Town & Country Veterinary Hospital Marks 50 Years of Service

To commemorate this milestone, the clinic will host an anniversary celebration later this month, featuring the unveiling of four plaques in the reception area. These plaques will celebrate the clinic’s origins, honor individuals who contributed to its establishment, recognize the current staff, and outline the hospital's future commitments.

Staying Independent

Throughout its history, Town & Country has maintained its independence, being owned by four veterinarians and a registered veterinary technician. This sets it apart from many corporate veterinary practices.

Dr. Charlene Arendes, one of the clinic’s owners, noted that while corporate ownership can offer advantages like bulk medication discounts, it often imposes limitations on the products available to veterinarians. “Sometimes you don’t have access to all those different products. You may be limited to certain brands,” Arendes explained. Additionally, corporate structures can dictate medical protocols, restricting how veterinarians make decisions based on individual patient needs.

History and Growth

The practice was originally founded by Dr. Rufus Sparks and the late Dr. Richard T. Bell. After their partnership ended in 1986, Dr. Charles Moxley joined in 1998, and Dr. Sam Costello became a partner in 2006. By the 2000s, the practice employed five veterinarians and 32 support staff members. Moxley exited ownership in 2018, allowing the current team to take the reins.

Joy Stizza, a registered veterinary technician, started as an assistant in 2002 and has since become a co-owner. She emphasized the unique talent development within the clinic, noting that many staff members begin their careers there and continue to grow.

The collaborative environment within Town & Country allows veterinarians to seek each other's input, and each doctor has developed particular areas of expertise, enhancing the services offered.

Attractions for Pet Owners

The clinic attracts clients from beyond the Mahoning Valley, due in part to unique services not typically available at other veterinary practices. Arendes highlighted procedures such as laparoscopic surgeries and endoscopy, which can often only be found in specialty clinics located farther away.

Another appealing aspect is the extended hours: the practice operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, allowing for accommodating schedules. Jennifer Overmier from Legacy Dog Rescue noted the clinic's availability and the compassionate care provided by the staff, especially Dr. Arendas, concerning behavioral issues in pets.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the veterinary staff are working on several improvements including leadership training, revamping their website, enhancing their social media presence, and transitioning to digital record-keeping. They aim to create a better experience for clients with an online pet portal for medication requests and inquiries.

“We want to make sure that clients have a great experience,” Arendes said. “We want to make sure that we’re offering the best pet care that we can.”

Pictured at top: Joy Stizza, left, a registered veterinary technician, and Drs. Lindsay Drotar and Charlene Arendes.