Local vet opens sister clinic in Herington
Staff reporter
It's been one of her goals — to work with other veterinarians and provide services to more customers.
Local veterinarian Jessica Laurin, owner of Animal Health Center of Marion County, purchased Riley and Riley veterinary services in Herington Aug. 1, and reopened as Tri-County Veterinary Center, 906 Industrial Road, Herington.
"I roomed with Dala (Riley) while in college," Laurin said.
Doug Riley was given an opportunity to serve as a major at the Air Force base at Fort Smith, Ark., and the couple sold the business to Laurin.
Dr. Kristen Fausset was hired to be the full-time veterinarian at the Herington facility, Laurin said. Originally from Indiana, Fausset is a graduate of Purdue University. Her husband is stationed at Fort Riley and the couple wanted to live in a more rural community.
"I have customers from Lost Springs and Burdick who come to Marion," Laurin said, a Tampa native. "This will make it easier for them to go to Herington instead."
Food and supplies also are available at both locations along with the veterinary services for large and small animals.
Marking its 10th year in Marion, the Marion veterinary clinic will continue business as usual with Laurin and Dr. Rebecca Erwin. Laurin will assist at the Herington clinic Wednesdays and Thursdays.
This fall, Laurin plans to make improvements at the Herington facility by enclosing outdoor kennels, and the possibility of adding on to the facility.
Other changes include a new west entrance, and separate rooms for dog and cat boarding.
For equine clients, a set of stocks will be placed in the clinic and Erwin will rotate in the clinic to offer expanded equine services and reproductive services.
For cattle clients, a hydraulic chute will be installed in the barn to improve haul-in procedures, and will continue to offer processing, pregnancy checks, and other services.
When asked about an all-female veterinarian staff, Laurin said it's not that unusual.
"Seventy percent of the graduating classes from veterinarian schools are female," Laurin said.
