ESSEX, Md., March 2, 2026 – VetEvolve, a community of veterinary practices focused on strengthening care through intentional growth and meaningful operational support, today announced the appointment of Mayange (May) Kane as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective March 2.
Over the past decade, VetEvolve has grown to more than 50 partner hospitals across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast by putting real support behind its network — pairing strong local clinical leadership with the infrastructure and alignment needed to perform at a high level. Kane’s appointment reflects the company’s continued commitment to building that support in a way that keeps practice teams steady, well-supported, and positioned for long-term success.
As COO, Kane will lead operations across the organization, partnering closely with practice leaders to ensure the systems behind the scenes continue to evolve alongside the company’s growth. Her focus will be on strengthening how VetEvolve shows up for its practices— bringing greater clarity, consistency, and accountability so teams can stay focused on delivering exceptional care to pets and the families who trust them.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to build an organization that genuinely supports its practices — not just in words, but in how we operate every day,” said Catherine Howell, CEO of VetEvolve. “May brings the experience and stable leadership to help us accelerate our growth while continuing to strengthen the foundation that makes our model work.”
Most recently, Kane served as Chief Operating Officer of Rothman Orthopaedics, where she led enterprise strategy, operational performance, and analytics across a multi-market clinical platform. She is recognized for partnering closely with physicians and executive leaders to build scalable operating models that align clinical quality with disciplined execution.
“What drew me to VetEvolve is the clarity around its purpose,” said Kane. “There’s a strong foundation here and a clear intention behind how the organization grows and supports its practices. I’m excited to help strengthen that support so our teams can continue delivering outstanding care in their communities.”
With more than 50 hospitals across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, VetEvolve supports over 1100 veterinary team members. Backed by Varsity Healthcare Partners, the company remains committed to long-term partnerships and high-quality patient care.
Media Contact: VetEvolve Marketing, vemarketing@vetevolve.com
About VetEvolve
VetEvolve is a community of veterinary practices focused on supporting owners, teams, and communities through partnership-driven growth. Since its founding in 2014, the company has grown to 52 practices across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. By combining local practice autonomy with the support of a collaborative network and scalable platform, VetEvolve helps practices strengthen care, improve client experience, and build long-term value.
Essex, MD – February 17, 2026 — VetEvolve, a leading community of veterinary practices built on the belief that strong clinical care and sustainable growth reinforce one another, today announced the addition of Maricamp Animal Hospital in Ocala, Florida. The transaction marks VetEvolve’s 52nd practice and continues the company’s strategic expansion across the Southeast.
Founded in 2012 and led by Dr. Katherine (Kaity) O’Brien, Maricamp Animal Hospital has established a reputation for high standards of medicine, operational discipline, and a consistently strong client experience within its community. The full-service small animal hospital includes three veterinarians and a 15-member team serving families throughout the Ocala area.
The partnership reflects a shared philosophy: growth, when approached intentionally, strengthens the care teams deliver, elevates the client experience at every touchpoint, and creates the stability required to advance medicine over time.
“When practices have the right support, resources, and leadership behind them, growth strengthens medicine, deepens client trust, and gives teams the stability they need to thrive for the long term,” said Catherine Howell, Chief Executive Officer of VetEvolve.
Dr. O’Brien emphasized that alignment of vision was central to the decision.
“We have always focused on building a practice grounded in accountability and high clinical standards,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Partnering with VetEvolve allows us to continue evolving thoughtfully — expanding our capabilities while maintaining the culture and expectations that define Maricamp.”
With the addition of Maricamp Animal Hospital, VetEvolve continues to build a community of practices that believe growth should expand what’s possible — strengthening care, teams, and long-term impact in the communities they serve.
As more practice owners look for ways to grow while raising the bar on care and performance, VetEvolve continues to see strong interest from those seeking partnership models that align stronger care with long-term growth. The company remains active across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Media Contact: VetEvolve Marketing, vemarketing@vetevolve.com
About VetEvolve
VetEvolve is a community of veterinary practices focused on supporting owners, teams, and communities through partnership-driven growth. Since its founding in 2014, the company has grown to 52 practices across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. By combining local practice autonomy with the support of a collaborative network and scalable platform, VetEvolve helps practices strengthen care, improve client experience, and build long-term value.
