Opelika Animal Hospital

1615 2nd Ave
Opelika, AL - 36801
(334) 749-2025

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About Opelika Animal Hospital

 
Dr. Jere Colley and his wife, Judy, built Opelika Animal Hospital in 1979 and its doors opened in March of that year. “I have never, one day, regretted our decision to build a clinic in Opelika,” Dr. Colley says. “Lee County has been home to us for almost 40 years now and there is nowhere I would rather raise my family,” he adds. Dr. Colley chose to attend Auburn in 1968 on a football scholarship, and it was during his college years, that the Colleys formed a love for this part of Alabama. “I consider it paying back dues,” Dr. Colley explains. “Back then I was playing football, working part time and going to class whenever I could,” he says. That is why his clinic is committed to hiring Auburn University and Southern Union students, especially those with an interest in animals or veterinary medicine. “Many young people have started working here when they were just trying to figure out who they were and what they wanted to be when they grew up. I can’t tell you how many of these people have ended up applying to and getting accepted into vet school.” Opelika Animal Hospital also regularly hires students from the East Alabama Achievement Center. One such student, David Finey, worked at the animal hospital for eight years. Opelika Animal Hospital was established with a mission of helping others and continues to achieve its mission through charitable partnerships. A staunch supporter of Rescue K-911, the veterinarians at Opelika Animal Hospital treat the rescued animals at their cost. During hurricanes Katrina and Floyd, Opelika Animal Hospital offered complimentary boarding and treatment for evacuated animals. In 2001, Dr. Colley arranged for two veterinarians from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to shadow the doctors for three months. With the knowledge they learned, the two veterinarians were able to return to their home country and open a veterinary practice there. Annually, Opelika Animal Hospital donates medicines and equipment to developing countries in Central America. In 1980, Dr. Gary Hunt joined Dr. Colley at the animal hospital and in 1991, he became a full partner in the practice. “I honestly believe Gary is one of the best veterinary surgeons in the southeast,” Dr. Colley says. “He graduated at the top of his class from vet school and his strength is surgery and diagnosis,” he adds. Dr. Jennifer Elrod joined the staff in 2001. She brought with her a love for both the animals and their owners. Opelika Animal Hospital was recently awarded the “Small Business of the Year” by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. This award in presented to a local small business that has met or exceeded the qualifications set by the education committee of the Opelika Chamber. Among those qualifications considered are: Longevity of the business, local ownership of the business and the size of the business. In addition to these criteria, the committee looks at the education contributions the small business has brought to the Opelika area. To say that Opelika Animal Hospital is fulfilling its promise to promote education both here in Lee County and abroad, is an understatement, which proves that the “home-grown” practice is worthy of this award. A small business started on a shoestring by two young adults fresh out of college has stood the test of time. This business is an asset to the community and has raised the bar for educational outreach.

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