Dr. Ritchie graduated from The Ohio State University in June, 1977. He started practicing in the Washington D.C. area, then moved to Cincinnati and later to Youngstown. He relocated to Columbus in 1983 to be near family and start up his own practice. Best Friends Veterinary Hospital was opened March 1, 1983 at the corner of Hard and Smokey Row Roads in northwest Columbus. After 5 years as a solo practitioner he was joined by Dr. Rex Riggs. As the practice grew and the leased space became too cramped, Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Riggs decided to design and build their own facility, realizing the dream when they moved to their present location December 1, 2005.
Dr. Ritchie belongs to state and local veterinary associations and attends several conferences yearly to keep abreast of the most updated information. Education of the Best Friends staff is a priority so "in house" meetings are held monthly. Dr. Ritchie believes that well-educated staff and doctors bring the best information and options to our clients, and the best treatment to their pets. The comfort and care of our hospitalized patients is also a priority.
Dr. Ritchie met his wife Anne, at OSU and they were married in 1978. They have 4 children and 1 son-in-law, Christine (Tim Petteys), Jason, Rachel, and Shannon. Dr. Ritchie volunteers a considerable amount of time on a committee at St. Joan of Arc Church in Powell. Dr. Ritchie enjoys gardening and landscaping, and enjoys delving into minor construction projects.
