Did you know…?

Did you know that Jewell Animal Hospital is the oldest operational animal hospital west of the Mississippi?

Dr. Jay Jewell Sarhonson, our founder, returned from WW2 where he served in the cavalry as a veterinarian. In the cavalry, he worked and maintained the mule train which carried heavy armor, food, and medical supplies across the mountains of China to our US Troops. Dr. Jewell practiced medicine until the late 1970’s with a flare all of his own. He collected and received gifts of dog figurines over the years. Many of these are on display in our business office along with his original Doctor’s bag, which we display in Exam Room 2. His cavalry uniform is also on display in pristine condition at the Soldier’s Memorial Museum in Downtown St. Louis. Dr. Jewell lived in the upstairs of the hospital throughout his life. He passed away in 2001 after a weekend of ballroom dancing at the wonderful old age of 92.

Dr. William Krumrey bought the practice from Dr. Jewell in 1977. Dr. Krumrey practiced here for 33 years. His successful practice enabled him and his wife to raise a family of four daughters, but he often referred to Jewell Animal Clinic as his fifth daughter. Dr Krumrey retired from the practice in 2006. His clients speak highly of his gentle and understanding nature. He was loved by many.

Dr. Patricia L. Smith is our hospital’s current legacy. She came to Jewell Animal clinic in October 2004 and formally purchased the clinic in July 2006, changing the name to Jewell Animal Hospital. Dr. Smith and her staff have given the hospital a face lift from head to toe by updating not only the décor but most importantly the in house medical equipment, technology, and services needed for today’s pet care.

In the spirit of continual improvement, in 2022, we completed constructing an addition to the existing hospital to provide more space to better serve more patients. In 2023, we completed renovating the existing treatment area to include a surgical suite, dental suite, laboratory, pharmacy and open treatment area with day patient kennels.

We continue working to maintain the Jewell legacy of personalized pet care treating pets like jewels since 1949. We welcome you to our Jewell home