Pet Partner Press Releases

Pet Partners Actively Vetting Practices for Acquisition

With all of the changes taking place in the veterinary profession, selling a practice is a big decision. Since June of 2003, Pet Partners, LLC has specialized in purchasing neighborhood veterinary hospitals and retaining their unique culture and local neighborhood style. Today, Pet Partners is the second largest private owner of free standing veterinary hospitals in the United States, with Veterinary Hospital Partners across the country.

Pet Partners allows sellers to divest in the practice but still work and manage in partnership. This enables more flexible schedules and a finer focus. “Unlike other acquisition companies, veterinary clinics, doctors and staff that join the Pet Partners team keep their individualistic style of practice,” says Ted A. Sprinkle Jr., DVM,
Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder of Pet Partners.

He explains, “Many professionals have developed negative opinions of veterinary acquisition groups and ‘corporate medicine.’ At Pet Partners we are different because our hospitals maintain their community identity. This philosophy leaves the true ownership and management at the hospital level. This added support allows everyone at the hospitals to focus on delivering the highest quality care possible.”

The Pet Partners network offers support not only from a business aspect, but also aids medical, personal and professional development. Through progressive veterinary partnership, Pet Partners provides veterinary hospitals with centralized administrative services, management expertise, marketing and personalized support, training and mentoring to facilitate top-class medicine that will help the business thrive.

The Pet Partners senior management team includes respected veterinarians and business leaders with a wealth of experience in veterinary environments and/or multi-site service businesses. Headquartered in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), New York, Pet Partners is actively seeking new partnership opportunities with qualified candidates. For more information on selling or buying a veterinary practice, please visit www.petpartnersusa.com.

Selling your veterinary clinic? Consider Pet Partners if you are interested in selling your veterinary hospital or clinic.

Pet Partners was created by veterinarians for veterinarians. By progressive veterinary partnership, Pet Partners provides veterinary hospitals with centralized administrative services, management expertise, marketing and personalized support, training and mentoring to facilitate top-class medicine that will help the business thrive.

Since June of 2003, Pet Partners has specialized in purchasing neighborhood veterinary hospitals and retaining their unique culture and local neighborhood style. Today, Pet Partners is the second largest private owner of free standing veterinary hospitals in the United States, with Veterinary Hospital Partners across the country.

The Pet Partners senior management team includes respected veterinarians and business leaders with a wealth of experience in veterinary environments and/or multi-site service businesses. Headquartered in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), New York, Pet Partners is actively seeking new partnership opportunities with qualified candidates. For more information on selling or buying a veterinary practice, please visit www.petpartnersusa.com. 

Pet Partners adheres to the highest standards. Many Pet Partners hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA - www.aahanet.org), which is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. AAHA (AAHA - www.aahanet.org), -accredited hospitals voluntarily choose to be evaluated on over 800 standards in the following areas: quality of care; diagnostics, analytics & pharmacy; management; medical records and facility.

Pet Partners offers convenience and opportunity for veterinarians, which translates in better care for clients. Pet Partners streamlines the day-to-day administrative tasks, and offers conveniences for clients, like offering Care Credit (link to http://www.carecredit.com), which is a payment facilitating program. Pet Partners is able to obtain discounted prices on products and services along with continuing education opportunities that are offered on a monthly basis with some of the most renowned experts in the field of veterinary medicine.

We have some of the best and most impressive veterinarians. Unlike other acquisition companies such as VCA Antech Animal Hospitals and PetSmart’s Banfield Hospitals, veterinary clinics, doctors and staff that join the Pet Partners team keep their individualistic style of practice. Many professionals have developed negative opinions of veterinary acquisition groups like VCA Antech Animal Hospitals and “corporate medicine” similar to PetSmart’s Banfield Hospitals. However, the professionals at Pet Partners really set themselves apart and allow the hospitals to maintain their community identity. This philosophy leaves the “true ownership” and management at the hospital level. This added support allows everyone at the hospitals to focus on delivering the highest quality care possible.

There are many benefits of selling a veterinary practice. With all of the changes taking place in the veterinary profession, selling a practice is a big decision. Pet Partners allows sellers to divest in the practice but still work and manage in partnership. This enables more flexible schedules and a finer focus.

