While doing an examination of a sick puppy on top of a grooming table inside the laundry room of his veterinary hospital, Dr. Jerry Risser knew that it was time to make his dream a reality. Strapped for space at the facility he opened as Fall Creek Veterinary Medical Center in 2007, it was time to build a new, freestanding hospital.
“When you are busy working every day, sometimes you can’t see just how much things have grown,” he said. With the addition of Dr. Aaron Luth full-time in 2014 and Dr. Wendy Moore part-time this year, the 1,978 square foot space at 96th and Olio Road was struggling to squeeze in patients and a growing staff.
When land became available just 100 yards behind the current site, the decision was made. FCVMC’s new facility, topping out at nearly 8,000 square feet, opened recently.
The new building, that looks like a lake cottage from the outside, has five exam rooms, a consultation room, separate canine and 
feline waiting areas, triple the number of indoor runs and cages for patients and a luxury “cat condo” room for feline boarding. Grooming capacity has doubled, including a stand-up shower for large dogs.
“Bringing your pet to the veterinarian’s office is usually a family affair. We wanted an environment where pets and people alike can feel comfortable, welcomed and relaxed,” Dr. Risser said. To that end, the lobby greets all who enter with warm, cheerful colors, a refreshment bar and a cozy fireplace. There are interactive video games for children in a well-supervised area of the lobby. The exam rooms and other patient areas utilize materials and techniques that are part of the “Fear Free Practice” model.
“It’s easier to get a good picture of what’s going in with patients that are more relaxed and less fearful of their time at the veterinarian’s office,” Dr. Risser said. Everything from table covers and “vertical spaces” for cats to paint colors on the walls and details like a scale recessed into the floor to make it easier to weigh dogs were included.
One thing that has remained is the focus on warm professionalism – the sense of a family doctor for all stages of a pet’s life. Dr. Risser says, “We don’t want to lose the personal touch. While very large 
practices have certain benefits, we really treasure the relationship we have with our patients and clients. We seek to transfer a small practice into bigger space that lets us be more efficient while still feeling like we can offer personal attention.”
The facility was designed to exceed the requirements for accreditation with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) that will visit in June. An Open House for the community will come sometime before that, but the doctors and staff look forward to anyone curious to stop by and visit any time.
Fall Creek Veterinary Medical Center
9667 Geist Crossing Dr.
McCordsville
317-336-8900
fallcreekvet.com