VetEvolve is proud to announce the appointment of Catherine Howell as Chief Executive Officer, strengthening our commitment to people-first growth and partner practice success.
Howell, who most recently served as VetEvolve’s Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO, holds nearly 20 years of leadership experience across the healthcare industry. Prior to joining VetEvolve in 2024, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Mass Advantage, a Medicare Advantage health plan in Massachusetts, and as VP of Operations at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She has also held senior roles at Arcadio.io, Lumeris, and Steward Health Care. In 2019, she was recognized as one of the Top 10 Up-and-Coming Industry Leaders in Healthcare by Managed Healthcare Executive.
“A mission-first mindset coupled with a perpetual belief in taking care of people is at the very core of our purpose,” said Nick Lodestro, Co-founder and Board Member of VetEvolve. “Catherine embodies our values of Serve, Evolve, and Trust, and her proven leadership as COO, in healthcare operations and partner experience makes her the right person to guide our team forward. I am excited for the future of the organization under her leadership.”
“I am honored to lead VetEvolve at such a pivotal moment,” said Catherine Howell. “I have witnessed firsthand the VetEvolve team’s commitment to support our people, equip our practices to deliver the highest level of care for the pets and communities we serve, and grow in a way that is sustainable and meaningful for our teams and our business. I believe our best days are ahead, and together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the next chapter of VetEvolve and continue on our mission: taking care of the lives of people and pets.”
Howell holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University.
Earlier this month, our VetEvolve Knoxville region practices came together for an evening of continuing education, dinner, and a chance to unwind at the Knoxville Zoo. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the animals as well as good company, it was the perfect blend of learning and relaxation.
The event brought together 13 doctors and more than 50 team members from five of our local practices. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces gathered in one place, not just as colleagues but as part of a larger community united by the same mission: providing outstanding care for pets and the people who love them.
For Regional Manager Karen Rohde, who is preparing to retire soon, the turnout was a meaningful reminder of the strong bonds built across our practices over the years. “Seeing so many of our doctors, technicians, and support staff gathered together filled me with pride,” Karen shared. “This is what makes our region special, the way we support one another and keep building connections that go beyond our hospital walls.”
As VetEvolve continues to grow in Tennessee, we are committed to nurturing these connections, not only within our teams but also throughout the communities we serve. Events like this remind us that when we invest in each other, we are better equipped to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to every pet and family who walks through our doors.
At our 2025 VetEvolve Leadership Summit, the organization took a moment to reflect on how far it has come and honor the person who helped start it all.
Dr. Jerry Goldfarb, founder of Fairfax Animal Hospital, was VetEvolve’s very first partner. At a time when the company was just two Marine veterans with a vision, he took a chance on them. That leap of faith laid the foundation for everything VetEvolve has become.
VetEvolve co-founder Nick Lodestro returned to this year’s Summit to present Dr. Goldfarb with the VetEvolve Values In Play (VIP) Award and share a few heartfelt words. “His belief in us became the foundation upon which everything else was built — every new partner, every new teammate, every milestone. It started with him.”
Nick’s speech was full of warmth and humor, but also highlighted the way Dr. Goldfarb has truly embodied the core values that define VetEvolve:
Serve – Dr. Goldfarb’s commitment to service runs deep. As a U.S. Army Veterinary Corps veterinarian during the Vietnam War, he served his country and profession with quiet strength and honor. That same spirit carried through his work as a veterinarian and leader. Nick reminded the audience that “men like Jerry demonstrated pride, honor, and continued dedication to serving others” even during difficult times. His legacy of service continues to inspire VetEvolve’s teams today.
Trust – Trust is earned, not given, and Jerry was the first to extend it. He believed in the VetEvolve vision, in who its founders were, in people, and in what they were trying to build. Nick recalled, “He was the first to truly trust that Paul and I had his best interests at heart. Not just his — but his team’s too.” His faith in them showed the kind of mutual respect and partnership that VetEvolve strives to build with every practice.
Evolve – Dr. Goldfarb never stopped learning or adapting. Whether it was implementing new technologies, adjusting to operational shifts, or supporting his team through change, he leaned in rather than away. “What I’ve always admired about Jerry is how open he’s been to change,” Nick said. “That kind of flexibility is rare.” His willingness to evolve mirrors VetEvolve’s commitment to helping practices grow beyond what they thought was possible.
