Today we’d like to introduce you to Elinor Balboa.
Hi Elinor, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Donelson Animal Hospital, built in 1953 by Dr. James Evans, is the oldest veterinary clinic in all of Nashville. The clinic has been a staple of the community for over 70 years, and we are thrilled to announce that it is now under new ownership by Nashville Cat Rescue, a non-profit, all women-led group dedicated to animal welfare with deep roots in the community and over 20 years of service. This organization is also partnered with the veterinary sciences program at McGavock High School, bringing to life our motto of “Rescue Roots, Community Care!”
Our new veterinarian, Dr. Elinor Balboa, is a Donelson native whose family used to take their pets to Dr. Evans when she was little. She vividly remembers being in the waiting room with her family’s pets, and now she’s the lead veterinarian there! It’s such a cool, full-circle moment.
The new management there have made many upgrades to the building, including a new heating/cooling system, roof and ceiling repairs, painting, and upgrading all surgical equipment to meet the needs of the 21st century pet. They have also completely redone the animal dental suite, and appointments for dentals will start booking during the last week in April.
More repairs and cosmetic upgrades will be made slowly over time, but the most important thing is top-notch veterinary care for your animals, and we know that we can offer you quality, non-corporate care with a staff that will treat your fur-baby like their very own!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being such an old building, there have been many obstacles along the way. The A/C and heating systems have needed overhauling, repairs and upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems have been made, and of course heavy investments have been made in updating equipment for patients, There have definitely been times when we have felt like we’ve found a flow and things are going well, and then we find a new “quirk” in the building that we didn’t know about. Those in our oldest homes in the Donelson area will know exactly what we are talking about – these old buildings can have a mind of their own!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Donelson Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic offering exams, surgeries, dentals, and more in a friendly, locally owned environment with staff who will treat your pet like their very own! We are community-focused, and are focused on animal care, not profits for shareholders.
Many veterinary clinics are corporately owned now – nearly 25% of clinics in Nashville are corporate, and that number increases yearly, following national trends. Donelson Animal Hospital is pushing back on that business model, and is instead creating a community-focused clinic owned by a local nonprofit group. We welcome all clients and rescue partners to work with us, as we know how important the human-animal bond is.
We offer 10% off for new clients, as well as a goodie bag filled with treats and offers from other local businesses. We have a coffee bar for customers, and comfortable seating with a television in the waiting room, but don’t worry – we’ll get you in and out quickly so you can go about your day!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Well…you don’t know what you don’t know until you just get in and start working. There will be bumps and hiccups along the way, but every challenge is an opportunity to innovate and reach out to the community for help and solutions. We are better together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donelsonanimalhospital.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donelson_animal_hospital/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Donelson-Animal-Hospital-61577790725749/
