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Meet

Dr. Alex Cole

Dr. Alex Cole has owned The Urbana Veterinary Clinic since 2010 and previously had 15 years practice experience at Indiana’s Manchester Veterinary Clinic before moving to Ohio. He has an avid interest dogs and cats.   Over his career he has had a chance to care for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, small ruminants and young calves.  At his prior practice he also served as the back-up practitioner for the practice’s dairy veterinarian, and the ‘go to’ guy for the unusual. His more interesting cases included teaming up with a farrier to treat a lame zebra and providing medical supervision for an elephant, both owned by a retired circus trainer. He also worked with a certified wildlife rehabilitator in Indiana and a commercial kennel that specialized in training of military and police dogs.

As he transitioned to Urbana he was able to concentrate on his favorites, care of dogs and cats.

He attended Kansas State for his undergraduate degree and is a 1995 graduate from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. His veterinary training included extra coursework in exotics and diagnostic imaging. His externship was at an avian and exotic clinic in southern California.   Ongoing education includes several weekend courses in various orthopedic procedures.

His other interests include sailing and canoeing.   His preferred exercise involves martial arts.   He is a second degree blackbelt in Shotokan Karate and a third-degree blackbelt TaiKwonDo.   Dr. Cole is also a member of Acres Land Trust–a protector of natural habitats in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio and volunteers on the Urbana Dog Park member’s board. He has family ties to Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as Indianapolis.

Dr. Cole and his girlfriend currently have a an older Jack Russell Terrier, but don’t tell Chloe she’s “older” or she will be forced to run circles around you to prove otherwise!   They also have Momo, a Coonhound ‘foster fail’ from BUP.   She’s not rude, she just suffers from PTSD and is afraid to make friends.

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Meet

Dr. Kari McManus

Dr. Kari McManus has been an associate veterinarian with The Urbana Veterinary Clinic since 2012. Dr. McManus grew up with a wide variety of animals, including horses and llamas, on her family’s 10-acre property just outside Sheridan, Wyoming (a city just slightly larger than Urbana). She discovered her calling at age 8, when she began shadowing her family’s veterinarian. While growing up she was involved in 4-H and FFA. Her projects included horses, llamas and poultry. In Colorado she has assisted the Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies and has conducted veterinary checks at livestock shows through the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners.

She attended The University of Wyoming for her undergraduate in Medical Microbiology and Animal and Veterinary Sciences and is a 2012 graduate from The Colorado State University College of Professional Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. McManus also gained certification as a veterinary acupuncturist through the International Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture in a program offered by the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and Colorado State.

Dr. McManus is the first veterinarian in the area to also offer veterinary medical acupuncture and spinal manipulation, or VSMT, as a complement or adjunct to traditional veterinary medicine. She offers acupuncture for small and large animals to alleviate chronic pain and treat a variety of common conditions, such as hip dysplasia, chronic degenerative joint disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and respiratory, neurological and urinary tract disorders. VSMT complements acupuncture by providing a healthy stimulus to the nervous system. This can help with illnesses and chronic conditions from arthritis to organ dysfunction.

“I like general veterinary practice, seeing my patients all the way through their lives and building a relationship with clients and patients.” –Dr. McManus

Her interests also include outdoor conservation, horseback riding, spending time with friends, walking trails with her dog, drawing and painting.

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Meet

Dr. Jessica Higgins

Dr. Jessica Higgins has been an associate veterinarian with the Urbana Veterinary Clinic since 2017, as well as three prior years working summers and holidays with us as a veterinary student.

When she graduated from The Ohio State University, she found herself torn between two passions: swine/poultry population medicine and caring for your beloved pets, so she is doing both! Dr. Higgins works with us on some Saturdays and loves developing relationships with your pets and families. Since 2005, she has been involved with small animal medicine and has special interests in behavior modification techniques and controlling pet allergies.

During her free time, Dr. Higgins enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls. She met her husband through 4-H when they were young and the two of them now judge 4-H projects at the Ohio State Fair together as a way to give back to the program. They also enjoy relaxing at home with their three “fur babies,” Scarlet (Lab/Boxer mix), Moses (Devon Rex cat) and Henry (domestic shorthair cat).

About Us

what is Urbana Veterinary Clinic?

