Hometown roots
Dr. Baker has cared for Independence pets here since 2008.
Veterinary Medical Center of Independence
Your hometown vet in Independence, where it all began.
Our Independence clinic on Madison Pike is where Dr. Kristi Baker's practice took root. More than 15 years later, it's still built on the same idea: know every pet, and every family, by name.
Welcome to our Independence home
An Independence vet with deep Kenton County roots.
Independence has grown a lot over the years, but it hasn't lost its hometown heart. Neither have we. Dr. Baker has cared for local dogs and cats at our Madison Pike clinic since 2008.
We welcome pets from Independence, Taylor Mill, Ryland Heights, Covington, Edgewood, Erlanger, and across Kenton and Boone counties, with free on-site parking and a calm, small-practice feel.
We're independently owned, so you'll see familiar faces, get clear, honest answers, and never feel rushed. If you're looking for a vet in Independence who treats your pet like one of their own, come say hello.
Plan your visit →
Where Veterinary Medical Centers began
Our first clinic, and still our foundation.
Dr. Kristi Baker joined the Independence clinic in 2008, and it became the foundation of everything Veterinary Medical Centers is today. She grew up in Northern Kentucky, and building a practice here was a commitment to the community that raised her.
That first clinic set the tone: relationship-based care, honest communication, and the belief that families deserve a veterinarian they can trust for years, not a rotating schedule of strangers. Independence still carries that founding spirit.
- Caring for Independence pets since 2008
- The clinic that shaped our relationship-first approach
- Independently owned by a Northern Kentucky native
- Serving families across Kenton and Boone counties
Better care starts with listening carefully, explaining clearly, and knowing the pet and family in front of us.Read Dr. Kristi’s full bio →
Plan your visit to our Independence vet clinic
Visiting your vet in Independence is easy.
Veterinary Medical Center of Independence
On Madison Pike (KY-17) in Independence
- Address
- 4147 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051
- Phone
- (859) 356-2242
- Parking
- Free on-site parking right outside.
- Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Getting here
- From anywhere in Independence: we're at 4147 Madison Pike (KY-17).
- From Covington: Madison Avenue becomes Madison Pike. Follow it south to our clinic.
- From Taylor Mill, Edgewood, Erlanger, and Florence: a short drive across central Kenton County.
Coming for the first time?
Welcome to your new vet in Independence! Here’s what to bring:
- Vaccine records and any previous medical records
- A list of current medications, food, and supplements
- Your questions and anything you've noticed at home
- Dogs on a leash, cats in a secure carrier
Your Independence vet
Why Independence families keep coming back.
Here's what makes us the Independence vet that Kenton County families trust with their pets.
Continuity of care
Familiar doctors and staff who know your pet's whole story.
Easy Madison Pike access
A straight drive for Independence, Covington, and Taylor Mill families.
Full-service medicine
Wellness, vaccines, dental, surgery, diagnostics, and sick visits.
Honest recommendations
We explain what's urgent, what's preventive, and what can wait.
Every life stage
Puppies, kittens, adults, and seniors, all welcome.
Our veterinarians
The people caring for Independence pets.
Our Independence vet team is led by Dr. Kristi Baker, who has cared for pets at this clinic since 2008.
Practice ownerPractice Owner & Veterinarian
Kristi Baker, DVM
Dr. Baker leads VMC with more than two decades of veterinary experience and a calm, relationship-first approach. She believes good care starts with listening and clear answers.
Read full profileVeterinarian
Rebecca Golatzki, DVM
A Northern Kentucky native, Dr. Golatzki brings decades of small-animal and preventive-care experience. Her work is rooted in lasting relationships with pets and the people who care for them.
Read full profile
Cat whisperer · Feline medicineAssociate Veterinarian · Fort Thomas
Valeria Dib-Vázquez, DVM
Dr. Dib-Vázquez has a special interest in feline medicine, low-stress handling, and client education. She speaks English and Spanish.
Read full profileKind words
What Independence families are saying.
Reviews from families who trust us as their Independence vet.
“From the moment we walked in, everything felt calm and thoughtful. The team took time to help my cat feel comfortable.”
“The Independence team was friendly, informative, and kind to my pet and me. It is wonderful to have found a permanent place for our care.”
“The staff is gentle, kind, and professional. They explained pricing upfront and followed up the next day to check on my pet.”
Our two locations
Proud to be your vet in Independence and across Kenton and Boone counties.
Veterinary Medical Centers has two clinics in Northern Kentucky, both locally owned and caring for dogs and cats.
Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Thomas
2000 Memorial Parkway, Fort Thomas, KY 41075(859) 442-4420Visit the Fort Thomas page →Veterinary Medical Center of Independence
4147 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051(859) 356-2242Exploring options near you?
Families visit our Independence clinic from all over Northern Kentucky. Find your town below. Still comparing? See our guide to the best vets in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about your vet in Independence
Here when you need us
Let’s take good care of them, together.
Whether you’re new to VMC or have been visiting for years, we’re here to help your pet feel their best.
