The growth of new veterinary and pet care facilities nationwide is improving access to animal care services. These contemporary facilities often use advanced technology and skilled veterinary professionals to offer high-quality medical care. Additionally, their focus on animal welfare can contribute to securing the bond between pets and their owners.

Here are 3 recent clinics opening across the country:

BluePearl Pet Hospital (Olympia, Washington)

BluePearl recently announced the upcoming opening of a new 24-hour emergency hospital. The hospital will be more than 16,000 sq ft and will be equipped with staff available 24/7. Located at 2432 Heritage Ct. SW, Olympia, Washington, the new hospital will open on September 25, 2024.

"We are delighted to be opening BluePearl Olympia and to be able to bring incredible care to pets in the local community" Dan Hicks, DVM, medical director at BluePearl Olympia, said in a news release.

"Our team is comprised of industry leading specialists using state-of-the-art equipment, such as our brand-new MRI machine and we are ready to care for your pets whenever you need us."

In addition to emergency services, the Olympia hospital will provide specialized services such as surgery, oncology, radiology, and neurology. The hospital will become the 5th BluePearl hospital in the State of Washington and will employ more than 80 associates, including clinicians and veterinary technicians. It will also integrate Olympia Veterinary Specialists services, clients, and associates with the new hospital.

CityVet in Richardson, Texas. (Photo courtesy of CityVet)

CityVet opened the doors to a new clinic at 2050 E President George Bush Highway, Richardson, Texas earlier this week. The new location marks CityVet’s 25th clinic in north Texas. 

CityVet Richardson provides services like preventive care, diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental treatments, and advanced surgical options in addition to grooming services. The clinic is led by Heather Timmermans, DVM, a local veterinarian with a passion for soft tissue surgeries and experience handling complicated cases, according to CityVet.

“Our rapid growth in north Texas highlights our commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care across the region,” David Boguslawski, CityVet president and CEO, said in a news release.

 “Dr Timmermans has been a huge asset to CityVet. She has had the privilege to not only mentor but also support the remarkable growth of the team and the associate DVMs at the Addison location, preparing them to take on leadership roles there.”

"My background in emergency and critical care has prepared me to effectively connect with people and patients, helping them navigate difficult situations," said Timmermans, in the release.

 "I am excited to meet and cultivate strong connections with pet parents and their animal companions in Richardson. As CityVet expands quickly and builds on its outstanding reputation, I'm eager to bring our services to my neighborhood."

VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care (Skokie, Illinois)

VCA Animal Hospitals has opened a new location at 5219 Touhy Avenue, Unit 3, Skokie, Illinois. The new urgent care center provides same-day urgent care every day of the week and 365 days a year. It serves communities in Skokie and its surrounding area including Evanston, Willmete, Lincolnwood, Niles, and Morton Grove.

The new VCA urgent care provides pet owners with same or next-day service. Owners also have the ability to join a virtual waiting room and remain at home until it is their turn, rather than waiting in the hospital. The new facility also gives pet owners access to a free 24/7 teletriage service that connects clients to a team of on-call, certified 

. These professionals can assess a pet's condition and recommend whether a visit to urgent care or the emergency room is required.

The Skokie location was also designed to offer a calming and inviting atmosphere for both pets and their owners, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

 To promote this environment, the hospital was designed without a front desk or phones. Instead, client service representatives assist clients in getting settled and checked in through mobile devices.

BluePearl Pet Hospital to open new location in Olympia, Washington. News release. BluePearl Management, LLC. August 21, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluepearl-pet-hospital-to-open-new-location-in-olympia-washington-302226783.html 

CityVet, a leading network of veterinary-owned practices, continues expansion in Dallas-Fort Worth with a new clinic opening in Richardson, TX on Monday, August 26th. News release. CityVet. August 22, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. [email]

VCA Animal Hospitals opens urgent care hospital in Skokie. VCA Animal Hospitals. August 14, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. [email]

Articles

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened or coming soon

Clinic center: Veterinary practices and hospitals opening in the US

, and Project Street Vet, a national 501(c)(3), sponsored by Fetch Pet Insurance, announced the first multicity traveling tour to give free veterinary care and pet supplies to those experiencing homelessness. Stewart and the Project Street Vet team will start the tour in Orlando, Florida August 28, 2024, and will visit Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside, California.

