Cottonwood Animal Hospital

Mission Statement
Cottonwood Animal Hospital is committed to providing quality state of the art veterinary medicine with the utmost in integrity and compassion.
Our patients and clients will always be treated as if they are a part
of our own family. We will spare no effort in the service of our clients or the quality in which we care for our patients.


  • 3161 Highway K 68
  • Ottawa,KS 66067
  • Phone: (785) 242-7822
  • Fax: (785) 242-0216
  • Email: cottonwoodah@yahoo.com
  • Email Us
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  • Monday-Friday: 7:15am - 5:30pm
  • Saturday: 7:15am - 12:00pm
  • Sunday: Closed

  • Larry Mages D.V.M.

    Veterinarian
    Graduated from Kansas State University in 1972. He has practiced in Ottawa since 1973. He enjoys all species, but specializes in large animal medicine.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1972
    Education:
    Kansas State Univeristy

  • Trent Lancaster D.V.M.

    Veterinarian
    Dr. Lancaster's career in veterinary medicine started early in life when he would assist Dr. Mages with farm calls in the sixth grade. Growing up on a dairy farm he has always had a passion for taking care of animals and protecting the bond between humans and animals. Dr. Lancaster is a proud Kansas State University alumni. Having earned a degree in Agriculture in 1989 and then later graduating from the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. After graduation he traveled to California to practice. He then moved back to Kansas where he practiced in Wichita before returning back home to Ottawa in December of '93.  He enjoys the challenges associated with medical cases and small animal dentistry. In his time away from the hospital, Dr. Lancaster enjoys cheering on the Wildcats at football games. Or spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks with his wife of thirty years, Jody. Together they have two children, Maddy who is a labor and delivery nurse and Cooper who works at the family owned grain elevator business in Sabetha, Kansas.   
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 1991
    Education:
    Kansas State University

  • Laura Erwin D.V.M.

    Veterinarian
    Graduated from Kansas State University in 2002. She returned to Ottawa in 2005 to join the practice. She specializes in small animal and equine medicine.
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2002
    Education:
    Kansas State University

  • Rance P. Erwin D.V.M.

    Veterinarian
    Dr. Rance Erwin knew from a young age he wanted to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a Veterinarian.  Following his graduation from Kansas State University in 2002 Rance joined the army where he completed two tours of duty overseas providing his services to the canine corps. After his tours ended, Colonel Rance Erwin began working at Cottonwood in the Fall of 2006. While he enjoys working with dogs and cats he also enjoys working with their owners as well. Some of the most rewarding aspects of the job to him are the relationships and connections he's built throughout the years with both patients and clients.  When hes not working in the Army Reserves or here at Cottonwood Dr. Erwin enjoys spending time with his family and making Dr. Laura Erwin happy. 
    Years in Practice:
    Jan 01, 2002
    Education:
    Kansas State University

  • Janie Mages

    Office Manager
    Wife of Dr. Larry Mages and mother of Dr. Laura Erwin.

    Janie's responsibilities in the overall operation of the hospital are too numerous to mention, suffice it to say in her absence you'll find her responsibilities.

  • Dustin

    Veterinary Technician
    Dustin's career in veterinary medicine started in 1999 working as a kennel assistant. He joined us in 2015 and has been a vital member of our team ever since. While he works primarily in the large animal department with Dr. Mages, Dustin enjoys providing caring and loving palliative care to patients at the end of their journey. His main goal at work is to make anyone he meets laugh, which I'm sure most of our clients can attest to! Dustin spends all of his free time with his two children and his Golden Doodle named Archie.

  • Rochelle RVT

    Veterinary Technician
    When Rochelle was just out of training with the National Guard she saw an advertisement on television for Veterinary Technician schooling and within a month she was enrolled in class and the rest is history! After her graduation in 2013 from Brown Mackie College with a Associates of Applied Science she started her career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. In August of 2017 Rochelle joined us here at Cottonwood where she enjoys the critical care cases and helping pets get back to good health. Rochelle wears many hats but the one she's known most for is her "cat whisperer" title. Her calm demeanor can relax even the most stressed of felines. You are most likely to meet Rochelle while checking in your pet for surgery as she is our main Dental/ Surgery technician.  In her time off of work Rochelle enjoys reading and spending time with her eleven year old son and her six cats, two dogs and two rabbits.

  • Stephany

    Veterinary Technician 
    A true jack of all trades, working as a small and large animal tech, receptionist and behind the scenes doing admin work as well! For the last six and a half years she has been an invaluable member of our team. During her days off, Stephany enjoys spending time on her farm with her animals and riding her horses.

  • Anwyn

    Veterinary Technician
    Anwyn came to us in 2021 during her move to Kansas. After her graduation from Sno-Isle Tech Veterinary Assisting program in 2017 she has worked with a variety of animals from the west to east coast. Growing up showing American Quarter Horses Anwyn of course enjoys the equine aspect of her job but also finds interest in medical and surgical cases. In her free time she enjoys volunteering and hiking with her husband and their two Boston Terriers Arlo and Goose.

  • Lauren

    Veterinary Technician
    Lauren joined our team in June of 2023 after starting her career in veterinary medicine the year prior.  Before she found her calling working with animals she Graduated from Neosho Community College with an Associates in science- Criminal Justice. She also has a Business Administration degree from Ottawa University. Some of her passions in this field include working with  brachycephalic dogs, especially Bulldogs! When she's not working hard she enjoys playing video games and spending time with her pets, Sara a terrier mix, Luna a Victorian Bulldog and Auri a domestic short hair cat.

  • Taylor

    Veterinary Technician 
    Please welcome Taylor to the Cottonwood family! Starting at the first of April 2024 Taylor's favorite part of working here is learning how to help and understand animals that need veterinary care. Taylor is attending Penn Foster to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. When not at work or taking classes she plays softball and enjoys art.

  • Colleen RVT

    Veterinary Technician
     Starting at Cottonwood in 2010 Colleen is one of our longest standing employees. Working full time at a animal pharmaceutical company, she enjoys being involved in bringing new products to the market to better the quality of life for pets and production animals. Colleen attended Maple Woods veterinary technology program and graduated in 2005. She also has her bachelors in animal science from Kansas State University.  Colleen has two children, Dalton and Morgan who are active members in the 4H program. So most of her and her husband, Justin's time is spent at livestock and cattle shows! 

  • Diana

    Veterinary Technician

    Joining the CAH family in 2016, Diana has done it all the last eight years! From surgery and reception to tech work on animals large and small.  She enjoys working with cats and horses the most. As a full time homeschooling mom of four girls, she works at the clinic on the weekends to keep her tech skills fresh!

  • Cole

    Veterinary Technician
    As the son of Dr. Laura and Dr. Rance Erwin and the Grandson of Dr. Mages, Cole was born into the veterinary profession. He started at Cottonwood caring for animals in the kennels but has advanced to working as a technician. Cole enjoys being around people as well as animals and the fact that he can travel for farm calls and be outside. Cole plans to follow in his family's footsteps and attend Kansas State University to become a veterinarian.  In his free time Cole enjoys riding horses and spending time with his friends and family.

  • Angie CDT

    Kennel Assistant
    Angie has been a pillar here at Cottonwood for many years. You may recognize her from leading puppy classes or being the smiling face that brings your pets up to you from boarding. Angie is a Certified Dog Trainer and enjoys training dogs to be fun lovable pets. While not at Cottonwood Angie spends her time teaching children as a Title One Aide at a Elementary school.She also spends her free time working with her dogs and loving on her Grand-kids.