A Brief History

Dr. James Davis created Springfield Vet in 1925 by treating Cow and Horses situated across from a large chicken farm now the Stoney Creek Shopping Center. The hospital was simply marked by a “Veterinary” sign. The practice went on hiatus during World War Two as the veterinarians went off to war. Dr. Alex Hillerson VMD reopened the practice in 1946. Dr. Hillerson named the center “Springfield Veterinary.” It was said by Dr. Alex Hillerson that some of the very first orthopedic surgery done on animals was performed here by a Dr. Jacques Jenny in the early 1940s with several new techniques and equipment. Dr. Jenny is now referred to as “the Father of Equine Surgery”.  The practice was purchased by Dr. John Farhy, DVM on July 2nd 1973 and renamed Springfield Animal Hospital to highlight the hospital qualities and overnight care provided. At that time, the hospital was open 24 hours a day and had a team of 4 doctors and 35 staff members.

In 2001, the practice was purchased by Dr. Omar and Dr. Laureen Pottyinski. Dr. Omar left after a year and Dr. Pottyinski consolidated the practice to a smaller, local clinic from a larger hospital. Dr Pottyinski had a big heart that loved cats. She started accumulating them at the hospital until July of 2020 when there were three prides in the hospital totalling 51 cats. They now live with Dr Pottyinski in upstate New York by the Canadian border.

In December of 2019, before the craziness of the pandemic hit Springfield, Dr. Timothy Mann VMD CVA fell in love with the area. Dr. Mann had previously created and managed three veterinary hospitals in New York City but wanted more space and a strong community for his family. Springfield was perfect for him and his unique holistic approach to medicine. Dr. Timothy Mann found Springfield Animal Hospital and vowed to return it to it’s former glory. He totally gut renovated the 100 year old building adding hospital quality services such as Stem Cell procedures, Advanced In House Bloodwork,  Overnight Care, Advanced Cardiac Care, Advanced Cancer Care, Ultrasonography, Dental Radiographs, Advanced Dental Procedures, Orthopedic Care, Soft Tissue Surgery, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine as well as routine veterinary care and vaccinations. Dr. Timothy Mann took over on July 22nd 2020 and renamed the hospital to Springfield Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic to highlight the pride taken in the advanced care given. We look forward to remaining a local landmark that continues to serve the community and generations of your animals for years to come. We love being part of this community!

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Veterinarians of Springfield

Dr. Alex Hillerson, VMD

Veterinarian

Dr. John Farhy, DVM
Veterinarian

Dr. Tim Mann, VMD
Current Owner

Moments in Time

A Photographic History of Springfield Veterinary Clinic
*Special thanks to Sue Hillerson Mitchell and Dr. John Farhy for their contributions

Patient in surgery with Dr. Hillerson

Springfield Animal Hospital staff 2004

Waiting room in mid 1900’s

Dr. Farhy and Dr. Mann 2021 outside Springfield Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic

Dr. Farhy and Dr. Mann, 2021

Dr. Farhy, Dr. Mann and Springfield Veterinary Clinic staff 2021

Dr. Alex Hillerson, VMD, 1946

The finest wood paneling!

Springfield Animal Hospital, 2004

Springfield Veterinary Clinic, 1969

Dr. Alex Hillerson, VMD

Springfield Veterinary Clinic 1969

Surgery room early 1920’s

Surgery room early 1920’s

In clinic laboratory equipment in the mid 1900’s

Dr. Alex Hillerson, 1981

Springfield Animal Hospital waiting room 2004

Exam room with Dr. Hillerson

Springfield Animal Hospital 2004

Dr. Farhy after a successful pyometra surgery

Springfield Veterinary Clinic, 1969

Dr. Farhy and Dr. Mann, 2021

Springfield Veterinary Clinic,1969

Dr. Alex Hillerson, VMD

Springfield Animal Hospital waiting room 2004

Dr. Hillerson’s office

Springfield Animal Hospital staff, 2004