Clinic center: Upcoming $2.5 million veterinary clinic for shelter animals and pets, and more

A humane society in North Carolina has announced plans to open a $2.5 million veterinary clinic for shelter animals and pets in the upcoming years. Meanwhile, an urgent care as well as an emergency care veterinary facility have opened new locations in Michigan and California, respectively.

Below are those 3 new or upcoming animal care facility openings:

UrgentVet (Canton, Michigan)

UrgentVet in Canton, Michigan. (Image courtesy of UrgentVet)

UrgentVet has opened a new clinic in Canton, Michigan. The new location offers treatment for non-emergent conditions like limping, gastrointestinal upset, minor wounds and lacerations, and toxic ingestion, combining routine veterinary visits with emergency care.

The clinic features an in-house laboratory, imaging equipment, species-specific exam rooms, and non-slip floors. It is also staffed with Fear-Free Certified professionals and contains pheromone diffusers and soothing lighting. Additionally, its pet enclosures are built from tempered glass from Casco that are 70% quieter than traditional metal cages.

“UrgentVet is crucial because we function as an urgent care clinic. Just like humans, not every pet emergency requires an emergency room, especially if your regular vet is fully booked.” Stephanie Smith, DVM, vice president of medicine for UrgentVet, said in a news release.¹ “That’s where UrgentVet comes in, we’re here to provide same-day care for your dogs and cats.”

Papaya Veterinary Care (Los Angeles County, California)

Papaya Veterinary Care recently announced the opening of a new 4000 sq ft location in Culver City, Los Angeles. The facility contains a dedicated dental suite, a “spacious” lobby, surgical and treatment areas, an in-house pharmacy and laboratory, and quiet staff spaces.²

“Veterinary care should feel both advanced and deeply human,” Tony Nitido, DVM, executive medical director of Papaya who will lead the new clinic, said in an organizational release.² “It’s a privilege to open our doors to the Culver City community and deliver the kind of thoughtful, informative care that pet owners deserve. We’re here to build trust, offer guidance, and treat every pet with the most appropriate care tailored to their unique needs.”

Services that the new Papaya clinic in Culver City will offer include spay/neuter and soft tissue surgery, wellness and preventive care, dental cleanings with digital dental x-rays, microchipping and vaccinations, health and travel certificates, and parasite screening and prevention. Additionally, the clinic will also offer urgent care and same-day appointments.

CHHS Veterinary Clinic (Sapphire, North Carolina)

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society veterinary clinic interior rendering. (Image courtesy of Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society)

The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society (CHHS) announced it plans to build a new veterinary clinic for shelter animals and publicly-owned pets. The facility will be 2 stories with a 2280 sq ft clinic on the main parking lot level containing 2 exam rooms, a main treatment and dental area with a lab and pharmacy, a surgical suite, a room for pre- and postoperative recovery, x-ray room and isolation area. In the lower level of the building will be a 2280 sq ft apartment with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths for a veterinarian to live onsite. According to CHHS, its shelter manager and assistant shelter manager currently live on campus in 2 of the CHHS “caretaker cottages.”³

The clinic will be open to the public 5 days a week and will offer examinations, x-rays, lab tests, surgeries, dentals, pharmaceuticals and preventatives, and more. The initial team is expected to consist of one veterinarian, 2 veterinary technicians, and one office administrator.

“We provide low-cost spay/neuter and low-cost rabies vaccinations for local animals, and our community outreach programs include our free food pet pantry for families facing financial hardship, and our innovative humane education program for children: the CHHS Critter Camp,” said David Stroud, CHHS executive director, in a news release.³ “But having an onsite veterinary clinic that not only cares for shelter pets but also public pets fills the gap to complete our lifesaving mission for local animals and the people who love them.”

The construction of the building is estimated to cost $2.5 million and is expected to open in summer 2027, during the CHHS’ 40th anniversary.

References

1. New Canton UrgentVet to Offer After-Hours Veterinary Care. News release. UrgentVet. June 3, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://urgentvet.com/news/new-canton-urgentvet-to-offer-after-hours-veterinary-care/
2. Papaya Veterinary Care Opens New Culver City Clinic. News release. Papaya Veterinary Care. June 10, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025.
3. CHHS to Open New Veterinary Clinic in 2027. News release. Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.chhumanesociety.org/vetclinic#:~:text=Help%20Us%20Reach%20Our%20Goal,200%20Gable%20Drive%20in%20Sapphire.