A veterinarian’s move to Abingdon became a hometown practice

For Dr. O'Hara, moving to Abingdon at the end of 2017 meant more than changing practices. It was the opportunity to own a veterinary business in a town where he wanted to put down roots.

His route to Southwest Virginia began in Southern California. An early interest in animals and medicine led to a degree in animal physiology and neuroscience at the University of California San Diego, followed by veterinary school at Oregon State University. He graduated in 2012 and spent five years practicing in Texas before relocating to Abingdon.

Today, Abingdon Animal Medical Center serves pets and their owners from Dennison Drive. The practice combines wellness and senior care with treatment for acute and chronic conditions, dental care and surgery. Its diagnostic resources include ultrasound, digital radiology and a full-service laboratory.

That range gives the clinic a role in several stages of an animal's life. A routine wellness appointment, a diagnostic visit and care for an older pet involve different needs, but each begins with understanding the animal and helping its owner make decisions. The practice makes providing information and answering questions part of its stated approach to customer care.

The business also attends to the practical needs that arise outside a medical appointment. Its Bed and Biscuits boarding service has a separate room for cats and indoor-outdoor runs for dogs. Grooming is offered through AAMC's Pawlor, alongside an online pharmacy for clients.

Those services bring everyday pet care into the same setting as veterinary medicine. They also reflect the character of a local practice that owners may visit for many reasons over the years, from preventive care to arrangements for a trip away.

O'Hara's move joined a professional ambition with a personal commitment to Abingdon. The clinic he came to own remains the center of that story: a place where his veterinary training and the daily needs of the surrounding community meet.