Who is in the room
Best Friends Veterinary Care opened in November 2012. It has never been bigger than this: a veterinarian, two registered veterinary technicians and a receptionist, in a clinic built to feel like a more homelike setting rather than a hospital. This page is the four of them.
Owner and veterinarian
Dr. Kim grew up in the Iowa City area and graduated from Regina High School. Her first degree was not in veterinary medicine at all: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa in 1989, followed by work in OB/GYN nursing at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
What changed the direction was her own dog, Abby, who fought cancer. Watching the care Abby received, from a local veterinarian and from the staff and students at Iowa State's College of Veterinary Medicine, is what decided her. She went back to school, this time to Iowa State's College of Veterinary Medicine, received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002, and came home to Iowa City to practise. Ten years later, in November 2012, she opened Best Friends herself.
She is a member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, with a special interest in laser therapy. She lives in Hills, Iowa with her Labrador Retriever, Scarlet, and spends her own time outdoors, reading, and with friends.
On the record
“I believe our companion animals are truly a part of our family and deserve quality and compassionate care throughout their lives. It is my goal to be your pet's family doctor. I consider my patients and their human family to be part of our larger group of friends. We strive to provide friendly and personalized care to all our friends…both furry and not-so-furry.”
Small on purpose
A bigger clinic would mean a rotating cast of whoever is on shift. Here, the person who saw your dog last spring is very likely the person who sees her this spring, and remembers her by name before she reminds them.
The rest of the room
Below are the three people you will meet at the desk or in the exam room besides Dr. Kim herself, in the order each of them joined.
2022
Lyvia joined Best Friends in 2022, straight out of the Veterinary Technician Program at Kirkwood Community College, and became registered that summer after completing her boards. She lives in Tipton with her husband Cale, their golden retriever Daisy, two cats named Remi and Jax, and their rabbit Dee. She is also a dance instructor, teaching in Tipton and West Liberty, and spends her free time with family, on walks with Cale and Daisy, reading, and crafts.
2023
Gwen's connection to Best Friends started earlier than her title did: she interned at the clinic in the summer of 2022, then graduated from Kirkwood's Veterinary Technician Program in 2023 and passed her boards that same summer. Outside the clinic she rides both English and Western, games, spends time with her own pets, and occasionally fosters dogs and cats. At home she has two dogs, Ivy and Jude, two cats, Donut and Pixel, and a rabbit, Pebbles. Someday she would like to buy land and keep a few horses.
“I believe all pets deserve the chance to be understood, and I aim to make every visit with us as comfortable as possible for them.”
May 2024
Kristin took the front desk in May 2024, after more than thirty years as a hairstylist in Iowa City. It is a longer apprenticeship in putting people at ease than most reception training. Away from the desk she enjoys Iowa football games and concerts, is a Lions Club member in West Branch, and loves spending time with her grandchildren.
“I enjoy welcoming all of the pets that come in to visit us!”
Scott Court, Iowa City
Call the clinic, or request an appointment online. Free parking on site, and a free exam within two weeks if you have just adopted.