About Us

 
APPOINTMENT
Proudly serving the community since 1964!

The heartwarming story of our hospital’s journey began in 1981 when the devoted husband and wife team, Dr. John Worman and Dr. Paula Marrie, took ownership of Gahanna Animal Hospital. At that time, the original building boasted a humble treatment room, a laboratory, a hospital ward, a small pharmacy, a surgical room, and two exam rooms.

As our commitment to your pets continued to deepen, the need for expansion became undeniable. Thus, in 1994, 2005, and again in 2020, Gahanna Animal Hospital underwent significant renovations, transforming it into the comprehensive full-service animal hospital we proudly operate today. Our state-of-the-art facility now boasts two expansive treatment areas, a fully stocked pharmacy, an in-house laboratory, two spacious hospital wards, isolation rooms, an intensive care unit, a cutting-edge surgical suite, a dedicated grooming facility, a generous boarding area, and ten comfortable exam rooms. Our boarding facility, in particular, offers extra-large runs, indoor/outdoor spaces, and even pet suites equipped with TVs for your pet’s entertainment and comfort.

Today, Gahanna Animal Hospital is a thriving hub of care, with a team of eight associate veterinarians working alongside our dedicated owners. Our comprehensive services encompass full-service wellness care, vaccinations, full pharmacy, in-house laboratory services, internal medicine diagnostics,  long-term case management, hospitalization, intensive care, radiology, ultrasound, allergy testing, dental care, surgical procedures, and the added convenience of boarding and grooming facilities.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your beloved pets.

Veterinarians

Hospital Administrator

Technicians

Assistants

Client Care Representatives

Pet Care Specialists

Groomers

Administrative Team

Meet Our Veterinarians

Dr. John Worman

Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Worman's Bio

Dr. John Worman knew he was destined to be a “doggie doctor” by the first grade. He was raised on a farm in Gahanna, where his parents bred Beagles and Basset Hounds. They had 10 adult dogs and would raise about 20 puppies each year! The family farm also gave him the opportunity to grow up with horses, ponies, frogs, turtles, and a few baby raccoons. He learned at an early age that wild animals make terrible pets!

Dr. John attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a BS in Animal Science in 1976. Dr. John made his “doggie doctor” (and kitty doctor) dream a reality when he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981.

Dr. John has a passion for surgery, particularly orthopedics, and has over 30 years of experience. He has a notable interest in anterior cruciate repairs, tibial transpositions, and 2 to 3-piece bone fractures.

Dr. John, and his wife, Dr. Paula Marrie, have two children, Jason and Jenny, who both work at Gahanna Animal Hospital. Dr. Jason is a veterinarian and Jenny oversees marketing, advertising, and social media. Dr. John and Dr. Paula have 2 dogs, Keady and Jeorge, 2 cats, Bimby and Bud, a yellow-naped Amazon parrot, Patrick, a Mississippi map turtle, Speedy, and chickens.

Dr. John is a very big supporter of Ohio State football, and outside of work, you can often find him at the Shoe! If he’s not there, he will surely be found at Lake Erie. His favorite pastimes are boating and exploring the lake.

Dr. Paula Marrie

Veterinarian, Owner
Dr. Marrie's Bio

Dr. Paula Marrie knew at an early age that becoming a veterinarian was her passion. Her school projects and papers included animal topics whenever possible. Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, she volunteered at a large, local veterinary hospital, where she was later hired, and learned as much as possible about the workings of a veterinary establishment. She attended The Ohio State University and was accepted to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977, after 3 years of undergraduate studies.

After graduating in 1981, she married classmate Dr. John Worman. They discussed owning a veterinary hospital and took advantage of the opportunity to purchase Gahanna Animal Hospital in 1982. She found a happy balance between raising their two children, Jason and Jenny, and serving her clients with their veterinary needs.

After 13 years of practicing medicine and surgery, she became more involved in practice management. Though Dr. Marrie is not currently seeing patients, her primary role is handling the business needs of GAH.

Her favorite community contribution is teaching the animal safety portion of Gahanna’s Safety Town Program, which she has been doing since 1984. She is delighted each time she encounters a young child in the community who is practicing the technique taught in her program.

Dr. Marrie spends her spare time taking care of her chickens, a 36-year-old parrot, a turtle, two cats, and two dogs. She has been Irish Dancing with Columbus Celtic Dancers since 2002 and in 2018, participated in a group of 8 dancers that performed an 8 Hand Jig and became the North American Irish Dance Champions.

Dr. Nancy Rich

Veterinarian
Dr. Rich's Bio
Dr. Nancy Rich has been with Gahanna Animal Hospital since 1989. She is a graduate of Purdue University. She specializes in the reproduction of AKC registered breeds as well as O.F.A. procedures. She also treats rabbits, ferrets, and pocket pets.

