BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—What started as a leap of faith has grown into a trusted and valued part of the Bucyrus community.
This year, Bucyrus Veterinary Services is celebrating 10 years of serving local families, farmers, and their animals, a milestone that reflects not only growth but a strong foundation built on trust, compassion, and connection.
For Dr. Erica Schieber, the journey began after graduating from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. After meeting her husband in Bucyrus, the couple moved to Nebraska to begin their life together before eventually returning to Ohio with their two children, Brooke and Ryan, to purchase the family farm.
While working in a mixed animal practice, Schieber found herself wanting to slow down and focus on being present as a mom. Once her youngest started kindergarten, she made the decision to take a leap and build something of her own. Rather than purchasing property, she began by renting half of her current space, marking the early beginnings of Bucyrus Veterinary Services.
Like many small business owners, those early days came with uncertainty. Schieber admitted she had fears about stepping out on her own, questioning whether she was ready to take on the responsibility and financial investment that came with opening a practice. However, the support from the Bucyrus community quickly reassured her that she was on the right path, and within six months, she felt confident she had found exactly what she was meant to do. What began as a small operation with three staff members and a goal of filling 10 appointments a day has since grown into a busy practice with eight team members and nearly 30 appointments daily.
Over the past decade, the clinic has evolved alongside both the community and Schieber’s own life. While her schedule has shifted to allow more balance as a parent to now-teenage children, her passion for veterinary medicine has remained constant. One of the most meaningful parts of the journey, she shared, has been caring for pets throughout their entire lives, from their first visits as puppies and kittens to supporting them as they age, while also building lasting relationships with the people behind them.
Bucyrus Veterinary Services offers a wide range of care, including routine wellness, surgery, reproductive services, and treatment for a variety of animals, including birds and exotic pets. The clinic also works to bring specialty services into Crawford County, helping ensure advanced care is both accessible and affordable for local families.
Schieber has also maintained strong ties to the area’s agricultural roots, working closely with small farms and supporting youth involved in 4-H and FFA programs. She expressed how rewarding it has been to watch young participants grow over the years, from starting out small to eventually showing large livestock, and being a part of that journey along the way.
She credits much of the clinic’s success to the team that has been by her side over the years. Longtime staff member Sherry, who has been with the practice since the beginning, has played a key role in creating a steady and supportive environment. Schieber emphasized that each team member, past and present, has contributed to shaping the practice and allowing her to continue doing what she loves each day.
Even with the growth and success, there have been lighthearted moments along the way. Schieber recalled an early memory during renovations when she placed a sign out front reading “Hogs and Dogs,” a nod to both the veterinary clinic and the motorcycle shop next door. For a short time, some in the community believed it to be the official name of the business, a moment she now looks back on with a smile.
The clinic officially marked its 10-year anniversary on May 1, celebrating a decade since opening its doors in 2016. To thank the community, the team hosted giveaways and partnered with Mark’s to offer ice cream as a small gesture of appreciation for the continued support.
Looking ahead, Bucyrus Veterinary Services plans to give back in an even bigger way through a 10-day donation initiative aimed at supporting a community feral cat spay and neuter day, with more details expected soon.
For Schieber, reaching the 10-year milestone represents both personal and professional growth. She shared that the experience has helped shape her into a stronger individual while reinforcing the importance of trust within the community. She remains focused on continuing to meet expectations while providing the level of care that clients have come to rely on.
Above all, Schieber expressed deep gratitude to Bucyrus and the surrounding communities for their support over the past decade, recognizing the trust placed in her to care for animals during both joyful and difficult moments.