About Us
Our Story
Hendricks Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care.
In the summer of 1990, Hendricks Veterinary Hospital was founded by Dr. El Ray John Hendricks. The single doctor, mixed animal practice originally started within the confines of a small farmhouse located at the present location. Three decades later we have a new building, but our foundations are rooted as a neighborhood clinic.
Dr. Hendricks grew up the youngest of five high-energy boys in Hibbard, Idaho, just outside of Rexburg. He attended Ricks College and BYU where he competed on rodeo teams and was awarded a prize saddle for “All Around Cowboy” in 1967. Dr. Hendricks then attended Washington State University and obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine before moving to Boise. In 1976 he began practicing veterinary medicine in his own clinic, The Glenwood Veterinary Hospital. After more than a decade at that location, Dr. Hendricks started looking for a new place to grow his practice under his own namesake.
1989 local news reports indicate the city did not expect State Street to support commercial interests, and that the local neighborhood did not necessarily share Dr. Hendricks’ enthusiasm for a new hospital. The neighborhood came out against the clinic during re-zoning meetings. Luckily, the city disagreed, saying that the locale was in transition and a veterinary hospital was a good fit for the property. It’s as if they knew Dr. Hendricks and providence would dictate the hospital to be a permanent fixture. The farmhouse was converted into a hospital that featured familiar faces and dynamic medical care for small animals and horses.
The neighborhood came to embrace Hendricks Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Hendricks was quick to support the local community; particularly the Boy Scouts of America. He was also an involved member of the local veterinary community, being appointed to the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. He was comfortable in any situation, around any personality, and always made those he was around feel like close friends.