She enjoys surgery and is exceptional in internal medicine. She is also the primary veterinarian for Columbus Cocker Rescue. She shows and breeds Rhodesian Ridgebacks in her free time.

Dr. Debbie Riebel

Veterinarian
Dr. Riebel's Bio
Dr. Debra Riebel decided to become a veterinarian in elementary school. She fondly remembers catching frogs and salamanders in her backyard, caring for them for a day or two, and then releasing them back into the wild. Even at a young age, Dr. Riebel had a strong desire to help each and every animal she came across. Her family would tease her because she would refuse to kill any bug that snuck into the house, instead, she’d catch it to release outside.

Her passion for animals further developed in her teenage years when she began working in the kennel at Gahanna Animal Hospital in 1992. As the years passed, she became proficient in other departments in the hospital, training as a receptionist and then a veterinary assistant. She continued working at GAH throughout her undergraduate years and veterinary school. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 1998 with a BS in Community Health Education and graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Working in the various areas of the hospital helped her to better understand all aspects of veterinary medicine including client care, kenneling, grooming, and patient care.

Dr. Riebel and her husband, Doug, have two wonderful daughters. The family shares a house with their two dogs, Woodley and Heath, three cats, Tanner, Izzy, and Crazy, a fish, a lizard, and a hermit crab. Dr. Riebel adopted Woodley and Heath from a client who had rescued a pregnant dog, adopted Tanner from the GAH Adoption Program, took in Izzy after she was abandoned at GAH, and rescued Crazy from a park during her daughter’s soccer practice.

Tanner, the GAH adoptee, has a special place in Dr. Riebel and her daughters’ hearts. Tanner will let the girls pretend that she’s a baby and carry her around like one. Crazy truly lives up to his name by running around the house, pouncing on the other cats, and playing with anything and everything.

Outside of work, Dr. Riebel’s biggest passion is her family. Her daughters are involved with travel soccer, piano and voice lessons, and Chinese classes. When Dr. Riebel is not traveling to extracurricular activities or school events, she enjoys spending time with her family at the zoo, Zoombezi Bay, COSI, and the park.

Dr. Kristy Clay

Veterinarian
Dr. Clay's Bio
From a young age, Dr. Kristy Clay was intrigued by science. She discovered her passion for veterinary medicine while working at a vet clinic in Toledo, Ohio. She went on to earn her BA in biology from the University of Toledo in 1992 and her DVM from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. She began working at Gahanna Animal Hospital later that same year.

Dr. Clay currently serves on the board at the Columbus Dog Connection, a local rescue organization. She also works closely with rescues that partner with GAH, such as the Columbus Cocker Rescue. Dr. Clay has a particular interest in behavioral science and offers behavioral consultation appointments.

Dr. Clay learns from each patient she treats and provides them with the same care that she shows her own pets. She becomes emotionally invested in every patient and always has their best interest at heart.

Dr. Clay’s husband, John, is a Professor at OSU and also works at Battelle. They have three children together: Natalie and Luke, who are in college, and Meredith, who attends Gahanna Lincoln High School. Her family doesn’t end there. They also have a Beagle, Daisy, adopted from Columbus Dog Connection, and three cats, Pickles, Zlatan, and Kenny, all adopted from the GAH Adoption Program.

Her cat, Pickles, is a fan favorite. He was diagnosed with vitiligo (depigmentation), making him look incredibly unique. Everyone from neighbors to close friends think that Pickles is a special breed of cat because he was solid black for the first year of his life and then gradually developed white hairs throughout his body. His skin even began to lighten in a symmetrical pattern. But Pickles isn’t her only unique cat: Kenny only has three legs!

Outside of work, Dr. Clay enjoys cheering on her children at their various sporting events. Her kids are involved in soccer, cross country, and track. Her family loves watching soccer together, especially the English Premier League. She also enjoys walking, biking, shopping, and vacationing with her family.

Dr. Deborah Rausch

Veterinarian
Dr. Rausch's Bio
Dr. Deborah Rausch, originally from North Canton, came to Columbus in 1985. She received her BS in Biology from The Ohio State University and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Dr. Rausch has been a valued team member at Gahanna Animal Hospital since 2002. In addition to her years of general veterinary medicine experience, her special interests include feline medicine and extended dental procedures (radiology and extractions) for feline and canine patients.

Dr. Rausch and her husband, David, have a teenage son, Nate, and 2 rescue cats, Earl and Amber. Her hobbies include playing the piano, creating art, horseback riding, camping, home decorating, and gardening.

Dr. Joy Harkins

Veterinarian
Dr. Harkin's Bio
“Being a veterinarian isn’t just my profession, it’s a part of what makes me who I am.”

