Center Animal Clinic - Our Doctors
Jonathan Dohanich, DVM (Dr. Buck), Owner of Center Animal Clinic
Owner of Center Animal Clinic
Dr. Jonathan Dohanich, better known as Dr. Buck, is the proud owner of Center Animal Clinic, where he brings a unique blend of expertise and heartfelt care to every patient. Graduating with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, he's been dedicating his 17 years of experience to the well-being of small animals. His journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Penn State in 2000, setting the stage for his impactful career.
Dr. Buck's passion shines brightest in small animal dentistry, where he's completed over 80 hours of continuing education. He specializes in oral surgery, including complex extractions, gingivectomies, and oral mass removals. "One of the best compliments I receive is when clients report their pets are more affectionate or playful after oral surgery. We dramatically underestimate the level of dental pain pets experience," he shares. He also enjoys utilizing ultrasound, working with board-certified radiologists and internal medicine specialists to provide accurate diagnoses close to home.
His philosophy is simple: an educated pet owner is an empowered pet owner. "I strive to provide each client with the most current medical information in a way that is simple to understand. In the end, the pets benefit immensely from the specific medical attention they need and the client knows he/she is valued," Dr. Buck explains.
Dr. Buck's path to veterinary medicine was anything but ordinary. After graduating from Penn State, he spent 15 months in Hinche, Haiti, teaching and working at an orphanage. Witnessing the deep connection between the Haitian people and their animals inspired him to pursue his calling. He then spent two years at a milk quality veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Penn State before entering veterinary school.
When he's not at the clinic, Dr. Buck is busy with his family, including his two sons, and their furry and feathered companions. The Dohanich family includes two Decker rat terrier siblings, Duncan and Stella, three cats (Mabel, Bertie, and Bobbie), 40 laying chickens, and a small herd of Katahdin sheep and goats on their growing farm in Center Township. He enjoys playing and coaching ice hockey, hitting the gym, exploring the outdoors, reading, and listening to podcasts. He is also very involved in his church, St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, where he serves as a religious education instructor, lector, and cantor.
Dr. Buck is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Fun fact: Before his veterinary career, he spent two summers researching Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on Assateague Island, fueling his love for marine life and beach days. He brings that same sense of wonder and dedication to his work at Center Animal Clinic, ensuring every pet receives exceptional care.
Dr. Leanna Dohanich, (Dr. Doe), DVM, MS - Partner
Partner
Dr. Leanna Dohanich, known as Dr. Doe, graduated in 2006 from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, she earned a Master’s of Science in Nutrition from Virginia Tech and completed her undergraduate studies at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. With 19 years of experience in small animal medicine and surgery, Dr. Doe has developed a strong focus on emergency medicine and nutrition. She is passionate about a personalized approach to patient care, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and providing the highest quality medical attention for both pets and their owners.
Raised on a Jersey dairy farm in Mercer County, Dr. Doe gained early hands-on experience in animal care through tasks such as milking, husbandry, and medical care. She also participated in 4-H, showing both cows and dogs. Her skills and passion for animals caught the attention of local veterinarians, leading to a veterinary assistant position where she worked on and off for eight years. During this time, Dr. Doe realized that her love for animals extended to the people who care for them, recognizing the profound impact pets have on human wellbeing—a key motivator for her decision to pursue veterinary school.
Outside of work, Dr. Doe enjoys reading, writing, artwork, gardening, and hiking. She values time spent with her family, including her husband, Dr. Buck, and their two sons, Jarren and David. Their home is also shared with a variety of pets and farm animals, including two Decker Terrier dogs, Stella and Duncan; three cats, Mabel, Hot Licorice, and Bertie; a flock of chickens; two goats, Violet and Nanny; and four Katahdin hair sheep, Beauford, Dotty, Winifred, and Poppy. The family is actively involved in the Byzantine Catholic Church, where they engage in worship and fellowship with fellow parishioners.
Dr. Doe is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and holds a current veterinary license in Pennsylvania. She has also practiced in Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.
Fun Facts:
Dr. Mary C. Mehler, DVM
DVM
Dr. Mary C. Mehler brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for animal care to her role at Center Animal Clinic. A 2010 graduate of St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine, she has spent the last eight years dedicated to small animal general practice and shelter medicine, honing her skills and deepening her commitment to animal well-being.
At Center Animal Clinic, Dr. Mehler’s clinical interests are diverse, with a particular focus on internal medicine, feline medicine, and abdominal ultrasound. She's a firm believer in providing evidence-based, compassionate, and fear-free care, ensuring every pet feels safe and comfortable.
Her journey into veterinary medicine began early, fueled by a deep love for animals and a desire to help those facing health challenges. "Growing up with numerous pets who battled cancer sparked my interest," she explains. "By the age of 12, I was already observing at a veterinary clinic, and I knew this was my calling." Having grown up with Aussies and St. Bernards, she is now a dedicated cat enthusiast. Her rescue cat, Secha, whose name is a sweet nod to "second chance," holds a special place in her heart.
When she's not caring for her patients at Center Animal Clinic, Dr. Mehler enjoys diving into non-fiction books, catching up on medical dramas (for research, of course!), and creating intricate diamond paintings. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, and she loves expanding her knowledge through annual CE conferences and online courses.
Dr. Mehler's dedication to her patients and her lifelong love for animals make her a valued member of the Center Animal Clinic team.
