Opening full-time starting August 3, 2026!

 

Dear Gem City Vet clients,

We are thrilled to share with you that we have found a full-time veterinarian and will be open full-time on August 3, 2026! Thank you for allowing us to care for your pets over the past five years. We look forward to have greater availability to help more pets.

Please see below for more details from our full press release, including our new weekly hours.

Gem City Veterinary Clinic Celebrates Five Years by Expanding to Full-time Hours

The organization will grow its schedule to five days per week beginning August 2, 2026.

(DAYTON, OH – June 15, 2026) – After serving the Dayton community with low-cost veterinary services for five years, Gem City Vet will mark the milestone by expanding its schedule to five days open each week. Dr. Stephanie Croyle will join the care team as Gem City Vet’s first full-time veterinarian.

Beginning August 2, 2026, Gem City Vet’s hours of operation will be:

  • Sunday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed for lunch from 1-2 p.m.)

  • Monday-Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:30-1 p.m.)

  • Thursday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with select Thursdays open 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Dr. Stephanie Croyle brings a passion for improving the health and well-being of both animals and the communities they live in. A 2014 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Croyle has built her career around the belief that healthy pets contribute to healthier families and stronger communities. Her dedication to community health led her to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology through the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, where she focused on population health and disease prevention. She served in the military as a Public Health Officer and Veterinary Medical Officer, which enriched her understanding of community and public service. 

Established in August 2021, Gem City Vet is a nonprofit veterinary clinic operated by Gem City Kitties, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that also partners with Dayton’s only cat cafe, Gem City Catfé. Since opening, the non-profit clinic has completed 9,609 appointments for cats and dogs in 3,324 households, in addition to providing affordable medication by filling 1,284 prescription orders. 

In Montgomery County, 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line, earning $16,320 or less for a single adult under 65, or $31,812 or less for a family of four. For many families, private veterinary care is simply unaffordable, forcing painful choices between caring for pets and meeting basic needs. A 2021 study found that 70% of food-insecure pet owners shared their own meals with their pets, while 75% sacrificed essentials like rent or transportation to keep them fed. At the same time, rising living and veterinary costs have increased pet surrenders, adding pressure to overcrowded animal shelters nationwide, including in Montgomery County.

Dr. Croyle shares, “I am deeply committed to making veterinary care accessible to all families. I believe that affordable care helps preserve the special bond between people and their pets while preventing minor health concerns from becoming serious medical issues. Through education, outreach, and compassionate care, I believe our team can empower pet owners with the knowledge and resources needed to keep their animals healthy throughout their lives. My goal is to ensure that every pet receives the care they need and every owner feels supported and respected."

With expanded hours, Gem City Vet is hiring several positions to help support additional patients. These positions include a Program Director, Veterinary Technician, and Client Services Specialist. Candidates interested in applying for these positions are asked to visit GemCityVet.org/hiring. 

Gem City Vet will continue to offer basic wellness care for cats and dogs:

  • Exams

  • Vaccines

  • Preventatives for heartworm, fleas, and ticks

  • Testing for heartworm disease and feline leukemia (FeLV/FIV)

  • Microchips

  • Treatment and medication for common medical issues such as ear infections, ear mites, and mange 

  • Diagnostics such as urinalysis, fecal analysis, skin scraping, ear cytology, and bloodwork 

  • Humane euthanasia and aftercare options in partnership with Paws and Remember 

More information about available services, as well as income requirements and booking appointments, can be found at the Gem City Vet website: GemCityVet.org/book. 

Dr. Vansandt and Dr. Chapman have provided treatment on Sundays and will remain on staff to continue Sunday appointment offerings. Dr. Lindsey Vansandt has been with Gem City Vet since the clinic's opening in 2021, providing care on her days off from her full-time role as the Director of the Imperiled Cat Project at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. 

Of her time with Gem City Vet, Dr. Vansandt says, “I've seen firsthand how meaningful affordable veterinary care can be for families who deeply love their pets but face financial barriers to care. Bringing a full-time veterinarian onto our team will help us reach more pets, provide preventive care before problems become emergencies, and help more families access the care their pets need." 

Dr. Lindsey Roth will remain on staff as well, offering appointments on Thursdays. Dr. Roth has a background in shelter medicine, including experience at the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center and the SICSA Pet Adoption Center, as well as private practice. 

“When pets get the care they need, it benefits both the health of the animals and the well-being of the people who care for them,” shares Dr. Roth. “I see how much companionship and comfort my patients provide for their families, and Gem City Vet helps these families provide the veterinary care they want for their animals. Having a full-time veterinarian will enable Gem City Vet to serve even more people and pets in our community, helping keep the human-animal bond strong.”

For more information about Gem City Vet, or to make a donation online, visit GemCityVet.org. Gem City Vet is located at 5941 Wolf Creek Pike, Trotwood, OH 45426.