About Us
Compassionate Care for Your Pets
Welcome to Pawspital Animal Hospital, your top choice for comprehensive pet care in Meridian, Idaho. Founded in 2024 by Dr. Josh Smith, our full-service facility is dedicated to meeting the unique healthcare needs of dogs, cats, and rabbits with personalized solutions.
As a privately owned non-corporate, locally owned practice, we prioritize personalized attention and clear communication. Our modern facility, custom-built to meet the demands of veterinary medicine, reflects our commitment to delivering efficient and effective care.
At Pawspital Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of keeping pet owners informed and involved in their pet’s treatment journey. We pride ourselves on our commitment to clear communication and ensuring pet owners understand all their options. It’s this dedication to transparent dialogue that truly sets us apart. Whether discussing treatment plans, exploring different healthcare plans, or addressing any concerns, our goal is to empower pet owners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their pet’s care.
Meet the Vet
Dr. Joshua Smith
Dr. Joshua Smith, a native of Ohio, pursued his passion for animal care after completing his undergraduate studies in Biomedical Engineering at Wright State University. Graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016, Dr. Smith’s background in mixed animal medicine laid a solid foundation for his career.
With a particular interest in surgery and dentistry, Dr. Smith brings a meticulous approach to his practice, ensuring the well-being of his patients. Now residing in Meridian with his wife Karen and their two daughters, Maeve and Murphy, Dr. Smith finds joy in the simple moments of family life.
Their household is lively with the addition of Nyx, their playful mixed breed rescue pup, two lop-eared rabbits named Persey and Pluto, and a rescue cat named Bubbles. When not caring for animals or spending time with his family, Dr. Smith enjoys outdoor adventures, mountain biking, and exploring the beauty of nature.
Dr. Smith’s commitment to his profession, complemented by his compassionate demeanor and thirst for knowledge, positions him as a highly esteemed member of the veterinary community. Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Smith’s adeptness in guiding pet owners through every facet of their pet’s care journey solidifies his reputation as both a trusted caregiver and an invaluable asset to his clients.
Meet the Team
Hannah
Veterinary Assistant
Hannah was born in Wyoming but spent significant parts of her life in Colorado and Idaho. In 2010, she pursued her passion for animal care by enrolling in veterinary technician school, earning her Associate of Science degree in 2012. Recently certified as a Fear Free technician in 2023, she is dedicated to ensuring a stress-free experience for her patients.
With a profound interest in geriatric care, Hannah is committed to enhancing the quality of life for older animals through holistic treatments and innovative mobility solutions. She finds particular fulfillment in dentistry and pain management, continuously seeking new approaches to improve patient well-being.
Beyond her professional life, Hannah and her husband Jared have discovered a shared love for music, often performing at various venues around the Valley. Hannah has one teenage daughter, Jordee who will soon graduate from Meridian, High school. She also has a border collie.
In her spare time, Hannah indulges in outdoor activities such as hiking, fly fishing, paddle boarding and Skiing.
She values teamwork and strives to foster a supportive work environment. With 13 years as a veterinary technician she is excited to be part of a new team that will help build herself and others along they way.
Sam
Customer Service Representative
Sophia
Customer Service Representative
Sophia grew up on her family’s farm in Memphis, Tennessee, where she cultivated a love for animal care at a young age. She moved to Boise in 2021 where she met her husband shortly after. They adopted their two cats, Juno and Honey, from West Valley Humane Socity.
She has many years of customer service experience and truly loves getting to know our clients and their pets! She also aspires to one day attain her veterinary assistant certification.
Outside of work she enjoys hiking, road-tripping, and spending time with her family.
Emalee
Veterinary Assistant
Emalee was born in California but moved to Idaho for school in 2021. Growing up with animals her whole life, she decided from a young age she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 2019, she pursued her passion for animal care by enrolling in community college with a major in biology, then transferred to BSU to major in health science on the pre-veterinary medicine pathway where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in 2024. While finishing up her undergraduate studies, she took a job at Emerald Street Kennels where she learned a lot about animal behavior and grooming. She was quickly promoted to shift lead where she then learned a lot about basic animal care including vaccine and oral medication administration and first aid. After completing her undergraduate studies, she decided to take the next step in her career by taking a veterinary assistant position at Pawspital. Her ultimate goal is to one day go to vet school to attain her DVM.
Emalee’s family consists of herself, her husband, and their 2 year old pittie. In her spare time, Emalee enjoys art, weightlifting, martial arts, dancing, and outdoor activities such as hiking and paddle boarding. Emalee has a deep passion for the health and wellbeing of all animals and strives to ensure each patient is as comfortable as possible in a stressful environment such as the vet.
Nyx
Chief Mischief Officer
Nyx officially became the clinic’s spokesdog when Pawspital opened in July 2024, shortly after Dr. Smith adopted her and brought her home in April. Born in January 2024, she was picked up as a stray and deemed too adorable to resist the moment she became available at the Idaho Humane Society. With a mural of herself proudly displayed in the lobby, she’s convinced she runs the place!
As a well-versed mix of approximately 12 breeds—thanks to two DNA tests that we suspect were part of a secret canine identity crisis—Nyx enjoys thrilling hikes with Idahound Adventure Dogs, frequent trips to doggie daycare, and sipping on puppuccinos at dog park bars. When she's not busy supervising staff from her cozy office spot (a.k.a. Dr. Smith’s office), Her hobbies include aggressively chewing sticks, holding court while culling the stuffed animal herd of her older sisters, Maeve and Murphy, and being the clinic spokesdog.
With a certificate from Petco’s beginner training course, Nyx is currently on her quest for the prestigious AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, proving that even the most rambunctious pups can have a few redeeming qualities.
When you stop by, be sure to say hi if you have chance to tour the back! She’ll be the one giving you the “I totally didn’t just chew up that toy” look while plotting her next adventure.
Service Area
Pawspital Animal Hospital proudly serves pets in:
- Meridian
- Eagle
- Boise
- Nampa
- Star
- Kuna
- Caldwell
Our convenient location ensures that high-quality veterinary care is always within reach for pet owners in these areas.
