For nearly two decades, West Brazos Animal Center has helped Brazos Valley families keep their four-legged companions happy and healthy.

Today, the locally owned business is bringing even more pet care options to the Bryan-College Station community with a new veterinary facility offering advanced diagnostic technology and surgical services alongside Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge, a premium pet lodge designed for comfort and play.

Owned by husband-and-wife team Dr. James and Jennie Baggs, West Brazos Animal Center is approaching its 20th anniversary next June and staying committed to meeting the needs of local pets and the people who love them.

How has West Brazos Animal Center grown over nearly 20 years?

The Baggses purchased the original West Villa Maria Veterinary Clinic in Bryan in 2007, beginning their journey with a small, three-exam-room practice. Over the years, the Aggie-owned business has grown alongside the Brazos Valley community, expanding its services and investing in technology to provide more comprehensive care.

“We have served the Brazos Valley diligently during that [growth], trying to help promote animal health and welfare,” said Dr. James Baggs, veterinarian and director of medicine at West Brazos Animal Center.

Today, the full-service veterinary practice provides routine medical care, advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, including orthopedic and advanced diagnostic referral surgeries.

Couple and dog mascot in cowboy hats at ribbon-cutting outside West Brazos Animal Center.

In November 2025, West Brazos Animal Center opened its expanded veterinary hospital, which features equipment such as a high-level CT scanner for veterinarians to evaluate complex conditions and perform advanced procedures. 

"Our community is very important to us, and our goal has and always will be to serve and meet the community's needs," Jennie Baggs, co-owner, chief financial officer and managing partner, said.

Recognizing a need for premium pet boarding in the Brazos Valley, they also opened Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge in 2025, offering overnight lodging, playcare, grooming and enrichment activities.

Golden-colored dog runs playfully on a paw-print splash pad with arcing water jets at a dog park.

"We wanted pets to be able to run and play and have enrichment groups and daycare and just a lot of fun and room to move around," Jennie Baggs said.

What lodging accommodations does Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge offer?

Rowdy Paw features 75 dog accommodations, with two lodging options designed for comfort:

  • Cattle Baron's Suite: premium accommodations featuring private indoor and outdoor spaces, a raised Kuranda bed, personal K9 television and complimentary daily enrichment playtime

  • Rancher's Retreat: spacious indoor accommodations featuring a raised Kuranda bed, personal K9 television and complimentary daily enrichment playtime

Rowdy Paws also welcomes feline guests with 14 configurable cat Cantina Cabins in a quiet area away from the dogs. Cats enjoy private accommodations and access to Miss Kitty’s Cat Corral, a dedicated playroom where they can climb, explore and receive individual attention.

How does Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge keep pets safe and comfortable?

Before joining supervised playgroups, dogs undergo temperament evaluations to ensure they're matched with compatible companions. Pets that prefer individual attention can enjoy one-on-one enrichment with trained caregivers known as Rowdy Wranglers.

Indoor dog daycare play area with blue and yellow climbing ramps, plush toys, and paw-print floor decals.

Rowdy Wranglers undergo progressive training, with experienced team leaders overseeing daily operations. Jennie Baggs said they maintain a maximum staff-to-dog ratio of 1-to-15 during supervised activities.

Staff can also accommodate pets requiring medication, provided owners supply the necessary instructions and medications in their original containers.

The lodge also benefits from its proximity to West Brazos Animal Center, giving pets convenient access to veterinary care if medical needs arise, as well as required vaccinations, which help protect the health and safety of animals staying at the facility.

What daily activities and additional services does Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge offer?

Whether pets are staying overnight or visiting for a few hours, Rowdy Paws offers activities designed to keep them active, engaged and entertained.

Brown and white dog sits beside a jack-o'-lantern wearing a cowboy hat in an autumn-themed photo set with pumpkins.

Its dog daycare program provides supervised playgroups, socialization and enrichment for dogs. Half-day and full-day options are available, along with multi-day packages for regular visitors.

At the Rowdy’s Roundup play area, dogs enjoy splash pads, slides, tunnels, ball pits and interactive puzzles, along with seasonal celebrations and themed activities. The lodge also offers Game Day Stay & Play experiences featuring football-themed enrichment during Texas A&M University game days.

Curly brown dog licking a whipped cream cone topped with a biscuit on a football-field mat.

Beyond playtime, Rowdy Paws offers bathing and professional grooming services to help pets look and feel their best.

“Grooming was something that we wanted to have available to our clients for convenience purposes, so they didn't have to go to 10 different places to get everything that they needed,” Jennie Baggs said. 

Owners can book Wrangler Baths, ranging from basic washing and towel drying to more thorough bathing, blow-drying and brushing. Professional grooming add-on services include haircuts, trimming, brushing and nail care.

Why does locally owned pet care matter?

For James and Jennie Baggs, locally owned pet care is about building lasting relationships with families and supporting the community they've served since 2007.

Black dog holds an orange ball while lying on a floor painted with blue paw prints at a doggy daycare.

“You need to have a bond or at least some level of familiarity with somebody that's going to take care of your animals,” James Baggs said. “Animals are not just pets anymore; they're part of our families.”

As West Brazos Animal Center and Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge continue to grow and the Baggses reflect on almost 20 years of service, their mission remains the same: to be a welcoming place families can trust throughout their pets’ lives.

Experience exceptional pet care in Bryan-College Station

From advanced veterinary services to premium pet lodging, West Brazos Animal Center and Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge are committed to keeping Brazos Valley pets happy, healthy and cared for.

Contact West Brazos Animal Center to learn more about its veterinary services or schedule an appointment:

Treat your pet to a vacation of their own at Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge. Book an overnight stay, playcare day or grooming appointment here:

Frequently Asked Questions

What veterinary services does West Brazos Animal Center offer?

West Brazos Animal Center is a full-service veterinary clinic offering routine care, orthopedic surgery, advanced diagnostic imaging and referral surgical services. The facility features a high-level CT scanner, fluoroscopy and laparoscopy, providing advanced veterinary care for pets throughout the Brazos Valley.

What types of pet boarding accommodations does Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge offer?

Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge offers premium dog boarding in spacious Cattle Baron's Suites and Rancher's Retreat accommodations. Select suites feature private indoor and outdoor access. The lodge also offers cat boarding with 14 configurable condos and a dedicated feline playroom.

Does Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge offer dog daycare and grooming?

Yes. Rowdy Paws offers supervised doggy daycare, called playcare, with group activities, individual enrichment and amenities such as splash pads, tunnels and interactive toys. The lodge also provides bathing and professional grooming services, including haircuts, brushing and nail care.

Who owns West Brazos Animal Center and Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge?

West Brazos Animal Center and Rowdy Paws Pet Lodge are locally owned by Dr. James and Jennie Baggs. The Aggie-owned veterinary practice will celebrate 20 years under their ownership in June 2027. The couple expanded their services in 2025 with a new veterinary hospital and premium pet lodging facility.