Vet care clinic jumps into expansion mode in SWFL

UrgentVet, a chain of urgent care clinics for pets, is expanding in Southwest Florida. 

The company, part of Tampa-based American Veterinary Network, plans to open a new clinic Feb. 6 in Fort Myers. On 6880 Daniels Parkway, Suite 2, this new location follows one in Naples that opened in April. UrgentVet now has 14 Florida clinics, according to a statement.   

UrgentVet’s model, it says, is to bridge “the gap between primary practices and 24-hour emergency vets” by being open nights, weekends and holidays. It also offers pets relief for mild illnesses and minor injuries “with rates significantly more affordable than comparable services at an emergency pet hospital,” the release states. 

The new Fort Myers clinic is 3,000 square feet with three exam rooms exclusively for small dogs, three for large dogs and two for cats.

 “Like many places along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Fort Myers area is best known as a top beach destination — but it’s also an incredible place to be a pet-parent,” says UrgentVet Founder Jim Dobies in the release. “It became very clear early on in our researching process that this is a community that is pet-friendly and pet-focused, and we couldn’t be happier to now be part of that.”

Along with species- and size-specific exam rooms, UrgentVet-Fort Myers, the release states, “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.”