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Join us for our 75th Anniversary Open Houses

Saturday, Oct 10 – Brodhead LocationSunday, Oct 11 – Monroe LocationGet the Details

Our History

For more than 75 years, Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center has been caring for the animals and families that make southern Wisconsin feel like home. What started as a small practice built on personal relationships and hard work has grown into a trusted veterinary resource serving Brodhead, Monroe and surrounding communities in Green, Rock, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

While our facilities, services, and team have evolved over the decades, our purpose has remained the same: providing dependable veterinary care and supporting the people who care for their animals every day.

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Clinic Timeline with Respective Owners

  1. 1950's -

    Where Our Story Began

    In 1951, Dr. Graham Miller came to Brodhead and established the practice that would eventually become Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center. At the time, veterinary medicine looked much different than it does today. Dr. Miller worked closely with local farms and families, building relationships one client at a time and earning a reputation for reliable, compassionate care.

    From those early days, the clinic became a valued part of the community. The principles that guided the practice then, honesty, dedication, and service, continue to shape our work today.

    New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owners

    Dr. Graham Miller – 1951, Dr. Ronaldean “Dean” Pawlisch – 1954

    BVMC History at a Glance
  2. 1960's -

    A New Home In Brodhead

    As the practice continued to grow, the clinic moved into a dedicated veterinary facility in Brodhead. The new location provided additional space to care for more animals while supporting the area’s strong agricultural roots.

    Throughout this period, our veterinary team remained committed to serving both livestock and companion animals, helping local families and farms access dependable veterinary care close to home.

    New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owner

    Dr. John Carson – 1960

    Working at the BVM Center
  3. New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owners in 1970's

    Dr. Don Thayer – 1970, Dr. TJ Mertens – 1974, Dr. Chris Duemler – 1977

  4. New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owners in 1980's

    Dr. Ray Pawlisch – 1982, Dr. Phil Frost – 1987

  5. 1990's -

    Expanding for the Future

    By the early 1990s, the growing needs of the community called for a larger facility. In 1992, Brodhead Veterinary Service purchased the former Speth’s Chalet property at W1175 Highway 11 & 81 with plans to transform it into a modern veterinary hospital.

    The project involved extensive renovations and years of planning. In 1996, the clinic officially moved into its current location, creating additional space for small animal care, large animal services, surgery, boarding, educational events, and future growth. The move represented an exciting new chapter while preserving the small-town values that had always defined the practice.

    New Veterinarian Who Later Became Clinic Owner

    Dr. Wendy Heise, 1994

  6. 1997 -

    National Recognition

    Just one year after relocating, Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center received national recognition for its hospital design. The facility was selected as one of twelve winners in a Veterinary Economics hospital design competition, highlighting the thoughtful planning and functionality of the clinic.

    The recognition reflected the team’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for clients, patients, and staff while continuing to provide high-quality veterinary care to the community.

    BVMC National Recognation
  7. 2001 -

    Celebrating 50 Years

    In 2001, Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center celebrated its 50th anniversary. The milestone honored the dedication of the veterinarians, staff members, clients, and community members who helped build the practice over five decades.

    The celebration also recognized the leadership of veterinarians who continued carrying the clinic’s mission forward while adapting to the changing needs of pet owners and farmers throughout southern Wisconsin.

    BVMC Celebrate 50 Years
  8. New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owners in 2000's

    Dr. Jason Mertens – 2006, Dr. Emily Dahlgran – 2007

  9. New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owners in 2010's

    Dr. Shawn Melvin – 2012, Dr. Debbie Thayer – 2017, Dr. Rachel O’Leary – 2019

  10. 2021 -

    Joining with Monroe Veterinary Service

    A new chapter began in 2021 when Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center purchased Monroe Veterinary Service. By bringing together two respected veterinary practices, the expansion added access to care while maintaining the personal, community-focused approach clients had come to expect.

    Today, our Brodhead and Monroe locations work together to provide veterinary care for pets, livestock, and the families who depend on them throughout the region.

    Monroe Clinic
  11. New Veterinarians Who Later Became Clinic Owners in 2020's

    Dr. Emily Hill – 2021, Dr. Andrea McGowan-Hanson – 2022

Today -

Celebrating 75 Years

Today, Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center remains independently and veterinarian owned. More than 75 years after Dr. Miller first opened his practice, we continue caring for generations of pets, farms, and families across southern Wisconsin.

Many of the clients we serve today are the children and grandchildren of those who trusted us decades ago. That continuity is something we value deeply. While veterinary medicine continues to evolve, our commitment to compassionate care, strong relationships, and service to our community remains unchanged.

We are proud of where we started, grateful for the people who helped us grow, and excited to continue servicing Brodhead, Monroe and the surrounding communities in Green and Rock County.

Current Owners New V Photo

Current Owners:

Dr. Andrea McGowan-Hanson, Dr. Shawn Melvin, Dr. Jason Mertens, Dr. Emily Dahlgran, Dr. Rachel O’Leary, Dr. Emily Hill, Dr. Debbie Thayer