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2004 Hospital of the Year
Facing monumental disaster: Hurricane damage in New Orleans
Veterinarians fought such incredible obstacles in the wake of the hurricane.
Unmasking the 2004 Hospital of the Year
In a city famous for its parties and rich with history, Metairie Small Animal Hospital fits right in. But don't let the grandeur fool you; practices of all sizes can apply the strategies that make this a terrific hospital.
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2005 Hospital of the Year
Divide and conquer
Clearly separating practice functions set the tone for VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital--and created a unique design feature. Then the design team added a superbly crafted 7,850 square-foot floor plan and thoughtfully chosen materials, securing the 2005 Veterinary Economics Hospital of the Year award.
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2006 Hospital of the Year
A tale of two practices
Dr. Steven Dunbar merged a general practice and a 24-hour emergency center into one new building. And the consistent, attractive use of color; high-quality materials; impressive client-interaction areas; and more helped Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Anaheim, Calif., rise to the top in Veterinary Economics annual design competition.
A look at the judging
An inside look at the judging for the Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition
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7,000 to 10,000 square feet
2013 Veterinary Hospital of the Year: Lap of luxury
With boarding suites and room to spread out services, Allandale Veterinary Hospital in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, acts as a second home for veterinary patients and clients.
8 years to the perfect veterinary hospital
After many stressful days and sleepless nights, Dr. Steen landed a practically perfect practice.
Small town—big opportunity for Wellington Veterinary Clinic
This award-winning veterinary practice brought much-needed veterinary care and luxury boarding to a small Colorado community.
Crafting a modern building for an old-time practice
This veterinary hospital was a long-standing neighborhood fixture and needed an update. The solution still blends well with the surroundings.
Building a legacy of quality care
The expanding family of veterinarians at Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital in Martinsburg, W.Va., found much-needed space in a new 8,000-square-foot hospital—and continued their father's quality of care.
A rose in Richmond
Bright colors, rich textures, and ample accents get tongues wagging and clients returning to this massive but affordable Texas facility.
Taking the chaos out of caring for pets
Step in and warm up by the fire. Companion Animal Care Center in Winona, Minn., creates a cozy way to care for pets and their owners.
Medicine in the mountains
A relaxing vacation inspired Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital in Flat Rock, N.C., a rustic masterpiece that reflects the hospital's beautiful mountainous surroundings.
Wide open spaces
An open floor plan helps this Ohio clinic function efficiently.
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Equipment
3 questions to consider before investing in new technology for your veterinary practice
Don't make a big purchase without considering these questions.
Keep your veterinary practice cool this summer without going broke
This summer, follow these energy-saving tips from Ryerson University, and you can cut your veterinary practice's energy bill by 20 to 50 percent.
A look at team members' favorite veterinary equipment
A look at team members' favorite veterinary equipment
Q&A: During the building process, which duties should I delegate?
During the building process, which duties should I delegate?
6 tips for integrating equipment into your facility
That shiny equipment looks great in the showroom, but you need a plan to include it in your new or remodeled hospital. Follow this guide to make a seamless transition.
New technologies affecting design
Veterinary architect Mark Hafen, AIA, cites wireless technology as an exciting innovation in design and describes how its implementation is beneficial to the staff and the bottom line.
10 ways to build a green veterinary hospital
Building green is all the rage, but it can be tough to see through the fog of hazy information and ideas. Here's a guide to clearing the air and creating your dream earth-friendly hospital.
Hospital Design Planning Workbook: Stocking your new hospital
This checklist covers almost everything you'll need to make opening day a success.
Practice Profiles: Companion Class IV laser therapy (Sponsored by Litecure)
Class IV laser therapy is a profit center that empowers you to provide advanced care and market your practice as a state-of-the-art facility.
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Exotic practices
Modernize design, maintain veterinary clients
Constantly improving, evolving, and focusing on the pet above all, Countryside Veterinary Hospital in Chelmsford, Mass., sets the standard.
2011 Hospital of the Year: Mission accomplished
It's much more than just a building. Mission Animal and Bird Hospital in Oceanside, Calif., has something for everyone—and every pet. Here's a look inside this year's Hospital of the Year.
Midcentury modern reimagined
Design pizzazz lures clients into Greek and Associates Veterinary Hospital in Yorba Linda, Calif. A passion for patients, including exotics, keeps them here.
Photo gallery: The finished product—Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics
Dr. Laurie Hess worked for months to create a veterinary hospital tailored specifically for exotic animals. Here's a peek at the result.
