Pat Rohret – Adel Veterinary Clinic
(Republished from the May 2011 Newsletter)
Nostalgia isn’t a term often used when referencing a medical facility but it describes the large brick building located on Highway 6 with the quirky sign to a T.
The Adel Veterinary Clinic has been an Adel standby for nearly 4 decades, serving generations of pets and their families.
Left: Dr. Holland, Middle: Dr. Rohret, Right: Dr. Beeman
This month we spoke with the doctors of the Adel Veterinary Clinic to find out what makes this Adel standard so well loved.
The Adel Veterinary Clinic has been serving Adel, Dallas County, and the Des Moines metro faithfully for 37 years under the direction of Dr. Pat Rohret. Dr. Rohret was just an intern when the clinic first opened its doors in 1974. After graduating from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Sciences, Dr. Rohret remained at the clinic and later purchased the business in 1997. While his techniques have advanced with the times, Dr. Rohret’s bedside manner and style of care are deeply rooted in trusted practices that have served veterinarians since the time of house calls.
These traditions and values have drawn not only customers but also like-mindHed professionals to his door.
When Dr. Scott Beeman graduated from Iowa State University in 2010 he began looking for a practice to call home. Of the options he looked into, many missed the mark. Dr. Beeman sought a clinic that provided professional, first-rate care. He also wanted to find a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere that would allow him to grow in the field.
The Adel Veterinary Clinic instantly intrigued Dr. Beeman as it is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association’s Standards of Accreditations. This evaluation is used to measure excellence in veterinary medicine. The Adel Vet Clinic is continually rated on over 800 standards that directly correlate to the care provided to pets.
During his daylong working interview, Dr. Beeman was able to experience this high level of care first hand, working along side his future colleague Dr. Elizabeth Holland and the large staff of technicians
Dr. Elizabeth Holland joined the clinic three years ago, seeking the same levels of professionalism and teamwork as Dr. Beeman. Dr. Holland enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, specializing in small pet care. The two young vets value the encouragement Dr. Rohret provides the team while allowing each person opportunities to pursue niche fields within their area of expertise.
Dr. Beeman focuses on small animals such as cats and dogs, with an added interest in exotic pets like ferrets, rabbits, birds, hamsters, and Guinea pigs. Dr. Beeman’s family has raised Guinea pigs and knows first hand how difficult it can be to find veterinarians who will see all these and other unusual pets. “Doctors are not comfortable with them, it’s a learning curve as these animals are not as common, but they need care too!”
Dr. Holland is especially drawn to Eastern medical practices and has brought Chinese herbal medicine and pet acupuncture to the Adel clinic. Acupuncture uses very fine needles, placed at designated points over the body, to treat an array of issues facing pets. It has been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis, kidney and liver disease, muscle atrophy, chronic allergies, and skin conditions.
Herbal remedies are another holistic approach to pet wellness, affording another course of action for trouble cases.
The doctors are passionate about the level of care they provide, researching the newest, latest methods to diagnose and treat small animals. This includes continuing education opportunities, therapeutic laser treatments, a full radiology department, and in-house laboratory testing. The staff makes an effort to be aware of the latest advances in veterinary medicine, which impact us all.
Dr. Rohret tells us “Veterinary medicine moves at the same rate as human medicine.” Doctors now breed pigs with human genetic defects so that they can test different treatments that they hope will one day eliminate deseases like cystic fibrosis.
The long-standing clinic and knowledgeable staff creates a sense of trust with its patients, with generations of pet owners returning to Adel. Local pet rescue spot, AHeinz57 also uses the facility to vaccinate and treat all the homeless and abandoned animals they receive.
It is unfortunate that many of these animals have been neglected, abused, and deprived of vaccinations, however this unique opportunity is beneficial to the clinic. Working with the animals grants the doctors the chance to treat uncommon issues that the general pet population does not encounter. “We get to see first hand the importance of vaccinations,” remarks Dr. Beeman.
Holistic care starts with baby animals and continues through the life cycle. An area of pet care that is often avoided is Euthanasia. The staff at the Adel clinic understands that it can be emotionally straining to discuss this type of care and believe that handling these delicate situations with a kind heart is of the utmost importance. “First impressions are important,” says Dr. Holland, “but the final impression is just as important. We want to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the pets and their family.”
All three doctors believe that preventative health care is essential to ensure our pets have full, healthy lives. From pet obesity to dental care, to senior wellness, these hot topic issues are addressed at the Adel Veterinary Clinic. The clinic offers annual wellness exams, nutritional counseling, and senior wellness services.
Oral health care is also incredibly important to pet health. You’ll find dental exams, cleanings, and extractions available.
The clinic uses a digital x-ray machine. Dr. Rohret states “Most dentist treating humans aren’t using this state of the art in their practice.” The digital X-rays greatly decreases the time that the patient is being examined.
Walking into the clinic you will be struck by the first impression they make. The friendly staff is attentive and eager to help. Unlike other clinics, there is a sense of calm created that helps alleviate stress in both pets and their keepers. This is deceptive, as behind the doors the doctors are busy at work providing personal care to each animal.
This welcoming atmosphere is on display every day as clients’ drive past the building with it’s well known sign. Dr. Rohret posts laughable quotes and announcements for those driving into Adel from the west; fun word puzzles for visitors headed east. This tradition has been going for some time, with drivers going out of their way for this weekly smile.
The Adel Veterinary Clinic is always accepting new clients and welcomes pets and their families to schedule their next appointment or over night boarding experience at the clinic. To find out more about all the services offered, please visit http://adelvet.vetsuite.com.
Adel Veterinary Clinic
619 Greene St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4707
Email: adelvet@mchsi.com
Website: www.Adelvet.com
