Our History

Independence Animal Hospital continues the tradition of veterinary business located at 2403 W. Main St. since 1950. Only two different veterinarians have owned the business in all those years.

 

Dr. Epp came to Independence in June of 1974 following graduation from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He came here to work for Dr. Robert Hayes at the Hayes Animal Hospital.

 

Dr. Hayes and his wife, Helen, built the clinic, the large animal facilities, and the house next door to the clinic around 1950-51. Dr. Hayes served both large and small animal clients until health issues caused his retirement in 1975. While Dr. Epp's desire was to work in a two-doctor rather than a solo practice, he saw the opportunity presented to him by Dr. Hayes. On September 1, 1975, Dr. Epp and his wife Sherry purchased the Hayes Animal Hospital, changed the name to Independence Animal Hospital, and continued to serve both large and small animal clients.

 

In the years since 1975, much has changed in the business, in the community, and for Dr. Epp and Sherry. Here are some highlights:

• Two children were born to Dr. Epp and Sherry. Leslie and Nathan grew up to obtain engineering degrees from Kansas State University and become solid, contributing citizens in their own communities.
• In 1975, the clinic was on the west edge of town. That fall, K-Mart bought the pasture just to the west and built a new store. Since that time, Independence has continued to expand west and the clinic is no longer on the very edge of town.
• In 1975, Dr. Epp and one other person staffed the clinic. There were no computers and only one phone. For two years, Sherry worked in the practice with Dr. Epp. When the phone rang, they would decide who would stay in the exam room with the patient and who would run to catch the phone. Back then, the practice was 50% small and 50% large animal. Now the business is an 80% small, 20% large animal practice that includes two doctors, 4 full-time, and 2 part-time staff persons. It also includes multiple computers and phone lines!

While much has changed, what has remained constant is the quality of care given each client and patient that enters the animal hospital. Through the years, Dr. Epp has held the standards high for the best care possible provided with compassion and integrity.