Step by step
story by Kimberly McClellan
As Chris Hyland was growing up, his father encouraged him to follow his passion. One of seven sons, Chris was the only one who became a veterinarian like his dad.
“My father came to Owensboro in the 1960s and I followed him to work at the Audubon Animal Hospital as often as I could,” Chris says. “He instilled in me a strong work ethic, and I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian and help animals just like he did.”
Chris partnered with his father after college at Towne Square Animal Hospital. They worked together for 10 years before John Hyland passed away.
Chris now has three animal care facilities. He recently added another business, Hylan Shoe Co. He finds himself now in the role of pedorthist. His shoes help people with health issues such as diabetes, bone spurs and plantar fascitis.
Chris wore corrective footwear growing up, and when an opportunity came to design an attractive shoe with a friend, Jason Laney, he took it.
‘The company name combines our names together as Hy-lan,” he said. “Our goal is to grow as the Lord would have us grow. Three of the shoe styles are named after my children, Ross, Maria, and Eliza.”
Chris displays a photo of them and his wife, Lisa, in his office. He feels blessed.
“My faith teaches me we’re called to help others,” he says.
Dr. Chris Hyland discusses flea medication with client Samantha Wedding. The pet owner recently took in an abandoned kitten, Bella, who is approximately seven weeks old.
Veterinarian technicians Molly Simon (left) and Libby Oller (right) ease their patient, a pit bull named Molly, onto the operation table after prepping her for surgery.
Chris Hyland is a small-animal vetrinarian. His operating table is in front of a heavenly print that expresses his commitment to helping others.
Dr. Chris Hyland makes the first incisions in a spay procedure on Molly. He pauses, waiting for veterinary technician Molly Simon to safely withdraw her hand after blotting the area.
Bella, a tabby, arrives at Owensboro's Towne Square Animal Hospital for a regular checkup.
Chris Hyland, a veterinarian and pedorthist, travels to four different facilities during his day to care for others in the community.