Veterinarians

Dr. Eileen Mertz, B.S., D.V.M

A native of LeRoy, Kansas, Eileen received her degrees from Kansas State University. After two years in a mixed animal practice in Iowa, Dr. Mertz came to Gardner Animal Hospital as the manager/owner in 1986.

Dr. Mertz is a member of the national, state and local veterinary associations, Phi Zeta Veterinary Medicine Honorary Fraternity and graduated in the top ten percent of her veterinary class. Gardner Animal Hospital maintains membership in the American Animal Hospital Association. Less than 18 percent of the small animal veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada are accredited AAHA members.

Dr. Mertz has four sons -Brent, Grant, Adam and Alec. Her pets at home include a yellow tabby cat, Garfield and a tortoise and white cat, Oreo. Although currently dogless at home, Dr. Mertz has been a breeder of Miniature Schnauzers in the past.

For fun, Dr. Mertz recently acquired her Private Pilot's License and is a member of the Aircraft Owner and Pilot's Association. Her other passions include Ballroom Dancing, Golfing and Gourmet Cooking. She is a member of TC Dance International and has played some competitive golf as a serious amateur. Dr. Mertz, also, enjoys water skiing behind her boat on the lake and snow skiing. Her other workout routines include running, bicycling, weight lifting and Bikram yoga. She is presently training for duathlons and triathlons.  KC Chiefs and K-State Football games are a part of her entertainment schedule. Dr. Mertz has served the community as a member of Gardner Planning Commission, Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Gardner Rotary Club and numerous other community organizations over the last several years.

Most recently, In 2010, Dr. Mertz was recognized by Ingram's Magazine as one of the Fittest Executive Females in Kansas City.  In 2009, Dr. Mertz was honored as one of the 25 award winners for 2009 Women Who Mean Business Award given by the Kansas City Business Journal.  Gardner Animal Hospital was listed in Ingram's Magazine as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Businesses in Kansas City that same year.  In 2007, Dr. Mertz as Gardner Animal Hospital was one of the 25 Under 25 Award winners given by the Kansas City Small Business Monthly Magazine for the top 25 businesses in Kansas City with under 25 employees. In addition in 2007, Gardner Animal Hospital won the Business of the Year Award from the Gardner Area Chamber of Commerce and a Business Achievement Award given by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

If you have any medical questions you can click here to e-mail Dr. Mertz

Receptionists

Sherri Cale

Groomers

Nicole Rhoney

Nicole joined Gardner Animal Hospital in the in the spring of ’08. She has been working as a groomer since 1985 and has experience in all breeds of dogs and will also groom cats.

Nicole and her family recently moved to Gardner in past year and now call it home. Nicole and her husband have 2 boys, Joseph and Blake. Nicole spends her time away from Gardner Animal Hospital by working with Second Chance Pet Adoption. She has spent the last 11 years working there in her free time by rescuing and adopting animals for the organization.