BUSINESS PROFILES

Madison Animal Hospital

36 Business Park Drive
Madison, ME 04950
207.696.5200
darrenr@beeline-online.net

Growing up in Machias, Maine, Dr. Darren Richards always loved animals and dreamed of one day starting his own veterinary practice. He also hoped he could stay in Maine to open his clinic. Madison Business Gateway proved to be the spot where his dream came true.

Madison Animal Hospital opened in February 2006 at Madison Business Gateway (MBG). On February 25, MBG held a reception in Dr. Richards’ honor to welcome him to both the park and the community. He found the response and support during the day overwhelming.

“I was planning that 50-75 people would visit that day, but we had at least that many in the first hour alone,” Dr. Richards says. “I think over 200 people ended up visiting that day. The community support was unbelievable. I heard many people tell me that they were all glad I had chosen to locate at MBG.”

Dr. Richards graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. Upon graduation, he returned to Maine and practiced in three other veterinary clinics before deciding to start his own. Dr. Richards’ clinic focuses on the treatment of smaller household pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Business has gone well thanks to the strategic advantages MBG offers.

“Madison needed a veterinary doctor because of all of the families with pets that live in the town and its surrounding areas,” Dr. Richards says. “My startup costs were also reduced since the lots are already fully serviced by underground utilities. Madison Electric Works also has much lower rates than anywhere else in the state.”

Dr. Richards also wanted the quality of life central Maine offers. “I wanted to stay in this area because three of my favorite pastimes are fishing, camping, and boating,” Dr. Richards says. “Madison is within minutes of all these things.” Madison Animal Hospital currently employs five people including Dr. Richards, but eventually he hopes to expand the practice to include another full-time veterinarian, additional support staff, and a pet groomer.

“I get to do the job I love in a place I love,” Dr. Richards says. “MBG made that possible.”

Photo Caption: Darren Richards, V.M.D. (L), stands with Madison Town Manager Norman Dean at the site of Madison Animal Hospital. Also pictured is Darren's dog, Spooky, a Jack Russell Terrier.