Compassionate care since 1967

Our History and Tradition

Miami Valley Animal Hospital opened its doors in 1967 at the 1864 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, Ohio location. At that time, the hospital business was owned and operated by Dr. James L. Gabel and his partner, the late Dr. P.C. Boise. Dr. Alex H. Watts joined the practice in 1980 and purchased the business in 2000. Dr. Watts and his wife, Rebecca, built a new hospital in 2005 at the current location, 1550 E David Rd. in Kettering, Ohio.

The new hospital is a 6700 square foot facility providing a wonderful clean and up-to-date facility for our staff and clients. Currently, there are 4 full-time veterinarians and one part-time independent contracted veterinarian on staff. Each of these professionals brings a great deal of experience and expertise to the practice. We employ an average of 24 staff, including veterinarians, registered veterinary technician’s, technician aids, veterinary assistants, administrative assistants, and a hospital administrator.

Our Vision

To truly appreciate each client who makes the decision to come to our office and entrust their beloved pets to our care. It is our intention to provide compassionate care, excellent treatment, and to provide a sense of belonging when a client brings their pet through our doors. We are grateful to have the opportunity to treat our community’s pets.

Professional growth and development of the staff plays a big part in improving the quality of care delivered to our patients. We make a strong effort to stay current with information related to medicine, prescription diets, dental care, radiology, surgical techniques, and best practices.

How We Conduct Our Business

The business is designed both managerially as well as logistically to promote dialogue among our staff. A culture of being open to change and listening to staff and clients about what is in the best interest of our patients is a high priority We look to continually change, grow and to improve processes, and to be open to new, different, and innovative ways of practicing and conducting business. Not only does the staff work extremely hard to deliver excellent pet care, but we also take the time to celebrate with one another. Quarterly pot luck birthday luncheons, attending baseball games, going to the zoo, and bowling annually are just some of the activities that provide opportunities for all of us enjoy each other “out of the office.”

What we do to make our Community a Better Place to Live

  • In-house licensed social worker provides euthanasia support for our clients experiencing the decision to euthanize a pet.
  • The Social Worker also provides professional interpreting services for our hearing impaired clients at no additional charge to them.
  • Pet behaviorist, Fran Linden, provides a weekly social hour with our new puppies in a play time social environment. Fran has been a pet behaviorist for over 35 years.
  • Hospital displays beautiful artwork created by Sharon Stolzenberger, a local wildlife artist. Her artwork adds beauty to the hospital. Sharon’s artwork can be purchased to enjoy in your home.
  • Joined forces with FEMA and work collaboratively to provide medical services for the FEMA K-9 first responders. We are continuing to develop a relationship with FEMA to do all we can to support these brave K-9 first responders.
  • Work collaboratively with a local pet store to provide excellent health care to the new puppies and kittens as well as to continue to take care of their needs as they grow and change.