About Dr. Specht - Elevated Veterinary House Calls

Dr. Specht, DVM

A Veterinarian Who Understands Your Bond

Dr. Specht with her cat, Smidgen

Growing up on a small family farm in Milford, Ohio, I learned early that there's a profound connection between humans and the animals that share our lives. This understanding has shaped my entire career and approach to veterinary medicine.

After earning my degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, I've spent over 25 years caring for animals—from small companion pets to large farm animals. Now, I'm bringing that experience directly to your home.

Education & Recognition

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University (1998)
B.S. in Biology, Ohio University (1993)
University President's Award for Pet Loss Support Hotline
Founder, OSU Human-Animal Bond Club

My Journey

My path to mobile veterinary practice has been shaped by diverse experiences and a deep commitment to family. After graduating from veterinary school, my husband David and I moved to New England, where I practiced in Maine and New Hampshire before returning to Cincinnati in 2000.

I started my own mobile large animal practice while raising our daughters, Rebecca and MacKenzie. Little Rebecca spent plenty of time in her pumpkin seat, watching Mama sew up horses and save little goats. The girls grew up deeply connected to animals—showing horses at the Clermont County Fair through 4-H, just like I had years earlier.

When the demands of 14-hour days and emergency calls began to weigh on family moments, I made the difficult decision to step back. I didn't want to miss their childhood activities and milestones. Our family stayed grounded through our bonds with a long string of cats, dogs, horses, and even a rabbit, enjoying camping, kayaking, and hiking together.

                "Now that our youngest is off to college, I'm reviving my dream to bring my special brand of veterinary care into your home—so that your pets can be healthy without the stress of in-clinic care."
            

Rebecca graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2025 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and works for the university's facilities service. MacKenzie just started at the University of Cincinnati, also studying mechanical engineering, with dreams of developing more sustainable food production methods.

With David and I now caring for 3 cats, a Greyhound, and 2 horses, we're hardly alone—and I'm ready to dedicate my energy to helping your family strengthen the bonds with your beloved companions.

Understanding the Human-Animal Bond

Growing up on the farm, I knew there was a profound connection between humans and the animals that share our lives. Even with our pigs and cattle, destined to feed our family, I felt the threads of their being intertwining with mine as I learned about myself and my world. Our barn cats and farm dogs were my friends, and my 4-H project horse is a part of me still today.

This is the human-animal bond. It takes many forms and can be as deep as the ocean or just skim the surface, but it is always there. It can be damaged by illness, broken by trauma, or nourished with compassion and sensitivity to its nature.

When your pet is chronically itchy, has diarrhea, or eliminates in the home, your bond can be strained. If your pet bites or injures someone, the bond can feel broken. Caregiver burden weighs on your bond when medication is hard to give, care is expensive, or your pet is anxious about vet visits.

The bond begins to form when you first think about adopting your pet, continues throughout your lives together, and transitions to an abiding memory when they cross the Rainbow Bridge.

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Flexibility

I have a gift for adapting care to what works for each unique patient and family situation.

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Compassion

I'm sensitive to the special needs of each individual bond and the strain that illness can cause.

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Spectrum of Care

Not every client is up for intensive care, and not every patient will cooperate. I meet you where you are.

When we recognize the bond, its state of health, and its tolerance for strain, we're better able to support it. We can tend to the damaged parts and avoid causing more damage through treatment struggles and stressful events.

No animal is ever "just" an animal. Humanity developed intertwined with them, and we cannot help but be affected by their wellbeing. We know that simply watching fish swim lowers blood pressure. We've all heard of nonverbal children discovering their voice when they first meet a dog. Unhealthy pets often belong to people who need help with their own self-care, and when a beloved animal is unwell, its human suffers too.