Exploring Life & Business with KC Van Fleet of Omnivet

Today we’d like to introduce you to KC Van Fleet

Hi KC, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dr. K.C. Van Fleet’s journey into veterinary medicine began with a deep-rooted love for animals and a fascination with the intricacies of animal health and human connection. As a teenager, K.C. sought out opportunities to shadow veterinarians, gaining firsthand experience in the daily realities of veterinary practice. These early experiences taught him the importance of compassion, clear communication with pet parents, and a deep understanding of both the medical and emotional needs of animals and their owners.

Dr. Van Fleet’s dedication led him to Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated with honors in 2017. During his time at MSU, he immersed himself in many facets of veterinary medicine, developing a strong foundation in both the science and the art of patient care. Dr. Van Fleet demonstrated a natural aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving, which enabled him to excel in his academic coursework and clinical rotations. His passion for urgent and emergency care quickly became evident, as he thrived in high-stakes situations where quick, decisive action could make a life-saving difference for pets and their families.

Dr. Van Fleet gained invaluable hands-on experience as a student worker in both the Small Animal and Large Animal Emergency and Critical Care Departments. In the Small Animal ECC Department, he assisted with stabilizing critically ill patients, monitoring post-operative recovery, and managing a wide range of medical emergencies, from trauma cases to acute illnesses. He developed proficiency in performing essential procedures, interpreting diagnostic tests, and collaborating closely with the veterinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. In the Large Animal ECC Department, Dr. Van Fleet expanded his expertise to include the management of complex cases in horses, cattle, and other large animals. He assisted with intensive treatments for colic, dystocia, and respiratory distress, gaining a deep appreciation for the unique challenges associated with large animal emergency medicine. During his time at MSU, Dr. Van Fleet developed a deep commitment to transparency in veterinary care, recognizing the importance of empowering pet parents as active participants in their pets’ healthcare journey. He advocated for open communication and ensured that clients felt informed and confident when making treatment decisions. His dedication to fostering trust and collaboration between veterinarians and pet owners earned him the 2017 Student Customer Service Award, presented by the MSU Veterinary Medical Center’s staff and clients. This philosophy of inclusivity and transparency would go on to become a defining principle of his future practice, shaping the way he approaches patient care to this day.

After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from MSU, Dr. Van Fleet went on to build a strong foundation in clinical practice at Oakwood Veterinary Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan. During his time there, he gained extensive experience managing a diverse caseload, quickly earning a reputation for his calm, empathetic demeanor and his ability to navigate complex cases with precision and care. These formative years deepened his expertise across multiple areas of veterinary medicine, including emergency care, surgery, and end-of-life support, further shaping his well-rounded approach to patient care.

While working in these various settings, Dr. Van Fleet observed the challenges that many pet parents faced when seeking immediate care for their animals. General practices often struggled to accommodate urgent cases in their busy schedules, while emergency hospitals were frequently overburdened, leading to long wait times and stressed-out pet owners – creating frustration and eroding trust in the veterinary system. This gap in the spectrum of care planted the seed of an idea in Dr. Van Fleet’s mind—an idea that would eventually grow into Omnivet.

Dr. Van Fleet also witnessed the intense strain that this line of work put on his team members. He saw firsthand the burnout, high turnover rates, and low job satisfaction that plagued the veterinary industry. Veterinary professionals were often stretched to their limits, emotionally and physically, leading to exhaustion and a diminished sense of purpose. Dr. Van Fleet recognized that the traditional veterinary model was unsustainable—not only for pets and their families but also for the dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes. This realization inspired him to create a different kind of veterinary practice—one where staff well-being and longevity in the field were prioritized just as highly as patient care.

Dr. Van Fleet realized that Northern Michigan, especially the Traverse City area, lacked a dedicated urgent care facility that could bridge the gap between routine veterinary care and full-scale emergency services. Many pet parents found themselves caught between waiting days for an appointment at their primary vet or enduring hours-long waits at an emergency clinic for non-life-threatening concerns.

This gap inspired Dr. Van Fleet to redefine the urgent care experience—offering rapid, high-quality, and compassionate veterinary care without sacrificing the personal touch that pet owners desire. He envisioned a place where pets could receive prompt, expert medical attention and where owners would be met with empathy, education, and transparency.

In 2024, after years of careful planning and fueled by a desire to improve access to urgent care, Dr. Van Fleet founded Omnivet in Traverse City, Michigan. Omnivet was designed as a hybrid veterinary model that would not only provide urgent and emergency care but also offer mobile primary care services and end-of-life care to accommodate diverse client needs. This innovative approach allowed Omnivet to serve a wide range of clients—from local pet owners to seasonal visitors and tourists in Northern Michigan.

The vision behind Omnivet was built on a foundation of core principles that reflect our unwavering commitment to exceptional care, innovation, and compassion:

Respecting the Human-Animal Bond:
Dr. Van Fleet recognized the profound and scientifically proven connection between pets and their families. At Omnivet, preserving and strengthening this bond is at the heart of everything we do—whether through hands-on, expert care or transparent communication that empowers pet parents.

Transparency and Empowerment:
Omnivet was founded on the belief that pet owners should be active participants in their pet’s healthcare journey. Dr. Van Fleet prioritized open communication and trust, ensuring that pet parents fully understand their pet’s condition, treatment options, and prognosis. By keeping clients informed, we empower them to make confident, well-informed decisions.

Spectrum of Care:
Understanding that every family has different financial and emotional capacities, Omnivet embraces the spectrum of care model, offering customized treatment plans that meet clients where they are—without ever compromising quality. Our approach ensures that all pets receive the care they need, while honoring the unique circumstances of each family.