Nick summed it up best by saying “Jerry kept believing in us. He’s been an incredible partner. An even better friend.”
It was a powerful and emotional moment, a reminder of where VetEvolve started and what truly matters. Dr. Goldfarb’s trust, service, and adaptability continue to shape the organization’s culture and future.
Keeping a steady flow of pet parent traffic coming through your doors is crucial for the success of your veterinary practice. Most practices may lack the bandwidth or expertise to tackle strategic initiatives to ensure such traffic in their hectic day-to-day schedule.
Recently, VetEvolve hosted an insightful webinar titled “Driving Volume: How to Keep Pet Parents Coming Through Your Doors.” Conducted by VetEvolve’s Chief Growth Officer, Taylor Ghodbane, the presentation offered a wealth of actionable strategies for veterinary practices looking to boost their client base and retain existing pet owners.
Key Takeaways
1. Know Your Market
Understanding your local demographics and pet ownership trends is crucial. By analyzing your market and competitors, you can identify gaps and opportunities to differentiate your practice.
2. Community Engagement
Participating in local events like adoption drives and farmers markets can significantly increase your visibility. Don’t forget to have your team wear scrubs to these events — it helps you stand out!
3. Digital Presence Matters
In the cellphone age, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Optimize your website for local search, keep your Google My Business profile up-to-date, and don’t underestimate the power of good photos and positive reviews.
4. Client Experience is Key
From the moment a pet parent calls your practice to the follow-up after their visit, every interaction counts. Train your client service representatives well and implement effective reminder systems to keep clients coming back.
5. Referrals and Loyalty Programs
Harness the power of word-of-mouth marketing by implementing client referral programs. Loyalty programs can also encourage repeat visits and increase client retention.
These strategies are just the tip of the iceberg. The webinar delves deeper into each of these points, providing specific examples and actionable steps that you can implement in your practice right away to keep that pet parent traffic coming in. Informational opportunities like this are just the start of the support that VetEvolve offers to our partner practices. Taylor, as CGO, works with practices just like yours every day to implement these strategies and drive real growth.
Want to Learn More?
While we’ve covered some highlights here, the full webinar offers a much more comprehensive look at driving volume to your veterinary practice. From detailed SEO tips to creative ideas for community partnerships, there’s something for every practice looking to grow.
To get the full scope of the content and access all 10 actionable strategies discussed in the webinar, we encourage you to watch the full presentation. You’ll come away with a toolbox of ideas to help keep that pet parent traffic coming through your doors.
If you have any questions after watching or want to discuss how to implement these strategies, please don’t hesitate to reach out. If you know any colleagues who might benefit from this information, feel free to share the webinar link with them!
Are you a practice owner looking for a partner who values your unique identity and supports your vision? Are you a veterinarian seeking to build a happier career? Connect with our team today to learn more about the benefits of working at a people-first organization.
Fairfax Animal Hospital will always be a special practice in the VetEvolve community as it was the first practice to partner with VetEvolve 10 years ago when Dr. Jerry Goldfarb took a chance on our founders based on their military backgrounds and their strong sense of values. While the practice has been successful in serving the community of Falls Church, Va. for nearly eight decades, it hasn’t been immune to the stresses and challenges that every veterinary practice has faced, including those of the COVID pandemic, veterinarian shortages, and personnel turnover.
In early 2023, VetEvolve Northern Virginia Regional Manager, Jennifer Rossi, knew the Fairfax practice could continue growing but needed extra support to drive client growth again. The practice had been relying on relief doctors to cover shifts and there wasn’t a great sense of engagement across the team. After spending time listening to the doctors, the staff, and the clients, she realized that the culture needed to be rebuilt, and the key to doing so would be hiring just the right practice manager.
The First Piece of the Puzzle
The VetEvolve recruiting team introduced Jennifer to Carissa Shapiro who had prior experience as a successful practice manager and was well versed in the veterinary industry — her father was also a veterinarian and she had worked to support his business for many years. Along with her veterinary experience, Carissa brought a strong set of values that aligned with the VetEvolve people-focused approach to practice management and leadership.
“(Carissa) is empathetic to the needs of the employees, she’s a really good active listener,” Jennifer explained. “We got along great from the start. We know first and foremost that we’re there for each other as human beings; we approach situations with the understanding that we’re all people.”
