Family Pet Medical Center

For pet owners across Fort Dodge and the surrounding regions of North Central Iowa, finding a trusted partner in their animal's health is a top priority. **Family Pet Medical Center** stands as a professional, full-service veterinary facility committed to providing competent and compassionate care. Originally established as Stockman's Pet Clinic by Dr. Richard Hubbard, the practice has a history of serving the Iowa community. Dr. Kimberly Shimkat, a Fort Dodge native and Iowa State University graduate, joined in 1995 and later purchased the practice in 2007. The center moved to its current, modern location in North Central Fort Dodge in 2012 and rebranded as Family Pet Medical Center, solidifying its commitment to comprehensive animal health.

The core mission of the Family Pet Medical Center team is rooted in the belief that pets are truly part of the family. They strive to treat every patient like their own, with the overarching goal of helping pets live a long, happy, and healthy life alongside their owners. This dedication to extending and improving the quality of a pet's life guides their approach to medicine, surgery, and preventive wellness. Whether you have a playful puppy, a senior cat, or an exotic pocket pet, the staff takes a genuine interest in their well-being, providing services in a setting that is both relaxed and professional.

The facility is a full-service animal hospital, offering everything from initial wellness examinations all the way through to complex diagnosis and treatment. This comprehensive approach ensures continuity of care, which is vital for monitoring chronic conditions and catching new issues early. It’s not just about treating illness; it's about partnering with clients through extensive client education, preventive medicine, and nutritional counseling, empowering pet owners to make the best decisions for their beloved companions. This philosophy has earned the trust of local Iowa families, as evidenced by loyal clients who mention the doctors have "maintained along with enhanced my loved felines for over 15 years."

A great benefit for local users in Iowa is the center's location and accessibility. The **Family Pet Medical Center** is conveniently situated at **2807 N 15th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA**. Located in North Central Fort Dodge, the building is designed to be accessible to all clients. The facility features a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, a dedicated **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and a **wheelchair accessible restroom**. This focus on easy accessibility demonstrates the center's dedication to serving every member of the Iowa community, ensuring that all pet owners can bring their animal in for care without unnecessary logistical challenges. They recommend that clients call ahead, as **appointments are recommended**, which helps manage flow and ensures each pet receives the proper, unhurried attention they deserve. Emergency cases, however, are strongly encouraged to call the clinic immediately so the staff can prepare and plan for the animal's arrival and treatment.

The scope of care offered at this Iowa animal hospital is extensive, covering essential preventive services, specialized treatments, and surgical needs. Their commitment to offering modern solutions includes utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, such as Companion Laser Therapy, an advanced, non-invasive treatment option for various injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis and gingivitis.

### Services Offered

• **Routine Medical Treatments and Wellness:** Includes thorough physical examinations and comprehensive wellness checks.
• **Vaccinations:** Essential immunizations tailored to your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.
• **Dentistry and Dental Care:** Professional services to address and prevent periodontal disease.
• **In-House Diagnostics:** Allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment planning.
• **Companion Laser Therapy:** Alternative treatment for conditions ranging from injuries to chronic issues.
• **Parasite Control:** Management and prevention of both internal (Intestinal Parasites, Heartworm Testing) and external parasites.
• **Nutritional And Behavioral Counseling:** Expert guidance to support overall health and address specific challenges.
• **Medicine And Surgery:** Comprehensive medical management and surgical procedures, including some orthopedics.
• **Hospital Care and Emergency Services:** Dedicated care for hospitalized pets and urgent medical needs.
• **Online Pharmacy:** Convenient access to medications and preventatives for clients.

The center's services are not limited to just dogs and cats. They also proudly extend their professional care to **pocket pets**, which include small mammals like rodents, rabbits, and ferrets, as well as birds and reptiles. This diverse capability makes them a valuable resource for Iowa pet owners with less traditional animal companions.

### Features and Highlights

• **Caring and Experienced Staff:** A team, including doctors like practice owner Dr. Kimberly Shimkat and Dr. Jessica Cheney (who has a special interest in cardiology), dedicated to delivering the highest quality in veterinary medicine and surgery.
• **Focus on Client Education:** The team empowers pet owners with essential knowledge about health, preventive medicine, and nutrition.
• **State-of-the-Art Treatment:** Utilization of modern medical technology, such as Companion Laser Therapy, for enhanced pet care.
• **Comprehensive Pet Care and Pet Boarding:** Beyond medical treatments, they also provide pet boarding services, making them a dual-purpose facility for health and temporary stay.
• **In-House Capabilities:** Features like in-house diagnostics allow for quicker test results and more efficient treatment plans.
• **Accessibility for All:** Thoughtful inclusion of wheelchair accessible parking, entrance, and restroom amenities.
• **Compassionate End-of-Life Care:** Commitment to compassion for both the pet and their family when a pet is ill or at the end of their journey.
• **Accommodating Service:** Known for their ability to accommodate urgent needs, with one client noting, "They got my mom's dog in on short notice. Really good place."

The team at Family Pet Medical Center is genuinely dedicated to their patients and strives to ensure every animal leads a long and happy life. They believe their decades of experience in the Fort Dodge private practice setting, combined with a sincere love for animals, makes them a trustworthy choice for local pet families. The doctors and support staff work together to provide a professional environment where all patients are treated with kindness and respect.

### Contact Information

Address: 2807 N 15th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA

Phone: (515) 955-3631

### What is Worth Choosing

The choice of a veterinarian is one of the most important decisions an Iowa pet owner makes. Family Pet Medical Center stands out as a worthy choice due to its **legacy of competent care** combined with a deeply ingrained philosophy of **compassionate veterinary practice**. Dr. Shimkat's nearly thirty years in private practice in Fort Dodge provides a foundation of extensive local experience and dedication. They offer an impressively wide spectrum of services—from preventive wellness and dental care to advanced surgery, orthopedics, and laser therapy—all under one roof. The inclusion of on-site pet boarding, equipped to handle medical boarding, adds a layer of convenience and peace of mind for clients. Furthermore, the practice’s proactive commitment to affordable care and client education ensures that pet owners are not just passive participants in their animal's health journey. For those in the Fort Dodge area and beyond, choosing Family Pet Medical Center means selecting a full-service animal hospital that truly views your pet as family, ensuring they get the care they need, when they need it, in a professional and accessible environment.

Family Pet Medical Center

2807 N 15th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA