By COLLIN BREAUX
For a long time, it has been Dr. Sherie Owens Mitchell’s dream to open a veterinary care business.
That dream is now a reality.
Mitchell held a grand opening for her business, Hometown Veterinary Care, on Monday, April 29. The animal care center is at 709 7th Street in Chipley.
It has a front lobby, several exam rooms, animal care products, a pharmacy, kennels, and a treatment area for ICU and surgery. Hometown Veterinary Care mainly handles small animals for now but plans to expand treatment options for larger animals down the road.
Mitchell is from the area and has been a veterinarian for 13 years.
“There’s so many people to thank. First of all, I want to thank God for allowing this to happen,” she said. “I thank my parents for always believing in me because they were the first ones to believe in me. I thank my husband for standing beside me every step of the way. This has been a long process for getting here. I thank my girls for being there and supporting me.”
Mitchell further said her staff was “amazing” and the City of Chipley has been “great.”
The grand opening included tours of the facility, lunch, and further celebrations.
The ribbon cutting was attended by local dignitaries, including from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s an honor to stand before you as we welcome this exciting addition to our vibrant community,” Chamber Executive Director Michael Maxwell said. “Hometown Veterinary Care embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our local economy. With Dr. Sherie’s vision and dedication, this establishment promises to not only meet the needs of our community but to contribute to its growth and prosperity.”
The new animal care center is a “testament to the strength and resilience of our business community,” Maxwell said.
“We encourage everyone here to explore what this new venture has to offer and join us in supporting its success,” he said.
Chamber President Cindy Birge said the opening represented an example of how Chipley Redevelopment Agency grant money can work.
“You did so much work here and it’s so beautiful and we thank you for choosing Washington County to be a part of your dream and your vision,” Birge said.
Staff Report