Dr. Joy Harkins declared her plan to become a veterinarian during a kindergarten class project. Her earliest memories include diagnosing and treating her “sick” stuffed animals. Her passion for animals grew as she did. She graduated with a BS in Biology from Youngstown State University and went on to receive an MS in Physiology from North Carolina State University. She received her DVM from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine and began working at Gahanna Animal Hospital shortly after in 2004.

She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially internal medicine, surgery, senior wellness, and preventative care. She proudly works alongside several local rescue groups. She is a member of the International Veterinary Association of Pain Management (IVAPM) and is certified in Acupuncture. She is a strong proponent of utilizing low stress handling to make veterinary visits a positive experience for her patients.

Dr. Harkins and her husband, Todd, have been married for over 22 years. Together they have two wonderful sons, Chris and Drew. The boys are active in travel soccer, basketball, scouts, and piano. Dr. Harkins and her husband also have two fur sons Junior, a boxer pit mix, and Bogey, a golden retriever. Junior was found on the streets of Cleveland, severely emaciated, suffering from pneumonia, and cruelly abused at the hands of strangers. Instead of becoming aggressive, Junior remained a kind and gentle soul. After he was brought to GAH to be treated, Dr. Harkins quickly fell in love and adopted him into her family. Bogey, the newest addition to the crew, is a mischievous ball of energy. Dr. Harkins jokes that his full name is “Bogey, What’s In Your Mouth?”. Junior and Bogey absolutely love getting the kids up in the morning. They patiently wait at the boys’ bedroom doors until they are allowed to run in, jump on their beds, and unleash a wrath of kisses until they begin to wake up.

Outside of work, Dr. Harkins enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She particularly enjoys kickboxing and also has a passion for reading.

For better or worse, all of the cases that Dr. Harkins takes on, impact her life. She becomes emotionally invested and works hard to give every animal the same level of care and concern that she would give her own. Dr. Harkins finds that being a veterinarian is truly rewarding, and although it can become stressful at times, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dr. Joe Wolf

Veterinarian
Dr. Wolf's Bio
Dr. Joe Wolf, a native of Columbus, graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, along with classmate Dr. John Worman. After a brief two-year period practicing at a small animal practice just outside of Los Angeles, California, Dr. Wolf returned to Ohio where he opened a small animal practice in Cincinnati. After 26 years in practice, Dr. Wolf returned to Columbus to help manage his family’s real estate interests in 2010. Dr. Wolf now practices exclusively at GAH as a part-time veterinarian. Dr. Wolf’s veterinary interests include surgery and reproductive medicine. In his spare time, you can find him on the golf course or scuba diving.
Dr. Jason

Dr. Jason Worman

Veterinarian
Dr. Jason Worman's Bio

Dr. Jason Worman, son of Dr. John Worman and Dr. Paula Marrie, spent a lot of time at Gahanna Animal Hospital growing up. He was exposed to the ins and outs of veterinary medicine at a young age, awarding him a lifetime of knowledge and experience. He graduated from the University of Miami in 2012 with a BS ED in Kinesiology/Exercise Science and minors in both Chemistry and Psychology. He attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with his DVM and Graduate Business minor in 2016. In his professional life, Dr. Jason’s interests include surgery, cardiology, neurology, and animal behavior.

Dr. Jason’s biggest passion is promoting the importance of the human-animal bond. He has a Labrador Retriever, Jango, and a Golden Retriever, Rylee, that go everywhere with him, even to work! He is rarely without his two energetic companions. At home, Dr. Jason also has 2 rescue cats, Pickle and Clawdia, a ball python, Rumble, and multiple freshwater aquariums.

Outside of work, Dr. Jason and his wife, Jillian, enjoy water sports, scuba diving, hiking, longboarding, biking, skiing, dancing, cooking, and playing video games.

Dr. Rebecca Nordmoe

Dr. Rebecca Nordmoe

Veterinarian

Dr. Nordmoe's Bio
Dr. Rebecca Nordmoe was born and raised here in Gahanna, Ohio, alongside her four sisters. She developed a deep passion for animals from an early age. Her lifelong companionship with her family pets growing up inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

Dr. Nordmoe attended the University of Findlay for her undergraduate studies where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Biology. Following her undergraduate studies, she returned to Columbus to pursue her veterinary education at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May 2023.

Beyond her dedication to veterinary medicine, Dr. Nordmoe finds joy in reading, indulging in her favorite TV shows, spending quality time with her family, and taking leisurely walks with her German Shepherd mix, Gamora.

Throughout her life, Dr. Nordmoe has entrusted the care of her pets to Gahanna Animal Hospital. During her veterinary school years, she even worked there as an assistant. Joining the esteemed team of doctors, technicians, and staff at Gahanna Animal Hospital fills her with excitement, as she eagerly looks forward to providing exceptional care to everyone’s beloved animals.

