Waldo Animal Clinic

Before she became Dr. Megan Soehnlen, Megan Byrne was a little girl that loved her pets. From dressing up her cat, Sandy, and pushing her around in a stroller to 4H and caring for livestock, young Megan always knew she wanted to be a vet one day. Little did she know, the very same clinic where she took her pets would one day be run by her and her husband.

In 1962, Doc Ebert started Waldo Animal Clinic from his home. He initially worked with mostly large animals, but locals began turning to him to care for their family pets. Dr. Klinefelter joined the growing practice before it moved to its current location in February of 1974. When Doc Ebert passed, Dr. Klinefelter ran the practice until 2015 when Drs. Richard and Megan Soehnlen took over.

Dr. Megan met Dr. Richard while they were both in veterinary school. Unlike Megan, young Richard dreamed of becoming an engineer. He loved 4H and showing cattle as a child, but his interest in veterinary medicine was peaked when he started going to work with his uncle. He saw his uncle working with all sorts of people and pets. Dr. Richard aspired to be the type of vet that his uncle is, treating everyone with respect.

Drs. Richard and Megan Soehnlen treating a patient

After Dr. Richard and Dr. Megan graduated from vet school, they worked in the Dayton area before having their first child. As they started their family, they wanted to be closer to family and start their own practice. Dr. Megan was talking to a friend from home and heard that Dr. Klinefelter was looking to sell the practice and retire. It was a perfect fit; Dr. Richard and Dr. Megan bought Waldo Animal Clinic in 2015. Dr. Megan remembers the transition, “When we first came back, many asked us how long we were going to stay. We’re here to raise our kids and grow our practice. We’re here for the long haul.”

Buying the practice was the biggest risk Dr. Richard and Dr. Megan ever took. While they figured the transition in ownership would be the biggest obstacle, they had no idea the growth the practice was about to experience. People took notice to the level of care Dr. Richard and Dr. Megan offered, bringing their pets in from miles away. Dr. Megan explains, “Financially, the first year was a big unknown. We knew the risk we were taking, walking away from two stable incomes to start fresh back home. We appreciate how our clients and community have responded.”

The Soehnlen Family

From receptionist to technicians to doctors, the team at Waldo Animal Clinic partners with pet owners, ensuring complete understanding of each pet’s situation. Dr. Richard attributes the success of the practice to one thing: compassion.

Waldo Animal Clinic proudly welcomes Dr. Nikki Joliff

From transitioning in 2015 to complete remodel in 2017, Waldo Animal Clinic has seen continued growth. The team is excited to be welcoming Dr. Nikki Jolliff to the clinic. Like Dr. Megan, Dr. Nikki grew up nearby, but has been practicing for a few years in Pennsylvania. As she and her husband raise their young family, they are excited to be moving closer to home as well. Dr. Richard, Dr. Megan, and Dr. Nikki are now accepting new patients as they continue to expand the practice. Call 740-726-2119 or stop in at 153 S Marion Street in Waldo to set up an appointment. For more information, visit them on facebook!