Pioneers in Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
& Arthroscopy
Sports & Performance Medicine
Orthobiologic Regenerative Therapy
Rehabilitation & Return to Activity
Pioneers in Minimally Invasive Care & Modern Orthopedic Medicine
For decades, our specialists have advanced the standards, techniques, and technologies shaping modern veterinary orthopedics and sports medicine.
Research & Scholarship
Peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, funded clinical research, and scientific presentations advancing orthopedic disease, musculoskeletal injury, orthobiologic therapy, objective outcomes assessment, and functional recovery.
Technology & Innovation
Foundational contributions to canine arthroscopy, minimally invasive diagnosis, orthobiologic systems, musculoskeletal ultrasound, surgical instrumentation, rehabilitation protocols, and return-to-performance planning.
Education & Leadership
Board-specialty and professional-organization leadership, national and international lecturing, ACVS and ACVSMR procedural laboratories, national specialty-program development, and resident, intern, fellow, and clinician mentorship.
For Bay Area Families & Performance Dogs Around the World
Whether you're our neighbors in the Bay Area or traveling to us from farther away, our team carefully coordinates your pet's care together with you every step of the way.
Bay Area Families
For pets whose best days mean comfortable couch time, neighborhood walks, Marin trail hikes, and family playtime, The Sams Clinic helps dogs and cats regain comfort, stability, and mobility so they can return to the moments that matter most.
Sport & Working Dogs
For dogs trained for precision, power, and control — where every stride, turn, and hesitation matters — The Sams Clinic tailors diagnostic and treatment pathways to your dog’s condition, capabilities, and performance demands. Learn more >
Our Specialists
Andrew Sams, DVM, MS, DACVS
Founder & Medical Director
Orthopedic Surgery & Arthroscopy
Sherman Canapp, DVM, MS, CCRT, DACVS, DACVSMR
Orthopedic Surgery & Arthroscopy
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dana Whitlock, DVM, MS, CCRP, CVA, DACVSMR
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Patient Stories
Vail
Lure Coursing
“Vail spend 6 weeks in a SPICA splint and then another 2 weeks in a soft splint. Afterwards, Vail went through several weeks of rehab which included gym work, underwater treadmill, and pool therapy.”
Bacchus
Field Trials
“We are forever grateful to Dr. Canapp and his entire staff for allowing us to enjoy several additional years of canine competition with Bacchus as a result of the treatment they so expertly provided.”
Lexie
Agility
“The surgeries were successful and Lexie came back to the agility ring as fast as ever. She was the fastest dog in the country (of any breed) competing in 20” preferred in AKC Agility in 2016.”
Zar’n
Agility
“The staff as well as Dr. Canaap were very helpful in explaining everything that was done and even provided video of the entire procedure. Zar’n was almost six years old with a nice career in agility ahead of him.”