Kenton County Animal Services has welcomed Dr. Tamara Goforth as its first-ever staff veterinarian. This milestone marks a significant step forward in KCAS’s commitment to providing exceptional care for the animals in its charge and enhancing its community services.

Dr. Goforth brings more than four decades of veterinary experience to her new role, including expertise in shelter medicine, preventative care and emergency treatment. Her addition to the KCAS team will ensure animals in the facility receive timely medical attention, thereby improving their overall health and adoptability.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Goforth to our team,” KCAS Director Kelsey Maccombs said. “Having an in-house veterinarian allows us to provide more comprehensive and immediate care to the animals, reduce wait times for medical evaluations and improve our community programming. This is a game-changer for our operations and the community we serve.”

Goforth’s first day was Tuesday, Jan. 7. An Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Goforth previously served as medical director for SPCA Cincinnati for more than 30 years, holding similar roles with Pets in Need of Greater Cincinnati and Animal Friends Humane Society in Butler County. 

The hiring of an in-house veterinarian aligns with KCAS’s broader goal of becoming a model animal services agency in the region. It underscores the County’s commitment to innovation and excellence in animal welfare. 

Goforth’s new responsibilities will include:

• Performing on-site spay and neuter surgeries;
• Providing prompt medical treatment for injured or sick animals; and
• Expanding preventative care initiatives.

Goforth also will be a key player in boosting the capacity and efficiency of the County’s community cat program, with surgeries now performed onsite. Launched in 2016, this program adopts the industry best practice of trap-neuter-return (TNR). This means community cats are taken in, ear-tipped, sterilized and vaccinated before being returned to their outdoor environment.

Scientific studies show communities with TNR programs are proof this approach stabilizes, and ultimately reduces, populations of community cats and is a proven solution to overpopulation.

Kenton County Animal Services serves as the primary animal shelter and resource center for the County, offering adoption services, animal control and community outreach programs. For more information about KCAS and its services, visit www.kentoncounty.org or follow them on social media.