Meet Our Hospital Administrator

Courtney Peters

Hospital Administrator
Courtney's Bio

Courtney Peters is our Hospital Administrator. She cannot remember when she didn’t have a passion for animals; in fact, she began working at Gahanna Animal Hospital when she was just a teenager. She knew then that she wanted to pursue a career path in the veterinary field. Her love of animals has led Courtney to welcome many rescue pets into her home over the years.

Courtney shares her life with her husband, Chris, and 3 children, Mason, Hannah, and Lainey. Courtney and her family live on a farm with their 3 dogs: Khloe, Benjamin, and Walter, as well as several goats, chickens, pigs, and various other farm animals.

Outside of work, Courtney is a very active mom who enjoys camping and boating with her family. She supports her children at sporting events, takes care of the family farm, and serves as the Organizational Advisor of a Licking County livestock 4-H club.

Meet Our Registered Veterinary Technicians

Renee

RVT Manager

Manon

RVT Manager

Jess

RVT

Carly

Registered Veterinary Technician

Melissa

Registered Veterinary Technician

Jessie

Registered Veterinary Technician

Kristen

Registered Veterinary Technician

Anne

Registered Veterinary Technician

Kylie

Registered Veterinary Technician

Kim

Registered Veterinary Technician and CCR Manager

Anna

Registered Veterinary Technician

Meet Our Veterinary Assistants

Chrissy

Surgical Assistant

Paige

Veterinary Assistant

Lianne

Veterinary Assistant

Emily

Veterinary Assistant

kara

Kara

Veterinary Assistant

Kaylin

Kaylin

Veterinary Assistant

Brenna

Brenna

Veterinary Assistant and Client Care Representative

Brenna

Cam

Veterinary Assistant and Client Care Representative

Brenna

Ashley D.

Veterinary Assistant 

Brenna

Stacie

Veterinary Assistant

Ashley

Veterinary Assistant

Meet Our Client Care Representatives

Julia

CCR Manager

Kim

CCR Manager and Registered Veterinary Technician

Amy

Client Care Representative

Freedom

Client Care Representative

Andrea

Andrea

Client Care Representative

Debbie

Client Care Representative

Bella

Bella

Client Care Representative

Alex

Alex

Client Care Representative

Brenna

Brenna

Veterinary Assistant and Client Care Representative

Brenna

Micah

Client Care Representative

Brenna

Cam

Veterinary Assistant and Client Care Representative

Julia

Julia

Client Care Representative

Julia

Sierra

Client Care Representative

Julia

Ashley L.

Client Care Representative

Meet Our Pet Care Specialists

Chris

Facility, Maintenance, and Kennel Manager

Jordan

Pet Care Specialist

Owen

Pet Care Specialist

Abby

Pet Care Specialist

Sierra

Pet Care Specialist

Hannah

Hannah

Pet Care Specialist

Haylie

Pet Care Specialist

Julia

Sierra

Pet Care Specialist

Mason

Pet Care Specialist

Emily

Pet Care Specialist

Isabelle

Pet Care Specialist

Meet Our Groomers

Sophia

Head Groomer
Sophia's Bio

Sophia Pierce has been grooming professionally for over ten years and has been featured on Vice and Inside Edition, as well as in multiple local news outlets in New York City and the Florida Keys. She is a 2012 graduate of the Merryfield School Of Pet Grooming in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Sophia is experienced in pet styles of all breeds, AKC breed standard cuts, Asian Fusion, hand stripping, hand scissoring, corded and rustic coats, as well as cat grooming.

Sophia raises and shows AKC champion Dachshunds and Afghan Hounds, as well as being experienced with grooming and handling many different breeds such as Poodles, Belgian Malinois, and Schnauzers in the conformation ring. She also competes in track, rally, protection sports, and hunting trials in her free time.

Haily

Groomer
Haily's Bio
Haily Mayhew embarked on her professional journey at Gahanna Animal Hospital in 2015. Initially joining as a Pet Care Specialist, she quickly showcased her skills and dedication, resulting in a promotion to management. However, her true passion lies in grooming, which prompted her to pursue a grooming apprenticeship in 2019.

Haily derives great joy from indulging in the pampering and styling of different breeds, with a particular fondness for golden retrievers, corgis, and cocker spaniels. With her meticulous care and unwavering attention to detail, she guarantees that every furry companion receives top-notch treatment and departs the grooming salon looking their very best!

Alana

Grooming Assistant

Meet Our Administrative Team

Cindy

Bookkeeper

Barb

Rescue and Pharmacy Coordinator

Shell

Online Communications and Data Entry

Monica

Purchasing Agent

Jenny

Digital Marketer
We treat each patient as family.

Address

144 West Johnstown Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
Click here for directions.

Hours of Operation

Mon-Fri: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Sun: Closed

*Phone lines open at 9:00 am on weekdays*

Contact

Phone614-471-2201
Fax: 614-471-1907
Emailclients@gahannaanimalhospital.org

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