LOOSE CREEK — Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Eric Boeckmann, is scheduled to open next week, near the junction of Hwys 50 and 63.

Boeckmann graduated from Fatima HS in 2011, then earned an undergraduate degree from Westminster College before starting veterinary school at Mizzou. After his graduation in 2019, Boeckmann went to work for Animal Clinic of Ava, in Ava, Mo. “It was a mixed animal practice, with four doctors,” Boeckmann explained. “We saw everything, as far as cats, dogs, horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs...” 

Boeckmann said the Ava clinic also did a lot of spays, neuters, and annual checkups. “I feel like it was a pretty high-volume clinic, as far as seeing a lot of cases per day, and so, over the five years, I feel like that’s helped me get a really good base, as far as medicine in the veterinary field in general.”

Boeckmann said he’s always wanted to start his own clinic, and felt the timing was right when the opportunity arose to buy the land where he’s building his new clinic. “I think it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to be closer to home,” Boeckmann said. “I just got married earlier this summer, and my wife was on board with moving up here closer to family. It was the right time to make this big jump.” They broke ground on the new clinic early this year, and hope it will be finished by the end of this week, to open Aug. 14.

“Everyone will be new, so everyone is welcome,” he said, in regards to taking new patients. “The clinic is set up for small animal and large animal. I do have haul-in facilities for both cattle and horses here, and (there are) four exam rooms for small animals. I got a little bit delayed with installation (of) my X-ray unit, but I’ll have x-ray, in-house blood work, and an ultrasound. So pretty all-encompassing as far as the mixed animal side of things.” Boeckmann also plans to do farm calls and home visits for large animals.

The clinic is already fully staffed with local employees, and Boeckmann hopes it will provide a hometown feel in a new facility with all new equipment. “(I want to) make everyone feel welcome, and provide not only a good quality service but a good experience for the pets and the owners,” he said.

Boeckmann is hosting an open house at the new clinic on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The address is 148 East Outer Road, Loose Creek, MO 65054. When the clinic opens, the phone number will be 573.203.5077.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to do this,” Boeckmann said. “And (to) get more involved, or intertwined, with the community that I grew up with. I kind of moved away for a few years, but I’m very happy to be back.”