Company Profile
Animal Clinic of Chardon
Company Overview
The Animal Clinic of Chardon (ACOC) is a growing, full-service practice which strives to offer the highest quality care to our patients and the most personable service to our clients. Our caseload is about 68% canine, 30% feline and about 2% of our patients are birds, reptiles, rabbits or other pocket pets. Our reputation among clients and the community for excellent pet care and customer service, has made us a sought-after practice in the area. Our purpose statement reads “making a difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them” - it’s the reason we get out of bed and come to work each day.
We moved into our new 6,800 SF facility in August 2012. We believe that it is one of the most beautiful and welcoming veterinary hospitals in NE Ohio. Photos can be seen on our web site www.AnimalClinicOfChardon.com. Our building was also featured in Veterinary Practice News and Properties Magazine. For the last three years in a row, we were chosen as Best of the Best Veterinary Facilities in Geauga County by the News Herald.
Our practice is blessed with an extraordinary staff of 25, including three doctors, three registered veterinary technicians, five customer service representatives and seven veterinary assistants – three of which are in RVT school. We also have a fully developed leadership team that meets regularly to develop practice goals and hold each other accountable. My husband Tom Frankmann and I are both 1997 Ohio State grads. We took over the practice in September of 2001 from Dr. Ron Swartz. Dr. Tom Frankmann is adored by his clients for the time he takes to educate them on all things pet health and well-being related. He is an experienced surgeon who enjoys performing some of the more complicated procedures. Our staff also appreciates his willingness to thoroughly educate them on any veterinary topic of interest when asked. Our other doctors include Dr. Jessica DeMarco (OSU ‘08), who we hired straight out of veterinary school. Over the last 10 years, she has grown with us and is an integral part of our leadership team. Dr. DeMarco has a very special interest in feline medicine and she also oversees our Angel Fund, an in-house fund for homeless animals or clients with financial need. Dr. Carolyn Askew (Virginia Tech ‘96) joined our team in June 2016. She brought with her loads of experience, loyal clients, and a can-do attitude. Dr. Askew loves to continuously learn and share what she knows with others on the team. All our doctors bring different experiences and skill sets which undoubtedly benefit our practice.
Though I don’t see patients currently, I remain very active in the hospital and in the profession. I’ve spent the last several years developing and growing our practice and our team. This began with my important part in the design and building of the new facility and then continued as we had to adapt and expand into the new and greatly improved space. I’ve added staff, expanded our services and hours, developed a leadership team and re-invented the way we communicate with our clients and one another. I have always been focused on being the best that we can be, never settling for good enough but instead continually looking toward the future and our growth. This is also apparent in our AAHA Accreditation which we’ve maintained since 1985 and both our Feline Friendly Gold and Fear Free certifications.
In September 2015 we added dental digital radiology. In 2016 we added the Sedivue urine analyzer to our Idexx in-house lab which also includes a Procyte CBC unit, Catalyst blood chemistry unit and Snap Pro. We continually upgrade and replace equipment as needed. Some of our other equipment includes a Class IV Companion Therapeutic Laser, Ellman Electrocautery, Fovea Digital Radiology, Tonopen, SunTechVet20 Oscillometric BP Monitors, Practivet Infusion Pumps, HotDog Warming Systems, Cardell Surgical Monitors (EKG, HR, BP, Pulse Oximeter, and CO2). Our in-house lab equipment complements the service of Idexx's reference lab and Cardiopet. In 2011, we made the jump to paperless medical record systems and Cornerstone Practice Management Software.
Some unique things about our building that correlate with our commitment to a stress-free visit are music in exam rooms and animal housing areas, warmers and pheromones for the cat rooms, a kid’s playroom, and separate dog and cat entrances. We also have a drive thru for convenient pharmacy pick-ups and offer some boarding for cats and dogs (and other small animals).
More important than our building is what goes on in our building. I am very proud of our more recently updated core values:
• We are Passionate – we are here because we choose to, and we are committed to our purpose, our team, and our profession.
• We are Accountable – if I see it, I own it, and I try to solve it!
• We are Positivity Warriors – we remain adaptable and enthusiastic even when faced with challenges.
• We use our Voice – advocating for our patients, educating our clients, and using open, respectful communication with each other.
• We Grow – bring it on! We strive to be better each day, to improve our knowledge and skills and contribute to our community.
As client education is top priority for us, we make it easier for our clients with technology such as computers in every exam room, our Vet2Pet app, and Petly Patient Portals.
We also like participate in community outreach programs. At any given time, we may host high school students and vet tech externs. We sponsor community events such as Chardon’s “Dog Day in the Park”. We also work locally with Penitentiary Glen’s Wildlife Ambassadors Program by providing veterinary care to sick and injured wildlife and with the Geauga Dog Warden by collecting donations, providing medical care, and performing sterilization surgeries.
Please let me us if you have further interest in ACOC and would like to visit our facility, go to lunch, and become more acquainted!
Company History
Drs. Tom and Wendy Frankmann built the Animal Clinic of Chardon (ACOC) around a strong belief in personalized and attentive patient care and client service. After purchasing the practice from Dr. Ron Swartz in September of 2001, many changes were made to update the practice thereby improving patient care and client service. This included creating a mission statement and strong core values, adding practice management software, expanding and educating the team to include credentialed vet nurses and customer service representatives, and developing medical standards of care that the entire team follows. In 2008, Dr. Jessica DeMarco joined the practice as a full time associate DVM. Soon afterward, it became increasingly challenging to practice modern medicine and grow in a small, aging medical facility…..
Wendy and Tom drew upon many professionals in the veterinary field to create a state of the art medical facility to meet the needs of clients and pets as well as offer an even wider array of services to the community....These dreams became a reality when the new ACOC facility opened its doors on August 13, 2012. Since this time, our team has grown in size, we’ve added services (including boarding), created and developed a strong leadership team, and even re-visited our core values and standards of care. Dr. Carolyn Askew also joined the practice in June 2016 as our 2nd associate DVM. Though we continue to grow, our core focus remains the same: to make a difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them. At the Animal Clinic of Chardon, we take the time to know you and your beloved pet. We invite you to come see for yourself!
Benefits
Employee Pet Discounts and Veterinary Care Credits
Continuous Education Stipend
Sign-On Bonus
Schedule that is flexible and conducive to work-life balance
Mentorship Program