Dr. Rachel Hand, DVM
Dr. Rachel Hand was raised in Colwich, Kansas, as the daughter of a pharmacist and a nurse who helped her develop a love for veterinary medicine by bringing her along when they took family pets to the veterinarian.
Memories of their beloved Golden Retriever “Peppernut” in particular stand out to Dr. Hand.
“Our sweet Peppernut had chronic ear infections and allergies – and had surgery for it eventually,” she said. Later, “I also learned how to administer fluid therapy at home for her during the end of her life, all of which began to spark my interest in the profession.”
Dr. Hand received her DVM degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. While in college she worked as an animal caretaker for K-State’s veterinary research facility, and worked part-time as a veterinary assistant at Abilene (Kan.) Animal Hospital.
After graduation, Dr. Hand practiced in Derby, Kansas, before joining Animal Hospital at Auburn Hills the following year.
Working at a bond-centered practice is a perfect fit for Dr. Hand.
“I love getting to interact with clients and pets and seeing the human-animal bond at work,” she said. “I know how much joy and companionship our pets bring to our lives, so seeing that every day makes my heart so happy!”
As a doctor, she is most passionate about being an advocate for pets.
“Pets cannot tell us when they hurt or feel sick, so it is up to our vet team, with the help of their owners, to determine what might be going on and potential resolutions,” Dr. Hand said. “Although we may not be able to control every outcome…rest assured that I give each pet my best efforts.”
And she’s devoted to continuous improvement.
“I love learning, so I am constantly improving my knowledge base and staying up to date on any new procedures, treatments, and protocols to best serve our pet community,” she said.
When it comes to her own pets, she has a pretty common philosophy.
“I spoil them rotten,” she said. “With reasonable limits!”
Growing up she had cats “Sugar” & “George”, rabbits “Thumper” & “Domino”, a hamster named “Hammie”, and horses “Joe” & “Jazzy”.
“I have always been interested in horseback riding,” she said. “I took lessons throughout high school, and was a participant in some western pleasure horse shows in the summertime.”
Today, Dr. Hand’s 4-footed family members include 8-year-old Shepherd Mix “Kato” that she adopted 7 years ago from PPAWS of Manhattan while in school at K-State.
“He was with me all throughout the 4 years of vet school!” she said. “Looking back, I could not have imagined getting through that time without him as my companion!”
And 1-year-old Domestic Longhair “Arya” adopted from the Kansas Humane Society in October 2021 “after visiting the shelter ‘just to look for fun’!”
“She has really come out of her shell and is quite the entertainment, from her evening ‘zoomies’ to chattering at the birds outside from her perch on the cat tree, she has been a great addition to the household.”
In her spare time, Dr. Hand enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, any outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.
“More recently, I have been trying my hand at learning how to refurbish old or used furniture pieces!” she said.
Dr. Hand is a member of several organizations including:
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA)
- Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