Urbana Veterinary Clinic is were quality care meets a family-friendly Approach.  For years, Urbana Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted pillar of our community, known for delivering top-notch care to your beloved pets. Our dedicated team takes pride in their swift and efficient service, creating a warm and welcoming family-style environment for both clients and their furry companions.

At Urbana Veterinary Clinic, located in Urbana, Ohio, we proudly serve the communities of Urbana, Springfield, West Liberty, and Bellefontaine. With a long-standing reputation for quality care, our clinic has become Urbana's trusted choice for exceptional pet healthcare.

Dr. McManus, our dedicated veterinarian, not only offers traditional veterinary services but also specializes in alternative healing methods like Acupuncture and Chiropractic. We are committed to elevating pet care by blending tradition with innovation to ensure your furry companions receive the best possible treatment.

EXCEPTIONAL CARE & SERVICE

ABOUT THE TEAM

At Urbana Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to delivering top-notch veterinary care for your beloved pets. Our compassionate team is always eager to assist with any questions or concerns you may have while at our clinic, and we genuinely enjoy connecting with our clients to make you and your furry companions feel at ease. From our front desk staff to our experienced veterinarians and dedicated support staff, we work in harmony to provide exceptional service at every stage of your pet's healthcare journey.

Chloe

Top Dog

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Farley

Head Cat

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Miranda Keene

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Dan Shafer

Maintenance

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Ruth Ozimek

Front Office

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Emily Bishop

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

David Hicks

Assistant

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Erin Christian

[POSITION]

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Corey Shafer

[POSITION]

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Emily Workman

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Evelyn Pillion

Practice Manager

Dr. Cole belongs to Chloe and gets to come to work every day that he does. As a Jack Russel Terrier, she spends most of her day looking out of each door, happily waiting for her dad to walk by, only pausing briefly throughout the day to take naps and/or going outside to get her zoomies out! (she is a Jack Russel after all) It’s a pretty exciting work life!

Alice Stanford

receptionist

Farley came to us as a good Samaritan rescue from the square here in town in very rough shape and in danger of being run over. About a month later, some intense TLC and doctoring up, we had our new, mischievous clinic cat. He gained over four pounds in the first three months was here and went from having a thin, balding coat to a thick, beautiful coat. He has proven that donut and pizza boxes are no match for a cat from the streets and no shoulder is too high for him to leap onto when he wants to take a ride around the room. He was named after Chris Farley because well… he’s just funny.

Andrea Lehman

Veterinary assistant

Farley came to us as a good Samaritan rescue from the square here in town in very rough shape and in danger of being run over. About a month later, some intense TLC and doctoring up, we had our new, mischievous clinic cat. He gained over four pounds in the first three months was here and went from having a thin, balding coat to a thick, beautiful coat. He has proven that donut and pizza boxes are no match for a cat from the streets and no shoulder is too high for him to leap onto when he wants to take a ride around the room. He was named after Chris Farley because well… he’s just funny.

Chloe Ford

Veterinary assistant

Farley came to us as a good Samaritan rescue from the square here in town in very rough shape and in danger of being run over. About a month later, some intense TLC and doctoring up, we had our new, mischievous clinic cat. He gained over four pounds in the first three months was here and went from having a thin, balding coat to a thick, beautiful coat. He has proven that donut and pizza boxes are no match for a cat from the streets and no shoulder is too high for him to leap onto when he wants to take a ride around the room. He was named after Chris Farley because well… he’s just funny.

Corey Shafer

Veterinary assistant

Corey has been with the clinic since September of 2017 after attending the Veterinary Technology program at Miami-Jacobs Career College. Corey and her husband, Dan, have 3 daughters, 1 son, and 1 granddaughter. They also have two dogs named Aries and Buck and a cat that destroys their home every night while they sleep, aptly named Taz. Corey enjoys hunting, kayaking and riding her ATV.

Dan Shafer

Maintenance

Dan is a retired military Sergeant and a firm believer in supporting small businesses so he has decided to lend us his maintenance abilities for a few hours every morning to keep the place in working order. Dan and his wife, Corey have 3 daughters, 1 son, and 1 granddaughter. He enjoys hunting, shooting, kayaking, and 4-wheeling. They have 2 dogs and 1 cat but if you ask Dan, they only have 2 dogs! haha

Danielle Smith

Veterinary assistant

Farley came to us as a good Samaritan rescue from the square here in town in very rough shape and in danger of being run over. About a month later, some intense TLC and doctoring up, we had our new, mischievous clinic cat. He gained over four pounds in the first three months was here and went from having a thin, balding coat to a thick, beautiful coat. He has proven that donut and pizza boxes are no match for a cat from the streets and no shoulder is too high for him to leap onto when he wants to take a ride around the room. He was named after Chris Farley because well… he’s just funny.

