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. Tom
Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. Tom grew up in Van Wert, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He went on to graduate from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His father established the Animal Clinic of Van Wert in 1955. Tom spent a lot of his youth with his father as a young boy following him around on calls, helping in the hospital, and working the Kennels. After graduation, Tom came home to be with family, practice with his father, and eventually purchase the practice. He is proud to carry on the work of his father.
Tom is an avid bicyclist, skier, and pilot. He is married to his wife, Leslie, a retired emergency room nurse. They have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. They both love to travel and enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Dr. A.J. Smith
Veterinarian / Owner
Dr. A.J. Smith is a former graduate from Van Wert High School in 2013. He attended the University of Findlay after high school and earned a Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences. Upon completion of his degree in Findlay, Ohio, he lived in Columbus, OH for 4 years studying at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. A.J. returned to Van Wert during his summers, where he started working at the Animal Clinic of Van Wert and met Dr. Tom Wilkin and Dr. Emily Early.
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 a dog named Duke, and a cat, Gus. A.J. and his wife Melissa welcomed a new baby boy, Parker, in December of 2021. His hobbies include spending time with his family, golfing, and cooking.
Dr. Emily Early
Veterinarian / Owner
Emily Early graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing at the Animal Clinic of Van Wert since 2013. Her interests include ultrasound, soft tissue surgery, and preventative medicine.
In her free time, she enjoys art projects, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with her family. She lives in Van Wert with her husband, Josh, their two daughters, a dog, and 3 cats.
Meet our Veterinary Care Team!
Paige B.
Veterinary Assistant
Paige's Bio
Paige started working at the clinic in December 2017. She left for a period of time in 2021 and started back in November 2021. She has been married since 2018. They welcomed a son in October 2020. They have 4 dogs and a cat with the occasional farm animal.
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.
Farrah W.
Veterinary Technician
Farrah's Bio
My name is Farrah, and I graduated from veterinary technician school in December of last year.
My special interests in the veterinary field are anesthesia and dentistry.
I have seven pets at home and enjoy hiking during my free time.
Jodie E.
Jodie's Bio
Haley S.
Veterinary Assistant
Haley's Bio
I love my pets. I have one of my own! I love the outdoors and hanging out with my dog.
Chris W.
Veterinary Assistant
Chris's Bio
Amy M.
Office Manager
Amy's Bio
My name is Amy Magner. I started volunteering at the Animal Clinic of Van Wert 35 years ago when I was around 11 years old and worked part-time until September 1998 when I became full-time. I have 3 children, ages 23; 25; 13, 2 dogs, and 1 cat.
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 Wilken and in 2008 I accepted a position at Animal Clinic of Van Wert which position I am holding.