Allard Animal Hospital changes hands

LOVELAND — Loveland’s long-standing Allard Animal Clinic has been sold to a new owner who changed the name of the business to Big Thompson Animal Hospital.

Mickey Wiltz purchased the veterinary practice from state Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Loveland, in December.

Johnson recently started his first term in the state Senate, representing District 15. Previously, he served three terms in the state House of Representatives.

Johnson purchased the hospital from U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., in 1991. Allard established the practice more than three decades ago.

Wiltz would not disclose the financial details of the sale, and Johnson could not be reached for comment.

Wiltz said he plans to add new equipment and make some minor renovations to the nearly 3,000-square-foot building at 714 N. Taft Ave.

“Since its inception, the hospital has focused on small animals,” Wiltz said. “But I will do house calls and farm calls for people in the area.”

Wiltz earned his veterinary degree from Louisiana State University. He has been practicing for 17 years, most recently in Boulder.

Despite the previous owners’ inclination toward politics, Wiltz said he has no plans to follow Allard and Johnson into the political arena.

“I’m really not diplomatic enough,” he said.

on Facebook on LinkedIn