Dreams really do come true, but not without hard work and dedication. Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Lisa Ryan had a vision of opening a veterinary hospital that catered exclusively to cats. Despite having a solid business plan and drawing inspiration from the success of other feline-only hospitals across the country, she faced significant challenges. Securing a small business loan proved difficult, as not everyone appreciated Dr. Ryan’s vision in 1999. Undeterred and driven by her mantra, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” Dr. Ryan opened the doors to Coastal Cat Clinic on St. Simons Island in September 1999.
Dr. Lisa Ryan
Dr. Ryan's journey into veterinary medicine began at the tender age of 13 when she worked cleaning kennels at her local veterinary hospital on weekends and after school. This early exposure ignited her passion for animal care. She continued working in veterinary hospitals and earned her veterinary technician degree from State University of New York, Canton in 1991. The following year, she attended Ross University on the island of St. Kitts and earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1995.
After completing an internship year at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Ryan secured her first job as a veterinarian on St. Simons Island in 1996. After three years of honing her skills and building relationships in the community, she decided the timing was right to embark on her own venture, marking the beginning of what would become not just a career, but a lifestyle dedicated to the care of the cats of the Golden Isles.
Over the years, Dr. Ryan has faced numerous challenges in maintaining a successful small business. The 2008 housing market crash significantly impacted the local economy, affecting many small businesses, including veterinary practices. Families struggled financially and often found it difficult to afford veterinary care for their pets, particularly for cats. Recognizing her clients' hardship, Dr. Ryan's clinic provided reduced-cost veterinary care and charity services for stray and feral cats in the community. Coastal Cat Clinic ensured that even during tough economic times, no cat was left without care. This commitment to service enabled Coastal Cat Clinic to minimize the financial impact on its clients while still providing quality care for its patients.
The more recent COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented difficulties for businesses worldwide from 2020 to 2022. Coastal Cat Clinic faced these challenges head-on, remaining open without any closures throughout the pandemic. This unwavering dedication ensured that clients and their feline companions continued to receive the necessary care, even in the face of global uncertainty.
For the past 25 years, Coastal Cat Clinic has been a beacon of hope and care for the feline population of the Golden Isles. The clinic has provided innovative veterinary care, including advanced diagnostics, preventive medicine, and surgical services, tailored specifically for cats. Dr. Ryan’s expertise and compassionate approach have garnered her a loyal clientele, who appreciate the specialized care their cats receive.
Beyond the clinic walls, Coastal Cat Clinic has been instrumental in improving the lives of stray and feral cats in the community. Dr. Ryan has dedicated countless hours as the primary veterinarian for No Kill Glynn County, a local animal rescue organization. Through this partnership, the clinic has provided veterinary care for hundreds of orphaned and rescued kittens and cats, playing a crucial role in their rehabilitation and adoption.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Ryan’s career has been witnessing the positive impact of her work on both cats and their owners. Stories of rescued cats finding loving homes and sick cats recovering under her care are testaments to the difference Coastal Cat Clinic has made. These success stories are a source of pride and motivation for Dr. Ryan and her dedicated team.
As Coastal Cat Clinic celebrates its 25th anniversary, Dr. Ryan and her team want to extend a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to all their clients. The trust and loyalty of the community have been integral to the clinic’s success. As a locally and privately-owned veterinary hospital, Coastal Cat Clinic remains committed to providing the latest in innovative veterinary care. The clinic’s mission is to continue enhancing the lives of cats in the Golden Isles through compassion, expertise, and a dedication to excellence.
Coastal Cat Clinic's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a deep love for cats. Dr. Lisa Ryan’s journey from a young kennel cleaner to a successful veterinarian and business owner is inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to feline care has left an indelible mark on the community. As the clinic celebrates this milestone, it stands as a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the unyielding bond between humans and their feline friends.
Here’s to 25 years of Coastal Cat Clinic, and to many more years of making dreams come true for cats and their owners on St. Simons Island.
Coastal Cat Clinic
280 Redfern Village, St Simons Island
912.634.2119