Photo gallery: Construction photos—Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics
Look inside the construction of an exotics hospital from start to finish.
Building a practice in the fast lane
Dr. Robert Goodman took an old car dealership and turned it into his dream practice.
Deep in the heart of Texas
A facility that includes regional architectural elements and projects warmth and southern hospitality, Crossroads Animal Clinic in Houston is an example of what you can achieve with design.
A tale of two practices
Dr. Steven Dunbar merged a general practice and a 24-hour emergency center into one new building. And the consistent, attractive use of color; high-quality materials; impressive client-interaction areas; and more helped Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Anaheim, Calif., rise to the top in Veterinary Economics annual design competition.
Small space? Limited budget? Think big!
The careful design of this 3,010-square-foot hospital and the luxurious finishings belie the small footprint and reasonable price tag.
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Facility Design
5 ways to make veterinary clients' lives harder
Follow these common design faux pas and you'll have veterinary clients frustrated in no time.
Optimize traffic flow in veterinary hospital design
Get this crucial aspect of planning right from the start.
Efficiency in a veterinary practice with a small footprint
It's not impossible to build a high-efficiency veterinary practice in a small space.
Live from CVC: It's a wrap—the 2012 Hospital Design Conference
Take a walk with us through the last three of veterinary design tips and trends from expert architects at the 2012 Hospital Design Conference, held in conjunction with CVC Kansas City.
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: Tricks to make your veterinary clinic work
Take your veterinary hospital to the next level with these design tips.
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: How to simplify the veterinary building process
Before you freak out, take a deep breathe and learn from these tips.
The 2012 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Supplement
Find out if these 4 cutting-edge veterinary trends are for you.
Hanging with Hafen: Do veterinary boarding, grooming and retail right
Here are some examples of stellar veterinary facilities that built the most effective way.
It's a veterinary trend...but is it for you?
The savvy editors at Veterinary Economics are seeing more of these design elements. Here's input from expert veterinary architect Dan Chapel on the pros and cons of jumping on the bandwagon.
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Flash
2013 Veterinary Hospital of the Year: Lap of luxury
With boarding suites and room to spread out services, Allandale Veterinary Hospital in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, acts as a second home for veterinary patients and clients.
NorthStar VETS: Wish upon a star
This veterinarian followed his own NorthStar and landed the 36,000-square-foot practice of his dreams.
8 years to the perfect veterinary hospital
After many stressful days and sleepless nights, Dr. Steen landed a practically perfect practice.
5 ways to make veterinary clients' lives harder
Follow these common design faux pas and you'll have veterinary clients frustrated in no time.
Photo gallery: Luxury boarding at the 2013 Hospital of the Year
Get a sneak peek into the themed suites at Allandale Veterinary Hospital.
Enter to win the 2014 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition
Enter the 2014 Hospital Design Competition and your facility might be featured in a future issue of Veterinary Economics!
16 green solutions for your veterinary practice
Three veterinary hospitals with enviromentally minded owners try out 16 ideas that could save you resources.
Better boarding solutions for veterinary practices: Get them out of jail!
Veterinary architect Heather Lewis, AIA, shares new research about veterinary housing and solutions that reduce cats' stress and help dogs stay happy when they're at your practice.
Make strong color choices for your veterinary practice
Everyone responds to color, so the choices you make will affect your team as they work every day, and your clients? impressions of their veterinary practice visit.
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Larger than 10,000 square feet
NorthStar VETS: Wish upon a star
This veterinarian followed his own NorthStar and landed the 36,000-square-foot practice of his dreams.
Divide and conquer your veterinary hospital
Splitting the PetCare Veterinary Hospital in Santa Rosa, Calif., in two led to more growth and better veterinary client service.
Perfect the veterinary practice flow: traffic, technology, and talk
Find out how Drs. Alan Green and David Sachs of Charleston Veterinary Referral Center built a big hospital with little room for confusion in Charleston, S.C.
The elements of style in veterinary practice
Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle embraces Mother Nature.
Photo gallery: Changing the face of rural veterinary medicine
Animal owners of all kinds find great medicine at Renfro Veterinary Services, a well-thought-out small animal, equine, and livestock practice in Richmond, Mo.
2012 Hospital of the Year: Hospital of the future
Merging general medicine with emergency and specialty care, Coral Springs Animal Hospital in Coral Springs, Fla., just may be the practice model of the future. But is it right for you? Here's a look inside this year's Hospital of the Year.
