On Labor Day 2006, I was on my “Annual Date with My Dad.” Traditionally, I would spend every Labor Day with my dad, alternating between trips to the State Fair and driving around lake country, dreaming. It was always Dad’s and my dream to have a cabin on the lake. Dad and I were driving on Hanson Blvd, heading north, when I noticed a sign stating “For Rent” above the strip mall located on 154th Ave. I said, “Dad, that is a perfect location for a veterinary clinic. Watch, someone will put a veterinary clinic in there, and I will be so mad because it was my idea!” My dad, being one of the most supportive people I know, immediately pulled into the parking lot and said, “Why don’t you build a veterinary clinic here. Let’s call the number!” The rest is history. Andover Animal Hospital opened its doors in March 2007, realizing my dream to provide the best medical and surgical care possible for our furry loved ones. Both of my parents are still involved in the clinic’s operation: my dad does my bookkeeping, and you can sometimes find my mom at the front desk, greeting you with her friendly face. I am so grateful for the opportunity to become a business owner. Without my parent’s support, I would never have been brave enough to take the huge leap of faith to own my own business. I often say that I won the parent jackpot!

In those early days, the hospital was located in a strip mall 2 miles north of its current location. We moved the practice to its current free-standing location in late November 2016 (again with the encouraging support of my parents, my husband, and the team). With the new construction, we were able to invest in some new equipment, allowing our new facility to handle most diagnostic, surgical, and treatment procedures within the hospital. We do offer some emergency services during regular business hours, however overnight and some weekend emergency services are handled by Animal EmergencyVeterinary Services (AEVS) in Arden Hills.

My focus has always been to make Andover Animal Hospital a family. I am blessed to have an amazing husband, two extraordinary children, and, of course, my fantastic parents. I am doubly blessed to have my work-family be equally as amazing. Our family also keeps on growing! I am humbled to say that to date, we have 41 people in our work family! However, none of this would have been possible without you: our clients and your pets, whom we also consider part of our family.