The Pet Partners network offers support not only from a business aspect, but also aids medical, personal and professional development. The veterinarians within Pet Partners offer a strong camaraderie of idea-sharing and mentorship, and they come from the best veterinary schools and colleges such as Auburn University , Cornell University , Purdue University , Texas A&M University , Tufts University , University of Florida, University of Pennsylvania, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, University of Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.

The Pet Partners group is talented and would be more than happy to talk to any person interested in selling a veterinary practice.

About Pet Partners, LLC
Pet Partners was created by veterinarians for veterinarians. Through a unique approach to progressive veterinary consultation, Pet Partners provides centralized administrative services, management expertise, and personalized support, training and mentoring to help businesses thrive. But as veterinarians, the Pet Partners team knows that this is much more than a business.

For many, this is a calling driven by the desire to care for animals. Pet Partners understands this and always focuses on medical excellence, customer service and human-animal connection that is at the heart of the practice. Since June of 2003, Pet Partners has specialized in purchasing neighborhood veterinary hospitals and retaining their unique culture and neighborhood style.

Today, Pet Partners is the second largest private owner of free standing veterinary hospitals in the United States, with veterinary hospital partners across the country. Headquartered in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), New York, the Pet Partners senior management team includes respected veterinarians and business leaders with a wealth of experience in veterinary environments and/or multi-site service businesses. Please visit www.petpartnersusa.com for more information.

Urinary Tract Blockage in Cats is More Than Mere Bathroom Troubles,
It’s a Life-Threatening Condition that could Kill Your Pet in a Matter of Days!

Manchester, NH – Your cat’s urinary system has an important, and rather sizable job to do. The kidneys work to maintain healthy blood and eliminate toxins, working in conjunction with the bladder, which serves as a storage tank. As the bladder becomes full, urine is passed out of the body through the urethra. Urine is the means by which the body gets rid of waste products, toxins, and other harmful substances. Since the excretion of wastes from the kidneys through the bladder to the outside of the body is absolutely necessary in order to remain healthy, problems with the urinary tract system can become very serious very quickly, especially if they in any way prevent urine from leaving the body.

Feline urinary blockage is a serious medical condition that is extremely painful for a cat and can quickly become life threatening if it is not treated by a veterinarian — the time from complete urinary blockage until death may be less than twenty-four to forty-eight hours! A build-up of toxins that are normally expelled in the urine can cause a complete system failure. Whenever a cat, male or female, has difficulty urinating, it should be considered a medical emergency regardless of whether or not it is feline urinary blockage. Males however are more at risk because while a female cat’s urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the body) is relatively short and wide, a male cat’s urethra is long, narrow and much more easily obstructed.

Both inflammation and infection can prevent a cat’s urinary system from functioning correctly, while a total blockage can occur when mucous, along with microscopic particles or crystals that form hardened mineral deposits in the kidney, make their way to the urethra and plug the opening

Symptoms of feline urinary blockage may include frequent trips to the litter box where the animal will squat, strain or cry out in pain in an attempt to pass even just a few drops of blood-tinged urine or, in some severe instances, none at all. In late stages of feline urinary blockage, the cat will become obviously ill and may not be able to stand. This is due to extremely altered levels of electrolytes within the body, especially potassium, which can ultimately case heart failure. The cat may also vomit and have a swollen belly, which is the result of a dangerously full bladder. If left untreated, the animal’s bladder can even rupture. Should your pet exhibit any of these signs, medical attention is vital.

It’s hard to tell when a cat is blocked versus when he is unblocked and merely suffering from a less life-threatening urinary tract condition, as the inflammation, urgency, and non-productive straining can look identical in either case. The easiest way to tell is by actually feeling in the belly for the presence of a distended bladder. It is often the size and firmness of a peach if it there is an obstruction. Normal bladders are usually soft like partly filled water balloons and non-obstructed inflamed bladders are usually very small or empty. Still, while this size and texture difference is obvious to a professionally trained veterinarian, most pet owners are not able to feel for the bladder correctly.  If your cat has been blocked too much squeezing of the belly can worsen the problem or cause the bladder to rupture.  If there is any question about whether a male cat is blocked, he should be immediately taken to the vet for evaluation.

