By Jacquelyn Pillsbury
The Pennington Veterinary Care Center has been a resource for pet owners of the Hopewell Valley for nearly 50 years.
In 2003, Dr. Robynlee Reichard, took over the practice following the death of Dr. Franklin. Reichard has been in the veterinary practice for the past 23 year, and says she continues to grow and learn new things about how best to take care of your pets.
“Our hospital is a hometown hospital where you feel like family. We treat our patients as though they are our own. We recommend treatments based on what we would do for our pets. We are the affordable family pet care facility in the area,” Reichard said.
Reichard grew up in Cream Ridge. When she was 12 years old, her mother helped her land a job at the Chesterfield Veterinary Clinic.
Recognizing her passion for animals, her father suggested she consider going into the field of veterinary medicine. She listened to him, and since graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1995 she opened the Pennington Veterinary Clinic, which later merged into its current location on Titus Mill Road across from Rosedale Mills.
Pennington Veterinary Care Center is in the process of expanding its services, as they also expand their building. They are installing a digital x-ray unit and a dental x-ray unit.
“I have found there are a lot of advantages to good dental health,” Reichard said. “It can extend the lives of animals two to three years. I’ve noticed the rate of kidney disease has decreased.”
The building, expected to be finished within six to eight months, will include the opportunity to offer 24-hour care for their hospital patients.
Pennington Veterinary Care Center specializes in taking care of dogs and cats. They are also trained and able to care for your rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, and other animals.
Working with Reichard is Dr. Amy Peterson. Peterson graduated from the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, and is a 2005 graduate from Options for Animals chiropractic school. She was certified in acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2007. She uses Chinese herbs, holistic alternatives, and complementary medicine consultations. She also has her own horse equine services.
Also serving the needs of their patients is Dr. Karen Becker. Becker graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. She said she has a passion for internal medicine, ophthalmology, behavioral medicine, and pain management. She has a deep respect for the human-animal bond. She also said she loves working with her patients and their owners.
Reichard said she is proud of her staff and their long service to the care center. Many of her staff members have been there at least five years. Toni Burghardt, head technician, has been with the practice for 18 years. She is a certified Veterinary Technician and a graduate of Penn Foster College’s AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program. She said her favorite aspect of the veterinary field is patient care and dentistry.
Pennington Veterinary Care Center, 116 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. (609) 818-1200. On the Web: penningtonvet.com.
Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. Closed Sundays.
