Home Pet Vet Has New Owner
Susan Konecny, Julie Tavares and Susan Hicks
In late March, Grant and Dr. Susan Konecny transferred ownership of their successful mobile veterinary clinic, Home Pet Vet to Dr. Julie Tavares. The Konecny’s, who’ve lived in Jacksonville for ten years explained, “It has been almost five years to the day since Home Pet Vet began operating our small animal mobile service. We have grown considerably since then, caring for over 1000 pets and 400 clients!”
Dr. Konecny has been struggling with tendon problems in both of her hands and elbows, a serious condition which has been aggravated over the years by repetitive use. As a result, she said, “I am being forced to consider surgery at this time due to chronic discomfort and pain. In addition to these physical concerns, my husband Grant and I have aging parents with whom we feel the need to spend significantly more time.”
Fortunately, Susan met Julie met while working together on a veterinary board they both serve on. “Julie is someone Grant and I felt was the ideal candidate to take over the Home Pet Vet mobile service,” Susan said.
Dr. Tavares has been a veterinarian in the Rogue Valley since she graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She grew up in Pennsylvania and lived in many places before settling in Southern Oregon with her husband, Duward. Since doing so, the couple have had two children, Carmen, 4 and Vera, 2. Tavares notes, “During my years here, I have worked in Grants Pass and Medford as a small animal veterinarian. In 2009 I began holding monthly clinics for pets of people experiencing homelessness in Grants Pass. Eventually, my volunteer work led to the start of Homeless Oregon Pet Project, a nonprofit that provides basic veterinary care to the pets of the homeless in Grants Pass and Medford.”
Prior to vet school, Tavares earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Delaware and did a two-year stint with the Peace Corps in Guatemala, working with indigenous Mayan families. “I had a wonderful experience and learned much about the Mayan culture and myself…and also met Duward who was a volunteer from the next town over.”
Dr. Konecny knows she will miss all of her clients and their pets dearly but knows she’s leaving HPV in great hands. “Julie has excellent medical skills, knowledge, standards and compassion that will serve you and your pets very well. Grant and I hope you will welcome her as you welcomed us these past five years!”
Please contact Dr. Julie at 541-761-6163.