Veterinary Clinic in Florence Faces Closure: Urgent Need for Qualified Veterinarian to Save Community Practice

Florence, Oregon, is facing a critical shortage of veterinary services as Oceanside Veterinary Clinic, one of only two local practices, prepares to close its doors at the end of the year. Dr. Jon Bachmann, the clinic’s owner, will be retiring for medical reasons, leaving behind a fully equipped, profitable practice with a loyal client base—but no clear successor.

Manager Michael John Kello explained that despite ongoing efforts to find a qualified veterinarian to take over the clinic, no one has come forward. The closure of this practice will leave the community in a difficult position, with limited veterinary care available. The remaining clinic in Florence has a couple of veterinarians, but they are unable to accommodate additional clients at this time.

“If this clinic closes, people will have to travel to Eugene, Coos Bay, Newport, or Veneta for care, and not all of those clinics can take new clients,” Kello said. “It’s a crisis for the community.”

A Profitable Opportunity with an Overflowing Client List

Oceanside Veterinary Clinic is no ordinary practice. With an extensive client list, state-of-the-art veterinary equipment, and even built-in housing, the clinic offers an incredible opportunity for the right veterinarian to step in and continue serving the Florence area. The practice is fully equipped with new technology, including a therapeutic laser that helps heal arthritis, relieve pain, and accelerate recovery from surgeries—an asset that sets this clinic apart.

“The clinic has an overflowing client list and is certainly profitable,” Kello added. “If a new owner could offer weekend and emergency services, the business would thrive.”

However, the challenge lies in finding a veterinarian who is willing to take on the responsibility of both the clinic and the real estate. The clinic includes an apartment upstairs, offering convenient on-site housing. In a town where housing prices are high, this is a major incentive for anyone considering relocation.

“We’ve even lowered the price of the property to make it more appealing,” Kello noted. “We just can’t find anyone, which is shocking because it’s practically a turnkey operation.”

The Community’s Struggle for Veterinary Care

The shortage of veterinarians on the Oregon Coast has been an ongoing issue. Elizabeth Thompson, Director of the Oregon Coast Humane Society, has long advocated for more veterinary professionals in the area. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to drive to Eugene for an emergency with one of our animals,” Thompson shared. “The need for veterinary services here is undeniable, and we have no shortage of clients. It’s a real crisis.”

The shortage is compounded by a trend where many new veterinary graduates prefer to work for larger corporate practices rather than own a clinic. This makes it even harder to find a qualified individual willing to take on a small-town practice, even with the added benefits of housing and modern equipment.

A Call for Action: Help Save the Clinic

As the deadline to keep Oceanside Veterinary Clinic open approaches, Kello continues to look for potential buyers or veterinarians willing to step in. “We’ve been talking to the Oregon Coast Humane Society and retired veterinarian Steve Krome about possible solutions, but so far, we haven’t found a concrete plan,” Kello said.

The need for veterinary services in Florence is urgent, and the clinic’s closure would have significant repercussions for the community’s pet owners. As Thompson put it, “The need is here, but there are simply not enough vets to go around.”

If you are a qualified veterinarian interested in this opportunity, or if you know someone who might be, Kello encourages you to reach out. The clinic has the infrastructure and the client base in place for success—it’s simply a matter of finding the right person to carry it forward.

For more information, or to inquire about purchasing or working at Oceanside Veterinary Clinic, please email Michael John Kello at mkello@oceansidevetclinic.com.

Oceanside Veterinary Clinic in Florence is not just a business—it’s a vital community resource that has served the area for years. With an experienced client base, modern equipment, and a built-in living space, the clinic offers a unique opportunity for a veterinarian to step in and thrive. However, with the closure looming, the community is in dire need of a qualified individual to take over and continue this important work. If you’re a veterinarian looking for a new opportunity, now is the time to make a difference in a town that desperately needs your help.