About Veterinary Medical Center

Trusted vet in Northern Kentucky for families who want more personal, compassionate care.

Veterinary Medical Center is a independently owned, trusted vet in Northern Kentucky serving Fort Thomas, Independence, and surrounding communities with compassionate, full-service care for dogs and cats.

Explore Our Locations
Local Independent ownership
2 Northern Kentucky locations
Fear Free Comfort-focused visits
Our Locations

Two Northern Kentucky locations, each with the same personal approach to veterinary care.

Families choose Veterinary Medical Center because they want both convenience and continuity. With locations in Fort Thomas and Independence, we are able to serve pet owners across Northern Kentucky while still preserving the neighborhood feel that makes care more comfortable and personal.

Veterinary Medical Center Fort Thomas location
Fort Thomas, KY

Convenient veterinary care for Fort Thomas and nearby river city communities.

Our Fort Thomas location offers a welcoming option for pet families who want a trusted local veterinarian close to home. This office reflects the same approach that defines our practice everywhere: calm, relationship-based care that makes space for real questions and individualized recommendations.

For many families, proximity matters. It makes routine wellness visits easier to stay on top of, follow-up appointments more manageable, and continuity of care more consistent over time. We are proud to care for pets from Fort Thomas, Highland Heights, Bellevue, and nearby communities throughout Northern Kentucky.

Address 2000 Memorial Parkway, Fort Thomas, KY 41075
Independence, KY

Thoughtful veterinary care for Independence, Covington, and central Northern Kentucky.

Our Independence location helps make comprehensive veterinary care more accessible for families throughout the area who want an independently owned hospital with a more personal feel. Here, pets and people are cared for with the same warmth, clarity, and comfort-focused approach that guides the entire practice.

This location supports both everyday veterinary needs and more involved care, giving families a trusted place to turn for preventive medicine, treatment planning, and ongoing guidance. We are grateful to serve so many loyal pet owners in and around Independence and the broader Covington area.

Address 4147 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051
Veterinary Medical Center Independence location
Local Veterinary Care

Vet in Northern Kentucky with locations in Fort Thomas and Independence.

When you search for a vet in Fort Thomas or a vet in Independence, you are usually looking for more than a nearby address. You want a team that is easy to reach, clear about next steps, and familiar enough with your pet to notice what changes over time.

Care that fits Northern Kentucky families.

As a leading vet in Northern Kentucky, Veterinary Medical Center provides preventive care, medical visits, dental care, surgery, and long-term health support.

For Fort Thomas pet owners

Our Fort Thomas veterinary team serves families near Memorial Parkway, Highland Heights, Bellevue, Newport, Dayton, Cold Spring, and the river city communities. We help with wellness exams, vaccines, dental needs, sick visits, surgery consultations, and practical at-home guidance.

(859) 442-4420

For Independence pet owners

Our Independence veterinary team serves families near Madison Pike, Covington, Taylor Mill, Latonia, Erlanger, Florence, and central Northern Kentucky. We support new puppies and kittens, adult pets, senior pets, and families managing longer-term health needs.

(859) 356-2242
About Our Practice

A Vet in Northern Kentucky built around relationships, not rush.

When families look for a vet in Northern Kentucky, they are often looking for more than a checklist of services.

2

Convenient locations

We serve pet families from both Fort Thomas and Independence, making it easier to stay connected to care close to home.

Full

Service hospital

We provide preventive care, surgery, dental care, and medical support for pets through many life stages and health needs.

Local

Independent ownership

Our practice is shaped by the community around us, not by a remote corporate model or one-size-fits-all expectations.

Fear Free

Comfort-focused care

We care deeply about making the veterinary experience gentler, calmer, and more supportive for pets and people alike.

Our Story

The kind of practice you build when this community is your home.

Veterinary Medical Center was built to serve Northern Kentucky families with care that feels more personal, more thoughtful, and more grounded. Dr. Kristi Baker is licensed in Kentucky and Ohio, but this practice is rooted right here, because this is where we live, where we work, and where we have chosen to invest in long-term relationships with pets and their people.

More than a clinic

We are a full-service animal hospital, but the heart of this practice has always been bigger than that. As a trusted vet in Northern Kentucky, we care deeply about the day-to-day lives of the pets we see, the families who trust us, and the kind of experience people walk away with after every visit. For us, veterinary care is not just about treating symptoms. It is about building relationships that help pets live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives.

That means strong medicine, of course, but it also means kindness, communication, and a calmer environment from the moment you walk through our doors. As a full-service vet in Northern Kentucky, we provide wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, soft tissue surgery, and ongoing medical support for dogs and cats at every life stage. At the same time, we focus on making each visit feel less stressful for both pets and their people. We want the waiting room to feel welcoming, the exam room to feel less overwhelming, and every recommendation to feel honest, helpful, and clearly explained.

