Dr. Chad Higgins
I do not remember a time that I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. That was the only career I ever considered. When I was in high school I went to an Explorers meeting because I had heard a veterinarian would be discussing veterinary medicine as a career. That was my first opportunity to meet Dr. Bill Kerley. While he honestly discussed veterinary medicine as a career (it isn’t all fun and games), it only made me want to be a veterinarian even more. He then told the group before him that if they were interested in becoming a veterinarian the first step would be to try to find a veterinarian to volunteer for and learn even more first hand.
I only had to stalk Dr. Kerley’s office for a short time before he relented and let me volunteer at his animal clinic. After a few months a job opened up there, and I was fortunate enough to get paid to be there to learn more about the veterinary profession. Dr. Kerley was a great mentor with an enthusiastic attitude towards the veterinary profession. I worked for him for five years, until I was accepted into the Purdue University School Of Veterinary Medicine in 1985.
After graduating in 1989, I worked as an associate veterinarian for three years in Fort Wayne, Indiana followed by five years in Cridersville, Ohio. In 1997 I fullfilled a long time desire of owning my own veterinary hospital when I purchased Amanda Animal Hospital located half way between Lima and Spencerville. Since then, I have enjoyed helping pet owners provide their pets with the best quality of life possible. While I find the challenges of difficult cases very rewarding, I really cherish the opportunity to educate pet owners on how to give their pets the best quality of life possible. I feel it is my job to educate owners on preventive care and health issues that arise, make them aware of the options available, and then let them decide what they want to do for their pet. My number one recommendation for them is always what I would do for my own pet in that situation.
Although I primarily see dogs and cats, I will see anything small and furry. I do see quite a large number of ferrets. I have been associated with a local ferret shelter for over 10 years where I have seen and treated many elderly, sick, abandoned ferrets that shelters have taken in. We try to fix them up so they can hopefully be adopted out to caring homes.
As far as home life, I have been married since 1985 and have three children. Currently, we have five dogs, two guinea pigs, and two pygmy goats. After many years of my hobby being my work, I picked up my cobweb covered trumpet and started playing it again after a 25 year hiatus. I play with the Lima Area Concert Band and the Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra.
-Dr. Chad Higgins
Missy
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in May of 2002. I assist Dr. Higgins during pet exams and am also one of the people your pet may see when waking up from surgery. I take pride in keeping the office stocked with the medication and supplies that your pet may need. I have been married to my husband Todd since 2004 and together we have two boys. I love my bulldog mix “Harlow”, two domestic short haired cats “Luke” and “Daphne”, and my three sphynx cats “Cora”, “Violet”, and “Boris”.
Cassie
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in April 2006. I assist Dr. Higgins during exams and surgeries. I am always excited to see the variety of clients and pets that come through our doors, and the bond that they share. I have been married for 5 years and have a one-year-old daughter and another daughter on the way. We love our pets at home that include a Great Dane “Nova” and two cats “Moose” & “Milo”.
Jen
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in July of 2007. I am a Veterinary Technician and really enjoy what I do. I love talking with clients and caring for their fur kids. I am someone you will see assisting Dr. Higgins in the treatment and care of your pet. I also monitor your pet’s vitals during surgery, perform dentals and assist Dr. Higgins in surgeries when needed. I have been married to my husband Josh since 2013 and we have 1 daughter and 2 sons. As a family we love our dogs “Tank”, “Bugsley”,and “Hazel”, our sphynx cat “Balooberry” and our 3 guinea pigs “Goober”, “Gus”, and “Baby”. I will always treat your pet with the same love and care I give my own animals at home.
Amy
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in August of 2008. Since then I have assisted Dr. Higgins with any help needed when your animals come for in for their visits. Whether their visits are trying to get them back to a healthy state or just getting their yearly checkup. I take pride in making sure the office is stocked with all the supplies and medications that your pet may need and I assist in monitoring your pet during surgery. I love interacting with all the clients and try to give your pet the same love I give my dog “Tink” and cat “Pete”. It is a pleasure coming into work everyday knowing I am making a difference in an animals life.
Stephanie
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in September of 2015. I assist Dr.Higgins in the exam rooms. I have the pleasure of loving and caring for your pets while they are here. I give them the same love I give my pets at home. My pets include three dogs “Diamond”, “ Loki”, and “Mayhem”, and two cats “Dusty”, and “Titus”. I have been married to my husband Shawn since 1995 and together we have 2 daughters and 1 son.
Allie
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in the summer of 2016. I have always enjoyed my job here. I started out doing the kennels and helping in rooms when needed. I am now assisting with clients and answering phone calls. I am currently in school to become a veterinarian technician and will be done in October of 2021! I recently got married in August of 2021. We currently have two cats named “Loki” and “Junior”.
Ashley
I joined Amanda Animal Hospital in October of 2018. I am a vet assistant who you will see in the exam rooms assisting Dr. Higgins, welcoming you when you enter the office, and answering the phone when you call. I look forward to seeing your pet at their vet visit and I will strive to care for them to the best of my ability. I have been married to Kyle since 2013 and we have two cats named “Frank” and “Roxie”, and two collies named “Eevee”, and “Wall-e”.