Modernize design, maintain veterinary clients
Constantly improving, evolving, and focusing on the pet above all, Countryside Veterinary Hospital in Chelmsford, Mass., sets the standard.
Rooms with views
Quadrupling the square footage of this veterinary hospital required some fancy footwork for Winslow Animal Hospital in Sicklerville, N.J.
Here we grow again
Growing their facility 300 percent in just five years has served these doctors well. New services and more space mean greatly enhanced patient care.
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Less than 3,500 square feet
Building a community
After 20 years of working for others, this doctor finds freedom in building her own practice—and enjoys the rewards of caring for people where she lives.
Small-scale success: Butterfield Animal Hospital
A smaller, more intimate practice suits this California doctor—and his clients—just fine.
Once upon a leasehold
A husband and wife team took a leasehold space in Simi Valley, Calif., and worked on it until they built a happy ending for Simi Valley Animal Hospital—one with satisfied clients and lots of growth.
A renewed commitment to cats
A devastating fire forced this doctor to rebuild his historic New Orleans practice. He took the opportunity to make a bold statement about his team's special focus on feline care.
Small space? Limited budget? Think big!
The careful design of this 3,010-square-foot hospital and the luxurious finishings belie the small footprint and reasonable price tag.
Big dreams in a small space
It's not smoke and mirrors, but glass and an efficient floor plan that make Animal Health Center at Weston, a 2,600-square-foot practice, seem larger than life.
Keeping the design in the family
Innovative space-saving solutions, a flawless floor plan, and lots of love went into designing the 1,800-square-foot Landen-Maineville Animal Hospital.
Catering to feline fancies
At Cat Clinic of Destin, cats are considered top dog, and Dr. Dorothy Flynn designed her Florida hospital to accommodate feisty felines and their occasionally finicky owners.
Designing for dentistry
The only board-certified veterinary dentist in south Florida, Dr. Jan Bellows created a professional showcase to manage a flow of dental referrals and his general-practice clients in comfort.
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Marketing
Boost business in your veterinary practice by using signage
A recent study finds that shoppers make important decisions based on visual cues.
Hanging with Hafen: 3 things veterinarians can learn from the retail world
Sometimes it helps to take a step back and look at the trends in other industries. Here's how retail design can be applied to your building project.
25 ways to make your team love your hospital
Your team members are what make your practice run, so give them the tools they need to succeed and to enjoy work. Here's what our veterinary architects have to say about building with your team in mind.
Choose wisely when picking a name for your veterinary practice
Consumers prefer brand names with repetition and alliteration, a new study finds.
Give drivers a sneak peek with a "coming soon" sign
Show off your facility—even before it?s completed—to build a buzz among potential clients.
Your manager can be your hospital construction lifeline
Learn how your practice manager can help to make your building dreams come true.
Hospital Design Conference video: Rethink your parking space width
Veterinary Economics Editor Kristi Reimer reports with a hot parking tip from the 2009 conference.
Image is everything
Integrate your facility's design with your business cards and other materials to help your marketing message hit home.
Live from CVC West: Improving curb appeal
The first things clients see when they approach your practice is the sign. In this audio clip from CVC West, architect Dan Chapel gives tips for making your sign work for you.
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Materials
Hanging with Hafen: Making the most of a lease space practice
Here's how to maximize your square footage and your dollars in a leasehold facility.
Materials matter in veterinary hospital design
Find out why it pays to use pricier, high-quality materials in veterinary practice.
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: Ways to keep your veterinary clinic clean
Remember: Germs and disease love to hang out in your veterinary practice as much as you do.
Hanging with Hafen: A look back at veterinary cage designs
Here's a look at how caging and caging needs have changed over the years.
Hanging with Hafen: Do veterinary boarding, grooming and retail right
Here are some examples of stellar veterinary facilities that built the most effective way.
3 questions to consider before investing in new technology for your veterinary practice
Don't make a big purchase without considering these questions.
Keep your veterinary practice cool this summer without going broke
This summer, follow these energy-saving tips from Ryerson University, and you can cut your veterinary practice's energy bill by 20 to 50 percent.
Who lets the dogs out? Every veterinary practice can find a way
These veterinary practices developed unique spaces for their canine guests. Fresh air. Sunshine. Bright color. What's not to love? (Especially if you're a dog.)
16 green solutions for your veterinary practice
Three veterinary hospitals with enviromentally minded owners try out 16 ideas that could save you resources.
