Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted provider of compassionate pet care in Lawrence for more than two decades. Since Dr. Sabra Amend took over ownership in January 2023, the hospital has maintained its core values while embracing innovation to meet the needs of pets and pet owners.

With its skilled team, cutting-edge treatments, and personalized service, Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital is a leader in small animal care. Here are five things you should know about this remarkable practice.

1. A Legacy of Excellence with Modern Touches

Founded by Dr. Kristi Rowland and Dr. Mark Marks, Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital has become a cornerstone of the community. The doctors built a reputation for compassionate, high-quality care, and their vision continues to guide the hospital even since Dr. Amend bought the practice.

Dr. Rowland remains a vital part of the team, bringing her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the pets and families of Lawrence. Known for her warmth and expertise, she has fostered long-term relationships with clients and helped shape the hospital’s culture of trust and care.

When Dr. Amend took over ownership, she worked closely with Dr. Rowland to ensure a seamless transition. “Dr. Rowland established a legacy of care and compassion that we honor every day,” Dr. Amend said. “We’re keeping up with the times, but the big picture hasn’t changed–we’re still here to provide exceptional care for pets and their families.”

Dr. Amend’s journey with Wakarusa began in 2006 when she volunteered at the hospital. She worked her way up through roles as a kennel attendant and then assistant before earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Kansas State University. After working at another hospital for a year, she returned to Wakarusa to fulfill her dream of practice ownership.

2. Acupuncture: A New Addition to Pet Care

Dr. Amend is bringing an exciting new service to the hospital: veterinary acupuncture. Certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, she uses acupuncture to address a wide range of health concerns in pets, combining Eastern techniques with her Western medical training.

“Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been helping animals for over 2,000 years,” Dr. Amend explained. “By inserting fine needles into biologically active points on the body, we stimulate natural healing, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation.”

Acupuncture has been shown to help with:

• Pain management and arthritis.

• Neurological disorders.

• Dermatology conditions.

• Behavioral concerns like anxiety.

• Endocrine conditions.

Dr. Amend noted that acupuncture is particularly effective when paired with herbal and food therapies. “It’s an integrative approach to pet care,” she said. “This isn’t just about treating symptoms–it’s about helping the body heal itself and restoring balance.”

Dr. Amend’s dedication to her patients is rooted in her lifelong love of animals. The daughter of two medical doctors who were both children of medical doctors, she grew up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and ferrets. Her passion for veterinary medicine was evident from an early age, and she worked tirelessly to achieve her goal of becoming a veterinarian, navigating the competitive 6% acceptance rate for vet school. Dr. Rowland mentored Dr. Amend during her journey.

Dr. Amend’s expertise and enthusiasm for learning ensure that the hospital’s clients receive cutting-edge care tailored to their pets’ needs.

3. Two New Veterinarians Joined the Team

Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital recently expanded its team with the addition of two talented veterinarians who “we are thrilled to introduce,” Dr. Amend said.

Dr. Amy Zeimetz brings more than a decade of experience in preventive care and dentistry. She has a special passion for keeping pets’ smiles healthy and is skilled in performing dental cleanings and extractions. Dr. Zeimetz lives south of Eudora with her husband, two children, and three miniature dachshunds. She enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines.

Dr. Anna Pees, a Lawrence native, has an impressive background in public health and zoonotic diseases. After earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees at Kansas State University, she worked in small animal medicine in the U.S. and abroad, including in Wales, UK. Dr. Pees is passionate about giving back to her community and enjoys gardening, traveling, and outdoor activities in her free time.

Dr. Zeimetz and Dr. Pees join Dr. Megan Gleeson, who came to Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital as an associate in 2022 and is a key contributor to the Wakarusa Vet culture. Dr Amend describes her as “an incredibly strong asset to the team. She has tremendous surgical expertise, finesse with dentistry, and a one-in-a-million easy-going communication style that just makes you want to be her best friend immediately after meeting her. She is a living example of our practice’s deepest values: integrity, trust, and compassion.”

All veterinarians at Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital bring unique skills, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to compassionate care that align perfectly with the hospital’s mission.

4. State-of-the-Art Care with a Personal Touch

Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital is known for its advanced diagnostic capabilities and innovative treatments. In the past two years, they have added cutting-edge services like primary care chemotherapy, orthopedic surgery, and ultrasound diagnostics, ensuring pets receive the highest standard of care without the need for referral.

Despite these advances, the hospital remains deeply committed to providing a personalized experience. As a privately owned practice, Wakarusa takes the time to build trust and rapport with clients, treating each pet as if they were their own.

Both Dr. Rowland and Dr. Amend emphasize the importance of the human-animal bond in veterinary medicine. “It’s not just about the animals–it’s about the relationships we build with their owners,” Dr. Amend said. “We never take that trust for granted and strive to earn it every day.”

The team also invests heavily in continuing education, ensuring that veterinarians and staff stay at the forefront of their field. From training sessions with specialists to participating in clinical trials for new pharmaceuticals, the hospital’s commitment to learning benefits both pets and their owners.

5. A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital has exciting plans for growth and improvement. A renovation project is in the works to give the clinic’s interior a fresh facelift, and they remain steadfast in their goal of staying privately owned.

Proactive care, particularly for senior pets, remains a top priority. “We see a lot of canine geriatrics, and starting preventive measures early makes all the difference,” Dr. Amend said. “Our goal is to help pets live their healthiest, happiest lives for as long as possible.”

With services like acupuncture, a growing team of talented veterinarians, and a focus on compassionate, cutting-edge care, Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital continues to set the standard for excellence in pet health.

Final Thoughts

Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital is more than just a hospital–it’s a community where pets and their families are treated like family. With Dr. Rowland’s legacy as a guiding light and the dedication of Dr. Amend and the rest of the team, Wakarusa remains a trusted partner in your pet’s health journey.

Whether your pet needs preventive care, advanced treatments, or simply a loving touch, Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital is ready to help. As Dr. Amend put it: “It’s a privilege to build bonds with pet owners. Veterinary medicine isn’t just about caring for our patients; it’s very much a people-centered business, too.”

Schedule a visit today to experience the difference that personalized, compassionate care can make.

For more information, visit wakavet.com. To schedule an appointment, call 785-843-5577.