Shatto retires, Astoria Animal Hospital changes ownership

Published 4:00 pm Saturday, January 31, 2009

Dr. Dannell Davis, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, recently purchased Astoria Animal Hospital from Dr. Norm Shatto.

Shatto sold the Astoria-based veterinarian clinic in late December to retiring after 33 years owning the business and 40 years doctoring animals.

Davis took control of the business after spending the last year working for the Columbia Veterinary Hospital. Previously, she had been practicing in various locations in Oregon.

Davis is a native of England, where she qualified as a veterinarian in 2003 at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London.

“I decided to buy this practice because the time was right and the building and facilities are in great shape,” said Davis. “But more importantly, I really like the morals and ethics that Dr. Shatto has instilled in this practice over the years.”

Although it will primarily be business as usual, Davis plans on incorporating exotic and farm animals into the practice, something that currently isn’t offered. Also, the practice will begin to offer “soft paws,” an alternative to de-clawing.

“We will also be housing chickens onsite,” said Davis. “Although it won’t serve any purpose other than that I have always wanted chickens at my practice!”

Davis looks forward to building and maintaining relationships with customers much like Shatto did. Also, she said she plans on offering the same great service.

“When an animal is admitted to the Astoria Animal Hospital, they will be taken care of as if they were our personal pet,” she said. “That is what we strive for.”

Astoria Animal Hospital is located at 35109 Business Highway 101 in Astoria. For more information, call the office at (503) 325-1581.