Our History

In 1982 by Dr. Linda DeChambeau and Dr. Seth Koch established Family Veterinary Clinic. The name came about due to the practice being attached to their home and was very much a part of their family life. This was transferred into the spirit in which the clinic was operated, as a place where people and their pets would feel at home, a place that reflected a view of the larger family of humans and animals.

As the pace of technological development began to accelerate, it became important to maintain a personal touch and outreach in veterinary medical care. Therefore, an emphasis was placed on reaching out to pet owners, to not only care for their pets but also to inform and educate them, with the goal of becoming partners with them in their pets health.

In May 2002, Dr. Kristin Varner and her husband, Patrick Maslar, took over Family Veterinary Clinic from the founders, Dr. Linda DeChambeau, and Dr. Seth Koch. The name of the clinic was retained as it reflected values that the new owners wished to continue and promote.

Same Name, New Building!

It was time for an update to the existing building. We decided to donate the entire structure to two local entities, Second Chance of Baltimore and The Anne Arundel Volunteer Fire Department. Second Change is a non-profit deconstruction and material retailer located near M&T Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Their mantra is Retrain Reclaim and Renew. In the process of completely deconstructing and salvaging materials, from the building they provide career training to people who need a Second Chance.

Second Chance started their skim on Thursday the 6th. This is the preliminary removal of all salvageable goods, fixtures, and finishes. After three days, they were ready to proceed with the first phase of complete deconstruction; they completely removed the left side.  Next, it was the fire departments turn, for a day of training.

On February 13th, The Anne Arundel Volunteer Fire Department completed a day of hands-on training.  Smoke drills combined with search and rescue scenarios and ventilation techniques gave the department some rare real-life training.  Finally, Second Chance took the stage again to complete their deconstruction of the remaining building.

It seems fitting that the old Family Veterinary Clinic, known for its intimacy and character and filled with memories, will not go to a landfill but instead will continue to enrich the lives of people, through training, and maybe even a piece of her will show up under paws again.