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Local animal hospital marks accrediting anniversary

Published August 27. 2026 11:23AM
by Bernadette Sukley Special to The Press

On July 24, pets and their humans showed up to celebrate Country Doctor Animal Hospital’s American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation anniversary.

Last year, the Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital, New Tripoli, received accreditation by the AAHA (only 15% of veterinary hospitals are AAHA accredited).

That meant the hospital met (or in some cases exceeded) hundreds of standards covering all aspects of veterinary care and business.

Pet Fest is the Country Doctor’s way to thank their clients and to bring the community together.

This year’s Pet Fest included: raffles, games, a petting zoo (Heritage Homestead farm), food, ice cream from Nesting Box and freebies for all four-legged friends.

The hospital’s grounds were transformed into a carnival-like festival.

Many owners brought their dogs with them to visit with their favorite Country Doctor Animal Hospital’s staff members.

Face painting by Kim Einsla delighted many of the younger attendees.

Also present this year were two rescue organizations: Scarlet Heart and Forgotten Felines and Fidos.

Scarlett Heart is a new animal adoption and education center who’s goal is helping senior dogs and dogs with disability find a forever home.

Co-founder, Meredith Ward explains, “Our senior dogs are 10 years and older. We look for homes that work for the dog. Some dogs are a one-dog family, others need specific kinds of care.”

This new rescue organization is located in New Tripoli.

Forgotten Felines and Fidos (which now rescues felines only), located in Germansville, wanted the community to know more about their services.

“We’re here to connect with people to let them know about us,” volunteer Karen Sweeney said.

“We have vaccination clinics and spay and neuter services for all our cats,” Sweeney said. “It’s important to spay or neuter, it helps prevent many animals from suffering.”

The ladies, admitted cat lovers, came with many offerings including magnets, calendars and brochures highlighting the work they do to rescue local felines.

“Everything for the kitties,” Sweeny said. “We give them love and care and try to get them a forever home.”

Country Doctor Animal Hospital has been in the New Tripoli area for over 40 years.

They’ve expanded their facility over the years and expect to celebrate their accreditation next year.

Staff of Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital gather in front of the hospital for a group photo. Front row: Brandi, Kati, Kelly Gruber DVM, Hilary Palmeiro, VMD, Amy, (back row) Lexi, Jill, Rachel, Tara, Madeleine, Erin and Sonya.
Scarlet Heart co founder, Meredith Ward treating Rosie to a cool surprise. Scarlet Heart rescues senior dogs (10 years plus) and dogs with disabilities. These are dogs that don’t get adopted. They’re also easily abandoned. Also representing Scarlet Heart Rescue is James Ward.
Representing the local cat rescue organization, Forgotten Felines and Fidos, is Barbara Peters, Paula Myers and Karen Sweeney.
Liah Behler sports art work from Kim Einsla Face Painting.
PRESS PHOTOS BY BERNADETTE SUKLEYHelen and John Ward with Robbie. Clients of the hospital who stopped by to say hello to their favorite people.
Charlotte Kehl pets baby goat, Jasmin at the petting zoo courtesy of Heritage Homestead Farm.
Mark Jarvinen and Christa Grey with Remington Blue, 3.5 year old golden doodle, but his coat is called Merle (genetic variation that produces dark gray-blue coat with dark patches). Jarvinen and Grey, clients of the Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital, say they love the breed for their good disposition and limited shedding.