Erin Downes, VMD

Since her start in veterinary medicine in 1992, Dr. Erin Downes has made it her goal in life to be an educator, an outstanding doctor, and a friend to pets and people everywhere. Dr. Downes began her career practicing both large and small animal medicine, practicing in eastern Washington state. In 1996, she invested in her own general small animal practice in Pennsylvania alongside her husband and fellow celebrated veterinarian, Dr. Jay Rowan. Originally named Tredyffrin Animal Hospital, founded in 1949, they changed the name to Paoli Vetcare.

Dr. Downes puts both the health of the animals and exceptioanl client service first. She cares for every animal that comes through her door, working diligently to protect and promote their health and wellbeing. She makes it her priority to diagnose, treat, and research all associated medical conditions and diseases of every person’s beloved pet.

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelors of Science, summa cum laude, with honors in physics as well as holding a Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) summa cum laude from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Downes has made the the veterinary industry the center to her life. Penn State consistently ranks among the best national colleges, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine ranks in the top five vet schools. Licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania, Dr. Downes considers it an honor to work with each and every pet she sees, and has a true passion for animals. She was also valedictorian of her graduating veterinary class.

She is a Fear Free Certified® veterinaarian, using this transformative initiative to ensure that the emotional wellbeing by minimmizing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Fear Free® is one of the most impactful methods to have made incredible strides in reducing the fear, stress, and anxiety of pets during veterinary visits. Dr. Downes personally whelped and trained her own working line German Shepherd Dog to be both a trusted service animal and certified personal protection canine.

Paoli Vetcare is proudly one of only 15% of veterinary practices in the US and Canada to hold the voluntary AAHA-accredited designation. AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) is a non-profit organization that inspects veterinary hospitals and accreditation signifies that a veterinary practice has met or exceeded stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine, from pain management to medical record-keeping, and has committed to a path of continuous improvement

All veterinarians at Paoli Vetcare, Dr. Downes included, are also proud members of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), a non-profit association that provides resources and continuing education for veterinary professionals. All of Paoli Vetcare’s veterinarians and staff attend yearly continuing education classes, seminars, and conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. Paoli Vetcare also supports their community and small businesses through the Paoli Business Association and Main Line Chamber of Commerce, ensuring that they care for not only pets but the community at large.

Dr. Downes has a passion and love for pets, her staff, and her community — she makes great efforts to continue to educate herself and everyone around her in animal care and veterinary practice management.

Get to know Dr. Erin Downes today! She’s extremely passionate about pets, and loves to answer each and every question that you might have. Her door is always open.

Education

•       Pennsylvania State University, BS with honors in Physics, summa cum laude, Golden Key International Honor Society
•       University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, VMD, summa cum laude, valedictorian, Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society

Certifications

•       Fear Free® Certified Veterinary Professional 
•       Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Internship
•       USDA Accredited Veterinarian — U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
•       Delaware Valley Academy of Veterinary Medicine — Continuing Education Seminar Program

 Affiliations

•       AAHA — American Animal Hospital Association
•       AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
•       Paoli Business Association 
•       Main Line Chamber of Commerce
•       VHMA — Veterinary Hospital Managers Association