Veterinary Medical Centers
From first checkups to lifelong care, our locally owned veterinary team takes time to know your pet, listen to your concerns, and explain every recommendation clearly. Visit us in Fort Thomas or Independence for thoughtful care from people who treat your pet like family.
We’ll help you feel prepared from the moment you book — request an appointment, ask a question, or start with a wellness visit.
Find Care
Whether your pet needs a routine checkup, is showing new symptoms, or you’re switching to a local veterinarian in Northern Kentucky for the first time, we’ll help you find the right next step at our Fort Thomas or Independence clinic.
Best for new pets and first-time visits
New pets need a thoughtful start. We help with first exams, vaccine timing, parasite prevention, nutrition, and practical questions for life at home.
If you’re worried, reach out. Our team can help you determine the next step.
Local Vet Center
Veterinary Medical Centers was built around long-term relationships with Northern Kentucky families. Our team takes the time to understand your pet's personality, history, and needs so each visit feels personal rather than transactional.
Every visit starts with your pet's history and your concerns, not a script. We take time to understand what's going on before we suggest what to do about it.
We explain what's urgent, what's preventive, and what can wait in plain language, so you can make decisions with confidence instead of on the spot.
The same local team gets to know your pet over time, so each visit builds on the last instead of starting over with a stranger.
Care doesn't end at checkout. Our team is here for follow-up questions after your visit, not just during it.
From routine wellness to dental care, surgery planning, sick visits, and senior support, your pet's care plan is built around their needs, not a standard script.
Fort Thomas and Independence give Northern Kentucky families a nearby, locally owned option for dogs and cats.
Vet Services
From first visits and vaccines to dental cleanings, surgery, diagnostics, and ongoing wellness, our Northern Kentucky vet team helps dogs and cats stay healthy through every stage of life — at our vet in Fort Thomas and our vet in Independence, Kentucky.
Whatever brings you in, we’ll meet your pet with patience and help you understand the next step. You don’t need to have all the answers before calling.
Protect the routines and moments you share.
Routine visits help our Fort Thomas and Independence teams monitor health, catch changes early, and keep preventive care on track for dogs and cats.
Lifestyle-based vaccine recommendations help protect dogs and cats from serious preventable diseases based on age, risk, and local Northern Kentucky exposure.
Year-round guidance for heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites common for dogs and cats in Northern Kentucky and the surrounding region.
New Clients
Pick the Fort Thomas vet location or Independence vet location based on what is easiest for your day.
Request an appointment online or call your local Veterinary Medical Centers team for help choosing the right appointment type.
Vaccine history, medications, prior exam notes, and adoption paperwork help us understand your pet faster.
We take time to learn your pet's history, answer questions, and complete a thoughtful exam.
You leave with practical recommendations, follow-up timing, and next steps for your dog or cat.
Not sure what kind of appointment your pet needs? We’ll help.
First Visit
Starting with a new veterinarian in Northern Kentucky should feel simple. At our locally owned veterinary clinic, we review your pet’s history, talk through your concerns, complete a nose-to-tail exam, and help you understand the best next steps — whether you’re visiting our vet in Fort Thomas or our vet in Independence.
A new clinic can feel unfamiliar. We’ll walk you through it.
Plan Your First VisitBring vaccine records, medication details, and any questions you want to discuss.
We’ll review your pet’s lifestyle, health history, symptoms, and complete a thorough physical exam.
You’ll leave with clear recommendations, prevention guidance, and follow-up instructions if needed.
Northern Kentucky Locations
With two convenient Veterinary Medical Centers locations in Northern Kentucky, our team is here to support dogs, cats, and the people who love them.
Two local clinics. One shared commitment to knowing your pet and caring for them well.
Northern Kentucky location
Neighborhood veterinary care on Memorial Parkway
Veterinary Medical Centers of Fort Thomas provides local veterinary care for dogs and cats in Fort Thomas and nearby Northern Kentucky communities, including wellness visits, preventive care, dental care, diagnostics, surgery support, and everyday guidance.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Serving Fort Thomas, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Highland Heights, and nearby Cincinnati-area pet owners.
Northern Kentucky location
Personalized care for families throughout central Kenton County
Veterinary Medical Centers of Independence provides trusted veterinary care for dogs and cats in Independence, KY and nearby Northern Kentucky communities, including wellness visits, preventive care, dental care, diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing health guidance.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Serving Independence, Alexandria, Taylor Mill, Covington, Erlanger, and nearby Northern Kentucky pet owners.
Local Service Area
We proudly care for pets from Fort Thomas, Independence, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Highland Heights, Alexandria, Cold Spring, and nearby Cincinnati-area communities.
A Note From Dr. Kristi
Dr. Kristi Baker brings more than two decades of veterinary experience to pets and families across Northern Kentucky, combining practical medical guidance with a calm, approachable style.
Better care starts with listening carefully, explaining clearly, and knowing the pet and family in front of us.
Meet Your Vet Team
Our doctors combine years of clinical experience with a practical, relationship-based approach to veterinary medicine. We take time to explain what we find, answer your questions, and help you make confident decisions for your pet.
Practice Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Kristi brings more than two decades of veterinary experience to pets and families across Northern Kentucky. Her background includes general practice, emergency veterinary medicine, and long-term leadership at Veterinary Medical Centers of Independence and Veterinary Medical Centers of Fort Thomas. She is known for combining practical medical guidance with a calm, approachable style that helps pet owners understand their options and feel confident about next steps.
Veterinarian
Dr. Golatzki supports the same thoughtful standard of care across wellness visits, sick pet appointments, preventive medicine, and client education. Her approach reflects the VMC commitment to clear communication, practical recommendations, and comfort-focused veterinary visits for dogs and cats.
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The Whole Team
From the front desk to the treatment room, every person on the VMC team plays a part in helping pets and their families feel cared for.
Reviews
“I appreciate having a local vet team that remembers my pet and treats us like neighbors.”
Wilson’s pet parent · NKY
“The team made Edith’s visit feel calm and easy. I left knowing exactly what was going on and what to do next.”
Edith’s pet parent · Northern Kentucky
“They took time to answer every question and explain the plan in a way that made sense.”
Ezra’s pet parent · Fort ThomasStart with an appointment or message our team with questions about the right next step.
Pet Care Guides
Wellness
Helpful local guidance on pet pain signs for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on pet cuts scrapes bite wounds for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on post surgery home care pets for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on possible pet poison exposure for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on pet seizure what to do for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on excessive drooling pets for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on pet appetite changes for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideWellness
Helpful local guidance on constipation straining pets for dog and cat owners in Fort Thomas, Independence, Northern Kentucky, and nearby Cincinnati.
Read guideOnline Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
Choose your location, request an appointment, or call our team. We’ll help you find the right next step for your dog or cat.
From our Northern Kentucky family to yours, we’re here when your pet needs us.
Veterinary Medical CentersHi there! Need to book a visit, refill a prescription, or reach the care team? We're here to help.