Those who attend the events will receive veterinary care including vaccinations and medical supplies as well as pet supplies and food. According to the release, Stewart will be joined by a group of local Project Street Vet veterinarians, including Kristen Schmidt, DVM, in Atlanta, Georgia, Frank Merrill, DVM, and Becky Nostrand, DVM, CVA, CHPV, from San Diego, California, Ari Aycock-Williams, DVM, DACLAM, and Nichole Weinstein, DVM, from Los Angeles, CA; Crystal Silveira, DVM, from Riverside, CA; and Mary Anne Holls-Bowen, DVM, and Orlando, Florida.

"We're thrilled to begin our first multi-city tour and I am looking forward to working side-by-side with our Project Street Vet veterinarians in other communities," said Stewart, in an organizational release.

"Thanks to our local volunteers and our sponsor Fetch Pet Insurance, we will bring vital veterinary care, vaccines, supplies, and food to many unhoused and vulnerable pets."

Stewart founded Project Street Vet in 2020 to empower veterinary professionals to provide free veterinary care to those experiencing homelessness. Stewart and his team have treated more than 2,500 pets, recruited more than 100 volunteers, and joined forces within almost 120 community clinics, hospitals, and organizations to help pets across the United States. To date, Project Street Vet has also raised over $2.6 million thanks to its sponsors.

"This work has been life-changing and truly inspiring," expressed Stewart.

 "It's estimated that 10-25 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a pet. Through Project Street Vet, we aim to highlight these stories and inspire others to contribute."

Stewart has been a practicing veterinarian for almost 30 years and spent time as a shelter veterinarian in an area of California that is economically challenged. He then spent over a decade volunteering his time to provide veterinary care to those experiencing homelessness before starting Project Street Vet.

Stewart currently serves as the chief veterinary officer at Kismet, the pet food company owned by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and is the chief medical officer of Holistapet. He also serves as a founding member of the Fetch Pet Insurance Advisory Board. 

Stewart was also the winner of the 2023 CNN Hero Award

Project Street Vet, CNN Hero Dr. Kwane Stewart & Fetch Pet Insurance Launch Free Veterinary Care Tour for Pets in Need. News release. Project Street Vet. August 27, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2024.

Kwane Stewart, DVM, will offer free veterinary care and pet supplies to those experiencing homelessness

Project Street Vet embarks on multi-city veterinary care tour

Pets are more than just animals; they are cherished family members and fill lives with joy, companionship, and unconditional love. Pet owners experience countless moments of happiness and comfort, creating lasting memories that remain with them even after their pets have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, observed annually on August 28th, is a special day dedicated to honoring the lives of our beloved pets who have passed away, offering a chance to reflect on the profound impact.

The concept of the Rainbow Bridge has brought solace to many grieving pet owners. It is a mythical place where pets go after they pass away, where they are restored to health and vitality, and where they wait for their human companions to join them. The imagery of a beautiful, lush meadow spanning a rainbow-colored bridge evokes feelings of peace and hope, providing comfort to those mourning the loss of a beloved pet. This comforting vision reinforces the idea that our pets are not truly gone but are waiting in a peaceful place until we can be reunited.

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day encourages us to remember the joyful moments we shared with our pets. Whether it was a dog who greeted us with wagging tails and slobbery kisses, a cat who curled up on our laps for warmth, or a bird who sang sweet melodies in the morning, each pet leaves behind a legacy of love and companionship. As we remember these happy times, we honor the unique personalities and quirks that made each pet special, acknowledging their role in shaping our lives.

Clients can celebrate the memories of their pet by creating a scrapbook or photo album, displaying cherished pictures that capture the essence of the pet's life. Have clients consider writing a letter or poem expressing their feelings and gratitude for the joy the pet brought into the client’s life. By sharing stories and memories with family and friends, it can help pet parents keep the spirit of their beloved pet alive in the heart of clients and their loved ones.

Creating a legacy for pets can be another meaningful way to honor their memory and ensure that their spirit continues to inspire love and compassion. Clients can consider planting a tree or garden in their pet’s honor, providing a living tribute that symbolizes growth, renewal, and the enduring bond between clients and patients. Additionally, pet parents can support animal charities or shelters in the name of their pet, giving back to the community and helping other animals in need.

Encouraging clients to engage in activities that remind clients of their pet can also bring comfort and joy. Volunteer at an animal shelter, participate in a charity walk, or when they are ready, adopt another pet who needs a loving home. These actions can help clients channel their grief into positive endeavors, honoring their pet's memory by making a difference in the lives of other animals.

