Labahn Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Charles Labahn, a 1939 graduate of Kansas State University was stationed at Fort Chaffee during World War II. In 1946 he opened his practice on a gravel road known as Kelley Highway. Practicing out of a quonset hut, Dr. Labahn treated both large and small animals.

The area at that time was rural, consisting mostly of small farms and dairies. As the area became more urban the large animal practice waned. By the 1960′s Labahn Veterinary Hospital had become a "dog and cat" practice.

As the population of Fort Smith grew the number of patients increased. As the bond between the pet and its owner increased the demand for goods and services increased as well. The quonset hut was replaced by a much larger building and additional staff was required. Kelley Highway was paved and has since been widened two times.

During the years Dr. Labahn practiced, he had an assistant, G.W. "Butch" Plymale. Butch worked at Labahn Veterinary Hospital for almost 50 years and the garden to the west of the building was created in his memory. In 1968 Dr. Labahn hired a high school student to help in the kennel. That kennel boy is the present owner, Dr. Mike Thames.

With further growth of the pet population and the increased demand for advanced services the practice has grown to three veterinarians with a technical and clerical support staff. As in human medicine, veterinary mmedicine is constantly evolving. This requires us to constantly remodel, equip, and continue our education. Labahn Veterinary Hospital is connected with a referral network of specialists to provide complete care.

Throughout the history of Labahn Veterinary Hospital our goal has been to provide quality, compassionate care in a friendly environment.

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