Pine Point Animal Hospital, in Scarborough, Maine, has been proudly serving the pets and people of their community with dedication, heart, and high-quality veterinary care for two decades. What began as a small, two-doctor practice has grown into a thriving, multi-doctor hospital thanks to the trust of their loyal clients and the passion of their dedicated team.
Over the years, they’ve expanded their services, invested in advanced medical technology, and created a warm and comforting space where every patient feels safe and cared for.
Pine Point’s commitment to supporting families goes beyond medical care. Through their partnership with Paisley Paws Charitable Veterinary Foundation, they are able to offer financial support to families during medical crises when costs might otherwise stand in the way of life-saving care.
Keep reading to learn more about the people and values that set Pine Point Animal Hospital apart.
How long has your clinic been in business? How did your clinic get started?
Dr. Ann Barksdale and Dr. Katie Erswell founded Pine Point Animal Hospital in 2005 with the goal of providing medical, surgical, and dental care with individual attention and compassion for the people of the community and their companions.
What makes your clinic special?
We practice modern medicine with a small-town feel. While we offer advanced diagnostics, surgery, and dental care, we never lose the personal touch.
You’ll always feel known and heard here. We’re deeply rooted in our community, participating in local events and supporting causes that matter to our clients. Our staff is made up of passionate professionals who treat your pets like their own. We take the time to get to know our clients and patients, ensuring every visit is positive and stress free.
What makes your team unique?
Our team brings together a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences, from new graduates to seasoned veterinary professionals. We collaborate, cross-train, and learn from one another to deliver the best possible care. We value each team member’s voice. Ideas are welcomed, feedback is respected, and leadership is approachable. Growth is encouraged—whether that’s mastering a new skill, stepping into a leadership role, or simply becoming a stronger communicator.
We show up for our clients and each other. Our team is dependable, flexible, and always ready to step in and help. Whether it’s supporting a teammate during a tough emergency or staying late to ensure a pet gets the care they need, we go the extra mile because we care.
We laugh (a lot). Yes, we work hard, but we also have fun. We believe that humor, camaraderie, and connection are essential to staying energized and resilient in veterinary medicine.
What is the most unique animal that someone’s brought into your clinic?
One of our most memorable moments was the day a client brought in their pet goat for an emergency hoof check. It was a snowy winter morning, and there she was—wrapped in a baby blanket and calmly waiting her turn by the front desk. While not your typical exam room patient, she stole the hearts of the entire staff (and tried to steal someone’s granola bar, too). It’s moments like these that remind us just how special and unpredictable this work can be.
Are there any interesting stories you’d like to share about your clinic?
One of the things we’re most proud of is the incredible growth of our team members, especially those who have found their calling in veterinary medicine right here within our walls. We’re honored to share that two of our longtime staff members are currently in veterinary school, one in her third year and the other will begin her first year this fall.
Each of them started with us in support roles—learning the ropes, gaining hands-on experience, and developing a deep passion for animal care. Through hard work, dedication, and encouragement from the team around them, they took the leap into vet school, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Their journeys reflect the kind of culture we strive for at Pine Point: one that fosters curiosity, supports growth, and believes in the potential of every team member. Whether someone joins us as a kennel assistant, CSR, or tech, we’re here to help them grow, wherever their path may lead. And who knows? In just a few short years, we may be welcoming them back again, this time as doctors.
Do you have clinic dogs and/or cats? What are their names? Tell us about them!
We have several clinic pets. We all bring our fur babies to work on different days, and we love them all!
If your clinic had a theme song, what would it be?
You Can Count on Me, by Bruno Mars
If you had to choose three words to describe your clinic, what would they be?
Compassionate. Collaborative. Trusted.
Why do you use ElleVet for your patients?
We use ElleVet products because they are amazing, proven effective, and helpful. Many of our staff and doctors use them for their own pets.
What is your clinic’s favorite ElleVet product?
It’s hard to choose because we love them all. It’s a tie between Calm & Comfort and Soft Chews.
Do you have a memorable story regarding a patient using ElleVet that you would like to share?
Max, a 9-year-old Labrador retriever, has always been a gentle soul—but when it came to vet visits, even the word “exam” would send him into a full-body shake. His family dreaded bringing him in, and the stress made it difficult for our team to provide the care he needed.
At Pine Point Animal Hospital, we’re always looking for better ways to reduce fear and stress—not just for our patients, but for their families, too. That’s when we recommended ElleVet Calm & Comfort chews for Max.
His family gave it to him a couple of hours before his appointment. The difference was night and day. Max walked into the clinic with a loose body, wagging tail, and calm energy. He was still very much himself—alert and aware—but the edge was off. We were able to complete a full exam, diagnostics, and even trim his nails without a single shake. His family was amazed. They told us it was the first time in years they didn’t leave the clinic feeling like they’d just run a marathon.
ElleVet Calm & Comfort gave Max the support he needed to have a better experience—not just at the vet, but for things like travel, fireworks, and stressful changes at home. And for us, it meant being able to provide thorough care in a way that felt safe and respectful for him. Max is now a success story and a proud ElleVet fan.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your clinic and team?
We often say it takes a village—and it really does. From the moment a pet walks through our doors to the time they leave, every member of our team plays a crucial role in their care and comfort. Our kennel assistants are the unsung heroes who provide gentle handling, clean and cozy spaces, and that reassuring presence when pets might feel scared or uncertain. They set the tone for a calm, welcoming experience.
Our client service representatives are the friendly faces and voices who guide pet parents through scheduling, questions, and paperwork. They are the bridge between our clients and our care team, making every visit smoother and more personal.
Our technicians and assistants bring medical expertise and compassion, performing diagnostics, administering treatments, and supporting doctors in everything from routine check-ups to complex procedures. And then there are our doctors—the skilled veterinarians whose knowledge and dedication ensure every pet receives the best possible medical care. They collaborate closely with the entire team to create individualized care plans that prioritize health and happiness.
Beyond these roles, our practice managers, receptionists, and support staff keep everything running seamlessly behind the scenes, from managing inventory and billing to coordinating training and fostering a positive workplace culture. Each role matters. Each person’s contribution creates a chain of care that allows us to provide exceptional service every day. When we work together, we’re more than a clinic, we’re a family united by a shared passion for animal wellness. Because it truly takes a village to run Pine Point Animal Hospital—and we’re proud of every member of ours.
Congratulations to Pine Point Animal Hospital on being named ElleVet’s Clinic of the Quarter! We value our partnership in helping to keep pets calm and comfortable.
ElleVet’s Clinic of the Quarter
At ElleVet, we’re honored to work with many incredible veterinarians and their passionate teams. We value their commitment to the health and happiness of our pets and are grateful for the patience, compassion, and dedication they bring to their work. We look forward to featuring a new clinic each quarter.