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Why your veterinary hospital's landscaping matters
Katie James, dvm360 Associate Content Specialist
Katie James is an Associate Content Specialist for UBM Animal Care. She produces and edits content for dvm360.com and its associated print publications, dvm360 magazine, Vetted and Firstline. She has a passion for creating highly-engaging content through the use of new technology and storytelling platforms. In 2018, she was named a Folio: Rising Star Award Honoree, an award given to individuals who are making their mark and disrupting the status quo of magazine media, even in the early stages of their careers. She was also named an American Society of Business Publication Editors Young Leader Scholar in 2015. Katie grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism. Outside of the office her sidekick is an energetic Australian cattle dog mix named Blitz.
Signage and porches help with curb appeal for your practice. And don't neglect Mother Nature's contribution in grass, flowers and other greenery.
Pause on your way into your hospital and look around. Do you like what you see? Are the bushes by the door thriving, or are they starting to look like a Charlie Brown christmas tree because they've been peed on so often?
Veterinary architect and HospitalDesign360 conference speaker Heather Lewis, AIA, NCARB, of Animal Arts in Boulder, Colorado, explains why your landscaping and initial impression are so important: "Free-standing hospitals need some sort of curb appeal-landscaping or a porch or a welcoming element. We don't plan out hospitals in parking lots anymore. It's about client experience and they have lots of choices. Always keep curb appeal in mind. You always want to give a good first impression."
Check out these photos for exterior inspiration.
McGregor Boulevard Veterinary Clinic in Fort Myers, Florida, drew from local foliage for their landscaping, including royal palm trees and other native plants. | Architect: Matthew D. Horton, EnSite | Photo courtesy of Stuart Gobey, Island Studio Photography
Eden Veterinary Clinic in Eden, New York, is in a residential area, and the practice owner's home is on the same property-so home-like architecture is a winner. This includes a cozy front porch clients can relax on. | Architect: Jeremy Rumph, TerWisscha Construction | Photo courtesy of Abby Blaskovich, TerWisscha Construction
The exterior of Door County Veterinary Clinic in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, features an exercise path. “It gives clients a place to walk pets to relieve anxiety if they have to wait, and staff can walk on breaks too,” practice owner Jordan Kobilca, DVM, says. | Jeremy Lueck, DeLeers Construction | Photo courtesy of Cathy Carter, Fotosold
Find more inspiration in the dvm360.com hospital design photo galleries. Find them at dvm360.com/hdgalleries.
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