Animal Clinic of Van Wert
Get to Know our Veterinary Care Team.
Our team is here to help. At Animal Clinic of Van Wert, we treat you and your pets like our family.

Meet our Veterinary Doctors!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.

Dr. A.J. Smith
Associate Veterinarian
Following his graduation from Ohio State, he began his career as an associate veterinarian at the Animal Clinic of Van Wert, working alongside Dr. Wilkin and Dr. Emily. A.J. realized his passion for all companion animals during his time at The Ohio State University, and he has made his goal a reality to be able to work back in his hometown serving the Van Wert community. He currently owns two dogs, Duke and Bear, and a cat, Gus. A.J. and his wife Melissa have 2 boys, Parker and Camden. His hobbies include spending time with his family, golfing, and cooking.

Dr. Emily Early
Associate Veterinarian
Emily Early graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing at the Animal Clinic of Van Wert since 2013. Her professional interests include ultrasound, soft tissue surgery, and preventative medicine.
In her free time, she enjoys creating arts and crafts, gardening, and relaxing with her family. She lives in Van Wert with her husband, Josh, their two daughters, and some pets.
Meet our Veterinary Care Team!


Paige B.
Paige's Bio


Krissy
Receptionist/Veterinary Assistant
Krissy's Bio
I have been with the Animal Clinic of Van Wert for roughly 17 years. I mainly work reception, but I will assist the doctors with treatments as needed. A self-proclaimed “Jill” of all trades, I also order the prescription food, help with inventory, and computer I.T. support.
I have always loved animals, including the creeping crawlies and feathered ones. My Mother found a few frogs in my pockets as a child! We have a whole slew of critters on our farm. From cows to parakeets, we have them all. Our three dogs think they run the show but our potbelly pig is the real boss!
I was blessed to score my “dream job” at such a young age and cannot imagine doing anything else. I look forward to helping your pets and I thank you for the opportunity to care for them.


Taylor
Taylor's Bio


Farrah W.
Veterinary Technician
Farrah's Bio


Allison
Allison's Bio


Jodie E.
Jodie's Bio


Haley S.
Veterinary Assistant
Haley's Bio


Amy M.
Office Manager
Amy's Bio


Penny P.
Veterinary Assistant
Penny's Bio
My name is Penny Price. I live in Payne, Ohio. I started working in Van Wert in 1978 thru 1995 as a manager of KFC. I left Van Wert to work at Fleetwood RV for 13 years. I became a longtime client of Dr. Harold Wilken and Dr. Tom Wilkin and in 2008 I accepted a position at Animal Clinic of Van Wert which position I am holding.


Hannah
Veterinary Assistant/ Receptionist
Hannah's Bio
Hi, my name is Hannah Fairchild and I’ve been working at the Animal Clinic since the beginning of 2022. Before working here I was in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. I’ve lived in Germany, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio. Before joining the military I/ve always wanted to take in all the strays and save every single animal that was living on the streets. Currently, I have 2 dogs and 2 cats that I absolutely adore, but there is always room for more.


Emma
Veterinary Assistant
Emma's Bio


Lorynn
Veterinary Assistant
Lorynn's Bio


Cathy
Kennel Assistant
Cathy's Bio
Hi, my name is Cathy Lanier. I have worked here since March 2021. I’ve been a client since 1996 when I moved here from West Virginia with 2 cats. I now tell people I work to support my habit. I do TNR with feral and stray cats. I have 22 cats that I claim as mine inside and outside. I feed them each day and they are spayed and neutered. I retired from Braun Ambulance in 2017 after 20 years of assembling ambulances. I live in Van Wert with my daughter, her husband and my 2 grandsons.