ALL CREATURES Veterinary Clinic, a mixed-animal practice, has undergone a significant expansion after more than 20 years of operation. Founder Dr. Gary Nester, and Dr. Jeff Keele, who joined the clinic in 2004 and became a partner in 2007, knew they needed to expand due to their small office space and limited resources.
In 2020, they began their expansion process, culminating in their move to a brand new eight-exam-room building in 2022. The new facility boasts triple the boarding space, a new grooming area, and an expanded isolation space.
With nine skilled doctors on staff, the clinic is equipped to handle various animal needs.
Keele said, “Our experienced vets bring years of experience to the table. New grads — they really help us out by giving us the most up-to-date information, bringing in new medications and new techniques learned in veterinary school.”
He continued, “So we mentor them, and they help keep us more proactive in the more recent changes in veterinary medicine.”
Their expansion doesn’t just stop in Manchester. In the past eight years, they have opened a satellite clinic in Monteagle and purchased clinics in Tullahoma and Morrison. The Tullahoma office specializes in companion and exotic animals, whereas the Morrison office focuses on large animals.
Dr. Keele, an eighth-generation Keele in the area, grew up on a nearby dairy farm.
“I got to see a lot of different techniques and had good relationships with several veterinarians,” he said.
“And so when I went to college, I took some [agriculture] classes and really enjoyed the animal science and decided that I would try to go to vet school and got in. And I guess the rest is history.”
The expansion and the need for skilled veterinarians have been a nationwide issue, with the COVID-19 pandemic making it even worse. As people adopt more pets and pay closer attention to their elder pets’ health issues, the demand for veterinary services has skyrocketed.
Nevertheless, due to COVID-related precautions like curbside services, many veterinary offices have operated at reduced efficiency and higher demand, aggravating the staffing shortage.
“That’s not unique to our area. What I think is unique to our area is the growth — the number of people moving into this area is astounding. So there’s just a huge need for more veterinarians and veterinary staff everywhere. In the Middle Tennessee area, even more so,” the doctor said.
Despite these challenges, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic continues to provide the highest level of care, earning its distinction as Finest Veterinarian for Manchester and Tullahoma for two consecutive years. They are committed to being trustworthy and honorable veterinarians dedicated to providing the highest quality care for each animal they encounter. GN
