Ashton Sellers, an African American veterinarian from Kansas City, Missouri, has become the first Black woman to own an animal hospital in her city's metropolitan area. At 32, she also becomes the youngest woman to lead Hickman Mills Animal Hospital, a long-standing clinic that has served the Hickman Mills community since 1957.
Sellers now oversees Hickman Mills Animal Hospital, a practice that has changed ownership only a few times in its history. The clinic has been a steady presence in the neighborhood for decades, caring for generations of pet owners. Under Sellers’ leadership, it enters a new phase while continuing its long community role.
“We are in Hickman Mills Animal Hospital…my hospital,” Sellers said, according to Fox 4 KC. “Once you move into ownership, it’s just a whole different ballgame because now it’s you. From the minute somebody walks in the door, it’s your business, your staff; these are your patients and that just comes with a different mindset that you have to have.”
Her path to ownership started years earlier. According to her mother, Susan Weaver, Sellers dreamed of this from an early age. “She’s always excelled; she’s always achieved and always had goals, and she’s always been determined to accomplish her goals,” Weaver said.
Sellers recently began operating the clinic under her ownership and is now publicly marking the milestone with a community open house. The event includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, raffles, a food truck, and recognition from Jackson County Legislator Donna Peyton.
“This milestone represents far more than personal success,” Peyton said. “It is a powerful testament to perseverance, excellence, and being prepared and equipped for such an opportunity... she has also created a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of young women, particularly young Black girls, to pursue careers in science, medicine, and business ownership.”
Outside the clinic, Sellers maintains a strong connection to animals at home. She cares for a former military K-9, a Belgian Malinois, a German Shepherd, and a horse.
Learn more about her clinic at HickmanMillsAnimalHospital.com