Norton, had made his way to the Rio Grande Valley to escape the Minnesota winters as well as some eye problems associated with the cold weather. Dr. Norton set up shop in a wood frame house with kennels under the trees in the orange grove behind the hospital. Rapidly outgrowing the facility in San Juan, Dr. Norton moved the hospital to its current location in Pharr in 1950. A new facility was built with modern surgery, x-ray, laboratory and examination facilities. Sixty indoor kennels with corresponding covered exercise runs were also included. At that time, State Street was a dirt road and the land just North of the hospital was just cactus and mesquite trees. Classmate Dr. Mac McMillan joined Dr. Norton as a partner in 1951. The hospital had to close temporarily in 1952-53 when both Dr. McMillan and Dr. Norton were called to active military service during the Korean war. With the hospital re-opening in 1953, their partnership endured until Dr. Norton’s retirement in 1985. A new addition was added to the hospital in the late 1960’s, enclosing the original hospital to allow larger reception and exam rooms. Dr. Kelly Macmanus joined the practice team in 1980, became a partner in 1982 and owner in 1985 . Dr. Anne Butler-Hansalik became one of the first female veterinarians in the Valley when she joined the staff in 1985. Dr Butler moved to east Texas when her husband received a job transfer. During its 63 year history in Pharr, 17 full time veterinarians have worked at Valley Animal Hospital, most leaving the Valley after a few years. Most recently Dr. Mickey Harris has joined the Valley Animal Hospital team. The emphasis at the Valley Animal Hospital has always been on quality care for our patients. We constantly upgrade the services available to our patients with re-modeling, new equipment as well continuing education. for doctors and staff. Our dedication to quality care is evident through our certification as an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Member Hospital since 1953. Please feel free to visit us with your pets or call if you have any questions.
