BUILT ON A
LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE,
DRIVEN BY A VISION
FOR THE FUTURE
Founded in 1937 as Pieper Veterinary, COVE has grown from a single practice into a thriving multi-state network that combines specialty, emergency, and primary care.
Key Milestones
1937
Pieper Veterinary founded by Dr. Neil Pieper in Middletown, CT.
1985
Expansion and establishment of the hub and spokes model in CT under Dr. Robert Olson and Dr. Virginia Nunez through new locations and hospital acquisitions.
2017
2022
2023
TODAY
COVE operates multiple locations across four states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania—integrating specialty, emergency, and primary care into a seamless network.
Our Vision
Our vision at COVE Animal Health is to build the leading veterinarian-first platform where medical teams are empowered to thrive and deliver exceptional care. We are committed to creating a culture that prioritizes the growth and development of our teams, investing in advanced education and meaningful support to help them succeed. As we expand our network, we focus on strengthening patient care and deepening client relationships without compromising the values that define us. Our growth is intentional and guided by a deep respect for the legacy of each practice we partner with—preserving their history while driving innovation to shape the future of veterinary medicine.
Our Approach
Veterinary Thought Leadership
Our hospitals operate under a veterinarian-led model, with doctors directly involved in operations through a dyad leadership structure. Regional Group Presidents, all experienced veterinarians, provide oversight, while veterinary leaders across the organization ensure strong clinical governance.
Integrated Network for Better Care
Our hub-and-spoke model delivers a seamless client experience by connecting primary care, specialty, and emergency hospitals. Primary care hospitals have access to online booking and same-day appointments, ensuring pets receive timely, expert care. Specialty and emergency hospitals have immediate access to patient records and primary care locations have access to real-time data about what is happening to their referrals, allowing for streamlined emergency treatment and smooth follow-ups.
Financial Strength Through Collaboration
By uniting hospitals under a shared mission, we drive efficiency, innovation, and best practices. Leadership development, regional teamwork, and shared resources empower veterinary professionals to grow, improve patient care, and build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Investing in Our People
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We provide ongoing training, mentorship, and leadership pathways that empower veterinarians, technicians, and hospital staff.
Commitment to Community
COVE hospitals are deeply rooted in their local communities, preserving their unique legacies while benefiting from the strength of a larger network. We support each hospital’s ability to maintain strong client relationship while providing the resources needed to enhance care and expand services.
Our Hospitals
COVE hospitals are built on decades of trusted care. Our network spans 24/7 multi-specialty and emergency centers, seamlessly connected to local hospitals delivering primary care, surgery, and dentistry. Backed by regional tertiary care hubs, every local location combines community roots with advanced medical support—bringing high-quality care closer to home.
Led by experienced, practicing veterinarians with personal connections to their regions, our teams don’t just operate hospitals—they grow them. Together, we’ve opened new locations, expanded existing ones, and built internship and residency programs that help train the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Experienced Leadership
Team and Partners
COVE is led by CEO Tessa Olson, MBA, and CMO Ben Olson, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology). They have championed providing advanced veterinary care to the community and developing prestigious doctor and technician training programs, making COVE a leader in the industry over the past 20 years.
