Dr. Jacobson - The Hometown Veterinarian
DVM, ALSC Fellow

Owner, Veterinarian

Dr. Grant Jacobson is a passionate and dedicated veterinarian who followed his true calling to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. Driven by a lifelong affinity for animals, his journey to becoming The Hometown Veterinarian is unique.

Like many teenagers. Dr. Jacobson struggled to select a college major. However, uncertainty gave him time to stop and truly reflect on his passion and goals. It was then that veterinary medicine called his name.

After declaring his major, friends and family shared that they knew he was destined for this path from the start.  With a love of animals and a desire to make a difference, his journey to becoming a veterinarian took shape.

Dr. Jacobson graduated from Iowa State University in 1997 with a degree in veterinary medicine. Prior to attending Iowa State, he attended Marshalltown Community College, laying the foundation for his future veterinary career.

He began his veterinary career working at Blue Sky Animal Hospital in Wyoming, Minnesota in 1997. In 1999, his roots brought him back home to Marshalltown where he continued to practice veterinary medicine for 19 years at Animal Clinic - The Vet until it was sold to a corporate consolidator. In 2018, he founded The Hometown Veterinarian and has been committed to providing the highest standard of veterinary care to his patients.

Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Jacobson has been actively involved in various organizations including the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA), the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV). He is also an alum of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.  Dr. Jacobson also enjoys mentoring and nurturing aspiring veterinary students which showcases his commitment to shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Dr. Jacobson has a passion for surgery and was an early adopter of veterinary laser surgery. Every surgery performed by Dr. Jacobson utilizes laser technology because, as he often says, “Why would you want your pet to bleed and hurt more?”

His commitment to laser surgery education and safety recently led to recognition as a Fellow of the American Laser Study Club (ALSC), reflecting advanced education in laser surgery fundamentals, laser safety, and continued professional development in surgical techniques.

Patient comfort and pain management are also central to Dr. Jacobson’s approach to veterinary medicine. He recently completed all three modules of the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Certificate in Pain Management program, reinforcing his commitment to modern pain management strategies and improving patient comfort before, during, and after procedures.

Dr. Jacobson is skilled in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and accepts referrals from across Iowa for advanced surgical procedures. He completed training in the Securos PAX system, a polyaxial locking plate system used in both orthopedic procedures and fracture repair, reflecting his continued commitment to modern surgical techniques and fixation methods.

He also enjoys managing complex medical cases and cares for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, and many other exotic species.

Outside of life as a veterinarian, Dr. Jacobson embraces a diverse range of personal hobbies and interests. He actively participates on the local Pheasants Forever Board, championing wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. He also partakes in 3D printing, gardening, music, playing the guitar, and fishing. He also serves as a member of his church worship band and is an Eagle Scout.

The Hometown Veterinarian is proud to be locally owned by Dr. Grant Jacobson and to be a member of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners (IVPA), which symbolizes a continued commitment to patients, clients, and the community.

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine 1997

Advanced Education & Professional Development

Dr. Jacobson believes that continuing education is essential to providing modern veterinary care and improving patient outcomes. Throughout his career, he has pursued additional education in surgery, pain management, laser technology, orthopedics, and patient safety.

Highlights of his advanced training and professional development include:

  • Fellow, American Laser Study Club (ALSC)
  • WSAVA Certificate in Pain Management (Modules I–III Completed)
  • Securos PAX System Training for advanced orthopedic procedures and fracture fixation
  • Securos TPLO
  • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program Alum

Ongoing continuing education in surgery, pain management, exotic animal medicine, and advanced veterinary techniques

This commitment to continuing education helps ensure patients benefit from modern techniques, improved comfort, and continually evolving standards of care.