Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Pet Care in Indianapolis
Since 1996, The Downtown Veterinarian has been a trusted partner in pet healthcare for Indianapolis pet owners. Our practice combines compassionate care with advanced veterinary technology to provide comprehensive services ranging from wellness exams to emergency care. Our team of experienced veterinarians and staff treats every pet as if they were our own, emphasizing preventive care and early diagnosis to ensure pets live longer, healthier lives. We maintain state-of-the-art facilities equipped with diagnostic tools and surgical capabilities to address both routine and complex medical needs. Our commitment to excellence extends to client education, ensuring pet owners have the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions.We prioritize personalized attention, maintaining open communication channels with clients throughout treatment processes. With decades of collective experience, our team remains dedicated to continuous professional development while upholding the highest standards of veterinary medicine. Our facility accommodates urgent care needs while maintaining regular appointment availability for routine checkups. We understand the deep bond between pets and their families, which drives our commitment to providing empathetic, transparent care. Our practice philosophy centers on building long-term relationships with clients through consistent, reliable service and exceptional medical outcomes.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgical Procedures
Diagnostic Testing
Emergency Services
Senior Pet Care
Microchipping
Parasite Prevention
Health Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience serving Indianapolis pet owners
- Our facility offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment
- Compassionate team treating every pet with personalized attention
- 24/7 emergency care available for urgent pet health needs
- Emphasis on preventive care with tailored wellness programs
What people say
Caring staff
Thorough communication
Pets love it here
Effective treatments
Modern facilities
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams detect early health issues through nose-to-tail physical assessments. We recommend annual exams for most pets and bi-annual visits for seniors. These checkups include vaccination updates, parasite screening, and age-specific lab tests. Early detection helps prevent minor issues from becoming major health problems.
Vaccinations
We provide core and elective vaccinations tailored to each pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Our protocols follow AAHA guidelines while considering individual needs. We educate owners about vaccine benefits and schedules. Services include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and bordetella for dogs, plus feline distemper and herpesvirus vaccines.
Dental Care
Our dental services prevent and treat oral disease through professional cleanings and surgical interventions. We use modern anesthetic protocols and digital dental radiography. Treatments include tartar removal, tooth extractions, and periodontal therapy. Regular dental care prevents systemic infections affecting heart and kidney health.
Surgical Procedures
We perform routine and complex surgeries using state-of-the-art equipment and multi-modal pain management. Services include spays/neuters, mass removals, and orthopedic procedures. Our team monitors patients continuously before, during, and after surgery. We maintain strict sterility protocols and use laser surgery for reduced bleeding.
Diagnostic Testing
Our in-house lab and imaging capabilities enable rapid diagnosis through bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal exams. We offer digital radiography, ultrasound, and tonometry for eye pressure testing. These tools help identify internal issues like organ dysfunction, fractures, or glaucoma requiring immediate attention.
People
Tom Buchanan
Practice Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Tom Buchanan leads our veterinary team with over 25 years of clinical experience. He focuses on preventive medicine and client education while maintaining active involvement in complex medical cases. His approach emphasizes compassionate care and evidence-based treatment.
Trish Wiggers
Veterinarian
Dr. Trish Wiggers brings extensive small animal expertise to our practice. She specializes in geriatric pet care and internal medicine, working closely with owners to develop customized treatment plans. Her compassionate approach makes her particularly skilled with anxious pets.
Kim Cline
Veterinarian
Dr. Kim Cline provides dedicated care with special interests in surgical techniques and pain management. She stays current with veterinary advancements through continuing education while maintaining a patient-focused approach that prioritizes comfort and recovery.
Mary Whitesides
Hospital Manager
Mary oversees daily operations with 15+ years in veterinary management. She ensures smooth clinic operations while maintaining client relations. Her leadership focuses on maintaining high service standards and staff development to enhance patient care quality.
Gomez
Social Chairman
Gomez brings joy to our clinic as our official social director. While not a medical team member, he contributes to our welcoming environment by greeting patients and providing comfort during visits, creating positive associations with veterinary care.
Questions
How often should my pet have an exam?
Annual exams are recommended for most pets, with bi-annual visits for seniors. Puppies and kittens require more frequent visits during their first year for vaccinations and development checks.
Why does my pet need dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings prevent periodontal disease that releases harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Regular cleanings reduce risks of heart, liver, and kidney disease while preventing painful oral conditions requiring complex treatment.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings occur under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork, remove plaque/tartar, and conduct full mouth assessments. Digital radiography helps identify hidden dental issues requiring treatment.
Should I see a vet for behavior changes?
Yes, sudden behavior changes like appetite loss, lethargy, or inappropriate elimination often indicate underlying health issues. Contact us promptly for an exam to identify and address potential medical problems.
At what age should pets be spayed/neutered?
We recommend spaying/neutering at six months old. Our veterinarians consider breed, size, and health status when determining optimal timing. Early spaying/neutering provides health and behavioral benefits while preventing pet overpopulation.
How can I prevent heartworms in pets?
Monthly heartworm prevention is essential year-round. We offer safe, effective preventatives after testing. Dogs require annual testing, while cats need strict prevention as no treatment exists for feline heartworm disease.
