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Compassion. Connection. Care.

Gage Animal Hospital: where pets are family and personalized care comes first

Article by Amanda Knowland

Photography by Tara Helton/The Upside Photography

Originally published in Topeka City Lifestyle

Since 1950, Gage Animal Hospital has been a trusted name in veterinary care for Topeka families. Originally founded by Dr. J. Alan Bradbury, the clinic has served generations of clients and their beloved pets. In 2023, longtime owner Dr. Robert Shipman passed the torch to a new leadership team: Dr. Bob Thayer, Dr. Kate Schoemann, and Dr. Joy Cress.

“Through the years the hospital has seen thousands of pets and multiple generations of clients but has always remained dedicated to providing high quality and compassionate care to our patients,” says Dr. Schoemann.

New clients are often struck by Gage’s clean, modern space – free of odors and filled with calm energy. Behind the welcoming environment is a team of dedicated veterinarians offering a full range of services for dogs and cats, including wellness exams and vaccinations, dental cleanings, vaccinations, diagnostics (including in-house labs and radiographs), emergency and planned surgeries, and hospitalization and treatment for sick patients.

“We provide wellness care with annual examinations, vaccination and preventative medication recommendations tailored to each individual patient,” Gage veterinarian Dr. Karie Ledbetter shares. “For our sick patients we are able to run in-house labs, take radiographs, perform ultrasonography, provide hospitalization and treatments, and provide a variety of surgical procedures.”

An in-house pharmacy ensures quick access to medications, while upgraded lab equipment delivers most test results within the hour—critical for quick diagnosis and treatment.

But what truly sets Gage Animal Hospital apart is the relationship-based care.

“Our primary goal is to be able to educate our clients about their pets’ needs then offer high quality care to meet those needs,” says Dr. Schoemann. “We understand that not everyone can afford all the recommendations that we advise, but we are here to modify the recommendations to remain within the means of our clients.”

Dr. Ledbetter agrees. “Communication is essential to achieve the best care option for each patient, as our treatment recommendations will vary based on not just the needs of the pets but also the needs of their owners.”

This philosophy of compassion extends to the pets themselves.

“We give positive reinforcement throughout the visit and use distractions during vaccines to minimize discomfort,” the doctors say. “For our nervous patients, we use fear-free techniques and sometimes medications before their visit to minimize their anxiety.”

Behind the scenes, the Gage team fosters the same trust and camaraderie with each other.

“I love the family atmosphere and the camaraderie of the staff,” says Dr. Schoemann. “We all share the same goals.”

Dr. Ledbetter adds, “We joke with each other and have fun, but when things are urgent or stressful everyone comes together to help.”

The clinic also has its share of personality-packed pets. Scrubs, the mischievous clinic cat, enjoys retirement with the receptionist and now has two feline companions. Dr. Schoemann’s French bulldogs are regular fixtures at the clinic, providing comfort and comic relief.

“They are good for de-stressing, at least for me. My heart swells every time I see them,” she says.

Dr. Ledbetter’s family recently adopted Simba, a once sick orange kitten nursed back to health at the clinic.

“My kids immediately fell in love,” she says. “My husband was a little harder to convince and pretends to just tolerate him, but he enjoys his orange cat antics, too.”

While Gage already provides comprehensive care, the team is excited to expand services to include small mammals like rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs. With Dr. Ledbetter’s background in exotic pet medicine, the clinic aims to bring expert care to more of Topeka’s pet families. The team also strives to improve diagnostic and treatment options as the clinic grows.

As one of the few remaining locally-owned veterinary hospitals in the area, Gage Animal Hospital is proud to remain grounded in personalized, community-focused service. For the team at Gage, it’s not just medicine: it’s a calling, a connection, and a commitment to the pets and people of Topeka.

To learn more or schedule a visit, go to gageanimalhospital.com or visit them at 4000 SW 12th St, Topeka, KS 66604

“I love the family atmosphere and the camaraderie of the staff,” says Dr. Schoemann. “We all share the same goals.”

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