Many families searching for a vet in Northern Kentucky are looking for more than convenience. They want a veterinary team that listens, explains options clearly, and helps them make confident decisions about their pet’s health. That is why we prioritize open communication and practical guidance. Whether you are visiting for a routine checkup, a dental concern, or a more complex medical issue, our goal is to make sure you leave with clear next steps and a plan that feels right for your pet.

We also understand that consistency matters. Seeing the same veterinary team over time allows us to better understand your pet’s history, behavior, and changing health needs. As a locally trusted vet in Northern Kentucky, we focus on continuity of care so that small changes are noticed early and long-term health is supported more effectively. This relationship-based approach helps us deliver more personalized care and better outcomes for the pets we serve.

Our commitment goes beyond medical treatment. We believe veterinary care should support the emotional wellbeing of both pets and their families. That is why we incorporate comfort-focused handling and a Fear Free approach whenever possible. By reducing stress and creating a more positive experience, we help pets feel safer and make it easier for families to stay consistent with care over time.

We believe the best veterinary care grows from familiarity and trust. Over time, that trust allows us to understand your pet more fully, anticipate their needs, and support your family in a way that feels thoughtful and personal. If you are looking for a vet in Northern Kentucky who combines medical expertise with a more compassionate, relationship-focused approach, Veterinary Medical Center is here to help you and your pet every step of the way.

Owned here. Built here. This is not a distant corporate practice. It is an independently owned hospital shaped by people who are part of this community.
Relationships over transactions We want to know your pet over time, remember your concerns, and be a steady part of your animal's life.
Wholesome, neighborhood care Our goal is simple: treat people with warmth, treat pets with gentleness, and care for both like they matter here, because they do.
Clear support for pet owners We want families to leave visits with practical next steps, understandable recommendations, and confidence in how to care well at home.
What We Offer

A full-service hospital with a more human feel.

We welcome both routine visits and more serious medical concerns, always with the goal of making care feel thorough, understandable, and supportive. Whether your pet needs preventive care, surgery, dental care, or help with a more complex issue, our team works to make the process feel clear and personal from the first conversation forward.

Routine & Preventive Care

Ongoing wellness care helps pets stay healthier over time and helps families feel more confident about what their pets need at each life stage.

  • Routine medical care and wellness visits
  • Preventive guidance and education
  • Nutrition support and problem prevention
  • Long-term care planning as needs change

Medical, Surgical & Dental Care

From more complex medical conditions to soft tissue surgery and oral health support, we provide comprehensive care under one roof.

  • Soft tissue surgery
  • Oral health assessments and treatment
  • Support for serious medical conditions
  • Thoughtful treatment planning and follow-up

Comfort, Behavior & Wellness

We care about emotional wellbeing too. Mental wellness, lower-stress handling, and a calmer visit experience matter just as much as the treatment plan.

  • Fear Free Certified approach
  • Comfort-focused handling and communication
  • Supportive care for pets and their people
  • A gentler visit for nervous or sensitive pets
Meet Your Doctors

Veterinarians who actually stay.

When you come to VMC, you get continuity — with someone who remembers your pet, your history, and what actually matters to your family.

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Dr. Kristi BakerOwner & DVM

Dr. Baker is a licensed veterinarian in both Kentucky and Ohio. She built VMC because she wanted to practice medicine the right way: unhurried, thorough, and rooted in a community she genuinely cares about.

I have always loved animals and pets so working with them all day and learning how their bodies work fascinates me. Everyday, I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of not only my pet patients, but also their human families as well.
Licensed in Kentucky and Ohio
Fear-Free Certified practice
Soft tissue surgery and oral health expertise
End-of-life care, in-clinic and at home
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Dr. Becky GolatzkiAssociate Veterinarian

Dr. Golatzki brings warmth and expertise to every appointment, partnering with Dr. Baker to provide the same consistent, relationship-focused care VMC is known for.

I love being part of a practice where we truly know our patients. Building those long-term relationships — with the pets and their families — is what makes this work so rewarding.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Compassionate, relationship-focused care
The Whole Team

People who love what they do.

From the front desk to the treatment room, every person on the VMC team is here because they genuinely care about animals.

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Cara
Office Manager
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April
RVT
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Jess
RVT
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Taiyler
RVT
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April
Veterinary Technician

April graduated from Morehead State with her associate's in veterinary technology in 2002. She has been in the industry since 1999 and licensed for over 20 years. She loves helping animals live their best lives and dreams of opening a rescue one day. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family. She has two dogs (Echo and Griffin) and three cats: Cleocatra, Spitfire, and Cuddles.

I work here because in all the places I've worked, I like the medicine and care the best here. Dr. Baker's knowledge is top notch!

