Dr. Jennifer Covington, a problem solver at heart, had a fulfilling career as a management consultant, but after five years, she felt something was missing.
“I don't feel like I am contributing to my community,” Covington expressed to her husband more than a decade ago. “I don't feel like I'm giving back.” With that, she decided to pursue her lifelong love of animals and enrolled in veterinary school at the University of Georgia.
After she graduated in 2014, Covington began her veterinary career working for other practices. However, owning her own practice was always at the forefront of her mind. When she met Kevin Fowler, Kennesaw Pet Center’s previous owner, all the pieces fell into place.
“I always wanted to be able to shape a place and a culture. And so, just by luck of the draw, I found someone who sold one to corporate and didn't want to do it again. It's a little bit of a fixer-upper, but we're getting there.”
Covington’s business acumen now allows her to guide her veterinary team with empathy and precision. She takes a non-traditional approach to employee structure, one that she believes fosters quality feedback and collaboration.
“At the very heart of it, I am a servant leader,” Covington says. “I believe that the best way to lead a group of people is to figure out what they have a vision for and what their needs are. We work to have a fairly flat, open structure where anybody can give anybody at any other level feedback.”
It turned out that Covington’s friend and former University of Georgia classmate, Dr. Amara Hickson, shared her leadership philosophy. When she had the opportunity to apply to be an associate at Covington’s practice a little over a year ago, Hickson jumped right in.
An individualized spectrum of care is at the core of Hickson and Covington’s professional philosophy. This means going above and beyond to accommodate the patient and the owner’s unique needs.
“We've done appointments in our lobby or in the client's car, catering to what they're most comfortable with,” Hickson says. “I have the opportunity to do that, where sometimes in the past, I haven't had that opportunity. I very much appreciate that here.”
Visit kennesawpetcenter.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.