Waukee Native Broderick Comes Home to Open Animal Clinic

It was Dr. John Broderick’s reputation for treating animals that brought Hannah Kroska of Clive and her dog, Bella, to his door.

Shortly after Kroska got Bella, a friend recommended the and now she can’t imagine taking her dog anywhere else.

“They care for Bella like one of their own dogs,” she said. “He’s (Broderick) really natural with animals.”

Ask Broderick why he returned to Waukee to open up his veterinary practice, he’ll just smile and with a twinkle in his eye, tell you that he got a pretty good deal on the land. The Broderick Animal Clinic, at 10 Fourth St., sits on what once part of the farm Broderick grew up on.

“I always knew that I wanted to come back here at some point,” he said. “It’s been successful beyond what I ever expected. We’ve got a good location and people in Waukee are good about supporting local businesses.”

When Broderick first came back to Waukee, he worked in a small space along U.S. Highway 6 growing his practice with his wife, Barb, working as a relief veterinarian. In 1997, they were able to move into the building on Fourth Street, that now sees between 20 and 30 animals a day.

Broderick, who graduated with a degree in veterinary science from Iowa State University, first became interested in working with animals while growing up on the family farm. After college, his first veterinary job involved working primarily with large animals and livestock.

“Sometimes I miss working with larger animals, but never in January and February,” Broderick said.

In addition to veterinary, grooming, and boarding services, the clinic also helps the city by operating a de facto city pound and rescue, taking in animals that don’t have anywhere else to go.

“Most of it comes along with the job, you have an obligation to take care of animals that aren’t being taken care of,” Broderick said.

After living in the Chicago area, Broderick said that he’s glad to be back in a small town, but he appreciates being so close to a large community like Des Moines. He still gets a thrill out of seeing new puppies and kittens, and having a chance to meet their interesting owners, something he describes as the best part of his job.

The worst part? Broderick hates having to euthanize an animal.

While he’ll admit there are plenty of challenges that come along with owning your business, Broderick doesn’t have any regrets.

“I’m not sure I’d change anything, this is what I want to do,” he said.

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Broderick Animal Clinic

Address: 10 Fourth St., Waukee

Phone: (515) 987-1447

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10am - 6pm