When Pets Meet People: Inside a Small-Town Veterinary Practice, Animals R Special.
At Animals Are Special, a veterinary practice nestled in the heart of New Albany, the human-animal bond is celebrated daily through compassionate care and community connection. Owned by Dr. Amy Wagner and staffed by registered veterinary technician Jessica, this small practice has been serving the local community since 2011, growing alongside the rapidly developing suburb.
The practice primarily focuses on cats and dogs, though they occasionally see what they affectionately call "pocket pets" - small animals like guinea pigs. Their reputation for quality care has evolved alongside New Albany itself, which has transformed dramatically over the past decade. As Dr. Wagner notes, "When I moved here, we had a Giant Eagle, and now we have two Chipotles." This growth has allowed Animals Are Special to focus on their core competencies while establishing relationships with specialized emergency veterinary facilities in the area.
What makes this practice truly special is its deep integration with the community. Both Amy and Jessica are avid runners who participate in local 5Ks, including the Turkey Trot run organized by local families. Their involvement extends beyond veterinary care to supporting community initiatives both financially and through physical presence. This connection to New Albany creates a unique dynamic where clients often know each other, creating an interconnected network of pet owners who share spaces and experiences.
The practice has had its share of memorable moments, including the infamous "birds got loose" incident during COVID lockdown. While attempting to trim the flight feathers of two birds, the tiny patients escaped their carrier and flew throughout the clinic, requiring a frantic chase with towels and blankets. This adventure led to a policy change regarding avian patients - a humorous reminder of why they prefer to stick with cats and dogs!
Living in a community that beautifully preserves wildlife while continuing to develop creates unique challenges for pet owners. Dr. Wagner emphasizes that New Albany residents shouldn't assume their suburban setting protects pets from disease. "The community has preserved the wildlife, and we are surrounded by these beautiful Metro parks," she explains, making preventative care crucial. They strongly advocate for vaccinations and parasite prevention, especially since many animal diseases can be transmitted to humans.
Among the practice's specialized offerings is canine massage therapy, a service Jessica is particularly passionate about. While not heavily advertised, this therapy provides significant benefits for working dogs, show competitors, and pets with orthopedic issues. Much like human massage, it helps with pain management, muscle preparation before activity, and general relaxation - though as Jessica notes with a laugh, some energetic dogs struggle to sit still long enough to receive the full benefits.
Perhaps what stands out most about Animals Are Special is the genuine affection they have for their patients. When asked about favorite pets, Jessica immediately mentions her love for German Shepherds, while Amy acknowledges the special connections they form with many of their regular visitors. This personal touch extends to their knowledge of local resources like the New Albany Pet Rescue, a volunteer-based organization that helps place animals with foster families in the community.
The practice's small team creates what they describe as "organized chaos" - a workplace with good music (rotating between 90s rap and country), staff pets lounging around, and a commitment to knowing not just their animal patients but also the families who bring them in. As New Albany continues to develop, with new businesses opening regularly and community spaces expanding, Animals Are Special remains a constant - growing alongside the community while maintaining the personal connections that make them truly special.
