From Farm Roots to City Success: Dr. Millner’s Journey to Vintage Veterinary Excellence

Salem, OR – At the center of Salem’s vibrant community, Vintage Veterinary Hospital & Boutique emerges as an innovative nexus of advanced veterinary care and hometown values. The driving force behind this distinctive practice is Dr. Nicole Millner, whose path from a quaint dairy farm in central Minnesota to the proprietorship of this facility is a compelling tale of ambition and heartfelt dedication.

Raised amid the bucolic settings of Minnesota, Dr. Millner’s childhood was deeply entwined with animal care. “As young as I could remember, I was helping my father with the animals,” she reflects, outlining her lifelong devotion to animal welfare. This early experience sowed the seeds for her unwavering pursuit of veterinary medicine, a journey that culminated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Minnesota in 2006.

Following her academic endeavors, Dr. Millner immersed herself in small animal practices. Here, she not only refined her veterinary skills but also deepened her appreciation for the human-animal connection. “It is often the challenge of meeting the needs of others as well as providing excellent client and patient care that fulfills me the most,” she articulates, shedding light on her professional ethos.

Beyond her veterinary pursuits, Dr. Millner’s life is enriched by her family, including her husband, a collegiate track and field coach, and their two children. They find joy in the simple pleasures of life, like restoring vintage furniture, an interest that subtly influences the ambiance of her hospital.

The impetus to establish her practice in Salem was a blend of personal and professional aspirations, catalyzed by her move from Southern California in 2016. A pivotal moment came in early 2023, as Dr. Millner explains: “I was invited to attend a Dream Builder Live 3-day virtual Conference… That event rekindled my aspiration to be a business owner.”

Vintage Veterinary Hospital & Boutique is a fusion of Dr. Millner’s dual passions: veterinary medicine and vintage aesthetics. She aims to create a space that feels less like a clinic and more like a welcoming home. “When you visit the hospital, I want you to feel like you are coming home,” Dr. Millner states, emphasizing her commitment to creating a comforting environment for clients and their pets.

The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, from routine preventative care to intricate medical and surgical interventions. Central to Dr. Millner’s practice philosophy is the partnership with pet owners. “I desire to collaborate with pet families and allow them to be more involved with the decisions surrounding their pets’ medical needs,” she asserts.

Dr. Millner’s team, meticulously chosen for their expertise and shared values, is integral to the hospital’s mission. “Each one of these ladies was handpicked… This team is incredible!” she proudly declares, highlighting the importance of a unified, values-driven team.

As Dr. Millner looks forward, her goals for the practice remain clear: growth, team support, and a lasting positive impact on the Salem community. The launch of Vintage Veterinary Hospital & Boutique is more than a realized dream; it’s the start of an ongoing journey of service, dedication, and community involvement. “The doors are open…let the journey begin,” concludes Dr. Millner, poised for the next chapter in her professional and personal life.