New Veterinary Practice to Serve Harrison’s Furry Friends

20 Lakes Veterinary Care

190 N Second St
Harrison, MI 48625

By ANGELA KELLOGG-HENRY

Cleaver Managing Editor

A lot of things came full circle for Dr. Alexa Boulton, new owner of 20 Lakes Veterinary Care. The Old 27 Veterinary Clinic north of Harrison was originally owned by Boulton’s stepfather, Dr. Ron Morris. He retired around 2015, and the practice was taken over by Dr. Tina Burke and Dr. Ruth Hanson. Boulton recently purchased that business from Burke and Hanson and has moved it to the corner of Second and Oak streets in the City of Harrison.

She purchased the building from her father-in-law, Dr. Brad Boulton, who retired from his longtime chiropractic practice within the last several years. Brad and Boulton’s husband, Brent, remodeled the office to accommodate veterinary care complete with a lab, treatment rooms, a surgical room, and more.

These strong connections and inspirations have led Boulton to rename the business 20 Lakes Veterinary Care and to begin her practice. Hanson has retired but Burke will continue to practice at 20 Lakes several days a week.

“I really didn’t want to compete with other women and especially women who had been my mentors in veterinary medicine, Boulton said. “I thought if I could combine forces with them and it worked for them, I knew they were both looking at retirement and that would be the better way instead of a startup. So, I really wanted to team up with women who had been my mentors and make a smooth transition for everyone.

“It’s been a really good experience with small business and women helping women,” Boulton added, speaking of opening the practice. “I’ve been really pleased, and I feel really blessed. Dr. Burke and Dr. Hanson have offered to help in any way they can.”

Boulton had known since she was 5 years old that she wanted to be a veterinarian. To make that vision a reality, Boulton spent five years in Scotland earning her degree from the University in Glasgow in 2019.

“I’ve been in veterinary med since 2008,” she said. “I’ve been a receptionist, a kennel girl, I’ve been an assistant. I’ve done all of the jobs, and I know how difficult some of those jobs can be.”

The practice will offer routine and other surgical services, dentistry, preventative care, immunizations and all facets of pet care. She also explained her practice’s approach.

“We try to do things fear-free,” Boulton said. “I try to approach with treats and gentle handling. If less is more, we put an alert in the that chart letting all my staff know ‘Hey this pet does better if you don’t hold on to them; this pet does better away from Mom and Dad since it’s a protector; this pet does better with Mom and Dad if they are less anxious.’

“We try to tailor that to what each pets needs to make it go smoother. We don’t want to traumatize pets and when they come in here, they are already aggressive or fearful. We are trying to reduce that.”

If your pet is very anxious, nervous or aggressive the practice offers medications to help with visits.

While they are not providing emergency veterinary care at this time, 20 Lakes Veterinary Care is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can usually accommodate same-day appointments. Contact 20 Lakes Veterinary Care at 989-539-2422 and visit their website at www.20lakesvet.com.

Boulton is a Harrison High School graduate and lives in Harrison with her husband and two children, and her French Bulldog named Gatsby.

© Clare County Cleaver