Brown Animal Hospital marks third area veterinary clinic

The outside of the building looks the same, and the resident cat does, too, but a couple of the faces have changed.

Dr. Justin Brown, DVM, who will soon start his 10th year in business as a veterinarian, now owns Brown Animal Hospital in the former Turner Animal Clinic at 216 R Pine St.

A small-town boy himself, Brown, age 36, said he is excited to be in Chillicothe, which is one of his three veterinary clinics.

He also operates clinics in Peoria and Elmwood.

Small-town roots
Brown grew up in Abingdon, a town of just over 3,000 people.

Following graduation from Illinois State University, he headed to veterinary school at the University of Illinois, graduating in 2001.

Fresh out of school, he practiced at a seven-doctor clinic in Danville, where he trained for four years.

In 2005, his family moved to rural Dunlap to put down roots.

His wife, Leslie, is a teacher/school administrator who is currently a stay-at-home mom to four children — Grace, age 8; Gardner, 7; Bella, 5; and Ivy, 3.

The pet-loving group also has four dogs and two cats.

The same year as their move to Dunlap, Brown purchased his Peoria practice from Dr. Melvin Dewey.

When another opportunity opened in Elmwood, Brown bought the practice. Dr. Suzanne Harshbarger operates that clinic.

In December 2009, Brown acquired Turner Animal Clinic from long-time veterinarian Mike Turner.

Brown said a new sign will grace the building this week.

All of Turner’s records remain at the business, as does the phone number, 274-2544.

When Brown is unable to be in Chillicothe, Dr. Connie Brunkow, DVM, also an ISU graduate, runs the practice. She is a 20-year veteran doctor.

Clients can stop by from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; or from 8:30 a.m.-noon Thursday.

For emergencies, Brown recommends the Tri-County emergency service, which is available nights and weekends.

Brown said he plans to offer a full week of office hours eventually, as well as increasing his staff as needed.

Currently working there is Cara Encinas, the office manager/head receptionist, who worked for Brown in Peoria.

“Cara has super people skills, is sincere and cares about the animals,” said Brown.

Donalie Colwell, who has worked at the clinic since 1998, remains as the main veterinary assistant, having also worked for Turner, her brother-in-law.

“Donalie is very skilled, passionate and professional,” said Brown.

The resident cat, aptly named Kitty, who belonged to Turner, is still the official greeter.

Brown said his clinic does not handle large animals, like horses and cows, but that Harshbarger has a portable veterinary truck she uses to visit farms, etc.

His Elmwood clinic also tends to large animals, by calling 742-3800.

The clinic offers a full surgery room, including an anesthetic machine and oxygen generators.

One new capability at Brown Animal Hospital is orthopedic surgery, which could not be offered there before.

The pharmacy area also has a few updates, including a full line of arthritis medicines, as well as those used to manage congestive heart failure.

In other words, the clinic offers medications for short-term and long-term animal issues.

There are also a full blood lab and X-ray and isolation area, two examining rooms, a treatment and dental area and a boarding area for small and larger pets.

Brown said boarding is not currently available, but may be at a later date.

Much of the equipment at the clinic was Turner’s.

Paws and claws
Operating three clinics does have its advantages, Brown said.

“It does provide some more resources. We’re able to afford some equipment and things we wouldn’t be able to and move it around.

“Our basic philosophy is we care both about the animal and the owner, and we try to offer people the ability to have some choices and options.

“We don’t make people go for cheap things and bottom-of-the-line. We give people choices for what’s best for their financial situation,” said Brown.

That philosophy is welcoming returning clients, as well as new pets and owners.

“We try to be as convenient as we can possibly be,” said Brown. “We do our best to take care of you when we can.”

Chillicothe and its offerings continue to amaze him.

“I enjoy Chillicothe,” he said. “I’m a small-town guy, so I enjoy being in a small town.

“For its size, I’m amazed at the resources and opportunities people have, like Pearce Community Center and Rescue 33. I look forward to having existing clients, as well as new ones.”