Business

New veterinary practice opens in familiar Vienna location

VIENNA -- Care and compassion for large and small animals is the driving force seen in a new veterinary practice in Vienna that has opened in a familiar spot.

Dr. Jenna Palmer, DVM, took over the former Vienna Animal Hospital at 2100 Grand Central Ave., where Dr. William Armstrong practiced for more than 40 years.

Melody Wright, office manager, said the new Vienna Veterinary Clinic opened on July 24, 2017 after a renovation and remodeling of the building.

"Before there was a physical vet clinic we had, and still have, a mobile clinic," she said. "It's out of the back of Dr. Palmer's truck. It's a box that can be inserted in the truck bed and it carries everything needed for farm calls."

Palmer said she treats many types of animals, from horses to sheep to alpaca to goats to dogs and cats. She said they do not treat birds.

Palmer earned her undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and her DVM in 2010 from Tuskegee University in Alabama.

Palmer was hired at a small animal clinic where she worked with large and small animals to begin her career.

"In 2014 she opened her own large animal practice, Palmer Veterinary Services," Wright said. "Palmer began as a mobile vet practice that went from farm to farm to take care of the critters that needed anything from wound repair to vaccines."

Wright said they also perform dental services for large and small animals. She added Armstrong also treated larger animals.

"We are continuing that legacy," she said. "He also did some exotics; he spent time in Africa working with animals most of us only get to see in a zoo."

When Armstrong retired last year, the building was listed for sale in January. Wright said she and Palmer approached Armstrong about buying some of the cages and other items.

"We were looking at another location and we were interested in buying some other items, and his son said 'I'll sell you the whole thing; why don't you come on down,'" she said. "We looked and it was an answer to a prayer more than anything else after looking at a lot of places.

"This is what was supposed to be; it just fit."

Remodeling began of the facility in the spring and the new practice opened in July.

"We still do farm calls," she said. "There are some farm animals small enough to be hauled in for treatment."

Wright said the practice contains a full X-ray suite and a surgical area.

Since taking over the building, they made some changes. One thing was adding a fenced outside area for the animals.

Wright said they did not get any patient files when they took over the building.

"We only bought the physical building," she said. "Many of his patients have come back to us which has been great."

When they come in for the first time, they notice the physical change inside.

"They say 'it really looks different in here,'" she said. "When he was here everything was beautiful and new in 1974 and he didn't need to upgrade in a single-doctor practice. He (Armstrong) left a good reputation. He and Dr. Palmer are very compassionate about their medicine; they aren't in it to make a buck; they are here because they have a genuine love for animals and the people attached to them."

Wright said they will have an Open House today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments and facility tours will be available and they will be giving away door prizes.