Anyone who has had the daunting experience of trying to get an injured and frightened 80-pound dog or a nervous cat into a vehicle for a trip to the vet should be overjoyed about Dr. Angie O'Hearn's new visiting veterinary services business -- The Visiting Vet -- in Casper.
To get her business up and running, O'Hearn first contacted Cindy Unger at the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, which is housed at the University of Wyoming, to ask about legal requirements to start her own business. That conversation expanded, and Unger assisted O'Hearn in creating a business plan, which resulted in a startup bank loan and the realization of her dream.
"I never thought I would want to be my own boss and have to deal with that aspect of veterinary medicine," O'Hearn says. "Cindy was great in helping with the research, giving me contact information and encouraging me through the process."
O'Hearn's early interest in science and love of animals made the decision to become a veterinarian a natural choice. She vividly remembers the moment when her dad called from the vet's office to tell her the family dog was not doing well. She quizzed him on all of the details, prognosis and treatment. That was the moment when she decided to pursue veterinary medicine.
Since graduating from Colorado State University in 2009, O'Hearn has worked in several local veterinary clinics. Last spring, she decided to start her mobile veterinary practice because she felt there was a compelling need in the community for this service.
Since starting her business, O'Hearn says she most frequently works with dogs and cats, providing wellness exams, vaccines, blood work and treatment for infections. One important service that she performs is palliative care and in-home euthanasia. O'Hearn makes the end of the journey a less stressful experience for both pet and owner.
"My goal is to provide comfort until the very end for each pet," O'Hearn says.
O'Hearn also is very interested in pain management and is certified in pet acupuncture. She uses this procedure to help animals manage arthritis and neurologic conditions.
Looking ahead, O'Hearn will continue to strengthen relationships with current clients and to grow her business to help new clients. The Wyoming SBDC Network will continue to serve as a business partner for O'Hearn in these next stages.
