Dr. Rheal Bouchard is originally a northern Maine native. His family moved to Connecticut in the late sixties, and he started working at MacDonald Veterinary Hospital as a teenager. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University (KSU) and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from KSU in 1976.
Following graduation, he accepted a position in a mixed animal practice in Northeast Connecticut for 2 years. This gave him the opportunity to emulate the author James Herriot’s experience in “All Creatures Great and Small” and the rural area reminded him of Maine. In 1978 Dr. Bouchard returned to MacDonald Vet where he was fortunate to work alongside his mentors the MacDonald brothers, Dr. Alvin and Dr. Bill, for many years. The name MacDonald Veterinary Hospital was kept in memory of the brothers who worked so diligently to establish the practice.
Dr. Bouchard has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 47 years. Over time he has enjoyed practicing with his mentors but now especially enjoys practicing with his daughter Dr. Alana Bouchard. As a child Dr. Rheal Bouchard was always drawn to weak and sickly pets. This sparked his passion to become a veterinarian. He finds treating sick pets and helping first-time pet owners with the new addition to their family very rewarding.
Dr. Bouchard is married and has a son and daughter. He has a small hobby farm and has owned dogs, cats, ducks, horses, and cows over the years. He enjoys cycling and gardening as well as spending time with his family, his horse Apache, and his cats Aida and Little Momma.
• Licensed in Connecticut, New Hampshire, & Kansas
• USDA/APHIS- National Accreditation member
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) member (Honor Roll Status)
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA- Hospital Director).
• Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association member (President 1995)
• Bloomfield Civitan Member (President 1989-1990)