For three decades, Dr. Larry Lamb has been a fixture in Manchester, providing veterinary care to countless pets. Now, as he steps into retirement, a new chapter begins at Manchester Animal Hospital with Dr. Scott Teague taking over.
The pick was a highly personal one. Last summer, when Dr. Lamb hosted a regional veterinary association outing for colleagues at Tuck’s Point, he and Scott Teague talked informally about their industry, and how it’s changed to become bigger, and more corporate. Yes, bigger can mean better for tech advancements. But it’s also something that could translate into less time and personal connection to the animals in their care.
“I saw something familiar in Scott, and that was a yearning for a local feel that comes from an independent animal hospital like ours,” said Lamb. “We’re really fortunate to have him in Manchester.”
And it’s true. Dr. Teague, a seasoned veterinarian on the North Shore, brings extensive medical expertise but also a strong philosophy of personalized, community-centered pet care.
A graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine—coincidentally the same alma mater as Dr. Lamb—Teague had initially envisioned a career in veterinary medicine after being inspired by his childhood veterinarian in Rochester, NY. After his training, Scott came to Boston to work at the esteemed Angel Memorial Hospital. It’s where he met his wife, Rachel, a fellow veterinarian. The couple has two teenage children.
From Boston, Teague spent 16 years at Danvers Animal Hospital, a major regional center. In 2014, when the hospital was acquired by a corporate group, Teague stepped into a management role, ultimately becoming Medical Director and overseeing a team of veterinarians. The role offered a lot of professional growth, especially in business operations, but Teague saw the hands-on patient care and the personal relationships he loved so much falling away. It was unsatisfying; because that connection is what drew him to veterinary medicine in the first place.
Scott says he was drawn to Manchester Animal Hospital’s independence, its deep ties to this community, and the opportunity to provide comprehensive, individualized care.
This return to basics makes sense, especially on Cape Ann. Pets have become full-fledged members of the American family, and pet healthcare reflects it. Ten years ago, pet medical insurance was rare; today, it’s standard. Veterinary care has become more specialized, mirroring trends in human medicine. Corporate-owned veterinary groups have surged, often prioritizing efficiency over personalized attention.
“I wanted to be in a community where I could provide comprehensive medicine at a personal level,” he said.
Teague’s approach—offering thoughtful, unrushed care—represents a fresh buck of the trend toward “efficiency.” Shaping Manchester Animal Hospital into a place that reflects his style of care will happen step by step, he says. The transition will take time. Right now, Dr. Teague is focused on getting settled, expanding the hospital’s availability to five days a week, and gradually growing his staff. He’s betting this will resonate with Manchester’s pet-loving residents.
And it’s a bet that is likely to pay off.