David Hicks

Assistant

David grew up around St. Paris, OH and currently lives in Conover, OH with his wonderful wife and awesome son. He has two dogs—a Blue Heeler named “Bella”, and a Pomeranian mix named “Princess”. He also has a tabby cat named “It”, and 2 potbellied pigs named “Porky” and “Ernie”. David works here on Saturday mornings as an assistant after a few years in the maintenance/assistant position. I guess he just couldn’t leave us for good! David’s hobbies include spending time with his family, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities.

Emily Bishop

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Emily was born and raised in Champaign County, Ohio. She graduated from Graham high school in 2001. She then earned her Equine Studies degree from Ohio University in 2003 followed by her Veterinary Technology degree from Columbus State Community College in 2008. She has been a registered Veterinary Nurse since 2008. Emily has been a horse lover her entire life and grew up showing horses in 4-H and local shows. She currently has three horses, a dog named Tucker, 2 cats, a guinea pig, and some “shared neighbor poultry” for her girls. Emily and her husband, Jeremy, have two beautiful daughters Mallory and Rose. They enjoy spending time with family, riding horses, camping and hiking.

Emily Workman

Registered Veterinary Technician

Emily started at the clinic in 2013 as an intern and we liked her so much, we decided to keep her after she graduated as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! She is a mother to two growing girls and 2 dogs named Hoover and Eureka (Eek for short). Emily loves to spend her free time lost in the woods, but if the weather doesn’t permit, then you’ll find her lost in a good book. She also enjoys fishing in the summer and riding around with the top off her Jeep!

Erin Christian

Veterinary assistant

Erin has been with the clinic since December of 2014 after attending the Veterinary Technology program at Miami-Jacobs Career College in 2013. Erin enjoys camping, hiking, and riding horses and spending time with her husband, son, and dog, “Raider”.

Jackie Wildofsky

Registered Veterinary Technician

Dr. Cole belongs to Chloe and gets to come to work every day that he does. As a Jack Russel Terrier, she spends most of her day looking out of each door, happily waiting for her dad to walk by, only pausing briefly throughout the day to take naps and/or going outside to get her zoomies out! (she is a Jack Russel after all) It’s a pretty exciting work life!

lisa Phillips

Receptionist

Dr. Cole belongs to Chloe and gets to come to work every day that he does. As a Jack Russel Terrier, she spends most of her day looking out of each door, happily waiting for her dad to walk by, only pausing briefly throughout the day to take naps and/or going outside to get her zoomies out! (she is a Jack Russel after all) It’s a pretty exciting work life!

Miranda Keene

Veterinary assistant

Miranda grew up in Mechanicsburg where she was active in 4-H, FFA, bowling, and the fire department. She then graduated from Hocking College with a degree in Equine Science. Miranda had many hours job shadowing Dr. McManus throughout high school before applying here… so she knew what she was getting into and did it anyway 🙂 She is a lover of animals large and small and has a small “zoo” at home. Miranda has a horse named Buddy who is the light of her life.

rebecca Vincent

Veterinary assistant

Dr. Cole belongs to Chloe and gets to come to work every day that he does. As a Jack Russel Terrier, she spends most of her day looking out of each door, happily waiting for her dad to walk by, only pausing briefly throughout the day to take naps and/or going outside to get her zoomies out! (she is a Jack Russel after all) It’s a pretty exciting work life!

Ruth Ozimek

Receptionist

Ruth joined UVC after 18 years working in the human medical field as a Med Lab Tech. She decided that she wanted to slow down a bit and work closer to home where she would have free time for family and church so she has been a part of the front office since July 2020. Ruth has lived in the area most of her life and has put down roots outside of St. Paris with her husband where they raised their 5 daughters and plenty of cats over the years. They have 9 grandchildren close by. In her free time, Ruth enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with the grands, and in summer she enjoys gardening. She Has two cats named Ellie and Lizzie and loves every kitty that walks in the door! Among other ways she loves serving the community, Ruth has been a 4H advisor since 1994!

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