Carissa’s mission was to build a team whose values aligned with hers — and that of VetEvolve as a whole. The team at Fairfax had to start to care more about each other, put more emphasis on the team as a whole, focus on their strengths, and embrace servant leadership. These principles are in lockstep with VetEvolve’s unique approach to practice partnerships.
And it’s needed in veterinary medicine, where long hours, challenging work, and a changing environment can lead to burnout and low morale across big swaths of the industry. Being human, and treating others likewise, isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to continue to evolve the way practices operate.
“VetMed is hard,” Carissa said. “It’s not always going to be puppies and kittens, cakes and rainbows. It can be emotionally draining, especially for people like CSRs (customer service representatives). You have to have respect and empathy for each other. We’re okay with mistakes as long as we learn from them.”
With support from the VetEvolve support team and her regional manager, Carissa was able to begin rebuilding — while independently running — the culture at Fairfax.
Some examples have included a hot chocolate bar as a way of showing appreciation for everyone working at Fairfax. In another, the staff recently had a ‘Hawaiian Shirt Day’ in honor of Dr. Jerry Goldfarb, previous owner, and his preferred attire.
“It’s the little, human things that Carissa does…it’s helped us build something special culturally that was not there,” Jennifer said. “It took more than a year of hard work, tears, and challenges to create a culture that is able to attract talent again.”
Turning the Corner with Strong Recruitment
As the team at Fairfax began to build that sense of community and pride in their practice, it shone through as recruitment efforts picked up pace. The practice was able to bring on Dr. Catherine Curry to serve as the Medical Director. Dr. Sonali Kadam joined full-time shortly thereafter and headed up the effort to get onsite surgery services back online after a five-year hiatus. The team was also able to administer urgent care and hospitalizations when needed.
The Fairfax support team was also able to make better use of the resources and support mechanisms already in place. For example, CSRs became more adept at working with administration and communication tooling. Altogether, this meant the practice was able to see more patients and provide the care they needed — all in-house.
“This is why we do this — to help animals and not just send them off to other practices,” Carissa said. “We were getting doctors to say yes and do more in-house.”
“The continuity of care has been so important,” Dr. Curry said. “They’re able to see the same doctor regularly, someone who knows them, who knows their pets, knows how to handle them and what could be wrong.
“Carissa built a new team. She’s been able to rebuild and renew the practice, said Rossi. “The team has embraced the change, and they are excited about what’s to come. We’re at the stage now where we’re creating a consistent growth mindset. It’s tangible.”
Positive results have led to positive returns for Fairfax throughout 2024. Client feedback has improved dramatically, new patient visits are up and client retention rates are strong, all leading to significant growth in revenue and margins.
“When I got here, people were nervous about the changes and how to get things back on track,” Dr. Curry said. “Now? The team has embraced the change and is excited about what’s to come. We’re at the stage now where we’re creating a consistent growth mindset. It’s tangible.”
Are you a practice owner looking for a partner who values your unique identity and supports your vision? Are you a veterinarian seeking to build a happier career? Connect with our team today to learn more about the benefits of working at a people-first organization.
The month-long initiative highlights the core value, Serve, with team members’ contributions to their communities
VetEvolve’s people-centric approach to veterinary care and support is built on three core values — Serve, Evolve, and Trust. For a second consecutive year, we recently completed a month-long celebration of one of those values, Serve, by recognizing the service and charity efforts of nominated team members who use their time outside of work to serve non-profits in their communities.
The belief in serving others is fundamental at VetEvolve and was born from the beliefs of our co-founders — both Marine Corps veterans. Their mission-first mindset combined with a strong belief in taking care of others is what drew them to veterinary practice ownership. It’s remained a constant force throughout our 10-year history. VetEvolve always encourages team members to think about how they Serve our clients and patients so they always feel heard, respected, and cared for.
In conjunction with recognizing the service and charity work of each of the team members below, VetEvolve also made donations to each of the non-profits selected. We’re proud to have each as a valued member of our team and are proud to support what’s important to them.
Dr. Keith Taylor: Nyaka
Dr. Keith Taylor of Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun is currently training to run the 2024 NYC Marathon on a charity team fundraising for Nyaka, an organization supporting education, health care, and advocacy for over 88,000 orphaned and at-risk children and women in western Uganda. Dr. Taylor felt honored to be part of Team Nyaka during the 2023 NYC Marathon, raising nearly $150,000, and hopes to surpass that total this year — in what will be his third career marathon.
