Steven Pifer, DVM

Veterinarian Steven Pifer grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and was around animals at an early age. "My mother loved animals," he says, "and we had a wide variety of pets growing up, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, mice, rats, and rabbits." That love of animals was passed to Dr. Pifer and inspired him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 1984 he earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1989 he completed a medicine and surgery internship at Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine and became managing partner of Lassiter Animal Hospital in 1990.

During his internship, Dr. Pifer developed his ongoing interest in small animal surgery, which began with a memorable experience treating an injured turtle and snake. "I surgically repaired a rat snake with a fractured jaw and box turtle that was hit by a lawn mower. Both reptiles were rehabilitated and released back into the wild," he recalls. Later, Dr. Pifer's surgical acumen would be put to the test when a seriously injured police dog was brought in for emergency treatment. The dog had his carotid artery lacerated in a knife attack during the apprehension of a criminal. The German Shepherd was very weak from blood loss ("But still wagging his tail," Dr. Pifer adds). While the situation appeared dire, Dr. Pifer was able to repair the injury and the police dog made a complete recovery.

At Lassiter Animal Hospital, Dr. Pifer's professional interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, and dermatology. The most rewarding part of his work is helping pet owners through difficult medical and surgical cases. When not at the hospital, Dr. Pifer enjoys fishing, tennis, cycling, and spending time with his three cats, Batman, Willow, and Crazy Cat, and bearded dragon, Godzilla.