Our Founder
Gail Counts, DVM
Education
Dr. Gail Counts graduated from Ohio Dominican in 1976 with a degree in Anthropology and later earned a master’s in Animal Nutrition from the University of Wyoming in 1979. She went on to complete her veterinary degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. Dr. Counts practiced in Millersburg, Indiana for 5 years before returning back home and opening the practice.
Shawnee Animal Clinic (SAC)
In 1988, Dr. Counts co-founded Shawnee Animal Clinic (SAC) with her husband and her sister Cathy Strickland, who served as the clinic’s practice manager for 36 years.
Dr. Counts has over 40 years of experience in veterinary medicine and has a special interest in surgery. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her pets and family.
Sierra's Haven
In 2004, SAC began utilizing its kennel facilities to address the increasing animal population in Scioto County. This initiative marked the beginning of Sierra’s Haven.
Following five years of dedicated planning, Dr. Counts established a non-profit, no-kill shelter in 2006, located just up the street from her clinic. In memory of her late brother’s beloved cat, she named the shelter Sierra’s Haven for New and Used Pets.
Since its founding, with the incredible support of the community, Sierra’s Haven has aided in the care and rehoming for more than THIRTY THOUSAND animals.