Dr. Carrie Muller: Wreaths Across America
Dr. Carrie Muller of Hoffman Animal Hospital has been involved with Wreaths Across America for the last eight years, assisting in fundraising to ensure that fallen heroes are not forgotten. Dr. Muller, a military veteran, and her family volunteer each year to lay wreaths at the Naval Academy Cemetery, a moving ceremony that teaches her children the importance of honoring those who have given everything to keep this country free. This work aligns with Wreaths Across America’s mission to “Remember. Honor. Teach.”
Dr. Lauren Taylor: Loudoun County Animal Services
Dr. Lauren Taylor of Animal Medical Centers of Loudoun volunteers with her daughter Lilly at the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, fostering kittens year-round and providing general assistance to the shelters. This volunteer work is a meaningful mother-daughter activity for Lauren and Lilly, allowing them to give back to their community and help animals in need. This “apprentice pair” is dedicated to the mission — including bottle feeding when needed — of finding homes for animals in need.
Jennifer Rossi: National Charity League
Jennifer Rossi — VetEvolve’s Northern Virginia Regional Manager — and her daughters volunteer with the National Charity League, participating in various charitable events and philanthropic initiatives, including supporting the Veterans Honor Flight program. The Honor Flight network provides free trips to Washington D.C. for veterans, many of whom are World War II, Korean War, or Vietnam War veterans who have never had the opportunity to visit memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. Rossi and her family greet the veterans at the airport, welcoming them with a band, flags, handshakes, and heartfelt appreciation, and return to bid them farewell at the end of their impactful trip. Learn more here: https://www.veteranshonorflight.org/
Dr. Teri White: TomCat Solutions
Dr. Teri White, co-founder of TomCat Solutions, has dedicated herself to serving the local community by helping to reduce the population of stray, intact felines. Through TomCat Solutions, Dr. White provides veterinary care, including vaccinations, and works to find homes or barns for these animals. Dr. White’s Community Animal Hospital clients have generously supported this effort by donating, fundraising, and volunteering for TomCat Solutions as well.
Jan Sears: Project Linus of Lower DelMarVa
Jan Sears of Community Animal Hospital volunteers with Project Linus of Lower DelMarVa, a group that makes blankets for children in need of comfort, from preemies to age 17. The blankets are distributed to hospitals, women’s shelters, police and fire stations to provide warmth and solace to children, including those in foster care. Sears has proudly served this organization for many years, finding joy in giving back to the community “one blanket hug at a time.”
Kaylee & Roy Hernandez: Hills and Hollars
In the Eastern Kentucky area of Appalachia, Roy and Kaylee Hernandez of Woodlake Animal Hospital have been quietly making a big difference and this year expanded their efforts through the creation of Hills and Hollars — a new charity organization. Roy and Kaylee created Hills and Hollars to reach every “Hill and Hollar” they could with support to some of the poorest counties providing essential supplies including school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, food boxes, Christmas presents, kids camps, and service projects.
Dr. Sadye Soffin: Saint Francis Service Dogs
Dr. Sadye Soffin of Big Lick has been involved with Saint Francis Service Dogs since her second year of veterinary school, starting with an externship and then evolving her volunteer work over time. As a volunteer, Dr. Soffin helps with daily tasks like walking the dogs, assisting in training classes, and providing basic care like nail trims and baths. She is passionate about Saint Francis Service Dogs because of the profound positive impact they have on the lives of people with disabilities, matching each recipient with a specially trained service dog at no cost to the partner. Saint Francis Service Dogs is the largest service dog organization in Virginia and is accredited by Assistance Dogs International.
Crystal Beavers: Lab Rescue of the LRCP
Crystal Beavers of Armistead Avenue Veterinary Hospital has adopted two beloved Labrador Retrievers through Lab Rescue of the LRCP, an organization she describes as easy to work with and committed. Beavers first adopted a lab from the rescue six years ago, and when she was ready for a second dog two years later, she knew Lab Rescue was the only choice, as they helped ensure a great match for her family. As an avid supporter, Beavers aggressively bids in the rescue’s annual auctions, which directly benefit the medical care of all the dogs.
