Our 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.  Dr. Mertz maintains membership in the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.

Dr. Mertz has four sons -Brent, Grant, Adam and Alec. Her pets at home include a dark silver-black Domestic Shorthaired cat, named Hamlet and a cute little Boston Terrier, named Gracie. 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 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.  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.

Dr. Sara Smith, B.S, DVM
We couldn’t be happier that Dr. Smith joined our team in September of 2015! Dr. Smith is originally from Phillipston, Massachusetts. She attended UMass Amherst where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. Dr. Smith graduated from Kansas State University in May 2014. She spent the first year out of school working in a mixed animal practice and it was there that she realized her true passion was with small animals and their families. Dr. Smith is passionate about providing the best care for her patients and education/working with their families. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Smith can be found spending time with her husband, Christian, her sons, Ellis and Harris, and their two dogs, Nike and Olive, at the dog park or going for walks or runs.

Erin Whitacre, B.S., DVM
​More to Come

Dr. Katie Hope, B.S., DVM
We are very excited that Dr. Hope; a Cunningham, Kansas native; joined our team in June of 2013. Dr. Hope, a graduate of Kansas State University, she is passionate about giving our patients the best care possible and answering your questions. When she’s not at the office Dr. Hope can usually be found enjoying the weather with her husband and two dogs, Cash and Nero, or in a comfy chair reading or in the classroom working to earn her Masters.