Harrison Animal Clinic
Owner: Dr. Joe Melton
Location: Harrison, Ark., right off Highway 397
History of Business: Dr. Melton has been practicing veterinary medicine in Harrison for 35 years. He is originally from Yellville, Ark., and says the clinic is a mixed-animal practice. “We see about 60 percent small animals, 20 percent cattle and 20 percent equine,” said Dr. Melton.
Services Offered: Dr. Melton makes farm calls, although he says that side of the business has changed as a reflection of the community and the ag community. “We have great working facilities here at the clinic with hydraulic working equipment, chutes and a turntable,” he said. “We are also fortunate to have Dr. Rachel Blankenship, 4 full-time and 4 part-time employees that make the business what it is.”
Business Philosophy: “Always be nice and people will forgive you for making a mistake if they know you tried your hardest and you care.” Dr. Melton says his staff does just that. “We are small town America and we try to make this clinic small town as well. Yes, we might have ultrasound and digital radiology, but we still treat folks the same way as we always have.”
There are not many mixed-animal vet clinics like the Harrison Animal Clinic, and Dr. Melton said there is a reason for that. “We don’t quit at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Blankenship and I take calls after hours and on weekend,” he said. “We take care of people – that’s what we are here for.”
Story and Photo by Lane McConnell
