Maple City Animal Hospital in Chatham has officially opened its doors.
The clinic, owned by veterinarians Dr. Angela Bell and Dr. Michael Fife, is one of two recently opened animal hospitals in Chatham-Kent where there has been a shortage of animal care facilities.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff attended the ribbon cutting, and as a cat owner himself, recognizes the need for something like this in the community.
"There are a lot of new business coming to town, we've had over 300 new businesses opening in the last year in Chatham-Kent. This is continuing that trend...our market is getting bigger and we need more of everything in Chatham-Kent," said Canniff. "We need another animal hospital here, a lot of people have pets."
Located on Riverview Drive in Chatham, the clinic is accepting new patients and the vets couldn't be more excited to welcome old and new clients alike.
"We've been in the area for quite some time over 35 years the both of us, and we feel privileged to partake in that human animal bond and share in the lives of those pets and get to see them grow and help them when they are ill and every step of the way," said Bell. "It's wonderful being in our hometown."
The new clinic prides itself on its compassion towards animals and their owners, and Fife explains that it is an important aspect of the practice.
"It's not only the care of the pets. We deal with a lot of issues with our clients too. There are various reasons why they've become the guardian of one of these animals, whether it was their parents animal who passed, or they are in long term care, and sometimes that is the last of what they have. It's important to us to take that seriously...it's a privilege we are being trusted with that," said Fife.
Maple City is Fife's third veterinary practice, his first, Fife Animal Hospital, having opened back in 2011.
"Now the best of the best. This is the dream team. This is the dream come true. To partner with someone as passionate about the industry as I am, Dr. Bell is a fantastic veterinarian and person," said Fife.
While Maple City is not offering after hours emergency care, Fife recognizes the need for this service in Chatham-Kent. Currently the clinic has a small staff of four to six people and not equipped to handle round the clock care.
"As we grow we will definitely look at capacity in that regard but it is a difficult thing," said Fife.
For now, the veterinarians are optimistic about the future and can't wait to help some much needed pets.
"It's a heck of a privilege to be trusted with the lives of family members. We believe these pets have a more in depth meaning than just being an animal. And I know not everyone thinks that way but it is the way that we live," said Fife.