Upon diagnosis of feline urinary blockage, your veterinarian will immediately attempt to remove the obstruction. This procedure is done by placing a catheter inside the urethra and flushing it with sterile solution to remove or dislodge the blockage. Usually, the catheter is sewn in place and remains for a few days until the risk of subsequent blockages is gone. Unless the cat is comatose, catheterization usually requires anesthesia. After the obstruction has been relieved, treatment varies depending upon the condition of the cat. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are treated with intravenous fluid therapy. Antimicrobial medications are frequently given to combat bacteria, and drugs that help restore bladder function are sometimes required. Hospitalization may range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity and duration of the obstruction. Some cats don’t survive because treatment is initiated too late.

Remember, if you suspect your cat is suffering from urethral obstruction or blockage, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately or bring them to an emergency care clinic. Feline urinary blockage is a true medical emergency, and immediate treatment is essential to ensuring that you and your feline friend live a healthy, happy, long life together.

About South Willow Animal Hospital:
South Willow Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital that strives to give exceptional client service while practicing high quality medicine. Their mission is to exceed the expectations of their clients by utilizing a highly trained professional staff that is committed to client satisfaction, quality and efficiency of patient care. In addition to offering comprehensive pet oral examinations and dental cleanings, their services include routine wellness exams, surgical procedures, internal medicine, vaccinations, microchipping, and pain management. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call  (603) 641-6252 or visit www.southwillowah.com.

Teaching Job Security: Veterinarian Visits Local School for Career Day
Even in a down economy, this field finds few problems with unemployment

Naugatuck, CT:  America’s growing shortage of veterinarians makes the threat of unemployment almost nonexistent for those who choose to enter this field–there simply are not enough veterinarians to fill available jobs. In fact, this scarcity is starting to reach crisis levels according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Although animal health is a large part of what veterinarians do for a living, they also protect humans from disease, keep food safe and protect the agricultural economy as well.

Life without veterinarians would mean more sick animals, including humans. Representatives from Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital attended a career day at Naugatuck High School in hopes to encourage students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. A veterinarian from Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital, Stacey Dallas, DVM, spoke with the attendees, 11th and 12th grade students, and explained the diverse and rewarding opportunities available when pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

“There’s opportunity for research and academic careers, positions within the military and public health sectors, areas like specialty medicine and private practice, and ‘animal-nurses’ more officially known as veterinary technicians,” explained Dr. Dallas. “As a veterinarian I’m in a very privileged and unique position since, unlike any other medical career, I can consult, diagnose, test, treat and perform surgery on several different species. There is never a boring day in the life of a veterinarian!”

Top Five Characteristics: What it takes to be a Veterinarian

Pet and people skills: Veterinarians should have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with their owners.
A degree: Prospective veterinarians must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree from a 4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. There are 28 colleges in 26 States that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
A passion for science: Veterinary medical colleges typically require applicants to have taken classes in organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, general biology, animal biology, animal nutrition, genetics, vertebrate embryology, cellular biology, microbiology, zoology, and systemic physiology.
Take tests: Applicants normally need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), depending on the school.
Continue learning: Continuing education is important for advancement, and it’s necessary to become a specialist in certain areas.
Source: The United States Department of Labor

Media Inquiries
For more information, to arrange an interview, or schedule a visit to tour Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital and meet the dedicated veterinary team, please call Libby McKenna at 813.476.3894 or email Libby@FetchingCommunications.com.

About Stacey Dallas, DVM
Dr. Dallas is a 2005 graduate of the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Medicine and joined the practice in 2007. She is especially interested in internal medicine. She is a member of the New Haven County Veterinary Association and Litchfield County Veterinary Association.

About Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital
Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service, primary veterinary care provider offering comprehensive medical, surgical and dental services. They provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, and a closely supervised hospitalization area. At Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital the medical staff strives to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing patients and their owners to enjoy a happy, healthy life together. For more information please call (203) 723-7187 or visit www.naugatuckvh.com.

Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center
Top National Contender for Prestigious “Practice of the Year” Award

Charlottesville, VA – Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center has been invited to participate in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited Practice of the Year Awards. The AAHA is an international association of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers that treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its stringent standards for hospitals and pet health care, and is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Participating in the Practice of the Year Awards is a prestigious honor that is only extended to veterinary practices that have received AAHA accreditation, which in itself is no easy feat. Less than 10% of AAHA’s members are accredited – a designation that requires compliance with a staggering set of 900 service and facility standards widely accepted as the hallmarks of superior patient care. And for those hospitals that hoped to rest on their laurels, think again. Accreditation has an expiration date. Hospitals must pass an on-site evaluation administered by an AAHA consultant every two years in order to maintain their standing as an accredited practice.

AAHA accreditation starts with a three-to-nine month application process that requires every member of the practice’s team participate in a review of protocols and procedures to refine and improve service offerings in five areas; quality of care, diagnostics and pharmacy, management, medical records, and facility. Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the policies and standards requirements established by the association are awarded AAHA-Accredited Practice status.

Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center’s dedicated team of veterinary professionals  has participated in the hospital evaluation and accreditation program for 25 years, and has never failed to achieve accreditation status. While participation in the AAHA accreditation program requires continuing evaluation, Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center’s consistently strong scores and longstanding history with the program means they are only evaluated every four years instead of every two.

This year their accreditation evaluation score was impressive enough to qualify them for candidacy in the AAHA Practice of the Year Awards – they received the highest evaluation score in their five-state region. They are now in the running for one of six awards to be presented during the 2010 AAHA yearly conference in Long Beach, CA. Winners will be notified by February, but won’t know what award they’ve received — first, second or third place, plus three honorable mentions — until the final announcement is made at March’s conference.

About Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center
Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center is a full-service animal hospital, committed to pet health. The facility is equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. Services include hospitalization, intensive care for seriously ill patients, diagnostic testing, routine and specialized radiographic procedures, and dental services. The hospital’s equipment is state-of-the-art right down to their filing system—pets’  electronic medical records are available at the click of a mouse. For more information please call (434) 973-6146 or visit www.albemarlevet.com.

About the American Animal Hospital Association
Established in 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices throughout the U.S. and Canada for dedication to high standards of veterinary care. More than 3,000 AAHA-accredited practices pass regular reviews of AAHA’s stringent accreditation standards that cover patient care, client service and medical protocols. For pet care information or referral to an AAHA-accredited practice, visit www.healthypet.com.

Keep Kitty Safe with a Sitter or Boarding Facility You Trust
Cats should not be left home alone when family vacations

Orlando, FL – Although there’s no place like home for the holidays, cats should not be left to fend for themselves when you travel. Most people know not to leave other pets home alone, but cats, due to their reputation of being self-sufficient and independent, are oftentimes left without proper care, which can be dangerous and sometimes deadly.

Not all cats are left behind all alone. Some cat owners ask family members, neighbors or friends to sit for their cats. Others may bring their cats to a general boarding facility with dogs and cats. When cats are left alone or with a sitter, they may experience medical problems, unforeseen emergencies, or other catastrophes when they are left unsupervised. Staying in a boarding facility is better, but cats may get extremely stressed when they are around loud, barking dogs. It’s best for cats to stay at a feline-specific hospital so they get the attention they need in an environment most comfortable and suited for cats.

“At Bay Hill Cat Hospital, our clean and quiet boarding area offers condos with shelves for the comfort of our feline visitors. Our kind staff is attentive to the desires of our furry guests,” explains Dr. Diane Delmain, medical director at Bay Hill Cat Hospital, located in Orlando. “We are happy to provide medical care for kitties with special needs, such as diabetic patients, and we’re able to spot signs of illness that friends and neighbors may miss entirely.”

If cats are left at home with a sitter, the veterinarians at Bay Hill Cat Hospital offer some tips to spot serious health problems. “Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of illness, along with changes in urination patterns. Both excessive urination or the presence of blood are red flags, as is a cat that will not eat,” suggests Dr. Delmain.