Dr. Lizette Reed: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Dr. Lizette Reed of Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital has volunteered with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation since 2017, contributing to their Chesapeake Oyster Alliance goal of planting 10 billion oysters by 2025. Dr. Reed gardens oysters at locations near her home in Norfolk and at the boat launch behind her hospital, with help from her staff, carefully tending to the oysters’ needs for an entire year before returning the adult oysters to the Chesapeake Bay. Each oyster can filter 50 gallons of water per day, and Dr. Reed’s annual contribution of 250-300 adult oysters is a significant boost to the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Dr. Reed encourages anyone to get involved, as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will provide water access to garden oysters even for those not living near the coast.
Sarah Kocur: Animal Network Las Vegas
Sarah Kocur, VetEvolve’s Digital Marketing Manager, was inspired to volunteer with Animal Network in Las Vegas after adopting her dog, Chips, from the rescue. Kocur was touched by the story of how Chips’ pregnant mother, Sugar, was rescued from euthanasia at a local shelter and cared for by the Animal Network’s foster program until her emergency C-section and the puppies’ adoption. The Animal Network saves hundreds of pets annually from being euthanized, with dedicated volunteers often using their funds to support the animals’ care. Kocur’s rewarding volunteer experience at the Animal Network, including their remarkable two-week search effort to find the missing Sugar, inspired her to return to the veterinary field.
Woodlake Animal Hospital: Chesterfield Animal Services
Woodlake Animal Hospital has partnered with Chesterfield Animal Services to establish a food pantry inside the shelter, helping families in need afford food for their pets. This summer, the hospital completed an exterior drop-off point where community members can take a bag or case of pet food if they are struggling financially. Woodlake Animal Hospital is dedicated to the “Serve” core value of VetEvolve, giving back to the community that has supported them for many years.
Dr. Danny Montgomery: Boy Scout Troop #1
Dr. Danny Montgomery of Animal Care Center is an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #1 in Princeton, West Virginia, where his two sons are members. As an Eagle Scout himself, Dr. Montgomery believes scouting helps prepare young people to be better adults, and he took a week off this summer to supervise the troop at summer camp. Any donations to the troop will go a long way in supporting the youth of the area, an endeavor Dr. Montgomery feels is more hands-on and just as impactful than his involvement in other service organizations.
Carmen Ryan: Save A Sato
Carmen Ryan, Practice Manager at Arnold Veterinary Hospital, has been donating to the Save a Sato organization since 2017 after she visited their facilities in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria while delivering donations collected from various veterinary supply companies. Save a Sato is a non-profit that is dedicated to easing the suffering of Puerto Rico’s homeless and abused animals. SAS rescues “satos”, slang for street dogs, from the streets and beaches and gives them medical care, food and shelter, and plenty of love. When they are healthy, they go to a partner shelter for adoption.
Serve 2024: For VetEvolve and Our Team, It’s a Year-Round Effort
Serving others is a key component of our mission and VetEvolve is dedicated to supporting all our people — inside and outside of work. When veterinarians and their support teams have the support they need, they’re empowered to deliver consistent, high-quality care for pets and animals, and better serve the communities in which they live.
Whether you’re a veterinarian looking for a new opportunity or a practice owner seeking a partnership to support your business and its growth, VetEvolve has a community of people and resources to support you and ensure you can be ‘Happy Here’.
Interested in joining VetEvolve? Learn more about our personalized career options and how we can support you in your career.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]As we mark VetEvolve’s 10th anniversary, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here. From our humble beginnings with a single practice to our current community of 37 thriving veterinary practices, our story is one of growth, partnership, and unwavering commitment to our core values.
Rooted in Service and Empowerment
VetEvolve was founded on principles that might surprise some in the corporate world — military-inspired ideals of empowering people, trusting them to excel in their roles, and embracing a servant leadership mentality. These principles have been our North Star, guiding us as we’ve grown and evolved over the past decade.
VetEvolve was officially founded in 2014, but its roots go back to the early 2000s. In 2006, VetEvolve founders Paul Habenicht and Nick Lodestro were in Al Anbar province of Iraq on their last deployment with their Marine Reconnaissance unit when they began to consider life after active duty.
What was most important to them was creating an organization similar to what they were leaving. One with core values, a mission focus, and a team-based culture. “That’s exactly what we found in the veterinary services industry,” says Nick, VetEvolve’s Chief Executive Officer.
