About

Best Friends Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility located in Bloomington, Minnesota, continuing a 40-year legacy that began as Cutler Animal Hospital in Richfield. Established in 1994 by Dr. Nick Gatto, our small family-owned practice offers a caring atmosphere where pets and families are known by name. We are committed to preventive health care, responsible pet ownership, and ongoing client education, so you can feel confident making informed decisions about your pet’s care.

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Why Choose Best Friends Animal Hospital

Families in Bloomington and the surrounding communities choose Best Friends Animal Hospital for experienced medical care delivered with small-town warmth. As a family-owned practice with deep roots in the area, we focus on long-term relationships, clear communication, and practical guidance that respects both your pet and your budget.

Family-Owned Legacy

Best Friends Animal Hospital was established in 1994 as a continuation of a long-standing Richfield practice. Under the leadership of Dr. Nick Gatto, we carry forward decades of veterinary experience and community connection in a modern Bloomington setting.

Long-Term Relationships

Many of our clients have trusted us with multiple generations of pets. We value these lasting relationships and strive to be a steady partner for your family, from first vaccines to senior care and every milestone in between.

Dedicated Veterinary Team

Our veterinarians and certified technicians are knowledgeable, experienced, and deeply committed to kind, attentive care. The team provides nursing care, client education, dental treatments, radiology, laboratory work, and anesthetic monitoring, all focused on keeping your pet safe and comfortable.

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Meet Our Staff

Best Friends Animal Hospital was established in September 1994 by Dr. Nick Gatto.  The purpose was to provide a continuation of a 40 year old practice located in Richfield, Minnesota known as Cutler Animal Hospital. We operate as a small family owned business giving clients a caring atmosphere.

Our caring staff members are knowledgeable and experienced with animals and are all dedicated to providing the best care throughout your pet’s lives. Our certified technicians are qualified for nursing care, client education, dental treatments, radiology, laboratory and anesthetic procedures. We pride ourselves in our friendly staff, quality services, and our long lasting relationships with pets and their families. We look forward to providing care for your best friends throughout their lives! 

Dr. Nick Gatto

Dr. Nick Gatto

Owner, Veterinarian

Dr. Gatto completed his undergraduate studies at Colorado State University and graduated from the University of Minnesota, School of Veterinary Medicine, in 1985. His entire career has been spent in private practice, beginning with a mix of large and small animal medicine in Morris, MN. Dr. Gatto has been the owner of Best Friends Animal Hospital since 1994. He lives with 1 goldfish (Hobart), 2 dogs (McGyver and Muldoon) and a bird (Smokey).

We are a cat friendly practice!

We are a cat friendly practice!