Built from the ground up: Animal Hospital of Valencia
When Dr. Judson Smith envisioned opening his own practice, he wanted more than just a building—he wanted a team, a purpose-driven culture, and the freedom to provide exceptional care on his terms. With the backing of Veterinarian Partners, his dream became reality. In 2024, Animal Hospital of Valencia opened its doors in Valencia, Pennsylvania, and has been growing steadily ever since.
"I wanted to create and cultivate my own work environment..."
"I took this amazing opportunity because I wanted to create and cultivate my own work environment. I wanted to not only do great medicine for my patients, but show the clients and my team that a culture of empathy, hard work, and familial work environment did not need to have a negative connotation. To create a workplace where my team feels safe and accomplished every day is very important to me."
Dr. Judson Smith Medical Director
A tailored path to practice ownership
From the first planning meetings to the grand opening and beyond, Veterinarian Partners worked side by side with Dr. Smith to bring his goals to life. Every step of the process was customized to his vision, providing clinical, professional, and operational support so he could focus on delivering excellent care and building a team he’s proud to lead.
Custom hospital design and construction
Our team collaborated with Dr. Smith to design a state-of-the-art facility that reflects his commitment to quality, comfort, and community. The hospital layout was built to support smooth workflows, pet-friendly experiences, and long-term scalability as the practice continues to grow.
Recruiting a passionate team
With a brand-new hospital, building the right team was critical. Veterinarian Partners provided expert recruiting support to help Dr. Smith hire compassionate, skilled team members who aligned with his values. The result? A collaborative, tight-knit group that feels more like a family than a staff.
Marketing, operations & business assistance
From branding and online presence to HR systems and financial guidance, VP handled the backend so Dr. Smith could stay focused on medicine. This comprehensive support model continues to fuel Animal Hospital of Valencia’s growth, empowering Dr. Smith to lead with confidence.
Results & impact
Since opening, Animal Hospital of Valencia has seen consistent growth and outstanding client feedback:
- Substantial growth in appointments month over month
- All 5-star reviews from satisfied pet families
- Strong retention and team engagement from day one
"I have the ability to create a space that I can grow..."
"Veterinarian Partners has supported me throughout the process of becoming a Medical Director. They have supplied the leadership, financial, and professional support that has helped me feel comfortable in life and provide for my family. I have the ability to create a space that I can grow in professionally, build a hardworking team, grow my family, and build a legacy in this area."
Dr. Judson Smith Medical Director
What success looks like with the right support
Animal Hospital of Valencia is a shining example of what’s possible when veterinarians are given the trust, tools, and partnership to lead their own way. Dr. Smith’s journey reflects our core mission: to improve the lives of veterinarians so they can elevate care for pets, pet parents, and the communities they serve.
From start to finish, this project was about collaboration, shared vision, and creating something lasting, and we couldn’t be prouder of the results.
Ready to see what’s possible when your goals meet the right support? Let’s talk about your vision—and how we can help you bring it to life.