certified and enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, but is especially interested in orthopedics and radiology.
In his spare time, Dr. G enjoys hiking with his wife Hiachira and dog Toby, finding new places to eat, and watching movies.
Languages Spoke: English & Spanish
Lee Rackliff, Business Practice Manager
Lee was born in Cambridge England, and moved to Hamden CT at a young age. Lee joined MAH in 2021, bringing a unique blend of creative marketing ideas, financial expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to the lifelong wellness of animals. His multifaceted background and unwavering passion make him a driving force in the pursuit of healthier, happier lives for all pet parents and their children.
Lee resides in Litchfield, CT with his husband James, two dogs, one cat, and two sugar gliders. When he is not working, he is coming up with creative dishes to cook, and enjoys hiking with the pups, and boating on Bantam Lake.
Nikki Westman, Hospital Manager
Being a part of the MAH family since 2010, Nikki truly feels like she has grown up here. Initially starting out as an intern for Dr. James’ other business TopDog Health. She then left for a few years in-between to support her husband’s zookeeper career and lived in Little Rock, Arkansas. Then returning to MAH, she was Dr. James’ technician, became Head Technician in 2018, then Hospital Manager in 2020.
Nikki brings to the table her B.S. from Unity College, majoring in Captive Wildlife Care & Education, with a specialty in Wildlife Rehabilitation. She also earned a highschool diploma in Small Animal Science from Lyman Hall VoAg in Wallingford, CT.
Nikki and her husband Greg, a zookeeper at Beardsley Zoo, have one son together, 3 goats, 5 dogs, and a Heritage Chicken breeding operation with over 100 birds. Nikki has a special interest in wildlife rehab, personal nutrition, and is passionate about spending time outdoors with family as much as she can.
Phillip Pacchiana, DVM, MS, DACVS
Dr. Pacchiana is a board-certified specialty surgeon that performs orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgical procedures when needed here at MAH.
Originally from Connecticut, Dr. Pacchiana attended veterinary school at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in St. Paul, MN, University of Minnesota for a three-year residency in small animal surgery, and also completed his Masters of Science degree in veterinary surgery, anesthesia, and radiology. Read more.
