Falls’ Animal Medical Center to Celebrate 30th Anniversary

In medical terms, the word “stable” is not necessarily good news for the patient. It just means that his or her condition is not fluctuating. Not getting worse nor getting any better.

But in the business world, being stable can be pretty good news, especially in the current weak economy.

As the marks its 30^th year of operation in Menomonee Falls, owner and veterinarian Amy Roussel is pleased with how the center is doing on the business front. Roussel, who’s been working at the center for 10 years, took over its operations in January 2010.

“Business has been stable though the economy has taken such a downturn,” Roussel said. “I’d like to think as a community, we’ve really maintained a nice stability. Something that I’ve really enjoyed and have been able to implement is working with other local businesses.”

For example, Roussel uses for flowers for pet euthanasia, and Extreme Green Lawn and Landscaping in Germantown for their lawn services.

“We’re just trying to give back within the community because times are so hard,” Roussel said.

The Animal Medical Center, at N95W18124 Appleton Ave., was started in 1981 by Lance and Karen Yocherer.  With a staff of 10, including three veterinarians, the center offers a wide variety of veterinary services including cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, endoscopy, internal medicine, oncology and surgery.

“We are a full animal general practice seeing dogs, cats and exotics,” Roussel said. “We like to offer a notch above as far as services go. We have in-house blood work, X-ray, ultrasound and laser surgery, things you may not find in a general practice in some cases. We also offer great preventative care with vaccines and things like that.”

But there’s much more. Rousell and her staff have devoted plenty of time and resources to make sure that the center mirrors the kind of care that you’d find in a family medical practice for humans.

“We want to welcome folks as a family clinic and make them comfortable when they come in here,” said Roussel. “We’ve re-vamped our entry area to offer beverages and a place where people can relax and sit if they have to wait for anything to be done.”

As a staff, Roussel said they try to keep an upbeat and inviting environment.

“Our clients say they have noticed that change in comparison to other clinics they’ve been at,” Roussel said. “It’s not only about the medicine and surgery. It’s getting back to a family practice, just like visiting your doctor only it’s for your animal.”

Shaping the care model to match the approach taken with human care is vital to Rousell’s business model because pets aren’t just animals. They are members of the family.  Admittedly, in tougher economic times, tougher decisions are often necessary.

“We’ve definitely had to make adjustments in really understanding our clients, the humans,” Roussel said. “We know what we need to do for the animals but a lot of times it may be something that we’re not able to do because finances don’t allow it or maybe we just take a different approach to put everything together in a way that will work for the client.”

The balance comes in trying to deliver the best possible care even when the pet owner can’t afford the best possible medical option. Making these choices also exacts an emotional price.

“We’re trying to understand where the clients are coming from as far as their finances will allow and still giving them the best care that we can,” said Roussel. “No one should feel bad because they can’t do what they want to for their animal. We will always recommend the best but if it’s not in the financial future, let’s take our next approach so they can get the best care for their animal without breaking the bank.”

The Animal Medical Center is planning to celebrate its three decades of business with a Client Appreciation Month in December.