Westborough may soon have an urgent veterinary care clinic in town.
By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – A proposed veterinary urgent care office in Westborough would “bridge the gap” between a traditional family practice and emergency healthcare setting, according to architect Tracie Reed.
Reed appeared before the Select Board June 22 on behalf of Rarebreed Veterinary Partners to present a site plan to locate a 2,800 square foot space on 1 Oak St. near the intersection of Lyman Street and Route 9.
She explained that PetMedic Urgent Veterinary Care would occupy the far left side of a plaza that also features a Chipotle restaurant and FedEx storefront.
The site has an existing 167 parking spaces. PetMedic expects to use 14 of those, she said. Operating hours would be 4 to 11 p.m., and there will be no overnight stays or boarding at the facility.
The idea is a check-in/check-out set up for animals with cuts and scrapes and other non-emergency medical needs.
“It’s the exact same as urgent care for humans,” Reed said.
Reed’s appearance before the board took place two weeks before the Planning Board will review the special permit application for this project.
The Select Board offered suggestions and recommendations about the plan that will be passed along during that Planning Board review.
For example, Select Board member Shelby Marshall suggested that there should be a drop-off area designated in front of the building for people who may have trouble getting their pets inside.
Reed replied that the owners will be on-site the entire time with their pets. The animal patients that clinic staff will see should be able to move on their own, Reed said.
Town Planner Jim Robbins, who was at the June 22 Select Board meeting, liked the idea of a drop-off area. He suggested Reed reach out to the landlord about incorporating two spots into the plan. He did note that such an area could be very busy, adding that it could pose a liability issue.
The interior features of this project include four exam rooms as well as treatment, pharmacy and diagnostic areas with one doctor on staff per shift. Reed noted that there is no outdoor recreation space for the animals “like any other doctor’s office.”
Select Board Chair Allen Edinberg said that it would be beneficial to have an outside space for the animals to relieve themselves so that they are not “strolling to neighboring businesses or lawns” for that purpose.
Marshall noted that the urgent care should have clearly marked receptacles for animal waste disposal.
Additionally, Edinberg pointed out the facility would be next door to a dental office. He said he knew his “pup” would be very vocal if sick or injured, and he didn’t want to see the dental practice disturbed by noise. Reed said she would look into whether there would be overlapping hours between that office, Smileland, and PetMedic.
Reed also said PetMedic will be “very sensitive” to soundproofing issues and measures that need to be taken.
She said that the business is centered around the values of love, respect, fun and kindness. By having second shift hours, it allows vets to spend time with their families during the day and avoid being on call during off-hours.
She noted that 90 percent of emergency hospital visits do not need surgeries or hospitalization. Because emergency cases are handled first, wait times in those hospital settings can be four to six hours for animals without traumatic, serious injuries. That’s where PetMedic fits in, Reed said.
PetMedic also currently has an office in Watertown.