This mindset coupled with a perpetual belief in taking care of people is the foundation for the people-first culture at VetEvolve. Since 2014, VetEvolve has partnered with practices to provide them with the support they need. While this is similar to what other veterinary platforms offer, again and again, we hear that what makes us different is our authentic, genuine commitment to our people and our support of their individual goals throughout their careers.
Our First Partnership: A Promise Kept
Our journey began in Falls Church, Virginia with Fairfax Animal Hospital and our partnership with Dr. Jerry Goldfarb. From day one, we were committed to honoring our word and working tirelessly to learn the ins and outs of
practice operations. We knew building trust and delivering on our promises would be crucial to our success.
We worked with Dr. Goldfarb to develop a succession plan for his ownership. He wanted to continue working — and continues to this day — but needed support to make the practice everything it could be.
“I’ve been very happy with our arrangement. I was considering several other offers from the large consolidators, and in the end, I just couldn’t see how the vision of the practice would be able to continue if Fairfax Animal Hospital was purchased by a corporate group,” Dr. Goldfarb said. “ VetEvolve was the right decision for my practice, our clients, and our patients.”
Fairfax Animal Hospital was our first partnership and continues to thrive today. It serves as a great example of everything VetEvolve wants to accomplish:
- Preserving each of our partner practices’ uniqueness and basing our relationships on shared values
- Supporting every member of veterinary care teams so they have happy, fulfilling careers
- Improving operational efficiency for our community practices and improving care through investments in people and facilities
Growing Our Community, One Practice at a Time
As word of our unique approach spread, more practices sought to join our community. We recognized that to support this growth, we needed to expand our team — but not just with anyone. We searched for individuals who shared our values and people-first mindset. This led us to Jessica DeCesare, who joined our team and has since become our Chief People Officer, embodying our commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do.
Jessica’s day-to-day work is focused not only on supporting doctors within the organization but also on finding the right doctors to join VetEvolve and creating custom onboarding plans for them. She nourishes communication channels between vets and managers, clients, technicians, and more to ensure everyone on all sides is met with clear and consistent information and treated with empathy, support, and respect.
The goal, then and now, is to make every veterinary professional Happy Here at VetEvolve.
“Happier vets lead to happier pets, which is why having a point person to reach out and support our veterinarians’ goals, interests, and overall work-life balance will ultimately help our vets focus their energy on excellent care,” Jessica says.
Where We Stand Today
Fast forward to today, and VetEvolve has blossomed into a vibrant community of 37 practices with over 850 team members, supported by a dedicated team of 39 professionals. Each team member brings their unique passion and expertise to the table, and every practice owner has their own story of why they chose to partner with us.
What sets us apart? It’s simple: we give each person, each practice, and each owner the same personalized attention as if they were our very first employee, our first practice, and our first partner. We understand that no two practices are alike, and we tailor our support to meet the specific needs of each hospital.
Our Values: The VetEvolve Difference
In an industry where many companies offer similar services, we pride ourselves on being different. It’s not just about what we do — it’s how we do it. Our values have remained constant over the years, serving as the foundation for what makes VetEvolve special.
- Serve — We remember we’re here to serve our people, our clients, their pets, and the communities in which we all reside.
- Evolve — We strive to evolve our veterinary practices, with technology investments, operational efficiency improvements, and increased support for vets and their teams.
- Trust — We work hard to earn trust, not only from clients and their pets but also from practice owners looking for transition opportunities and veterinary professionals looking for a company that supports them throughout their careers, both professionally and personally. We do what we say we’re going to do.
These values are displayed in how we approach every practice and team member. We believe in:
- Empowering our team members and practice partners
- Maintaining the unique identity of each practice
- Autonomy of medical decisions
- Operating with transparency and integrity
- Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for the trust our partners have placed in us and excitement for what the future holds. We remain committed to our people-first approach, confident that it will continue to guide us in empowering veterinary practices for decades to come.
Here’s to 10 years of growth, partnership, and making a difference in the veterinary community — and to many more years ahead!
Are you a practice owner looking for a partner who values your unique identity and supports your vision? Are you a veterinarian seeking to build a happier career? Connect with our team today to learn more about the benefits of working at a people-first organization.
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