Valley Veterinary Service, 408 Grace Ln, Belle Vernon, PA 15012, US

Dr. William Markle first broke ground for the building (using his old plow horse) in 1933. Markle Veterinary Hospital was built to be one of the largest and most modern small animal veterinary hospitals in the region. In an era still ruled by livestock production and the family farm, "Doc" Markle knew that the pet revolution was imminent and folks would be wanting help in providing better care for their dogs and cats. At a time when veterinarians would spay dogs on the owner's kitchen table or dispense medications out of their car, his vision of a full care hospital culminated in his opening a facility that boasted a pharmacy, exam rooms, a surgery suite, recovery areas, x-ray, and spacious kennel wards. When the hospital first opened, penicillin and most vaccines had not been invented. However, Doc served the community's pet population with dedication and skills that evolved as veterinary medicine changed.In the over 80 years since it opened, the hospital has changed hands only once. Bought by Dr. William D. Hope in 1977, it is one of the oldest practices in the US. While the building may be an antique, the veterinary care is not. We have kept up to date with an in-house Idexx Laboratory, computerized records, surgical laser, anesthesia monitoring systems, ultrasonic dental scalers, EKG, oxygen generators, K-Laser Therapy, etc. We also work with several referral hospitals and specialty veterinarians for patients with complicated conditions. Most important has been our effort to keep current on state of the art veterinary care. Our doctors and staff attend continuing education seminars on a regular basis -- learning about and instituting new medications, diagnostics, and procedures. Veterinary medicine has come a long way and it is our goal to keep up, providing pets with the best care available. Dr. William D. Hope graduated Williamsport High School in 1968. He then went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Penn State University in 1971. Dr. Hop...