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With Fairfield County roots and a deep devotion to their patients, it’s no wonder that Creature Comforts Veterinary Center outgrew their old location. It’s been a busy year for the full service independent veterinary care facility as they have undergone some exciting changes that have helped the business grow.
Creature Comforts was a long time neighbor to our Friendly Bremen Banking Center on West Fair Avenue in Lancaster. After many years in this spot, it was becoming increasingly apparent that advancements in the facility and the processes necessary to run a clinic were much needed.
They simply had outgrown their space.
With a need for more parking and more room throughout the clinic, owner Dr. Libby Kinsel said that all options were on the table. The Canal Winchester native and Ohio State University graduate began scouting new locations after realizing that a new facility was the best option. “We knew we were going to stay local, but we really wanted to help bridge the gap between Canal Winchester and Lancaster while better serving the community of Carroll.”
After visits to several properties, a chance pass by a vacant property that had recently gone up for sale caught Libby’s eye. “Once I saw the building and the space, I knew this was it.” Libby’s father, Tom, is a structural engineer by trade and gave his stamp of approval.
Plans formed quickly and the sale was final in June 2016. Later, Libby purchased additional land around the original parcel. They broke ground in November 2016 for the planned additions and moved into the new space this Spring. In all, the tripled their work area, created a full waiting room and they gained an incredible amount of outdoor space for walks and exercise. There is also an additional building on the grounds that will eventually be rented out.
Going from one exam room in the old building to six new exam rooms has meant a more efficient use of time and space. It has also meant more availability for surgical and dental care. This is a great “problem” to have, and it was clear as the transition was happening that Creature Comforts was ready to bring on an additional doctor. Libby didn’t have to look far.
“Tiffany (Elgersma) actually worked with us for ten years, starting in the kennels. She returned to school and graduated and we brought her in as our second doctor right away.” Dr. Elgersma is a Bremen native who graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May.
The transition has been very smooth. Going from hundreds of clients to more than 6,000 over the years has forced the increase of staff size in other areas as well. Registered Veterinary Technicians, an Office Manager, and four support staff members have all been added along with Dr. Elgersma since the new facility opened. And perhaps most exciting for the entire Creature Comforts staff is the ability to use a real break room! “It was kind of a free-for-all before” Libby joked. “Lunch break meant eating in your cars, the back room, the parking lot, you name it.” In fact, the staff recently got together to have Thanksgiving dinner together in the new space, an act that was physically impossible before the move. And maybe just as exciting? A brand new washer and dryer system that will suit the needs of the clinic perfectly. “Before, we were going through washers and driers by the month!”
Clients are constantly being added from Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, and Perry Counties. Libby explained that they even work directly with the dog shelters in those counties. “We strive to be a very active part of our community.”
As for the future? Be on the lookout for a planned “Community Canine Easter Egg Hunt” in the Spring, and for further planned updates and additions to the Creature Comforts facilities. Dr. Kinsel, Dr. Elgersma, and staff will continue to insure that Creature Comforts acts as “your family’s other doctor!”
For a full list of services, contact information, and staff profiles, visit https://www.creaturecomfortsvc.com/.
VCNB Family 