Area’s Newest Veterinarian Clinic Opens in Midtown
By K.J. WEBB
Contributing Writer
ELM CREEK REDISCOVERED: Jeff Owens, DVM, is enthusiastic about his new practice in Midtown at 1219 S. Peoria Ave. He choose the name “Elm Creek” because, he says, he found out that a creek of that name once ran through the area.
LESLIE GREGORY for GTR Newspapers
Tulsa’s newest veterinary clinic, Elm Creek Animal Hospital, located near the Cherry Street district at 1219 S. Peoria Ave. in Midtown Tulsa, opened its doors to pets and pet owners recently. The practice specializes in small animal care, disease prevention and client education.
When asked why he chose to open a vet practice in the Midtown area, Elm Creek’s owner, Jeff Owens, , says, “As far as vet clinics go, Midtown has been underserved in the market. There are so many pet owners in this part of Tulsa. They, and certainly their pets, will benefit from a full service animal hospital close to home, particularly if their pets have a medical emergency.”
Elm Creek clients can rest easy knowing that their beloved pets will have access to top-of-the line treatment, equipment and technology; and most importantly, superior veterinary care. Owens, a graduate of Oklahoma State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, has practiced in the metro Tulsa area for the past six years.
Owens started out at a small practice in Tulsa, and after three years moved to the corporately-owned Woodland Central Animal Hospital. Three months later he was asked to be the Medical Director at Broken Arrow Animal Hospital, his most recent position.
When asked why he chose to open his own practice, Owens says, “It’s always been a goal of mine. I was born and raised here in Midtown. It’s a great area and I know the community well.” He adds, “There’s a strong need for veterinary care in this area. For a long time a lot of my friends and clients were asking me when I was going to open my own practice. I’m glad to have the opportunity to serve a need here, doing what I love to do: taking care of animals.”
When asked what the most common health problems he sees, Owens replies, “In addition to obesity, it’s the problems caused from waiting, meaning a lot of pet owners don’t take their pets to a vet until there’s a serious problem.” He points out cats as an example, saying that the stoic nature of cats sometimes makes it difficult to detect health problems until the disease process is advanced. This results in more expensive and aggressive treatments that could have been potentially avoided with regular preventative care.
Owens explains that it’s not a lack of love for their pets that keeps owners from taking them to the vet as frequently as they should; but rather it’s a line of thinking that needs to be changed. “Pet owners should think about their pets health the way they think about their own, from a perspective of prevention. As such, Owens advises pet owners to get for their pets annual blood work, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s () recommended vaccines, heartworm prevention medication, and regular dental work to prevent gum disease. “Taking care of these simple things on a consistent basis could have a profound effect on the longevity and quality of life for your pet,” he says.
Owens says he is enthused about being a part of the urban renewal underway in the Cherry Street, Tracy Park and the Pearl District areas. He is enthusiastic about Elm Creek becoming part of its growing business community. “A vet clinic in such proximity to these areas is a natural fit into the business landscape of the area. It adds to the diversity of services, which offers convenience to everyone. We’re looking forward to serving the area’s pet owners and providing the best possible care and compassion to their pets.”
When asked why he chose the name “Elm Creek Animal Hospital,” Owens answers, “I was trying to come up with a name. Technically, it’s not part of Cherry Street per se, so I couldn’t use ‘Cherry Street.’ Interestingly though, I found out that a creek called Elm Creek ran through this area many years ago.” He adds, “I liked the sound of it, and it’s tied to the history of the area, which is important to me.”
Elm Creek Animal Hospital hours are 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays. Drop off is as early as 7:30 a.m. For more information, call (918) 508-7010, or visit www.elmcreekanimalhospital.net.
Updated 03-18-2010
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