Our History
For nearly a century, Valley Veterinary Hospital has proudly served the pets and families of Fargo and the surrounding communities with compassionate, progressive veterinary care rooted in strong relationships and trusted experience.
Our story began in 1936, when Dr. M.C. Hawn opened Hawn Veterinary Clinic with a commitment to quality medicine and personalized care. As the practice grew and additional veterinarians joined the team, the clinic became known as Valley Veterinary Clinic in 1951 — reflecting both its growth and its dedication to serving the Red River Valley community.
In 1976, the practice expanded into the current hospital facility built behind the original clinic, and officially became Valley Veterinary Hospital continuing a tradition of advancing veterinary medicine while maintaining the personal, family-oriented approach that has defined the practice for generations.
Who We Are
Leadership at Valley Veterinary Hospital continues to evolve while honoring the practice’s rich history. Dr. Derine Winning has been the owner of the hospital since 2006, helping guide the practice through years of growth and modernization. In 2025, Dr. Vanessa Aschnewitz became co-owner, continuing the hospital’s legacy of progressive medicine, compassionate care, and strong community relationships.
Our team is made up of experienced veterinarians, knowledgeable licensed veterinary technicians, highly trained veterinary assistants, and dedicated customer service representatives who work together to provide exceptional care for every patient and client who walks through our doors.
At the heart of Valley Veterinary Hospital are the values that have guided us for generations:
- Family
- Compassion
- Respect
- Kindness
- Hard work
These values shape the way we care for our patients, support one another as a team, and serve our community every day.
As veterinary medicine continues to advance, our mission remains the same: to provide trusted, high-quality care while building lasting relationships with the pets and people who depend on us.
AAHA Accredited
Established in 1933, the association is the only accrediting body for small animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Currently, there are 3 AAHA accredited hospitals in the FM area and only 6 in the state. There is a rigorous inspection, of over 900 standards, every three years that must be passed to continue our accreditation.
Valley Veterinary Hospital has been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) since 1954, becoming the first veterinary practice in North Dakota to achieve accreditation. Today, we proudly celebrate more than 70 years of continuous AAHA accreditation — a reflection of our longstanding commitment to excellence in patient care, medical standards, safety, and client service.
