By Heidi Watson-Held, HWH Learning Solutions and Consulting, LLC
Port Matilda, PA - Originally from Wisconsin, Dr. Catherine “Cat” Radtke began her veterinary training in the badger state, specializing in the care of horses (equine care). Radtke’s vision to open an equine-specific veterinary service has evolved a few times, beginning with the first location opening in 2016 in Clarks Summit, PA. She moved Abington Equine Hospital’s (AEH) ambulatory veterinary team to the Boalsburg area in 2017 after realizing the growing need in Centre County.
Previously the sole equine-only facility, Centre Equine Practice, is closing with the retirement of Dr. Scott McAllister. Horse owners only other options were travelling to Somerset County, Philadelphia, or even out of state in order to obtain care for their animals. For a sick or injured horses needing hospital-level care, this can be very long and daunting journey that not all are able to survive.
The local equine industry is growing, especially with the 2018 updates to Grange Park’s Equine Center. Radtke saw this growth potential and made one last move in October 2020. After searching long and hard for the right piece of land, Dr. Radtke and her team relocated to a 25-acre farm and renovated its 4,000 square foot clinic. AEH is now located at its forever home: 156 Abington Lane in Port Matilda, just off Route 550.
The local equine industry is growing, especially with the 2018 updates to Grange Park’s Equine Center. Radtke saw this growth potential and made one last move in October 2020. After searching long and hard for the right piece of land, Dr. Radtke and her team relocated to a 25-acre farm and renovated its 4,000 square foot clinic. AEH is now located at its forever home: 156 Abington Lane in Port Matilda, just off Route 550.
Photo by Stacie Coleman.
Currently, AEH employs three veterinarians, a veterinary assistant, a clinic manager, a barn manager, and a receptionist. The team provides a full service ambulatory department as well as in-clinic procedures such as minor surgeries, lameness exams, joint injections, dental, reproductive services, farrier services, and more. These services are provided to owners of local horses, as well as a growing number of horse owners from all over central Pennsylvania.
Photo by Stacie Coleman.
However, Dr. Radke’s dream was still growing. Many of her clients, friends, family, community, vendors, and professional contacts asked her when she was going to start construction on a new surgical hospital. After many years of seeking funding, AEH received a loan from the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC)’s Loan Committee and a $370,000 Keystone Communities Program state grant. With funding in place, plans could be drawn up and site work could begin for the construction of a new facility!
Photo by Centre Daily Times' Marley Parish.
At each step of the process, all involved parties recognized the potential for economic activity.
“When this first came to us I was excited because I think it’s also bringing in people from outside the area that are going to come and they are going to be here for however many days, maybe weeks,” said Brian Rater, Chair of the Planning Commission. “So I think it’s a nice influx of money coming into the area.”
On July 28, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of AEH’s state-of-the-art expansion. The future hospital will be built on the acreage in front of the current clinic. The expansion project includes surgical suites, treatment rooms, an indoor arena for lameness exams, and a reproductive management unit.
“When this first came to us I was excited because I think it’s also bringing in people from outside the area that are going to come and they are going to be here for however many days, maybe weeks,” said Brian Rater, Chair of the Planning Commission. “So I think it’s a nice influx of money coming into the area.”
On July 28, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of AEH’s state-of-the-art expansion. The future hospital will be built on the acreage in front of the current clinic. The expansion project includes surgical suites, treatment rooms, an indoor arena for lameness exams, and a reproductive management unit.
Photo by AEH.
Dr. Radtke and her staff are passionate about caring for animals and the new surgical facility will allow for a higher level of access to medical services. Always dreaming, their future plans include adding an internal medicine department and a specialist. Keep up with AEH and their evolving services online and on Facebook.
