Compassionate Veterinary Care for Central Kentucky Pets

At Advanced Animal Care, we strive to be a place where clients aren’t turned away and staff look forward to coming to work.

Dr. Jim Martin’s dream of becoming a veterinarian began in childhood, after witnessing an injured dog in his small hometown with no vet to call. Raised by a single mother in Garrett, KY, he pursued that dream through Berea College and Auburn University, often working nights and studying on the kitchen floor to provide for his young family. In 1973, he graduated as a veterinarian and opened his first clinic in a converted garage in Berea.

Years later, with encouragement from his son John, Dr. Martin opened Waco Animal Hospital in 2002. But he still carried a bigger vision — a veterinary hospital where the lights never went out. In 2008, that vision became reality with the opening of Advanced Animal Care in Richmond, the region’s first 24-hour veterinary hospital.

As demand grew, Dr. Martin expanded with Advanced Animal Care Berea in 2009, followed by a modern new facility in 2022. Most recently, AAC added Advanced Animal Care General in 2023, alongside the Emergency Hospital, to better serve both urgent and routine needs.

Today, the Martin family proudly operates four hospitals — Advanced Animal Care Emergency, Advanced Animal Care General, Advanced Animal Care Berea, and Waco Animal Hospital. Their legacy is rooted in over 50 years of caring for Kentucky’s pets with compassion, advanced medicine, and a true family spirit.

Dr. Jim Martin’s dream of becoming a veterinarian began in childhood, after witnessing an injured dog in his small hometown with no vet to call. Raised by a single mother in Garrett, KY, he pursued that dream through Berea College and Auburn University, often working nights and studying on the kitchen floor to provide for his young family. In 1973, he graduated as a veterinarian and opened his first clinic in a converted garage in Berea.

Years later, with encouragement from his son John, Dr. Martin opened Waco Animal Hospital in 2002. But he still carried a bigger vision — a veterinary hospital where the lights never went out. In 2008, that vision became reality with the opening of Advanced Animal Care in Richmond, the region’s first 24-hour veterinary hospital.

As demand grew, Dr. Martin expanded with Advanced Animal Care Berea in 2009, followed by a modern new facility in 2022. Most recently, AAC added Advanced Animal Care General in 2023, alongside the Emergency Hospital, to better serve both urgent and routine needs.

Today, the Martin family proudly operates four hospitals — Advanced Animal Care Emergency, Advanced Animal Care General, Advanced Animal Care Berea, and Waco Animal Hospital. Their legacy is rooted in over 50 years of caring for Kentucky’s pets with compassion, advanced medicine, and a true family spirit.

Beyond the exam room, AAC is proud to be part of the Central Kentucky community. We support local shelters, provide continuing education to referring veterinarians, and serve as a trusted resource for pet owners.