Grief is a personal journey, and the process of healing can take time. Finding comfort in connection with others who have experienced similar loss can be immensely beneficial. Online support groups and forums provide a space for pet owners to share their feelings, stories, and memories, fostering a sense of community and understanding. By connecting with others, clients can find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their grief and the love for pets is shared by many.

As the world observes Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, let’s remember that a pet's love and companionship are timeless gifts that remain forever. They leave paw prints on our hearts, shaping people in ways that endure long after they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. In honoring their memory, clients should celebrate the profound impact they had on their lives, cherishing the beautiful moments and the human-animal bond.

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of cherished pets, honoring their memory with love and gratitude. Whether through creating lasting legacies, sharing memories, or finding solace in the support of others, we can continue to cherish the bond we shared with our beloved animals. As we hold their memory close, we find comfort in the knowledge that our pets are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge, where we will one day be reunited. Until then, their spirit lives on in our hearts, guiding us with the love they so freely gave.

Here is how veterinary teams can help clients honor the cherished memories of their beloved pets and find comfort after pets cross the Rainbow Bridge

Honoring beloved pets on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, serving with the US Army Veterinary Corps

Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, always dreamed of being a veterinarian, but after September 11, 2001, she was motivated to join the United States Army Veterinary Corps to serve both her country and the animals that help protect us. So, after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2005, she joined the Army and was on active duty for the next 5 years. “My job was pretty intimidating because I was in the Washington, DC, area for my first job…. My primary responsibility was for the National Security Agency; they had 57 dogs at the time. But I was also on call for Secret Service, for [Transportation Security Administration], and for other K9s who do very important work,” Chosa said in an interview with 

Chosa with a patient in the US Army Veterinary Corps

Chosa elaborated on the various roles and responsibilities that veterinarians may assume upon joining the military. “Most people who enter into the Army Veterinary Corps right after graduation come in as captains, and captain assignments are usually at a base within the United States. The Army is the only military branch with veterinarians so captains can be assigned to Navy bases, Marine Corps bases, or Air Force bases as well. There are usually some military working dogs and also a clinic for soldiers’ pets, and retiree pets,” she said.

“They are also responsible for food safety and public health, so they do a lot of food inspection for products that are sold in the commissaries. [They] also oversee some public health stuff on the bases, so all that is the responsibility of brand-new veterinarians. It’s a lot more diverse than just coming into a clinical role,” Chosa said. She also explained that there are a variety of different assignments and for 3 years while in the Army, Chosa worked with dolphins and sea lions. 

With all these different responsibilities, the job can become challenging to navigate. Chosa expressed that it often felt like [she was] wearing multiple hats and was constantly trying to prioritize certain tasks over others when necessary. “But those types of experiences, of course, were very character building. I grew really fast as a clinician [and] as a human being. I don’t think I could have gotten that same level [of] experience anywhere else,” she said.

This unique experience highlights the unparalleled skills and knowledge that can be acquired through a career in the military. The roles taken on within the Army Veterinary Corps also allow for leadership opportunities that can be applied in practice when transitioning out of active duty. “As a brand-new graduate, I had been a vet for a little over a month when I got to my first duty station. All of a sudden, I was the boss of 12 to 15 soldiers at any given time, and I had 3 civilian staff [who] were my employees to manage. I was [also] managing the finances of a veterinary clinic and trying to balance all these different roles. If I hadn’t done that, there’s no way I would have been comfortable becoming a practice owner later,” Chosa said. 

“I didn’t expect to love it, and I really loved it. I would have stayed, but I really wanted to be a mom, and then I met my husband and the rest is history. But you get a lot of support when you’re leaving the military; there is a multistep process to make sure you are prepared for whatever you’re doing next,” Chosa said. When she transitioned out, Chosa eventually became a practice owner for 10 years. This transition can sometimes be difficult for individuals because of the differences between military and civilian practice; however, Chosa credits her valuable leadership skills as a practice manager from the time she spent having a clear chain of command and direct reports while serving. 

“When I was in the Army, if I had a soldier who did something wrong or broke a rule, there was a very established protocol of how you’re supposed to respond to it. And if you don’t respond to it, here are the consequences laid out for you. Well, then I’m an employer and my employee does something wrong. Now all the pressure is on me, and I can’t lean on the system; I have to lean on only myself,” Chosa said. This was very difficult at first, but she was able to use the skills she learned from that clear chain of command and established protocol and apply it to her civilian veterinary practice. 