Cat owners who do decide to bring their cat to a boarding facility, such as Bay Hill Cat Hospital, need to be prepared. How to prepare for your cat’s stay before you go away:

•Provide a copy of your cat’s vaccination records: All reputable boarding facilities require proof that your cat is up-to-date on his or her vaccinations. Be sure to ask what is required and schedule a visit to the veterinarian to be up-to-date.

•Always include emergency contact information: Make sure the boarding facility knows how to reach you in case of an emergency. Provide your cell phone number, or the number of the hotel you will be staying at, as well as the name and number of a trusted family friend or relative permitted to make decisions regarding your pet’s health and treatment on your behalf–just in case there’s a situation where time is of the essence and you can’t be reached.

•Book ahead: Christmas and New Year’s Day are popular travel holidays, so make sure to reserve your cat’s space well in advance, as boarding services will be in high demand. Try making your cat’s boarding arrangements at the same time you make your travel arrangements. Airlines suggest that you book a flight several months in advance for the best rate and a guaranteed space, so why not take the same approach with your cat’s stay at a boarding facility.

•Include your cat’s favorite food: Most boarding facilities don’t require owners to pack meals for their pets, but you may still want to provide enough of your cat’s normal food to last them through their stay. Ensuring your cat sticks with his or her normal diet can prevent the stomach upset that comes from abruptly changing foods. Make sure to pack a couple extra days worth, just in case, and label your cat’s meals with his or her first and last name.

•Pack your cat’s favorites toys, treats and blanket: These familiar items will remind your cat of home and can help alleviate much of the stress and separation anxiety associated with the boarding experience. Make sure to make a list of these “favorite things”, and mark larger items with your cat’s name in permanent marker, to ensure that everything is returned when it’s time to go back home.

•Don’t forget your cat’s medication: if your cat requires special medications remember to pack them, along with instructions on when and how the medicine is administered. Also, remember to include any implements that you use to get your cat to take the medicine such as a liquid medicine dropper, flavored pill pockets or a pill shooter.

For more information about Bay Hill Cat Hospital, or for more ways to keep cats safe and happy this holiday season, please contact Libby McKenna at (813) 476-3894 or Libby@FetchingCommunications.com.

About Bay Hill Cat Hospital
Bay Hill Cat Hospital is Orlando’s state-of-the-art full service medical center for cats. The state-of-the-art facility is fully-equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. The caring and professional doctors and staff are enthusiastic about providing the best possible care for feline patients. Open since 1995, this full-service feline-only hospital is to the same standard as you would expect for a human.

In House Cytology Collection and Inflammation Webinar with Dr. Rick Cowell

Cypress Creek Animal Hospital Adds New Doctor to Veterinary Staff
Visitors welcome: Pets meet new veterinarian and have pictures with Santa this Saturday

Lutz, FL – Cypress Creek Animal Hospital is proud to announce the addition of new medical director, Dr. Scott M. Dieter, to its team of veterinarians. As medical director, Dr. Dieter will manage the veterinary, technical and administrative functions of the hospital to ensure quality patient care and excellent client service.  Before pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Penn State, Dr. Dieter served his country in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman. He received his degree in 1999 from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

His veterinary interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and exotic animal medicine. His personal interests, meanwhile, are much less clinical. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife Anne Marie and their adorable Boston Terrier Fritz, and when they let him he likes to play golf or watch football – he roots for Penn State and his alma mater, LSU.

In many respects a doctor of veterinary medicine is similar to a pediatrician. Since animals cannot speak for themselves, much of the clinical history is obtained from the owner or client just as a pediatrician would obtain this same sort of information from a child’s parents. Excellent people skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively are required in this profession – qualities that Dr. Dieter definitely possesses. He is passionate about pets and committed to providing quality health care for their patients, making them a much-welcomed addition to Cypress Creek’s medical staff.

Media Opportunity: All members of the media are invited to Cypress Creek Animal Hospital this Saturday, December 5, from 8am-12pm. Visitors are welcome to meet Dr. Dieter during the Annual Photos with Santa Paws event. Santa will pose with pets in exchange for unopened food, pet toys or money to benefit a local shelter. Last year, Cypress Creek donated $308.75 and 122.5 pounds of food for the homeless pets.

