The West Side Animal Clinic has been a staple on the west side of Hamilton for over 60 years. What started out as a “country vet” in the middle of farm land has grown into a hustling, bustling veterinary clinic surrounded by multiple restaurants and retail stores. Long time Hamiltonians may remember Dr. Jack Swagler, one of the founding veterinarians, and then of course, Dr. Donald Alford, who owned and operated it for over 30 years. Dr. Sara Horton, the current owner, came in as an associate in 2002, partnered with him in 2007, and then purchased the business in 2012. The growth the clinic has gone through is phenomenal –long time employees Debbie and Maria remember working for years with only 1 doctor with 2 assistants, and that has now increased to 4 doctors with a staff of 11. The clinic recently added a new doctor and a few new staff members to handle the influx of new clients.
With the exciting new growth of Hamilton, and new housing developments, they have seen the clinic burst with new clients. “Many days it’s standing room only in the lobby, and the parking lot is totally full, with people waiting for someone to pull out”, says Dr. Horton, “Many of our employees are parking off site to help with parking for our clients.”
The clinic has high hopes to build a new larger veterinary clinic in the same area of town. They have outgrown the existing old building, needing more doctors, surgery and exam rooms, and more kennel space. They want to provide pet boarding on a much larger scale, and would eventually like to offer doggie day care.
Dr. Horton, her associates, and staff feel that the clinic is unique in that the staff has a longevity factor unlike most others. Debbie, an employee of over 42 years, is followed by Maria, (30 years), then Christy (22 years), and those 3 are followed by several with multiple years of employment. They know their clients appreciate that the same familiar faces are there for them and their pets. Dr. Horton and many of her staff are now seeing a second generation of pet owners.
Dr. Sara Horton, Dr. Gary Dickerson, Dr. Angela Haltom, and Dr. Misty Hiegl, along with Debbie, Maria, Christy, Tori, Luke, Madison, Karly, Holly, Tori G, Samantha, and Maura are all proud team members of the West Side Animal Clinic.