Dr. Kerry Ragan is devoted to serving the vulnerable, both professionally and in the community.
As a veterinarian at Spring Valley Veterinary Hospital, she is focused on caring for animals. As an active member of the Junior League of Springfield, she has lobbied in Jefferson City for funding support of those organizations that work to prevent child abuse and neglect.
In her profession, she often must lead pet owners through stressful and, possibly, emergency situations with their animals.
“I must quickly help them to understand the medical or surgical issue so they can make the most informed decisions for their pet and family,” she says.
With Dr. Ted Betzen, Ragan co-manages a seven-member staff, and she takes the role seriously.
“Good business practices can be just as important as medicine in determining the success of the practice,” Ragan says.
She is proud, too, of helping others succeed.
“I have encouraged three former employees in their endeavors to become veterinarians. I believe that without my encouragement and constant support, it is possible that these people would not have gone on to fulfill that dream,” Ragan says. “I know that my letters of recommendation helped to allow them to be admitted into a program that is one of – if not the most – competitive of all medical fields.”
Ragan also is the main veterinarian for All Creatures Animal Rescue in Branson, a no-kill animal shelter that cares for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. There, she provides spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations and other medical procedures as needed.
“This is a cause very near and dear to my heart, as I have several rescue dogs of my own,” Ragan says.
She also works as one of the veterinarians for the Spay and Neuter Assistance Program, which provides low-cost surgeries to pets based on financial need.
“Pet over-population is such a problem in our society, and this is a special way I can lend my skills to help control the pet population and keep these animals healthy,” Ragan says.
She also cares for dogs through Greyhound Pets of America, an adoption organization for retired racing greyhounds, and for the dogs that assist local police and firefighters.
As the new member chairwoman with Junior League of Springfield, Ragan has worked to get women more involved in the community, and she has helped lead 35 women to active membership with the organization.
“I have seen several of my new members go on to open their own businesses, assist nonprofits that they were not exposed to prior to their new member year and take leadership positions within JLS,” she says.
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