Please call Libby McKenna at 813-476-3894 or email Libby@FetchingCommunications.com for more information or to schedule an interview.

About Cypress Creek Animal Hospital:
Located in Lutz, Florida, Cypress Creek Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital, committed to pet health. Serving the Tampa Bay area since 1994, the state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. Services include hospitalization, intensive care for seriously ill patients, diagnostic testing, routine and specialized radiographic procedures, dental services, bathing, dipping and pet boarding. For more information please call (813) 949-3045 or visit www.cypresscreekah.com.

Aurora, CO - No pet owner wants to imagine their animal in harm’s way.  Unfortunately, accidents happen and emergency animal hospitals see pets on a daily basis that are in need of urgent care due to incidents such as ingesting a poisonous substance or being hit by a vehicle.

What actions you take when you have an urgent situation can make the difference between life and death for your animal.  Dr. Shannon Morrill, medical director at Smoky Hill Veterinary Clinic, saw a need for extended evening hours to help pet owners dealing with emergencies.  “As a practice, we have many people who come home after work to find an ill pet and because of the time of day, their regular veterinary practice is closed.  We decided to provide our clients with additional evening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to better meet their needs.”  She has seen hundreds of emergency cases and knows what dangers lurk in the common household for pets and how critical it is to have your pet seen immediately by a veterinarian when the animal is sick or injured.

“We also recently added a new veterinarian to our practice that has experience with emergency care,” states Dr. Morrill.  “We are very happy to have Dr. Rosalie Jorgensen join our team.”  Dr. Jorgensen has worked in both emergency and primary care settings in the Denver and Chicago areas.  She is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa. Dr. Jorgensen is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society. 

Dr. Morrill, would like to remind pet owners to be very careful during the holiday season.  “Chocolate and many other substances in the household can be poisonous to pets.  If you see vomiting, diarrhea, limping, difficulty breathing, panting in a cat, excessive drooling, a bloated abdomen or any other abnormal signs in your pets, please get them to veterinary care as soon as possible.” 

Smoky Hill Veterinary Clinic is located at 15600 Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora, CO and can be reached at 303-693-2020.  Their hours of operation are 8am – 6pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 am – 8 pm on Tuesday and Thursday and 8 am -3 pm on Saturday.

Western Springs, IL  - No pet owner wants to imagine their animal in harms way.  Unfortunately, accidents happen and emergency animal hospitals see pets on a daily basis that  are in need of urgent care due to incidents such as ingesting a poisonous substance or being hit by a vehicle.

What you do when you have an emergency can make the difference between life and death for your animal.  Dr. Lisa Murray, medical director at Boone Animal Hospital, feels strongly about educating pet owners to be calm and supportive when disaster strikes.  Dr. Murray is a Diplomate of The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and has extensive experience in the delivery of emergency medicine and surgery for emergent and critical patients.  She has seen thousands of emergency cases and knows what dangers lurk in the common household for pets.

“If I can prevent one owner and their pet from facing an emergency situation by education, then I feel good about what I do,” states Dr. Murray.  “Simple things like grapes can be poisonous to pets and teaching people about what to do when your pet does have an emergency makes me feel like I am using my training and experience to help people and their pets.  I would like to prevent emergencies from ever happening.”

Dr. Murray recently assumed the position of medical director at Boone Animal Hospital when Dr. Kathleen Fauth retired in September.  Dr. Murray is a native of Lemont and graduated from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  She worked at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine teaching veterinary students and treating patients in the internal medicine and emergency services.  She worked most recently for several years in a large referral hospital in the Chicago area.

Dr. Murray will be providing free educational seminars to the public on October 24th, 1-3 p.m. at  Boone Animal Hospital, 905 W 55th St.  Western Springs, IL. 
The topics include:
1. Kids & Pets – Keep Them Healthy and Safe Together
2. Poisons In The Home – From Sugar-Free Gum to Grapes, What’s Safe and What’s Not
3. Transportation of Sick and Injured Pets – How to Get Your 1 lb. Kitten or 100 lb. Dog to Emergency Care

The first 50 people to arrive will receive a free pet first aid kit to have on hand in case of an emergency.  Refreshments will be served and the whole family is welcome.