Tampa, FL (October 31, 2022) – UrgentVet, the first urgent care clinic for pets, is increasing its presence in Houston, Texas. The company will open a new clinic in Katy—its 23rd location nationwide—to begin serving pets and pet owners on November 17. UrgentVet Katy will be a 2,800-square-foot clinic located at the intersection of Grand Parkway and South Fry Road at 6920 E. South Fry Road.
Within its unique business model, UrgentVet emphasizes compassion, affordability and convenience. The groundbreaking concept within the veterinary industry offers a new solution by bridging the gap between primary practices and 24-hour emergency vets. Open nights, weekends and holidays, the company’s clinics offer pets relief for mild illnesses and injuries with rates significantly more affordable than comparable services at an emergency pet hospital.
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to expand our service in the Houston area by alleviating stress and providing an unparalleled experience for pets and parents from start to finish,” said Dr. Jim Dobies, DVM and Founder of UrgentVet. “We’ve already been able to serve hundreds of pets and their parents in this market and we look forward to many, many more four-legged patients coming through our doors.”
The clinic will house six exam rooms—two for small dogs, two for large dogs and two specifically for cats. Along with species- and size-specific exam rooms, the facility is intentionally outfitted with non-slip flooring, dimmable lighting, soothing colors, soft music, calming pheromones and quiet exam lift tables, all in support of creating a fear-free experience. The central treatment area features an in-house laboratory and state-of-the-art equipment, including digital radiography and ultrasound technology. Committed to caring for each pet’s physical and emotional needs, all staff are also Fear-Free-certified professionals.
Though levels of pet ownership have reached new highs with 70% of U.S. households owning a pet, the industry is facing a shortage of veterinary professionals. Primary care offices with short-staffed teams are experiencing an influx of patients, while emergency rooms must prioritize pets with life-threatening conditions now more than ever. The need for vet clinics and technicians is more dire now than ever before—and UrgentVet is working to solve the shortage woes with its addition of new clinics across the southeast.
“Primary care providers and emergency pet hospitals across the nation are feeling the impact of the vet shortage, so the need for a level of care that falls somewhere in between has never been more critical or universal,” Dobies said. “UrgentVet is proud to serve as the bridge between the two, and more pets are receiving the compassionate treatment they need as we expand to each new market.”
Positioned to provide care for common conditions that require immediate attention but aren’t serious enough for hospitalization, UrgentVet treats vomiting, diarrhea, limping, itching, coughing, not eating, minor wounds, back pain and more. Pet owners can dodge crowded waiting rooms at their local vet’s office and avoid costly visits to the ER—without sacrificing the top-tier treatment their pets need or replacing their primary care provider. Approximately 90% of pets seen are treated on site and referred to their primary vet with a detailed letter and records for follow-up care.
Demand for same-day veterinary care in the area is evident. UrgentVet’s clinic in Cypress, which opened to the public on August 18, 2022, has already treated over 500 cases with an average wait time of less than 20 minutes.
By the end of 2022, UrgentVet will operate a network of 27 clinics across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, with many more locations coming in 2023.
For more information, please contact:
Annelise O’Donnell | PRESS PR + Marketing
P: 813-470-0617