Practice management training was not taught during Chosa’s time in veterinary school, so the Army gave Chosa the confidence to have tough conversations with employees. “I still had a steep learning curve when I was a new practice owner, but having the experience in the Army really translated well to being a practice owner. Also dealing with difficult clients and not taking that personally, [because] you can’t take stuff personally in the Army,” she said. 

With these life lessons learned, Chosa believes her experience with active duty was one of a kind and had a significant impact on her journey moving forward in her career. Her advice for those interested in joining is to speak with someone who is in the exact position you are considering. “I think anybody who’s in the Army or has been in the Army is going to be willing to talk about their experience. If you’re not sure how it would go, the more people you can talk to before you apply, the better,” she said. “I also did it to help pay for my vet school. I was an out-of-state veterinary student, so I knew I was going to be in significant debt when I graduated. The Army paid for 3 of my 4 years of school. 

“Without the Army, not only would I have never been comfortable being a practice owner, but I [also] probably wouldn’t have been comfortable starting Veterinary Hope Foundation. I understand the value of community and how important it is to have other veterinarians that you can call and lean on after a hard day,” Chosa said. Chosa is the cofounder of 

, an organization that is dedicated to holding space for hope within the veterinary community. 

Chosa currently works as a relief veterinarian for emergency, general practice, and shelter medicine. A

n additional interview with Chosa can be found on dvm360.com

 from her time as a Fetch faculty member during our 

In this exclusive profile, Elizabeth Chosa, DVM, shares her personal journey from active duty to practice ownership and founding a nonprofit organization 

Life lessons from a US Army Veterinary Corps veteran

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Weave, a management software platform for small and medium-sized health care practices, has added a new feature to its service which will allow practices to send automated payment requests. The new feature, Payment Reminders, is designed to improve revenue cycle management by streamlining the collection of outstanding balances.

 with the goal of helping practices manage their business and improve their revenue cycle management.

 The recent addition to Weave’s software enables practices to automate their collection efforts by turning each payment invoice or Text to Pay request into a "set-it-and-forget-it" collection campaign. According to the company, this feature reduces the effort required to collect outstanding balances and encourages clients to settle their outstanding balances online.

“We’re very excited to introduce Payment Reminders to our payments product suite,” Branden Neish, chief product and technology officer at Weave, said in an organizational release.

 “With 63% of patients preferring text payment options, Weave streamlines the process, saving offices time and effort each day.”

Phone text payments are trending among clients younger than 35 years, according to the company.

 A survey conducted by Weave relayed that 35% of small business clients are interested in paying with a text from their phone whereas 62% of respondents aged under 35 years showed interest in this form of payment.

 reported that text messages are read 95% of the time within 3 minutes, according to a report by Weave.

 Additionally, response rates to text messages are 209% higher compared to phone calls.

The payment feature enables health care practices to enhance billing and collection efficiency by utilizing their current communication workflows and the payment methods preferred by clients, according to Weave. Payment Reminders allows practices to

Send payment requests via text with Text to Pay

Accept payments with credit card or through ACH Direct Debit

Accept payments online or in person with Online Bill Pay, Scan to Pay, and Mobile Tap to Pay

Offer flexibility with Buy Now, Pay-over-time and Payment Plans

Additionally, all payment requests via Weave are sent from the practice’s phone number to ensure that patients can trust the request is from a reliable source, according to the company.

Other features included in Weave’s platform include call pops, missed call texts, digital forms, automatic appointment reminders and confirmations, online review management, online scheduling, and practice analytics.

 The platform also gives practices with more than 1 location the ability to standardize their operations, improve efficiency, and speed up revenue cycle management.

Weave enhances payment product suite with payment reminders. News release. Weave. August 27, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240827336222/en/Weave-Enhances-Payment-Product-Suite-with-Payment-Reminders

Bautista-Alejandre A. New platform to manage healthcare enterprises is announced. 

. June 27, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-platform-to-manage-healthcare-enterprises-is-announced

7 reasons phone text payments are trending among younger customers under 35. Weave. Accessed August 27, 2024. 

https://www.getweave.com/7-reasons-phone-text-payments-are-trending-among-younger-customers-under-35/

Weave’s new feature will allow practices to send automated payment reminders