Orchard Veterinary's Hometown Care

"Affordability, personability, knowing, and having confidence in your vet is everything. [It's] really important to have a local vet you can trust," stated Dr. David Becker, owner and managing veterinarian of Orchard Veterinary Care, located at 45 Orchard Road. In August of 2025, Dr. Becker purchased the business from Dr. Allison Bittner.

Becker grew up in Wilmington and shadowed at Orchard Veterinary Care when Dr. Gano was the managing veterinarian. Despite previously planning to go into the military, his job shadow with Dr. Gano inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine. Becker went "straight to veterinary school" and worked at the clinic during school breaks. According to Becker, he always hoped to own the practice someday, stating, "I always wanted to come back to home roots and take care of the community that I grew up in."

When Becker purchased the clinic, he added an additional veterinarian, Dr. Harley, and bought a second ambulatory truck. This allows them to be in "multiple locations at once." The clinic features three full-time doctors and one part-time doctor.

Upon taking over, Becker also purchased new equipment, upgrading the ultrasound and shockwave therapy technology.

The veterinary clinic also offers the same services that were previously offered, including small animal services, large animal services, and exotic animal services by "local, fantastic vets." Within those services, the clinic performs frequent maternity surgery on cattle, equine work, and ACL surgery for all animals. Becker shared that within the exotic animals, they see otters, capybaras, zebras, bearded dragons, snapping turtles, and more.

On top of their most popular services, the clinic also performs dentistry, surgery, imaging, and lab work on the animals. Becker shared that the office works with MedVet to keep surgeries affordable for individuals. Orchard Veterinary also features a "Pet Owner Portal," where owners can stay up-to-date on their pet's condition and more.

Dr. Becker emphasized the importance of giving back to the community through service at the clinic, sharing that "maintaining humility, ethics, [and] practicality with clients disseminates throughout the community." Orchard Veterinary frequently works with PAWS Humane Society, Young's Dairy, and more. The clinic also serves the animals at the Clinton County Fair.

Dr. Becker hopes to renovate and expand the building in the next five years. He would like to add a large animal haul-in facility, more small animal rooms, and a triage space.

To learn more about Orchard Veterinary Care, visit orchardvetcare.net.