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Emerald
Veterinary Assistant
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Jamie
Client Service Representative / Veterinary Assistant

Jamie is currently attending Penn Foster online to get her degree in veterinary technology. She likes working here with team members who share her same goal of doing what is best for animals. She has two dogs (Sammy and Ranger) and two cats (Serenity and Ezra).

I have been working with animals since I was young. It all started when my grandpa was an animal control officer. He taught me the importance of loving and helping animals.

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Missy
Veterinary Assistant

Missy has been in the veterinary field for 12 years. She enjoys working with and getting to know the clients and their pets and loves developing relationships with them. In her free time, she takes care of her 50 chickens, 16 cats, and three dogs on her farm, and enjoys time with her three adult children.

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Natalie
Veterinary Assistant
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Scotty
Service Dog
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Terri
Client Service Representative

Terri has been an integral part of the team for over 15 years. In her free time, she likes to read, work in her garden, and attend concerts. She has a Dachshund mix named Beatrix.

Local Trust

Why an independently owned veterinary hospital matters.

For many families, choosing an independently owned veterinary hospital in Northern Kentucky means choosing continuity, local accountability, and a team that can shape care around real pets instead of a distant corporate playbook.

Need online access? Use our patient portal and booking page or the online pharmacy for medication and refill support.

Hours

Office hours for both locations.

We are proud to serve families in both Independence and Fort Thomas, with hours designed to support everyday care and ongoing relationships.

Independence

Monday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Tuesday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Wednesday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Thursday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Friday8:00 am–6:00 pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Fort Thomas

Monday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Tuesday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Wednesday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Thursday8:00 am–6:00 pm
Friday8:00 am–6:00 pm
SaturdayRotating schedule, please call
SundayClosed
Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers for families looking for a veterinarian in Fort Thomas or Independence.

These are some of the questions pet owners often have when getting to know our practice and deciding whether Veterinary Medical Center is the right fit for their family.

Is Veterinary Medical Center independently owned?

Yes. Veterinary Medical Center is independently owned and led by Dr. Kristi Baker. That independence helps us keep our care personal, community-rooted, and focused on long-term relationships.

What veterinary services do you offer?

We provide routine wellness care, preventive medicine, surgery, dental care, and support for more involved medical concerns, along with a comfort-focused approach designed to reduce stress for pets and families.

Do you serve families outside Fort Thomas and Independence?

Absolutely. We welcome pets and their people from across Northern Kentucky and nearby Greater Cincinnati communities who are looking for a local veterinary team with a more personal style of care.

What makes your approach different?

We care about both the medical outcome and the experience surrounding it. That means clear communication, practical guidance, comfort-focused handling, and a pace of care that feels less rushed and more supportive.

Do you accept new veterinary patients?

Yes. New patients are welcome at both Veterinary Medical Center locations. Families can request an appointment online or call Fort Thomas or Independence directly for help choosing the best location and visit type.

What makes your approach different?

We combine full-service veterinary medicine with clear communication, practical guidance, Fear Free handling, and a pace of care that feels less rushed and more supportive for pets and their people.

Ready to Visit?

We'd be honored to care for your pet.

Whether you are new to the area, looking for a more personal veterinary experience, or simply want a team that feels rooted in the same community you are, we would love to welcome you to Veterinary Medical Center.

Contact Us View Services

Fort Thomas

2000 Memorial Parkway, Fort Thomas, KY 41075

(859) 442-4420

Independence

4147 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051

(859) 356-2242

Independently owned veterinary hospital in Northern Kentucky

Veterinary Medical Center is an independently owned veterinary hospital in Northern Kentucky serving families from Fort Thomas, Independence, Covington, Highland Heights, Bellevue, Newport, Taylor Mill, Latonia, Erlanger, Florence, and nearby Greater Cincinnati. Our team helps with wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, sick visits, senior pet support, and ongoing treatment planning.

Local veterinary care in Fort Thomas and Independence

From Fort Thomas, we regularly welcome pet owners from Highland Heights, Bellevue, Newport, Dayton, Cold Spring, and nearby river city neighborhoods. From Independence, we serve families from Covington, Taylor Mill, Latonia, Erlanger, Florence, and central Northern Kentucky. Both offices share the same independently owned, relationship-focused approach.

Why pet owners choose an independently owned veterinary hospital

Families choose Veterinary Medical Center because they want clear communication, continuity, comfort-focused handling, and veterinary recommendations that fit their pet as an individual. If you are comparing an independently owned veterinary hospital with a larger corporate clinic, VMC offers a more personal, community-rooted option for dogs, cats, and the people who love them.

A local vet team with Fear Free and cat-friendly awareness

Our approach is built around both medical quality and emotional comfort. Fear Free handling, cat-friendly visit awareness, practical education, and honest conversations help make veterinary care easier to return to over time.

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