We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessa Kocher. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jessa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with coffee in hand and a book—I like to read a chapter or two in the quiet before the day takes off. Then it’s time to get my kids ready: some days that means packing them up for their forest school, and other days it’s settling in for homeschool at home. Once they’re set, I head into the hospital, where I’m usually the surgery doctor for the day. My morning is filled with pre-operative exams, reviewing bloodwork, and crafting anesthesia plans before moving into surgery itself. By early afternoon, I’ve wrapped up the surgical cases, and my husband brings me lunch before I dive into the second half of my day. That includes writing up surgery reports, calling clients with bloodwork results, supporting my associate veterinarians with their cases, and taking care of the administrative responsibilities that come with hospital ownership. At the end of the day, I head home for dinner with my family—a grounding and favorite part of my routine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a veterinarian since 2011, when I graduated from the University of Illinois. Before opening my own hospital, I worked in private practice, which was later sold to a corporation. During that time, I saw firsthand how corporate medicine was changing the profession, often prioritizing profits over what mattered most—patients, clients, and the veterinary team. I began to feel burned out and disheartened, so I made the decision to create something different.
That’s when I opened my own hospital, built on the values that I believe should always be at the heart of veterinary medicine: patient- and client-centered care, top-quality and up-to-date medical treatment, exceptional customer service, outstanding communication, and genuine compassion and connection. At my hospital, we focus on getting back to what I like to call “the basics”—but really, they’re the core values that drive every decision we make and every patient we treat.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I was deeply introverted and shy. I dreaded public speaking or performing, and I often struggled to make friends—usually keeping just a few very close ones at a time. What I’ve learned about myself since then is almost the opposite: people are my “why.” Human connection is what drives me now—it influences every decision I make and every action I take.
While many veterinarians would say the animals are their why (and of course, I love animals deeply), for me, it’s about the people on the other end of the leash. My greatest joy comes from guiding pet owners through the care of the animals who mean so much to them, offering not just medical support but compassion, reassurance, and partnership along the way.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes. A couple of years ago, I hit a point of extreme burnout. The business had grown so quickly it felt like a boulder rolling downhill, and I was struggling to keep up. I had a team of 30 but very few systems, procedures, or support in place. I felt completely overwhelmed and even considered selling the practice and walking away.
That’s when I met Laurie, who is now my HR and practice manager. We were introduced through a mutual friend, and she initially agreed to help remotely with HR tasks. But when I opened up to her about where I was in my career, personal life, and mental health, she didn’t just hear me—she truly listened. She was all in, and that made all the difference.
Laurie helped me have the difficult conversations I had been avoiding and guided me through some big, scary decisions. She taught me to be brave by helping me face the worst-case scenarios first—“What’s the worst thing that can happen? Let’s talk through that so we can move forward.” Her support and genuine listening played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is a growth mindset. At our hospital, we encourage a professional and growth-motivated work environment where every team member is supported in building their expertise. This commitment helps us stay at the forefront of both veterinary medicine and customer service.
On a personal level, a growth mindset has been life-changing for me. I’ve learned to embrace the idea that I will make mistakes—but each one is an opportunity to learn, try again, and move forward differently. Through my own struggles, I’ve realized that real growth doesn’t come from avoiding the hard parts; it comes from moving through them. The lessons and breakthroughs happen in the struggle, not around it.
So many people want the success without the process, but I’ve become really comfortable being uncomfortable, because I know those are the moments when I grow the most.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m outside in my hammock, watching the deer wander through the yard or my kids playing in the driveway. I love having a book in hand and a warm drink—coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon. If my husband is swinging in the hammock next to me, that makes it even better. And sometimes the most peaceful moments are when a big rain—or even a hailstorm—rolls through, and I can just sit there, surrounded by the sounds and energy of nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foxrunvethospital.com
- Instagram: foxrunveterinaryhospital
- Facebook: Fox Run Veterinary Hospital
Image Credits
Mariana Ziegler
Jamie Smith
