Our Practice
Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care is a state of the art, advanced animal health care facility, providing the latest in veterinary surgery, diagnostics, imaging and intensive care for dogs and cats on Indianapolis’ Southside, Greenwood and other surrounding communities. We focus on delivering that care in a way that places you and your pet as our highest priority. With us, you’re never just a number. You’ll be welcomed with open arms and caring, compassionate hearts.
Our dedicated team is available to handle even the most critical situations, 24/7/365. We also offer a wide variety of specialty services to manage your companion’s ongoing good health. Our patients have access to an elite team of doctors, specialists and support staff that are prepared to step in and handle all of your pet care needs at a moment’s notice. Our veterinary surgeons have combined experience that spans more than 70 years and are nationally recognized for their skills. You can feel confident that when your pet is with us, he or she is in caring, capable hands.
Our hospital is well equipped with advanced equipment and technologies that allow us to provide the highest standard of care for your pet. Our facility has the equipment to provide comprehensive in house testing for advanced diagnostic services, including digital x-ray, ultrasound imaging and CT scanning. We also have cutting edge surgical suites, well-stocked pharmacy, and much more.
Our feel at home exam rooms and the genuine concern our dedicated staff has for each and every one of our clients and patients are what sets us apart and makes us the emergency and specialty care center of choice for so many local pet lovers. Our doctors stay in touch with clients, providing daily updates, whether it’s an intensive care case in our ER, a referral to our surgical or internal medicine departments or something else. We’re ready to partner with you with the shared goal of helping your loved one remain as happy and healthy as possible.
At Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care, we strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care at affordable prices. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn’t feeling well, but also to work with you AND your family veterinarian to provide the highest level of care and service to you and your loved one. We will communicate with both you and your veterinarian through every step of the way to ensure that all members of your pet’s healthcare team are involved in his or her important health care decisions.
Whether your pet is arriving from one of our many referring veterinary practices or if you simply found us on your own, we promise to treat your four legged family member with compassionate care and involve you and your regular veterinarian in the management of your pet’s case. In addition to our specialist referral services, our emergency care team is available around the
clock and every day of the year for any pet related emergency that may arise. While you hopefully never have to experience such a situation, it's good to know that there's someone you can count on in your time of need.
Regardless of the reason you’re visiting our hospital, when you’re with us, you can expect to receive compassionate care and genuine concern, starting with the first contact via the phone with our receptionists, all the way through to our aftercare follow up, and every step along the way. We want you and your pet to feel as comfortable and at ease as possible with us, and we pledge to always go the extra mile in everything we do to achieve that goal.
We look forward to serving you and your loved one in every way we can and helping to improve the chances of you both enjoying many happy, healthy years of companionship with one another. To learn more about the services we offer, click here.
Meet Our Team
dr. joni kirch
emergency veterinarian
Dr. Kirch was born and raised in Indianapolis. From an early age, she knew her passion for animal care was something special—she never had a second thought about becoming a veterinarian!
In high school, Joni studied hard to be accepted into Purdue University’s pre-vet- program. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Purdue, she was accepted into their School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with her DVM in 1993.
As a veterinarian, Dr. Kirch enjoys all aspects of general practice. She finds the relationships she develops with families are the most rewarding parts of her job.
At home, Joni lives with Giggsy, a poodle rescue. When she’s not working, spending time with family, or caring for her pets, Dr. Kirch enjoys playing soccer, her hobby of 30 years. She even travels occasionally to play in tournaments! She’s also hiked through more than 30 of the country’s national parks, and plans to visit many more.
DR. SHAY BENDAVID, DVM
emergency veterinarian
All it took for Dr. Bendavid to know that she wanted to work with animals was to foster a group of kittens. Fast forward and she's now a part of the VSEC South Emergency Team! She obtained her undergraduate degree in Georgia and attended vet school in Illinois.
Her family includes 2 rescue dogs, Mia and Belloni Sandwiches, and three cats - Burrito, Luna and Hamster. When not at work Dr. Bendavid likes to watch Netflix, garden, fostering kittens and spending time with family and friends. We're thrilled to have her as part of the VSEC South team.
DR. SELENA ROMO
emergency veterinarian
Dr. Romo's very first job in high school was as a Pet Care Specialist at Noah's Caring Hands in Geist in 2015. She dreamed back then of one day becoming a Veterinarian and practicing Emergency Medicine.
Her family includes a cat named Marisol "Momo," who loves to wear hats, and a family dog named Bailey who is a miniature Australian Shepherd (with a LARGE personality!). When not at work, Dr. Romo loves to read, cook, take pictures and ride horses...anything to do with being outside.
Dr. Romo is looking forward to being there for you and your pet in your time of need.
Dr. Bridget Thomas
emergency veterinarian
A graduate of Franklin Central High School, Dr. Thomas attended Purdue and received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Biology. She was a member of the Shelter Medicine Club, Pre-Vet Club and played intramural 4x4 sand volleyball. She then attended Lincoln Memorial University where she obtained her DVM. Her veterinary interests include small animal internal medicine, surgery, and emergency and critical care.
When not taking care of patients, Dr. Thomas enjoys going on hikes, walks/runs with her 6-year-old Dalmatian, Vegas, as well as working out at the gym, baking/cooking, traveling, trying out breweries and wineries, and just relaxing, watching TV with a pint of Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
We are excited to have Dr. Thomas as part of the Noah's & VSEC family!
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josie imus
client service representative
A native of Fairbanks, Alaska, Josie had an early (and unique!) introduction to animals. Her family raised sled dogs, and her Mom even ran the Yukon Quest! Dog mushing was a big part of her family, and where there are working dogs - there are vet visits. Josie quickly became interested in veterinary medicine.
She worked as a Veterinary Assistant at multiple practices in Fairbanks before moving to Indianapolis and joining the VSEC team in 2015. Her family includes her girlfriend and their daughter, and their four-legged kids: dogs Trance, Basher & Goose, and cats Chaeli, Stitch & Olivia. They also have a very unique fish family - including Bucky, Steve, Clint, Phil, Kate Basil...and 4 catfish known as the Tracksuit Mafia.
brittany searcy, rvt
EMERGENCY TECHNICIAN
Growing up on the west side of Indianapolis, Brittany was the kid taking naps with the dogs outside—sometimes in the dog house! Her affinity with animals at a young age convinced her to become a veterinary professional.
Brittany applied to the Vet Tech Institute at International Business College and was quickly accepted. 18 months later she graduated with her Registered Veterinary Technician’s license. Now she loves coming to work every day at Noah’s Stop 11 Animal Hospital! She especially likes assisting with surgeries because of the challenge, and also is passionate about client education and helping pet owners understand their furry friends’ health.
Brittany’s personal interests include animal behavior, holistic medicine, traveling, crafting, and continuing her education. At home, she has five dogs: Snoopy, Tate, Lily, Chubbers, and Tyson, as well as two cats named Tootie and Lucy who enjoy basking in the sun.
mandy young
office manager