Some may say Doctor Kelly Kontur was born for her patients.
The proof could be that just over 30 years ago, on Kelly’s birthday, the original business was began.
Of course, it could just be a coincidence.
Kelly grew up not too far from the Old Route 8 practice she purchased in 2017, according to her mom and business manager, Patty Kontur. (See article from back then: https://nordoniahills.news/summit-animal-hospital-changing-hands/ )
And folks driving or walking around the area of Old 8 and Route 82 have noticed a new building being erected near the animal hospital, which began as a home and is still known as “the bar” by many, according to Patty. The house was turned into a local watering hole, before taking on new life as the animal hospital.
Thirty-two years ago, the bar was turned into the veterinary hospital.
“The client base has built up enough that we just don’t have the room,” Patty said.
The new building will have double the exam space, increasing from close to 8,000-square-feet to 3,200.
“We are basically doubling our room,” according to Patty.
The employees have helped make the hospital, like a home.
One tech has been with the hospital almost 30 years. Another began when she was 14.
“So, it’s pretty much a family affair,” Patty said.
Kelly said she enjoys the community so well, that she is excited to have a more functional facility with which to serve our clients. “
“We are building with the intent to remain at this location for the duration of my career and look forward to continuing to be a contributing part of the Nordonia Hills neighborhood,” Kelly said about her future. “We are thankful for the support of our wonderful clients and look forward to helping many pets for years to come.”
Kelly began working in the clinic at 14, as a “kennel girl,” then a tech as her education and experience grew, Patty said.
In 2017, the general founder announced she was semi retiring and moving out of state.
When Kelly finished her training, she had several offers, her mom said.
However, most of the offers were from large corporate clinics that pay the doctors, dependent, on how the doctors, charge their clientele.
Kelly was not comfortable with that and felt she wanted to be more of an old-fashioned doctor, Patty said.
“She likes the old-fashioned type of practice whereby practitioners are helping people and animals,” Patty said.
“She wanted to come back home help local patients. “
Kelly purchased the practice from her former employer.
“It was kind of cool because she already knew, from experience, a vast amount of the patients names,” Patty said.
When the new hospital is open staff will be expanded, new equipment will great patients as well as top of the line facilities.
“We feel we have to most wonderful patients in this community,” Patty said. “And we want to be able to keep serving this wonderful community.”