Innovating to Drive Care Forward:
Omnivet was designed to challenge traditional models of veterinary care by remaining agile and adaptive to the needs of our patients and clients. Through a disruptive business model and a collaborative, staff-led structure, we continuously innovate to provide high-quality, personalized care that moves the veterinary industry forward.

Staff Well-Being and Longevity:
Dr. Van Fleet was determined to create an environment where veterinary professionals could thrive without experiencing the burnout so prevalent in the industry. At Omnivet, teamwork, self-agency, and a supportive culture are prioritized, fostering a positive work environment where veterinary professionals feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been a roller coaster. Incredible highs and incredible lows and a lot of learning in between.
Launching a veterinary practice—especially one with such a multifaceted model—was not without its challenges. Low patient volume and high overhead costs in the first six months tested Dr. Van Fleet’s resilience. Dr. Van Fleet also had never owned a business, ran a business, or had any formal business training. Despite these initial hurdles, he remained committed to building trust within the local community and strengthening referral relationships with neighboring clinics.

However, introducing a new approach to veterinary care also brought unexpected resistance from some within the veterinary community.
Omnivet’s emphasis on transparency, the spectrum of care model, and mobile services was a departure from traditional practice models, prompting skepticism and concern among some colleagues. While many veterinarians recognized the value of empowering clients and offering flexible care options, others questioned whether this approach might compromise the perceived standard of care or disrupt established referral patterns. Dr. Van Fleet navigated these professional challenges with grace, focusing on fostering collaboration rather than competition and demonstrating that Omnivet’s approach could complement, rather than undermine, the work of local veterinary practices.

Omnivet’s early struggles prompted Dr. Van Fleet to lean heavily into digital marketing strategies, SEO optimization, and targeted outreach efforts. He collaborated with vacation rental hosts and partnered with local businesses to raise awareness about Omnivet’s services. His in-house marketing coordinator, Sam, played a pivotal role in driving these efforts, focusing on Google Ads, Facebook and Instagram campaigns, and content that highlighted Omnivet’s unique offerings.

Despite the initial challenges, Dr. Van Fleet remains optimistic and driven to make Omnivet a household name in Northern Michigan. Additionally, Dr. Van Fleet is invested in mentorship and veterinary education, offering externship and learning opportunities to veterinary students and young professionals. His long-term goal is to establish Omnivet as not only a trusted veterinary resource but also a hub of veterinary innovation and collaboration in Northern Michigan.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Omnivet?
In 2024, after years of careful planning and fueled by a desire to improve access to urgent care, Dr. Van Fleet founded Omnivet in Traverse City, Michigan. Omnivet was designed as a hybrid veterinary model that would not only provide urgent and emergency care but also offer mobile primary care services and end-of-life care to accommodate diverse client needs. This innovative approach allowed Omnivet to serve a wide range of clients—from local pet owners to seasonal visitors and tourists in Northern Michigan.

The vision behind Omnivet was built on a foundation of core principles that reflect our unwavering commitment to exceptional care, innovation, and compassion:

Respecting the Human-Animal Bond:
Dr. Van Fleet recognized the profound and scientifically proven connection between pets and their families. At Omnivet, preserving and strengthening this bond is at the heart of everything we do—whether through hands-on, expert care or transparent communication that empowers pet parents.

Transparency and Empowerment:
Omnivet was founded on the belief that pet owners should be active participants in their pet’s healthcare journey. Dr. Van Fleet prioritized open communication and trust, ensuring that pet parents fully understand their pet’s condition, treatment options, and prognosis. By keeping clients informed, we empower them to make confident, well-informed decisions.

Spectrum of Care:
Understanding that every family has different financial and emotional capacities, Omnivet embraces the spectrum of care model, offering customized treatment plans that meet clients where they are—without ever compromising quality. Our approach ensures that all pets receive the care they need, while honoring the unique circumstances of each family.

Innovating to Drive Care Forward:
Omnivet was designed to challenge traditional models of veterinary care by remaining agile and adaptive to the needs of our patients and clients. Through a disruptive business model and a collaborative, staff-led structure, we continuously innovate to provide high-quality, personalized care that moves the veterinary industry forward.

Staff Well-Being and Longevity:
Dr. Van Fleet was determined to create an environment where veterinary professionals could thrive without experiencing the burnout so prevalent in the industry. At Omnivet, teamwork, self-agency, and a supportive culture are prioritized, fostering a positive work environment where veterinary professionals feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Omnivet’s physical location at 3960 West Royal Drive, Traverse City, MI, was meticulously designed to be modern, spacious, and welcoming. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to a comfortable waiting area, every detail was chosen to enhance the client and patient experience. Recognizing that some pets are more comfortable at home, Omnivet also launched a mobile care division that provided wellness services, hospice care, and palliative care directly in clients’ homes.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Compassionate Transparency

We consistently emphasize the importance of being open, honest, and collaborative with clients, ensuring they feel informed and empowered in their pet’s care. We value making pet parents part of the healthcare team, working within their means, and providing options across the spectrum of care. This transparency extends to our relationships with referring veterinarians, staff, and clients—ensuring that communication is clear, expectations are managed, and trust is built.

In addition, compassion is at the heart of everything we do—whether it’s addressing client concerns, advocating for staff well-being to prevent burnout, or approaching challenging cases with empathy and understanding. Our commitment to balancing high standards of veterinary medicine with genuine care and accessibility sets the foundation for Omnivet’s mission and my own approach as a veterinarian and business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://omnivet.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/omnivethospital?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552028003934&mibextid=2JQ9oc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omnivet-urgent-care-specialty
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/omnivet-traverse-city-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)