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Mixed-animal practices
Photo gallery: Changing the face of rural veterinary medicine
Animal owners of all kinds find great medicine at Renfro Veterinary Services, a well-thought-out small animal, equine, and livestock practice in Richmond, Mo.
Crafting a modern building for an old-time practice
This veterinary hospital was a long-standing neighborhood fixture and needed an update. The solution still blends well with the surroundings.
Preparation paves the way
An antiquated facility meant it was time to start from scratch for this doctor. But hiring a design-build team and learning to delegate meant that building Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic in Goose Creek, S.C., was a headache-free experience.
A rose in Richmond
Bright colors, rich textures, and ample accents get tongues wagging and clients returning to this massive but affordable Texas facility.
Strong friends, strong faith
It took time and effort—and a lot of courage—but dreams became reality for two lifelong friends in the form of Zoot Pet Hospital in Georgetown, Texas.
The hills are alive
An old farmhouse gave way to a cutting-edge veterinary facility in Floyds Knobs, Ind. Hillside Animal Clinic uses practice efficiency and a handy drive-through window to put clients first.
Small-practice warmth; big-time convenience
The goal: Build a facility big enough to accommodate future growth without losing the small-practice feel. The result: Alexandria Veterinary Clinic PetCare Center in Alexandria, Minn., a warm practice that's built to last.
Relishing the rustic charm
Drs. Lamar and Amber Crossland knew they wanted Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic in central Texas to appeal to long-time ranchers as well as to the Austin urbanites who’d fled the city for greener pastures in Dripping Springs, Texas. And the mixed animal practice also needed to accommodate a gamut of patients, from livestock to polo horses to pampered pooches. One last requirement: seamless movement between the large animal and small animal sides of the practice, because all staff members worked in both areas.
Tour a Texas homeland
Dr. Timothy J. Thompson wanted to own a practice so much, he says he would've bought a lemonade stand with a dog run attached. So he and his wife, Dr. Shannon A. Thompson, both 1994 Texas A&M University graduates, only spent a year as associates before buying Hope Animal Clinic in Marble Falls, Texas. They leased the 850-square-foot building and within a year bought land to build the mixed animal facility of their dreams.
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Noise & Odor
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: Ways to keep your veterinary clinic clean
Remember: Germs and disease love to hang out in your veterinary practice as much as you do.
The 2012 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Supplement
Find out if these 4 cutting-edge veterinary trends are for you.
The 2011 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Supplement
From flooring to financing, we've got you covered.
Make time to meet during your construction project
Sure, your schedule is crazy. But carving out a couple of hours per week could be the key to keeping your project on schedule and on budget.
4 ways to control noise in your veterinary hospital
Your canine patients can transform your practice from calm to chaotic with one yip—and drive your team members from pleasant to harried. Consider these tips to tackle noise during your new construction or renovation.
25 ways to make your team love your hospital
Your team members are what make your practice run, so give them the tools they need to succeed and to enjoy work. Here's what our veterinary architects have to say about building with your team in mind.
Live from the 2010 Hospital Design Conference: Use photos to find flaws in your facility
It's easy to overlook your practice's faults. But take a step back and use a critical eye to find the problem areas—and then fix them.
Building better health into your veterinary hospital
Good design is more than building codes and aesthetics. Employ these innovative evidence-based designs to boost patient, client, and team member health.
Video: Building a green practice: Part 9
Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
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Photo Gallery: exteriors
Modern facility, farmhouse charm
For 34 years, the doctors at Gunbarrel Veterinary Clinic in Boulder, Colo., cared for pets out of an old farmhouse. The building consisted of two exam rooms, a cramped treatment area, and a noisy kennel that shared a wall with an exam room.
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Small
Once upon a leasehold
A husband and wife team took a leasehold space in Simi Valley, Calif., and worked on it until they built a happy ending for Simi Valley Animal Hospital—one with satisfied clients and lots of growth.
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Video
How do I spend my veterinary hospital design dollars most effectively?
Pay close attention to design details today and put them out of your mind for years.
Do I need a veterinary architect?
Is the hospital design phase a time to wing it?
Video: Cut your budget wisely when designing a veterinary clinic
Dropping items from your design can create uncorrectable problems down the road.
Video: Floor plan—The most critical part of the building process
Take a hard look at issues of functionality and traffic when designing a clinic.
Video: Stay sane during the building process
The construction process contains a great many variables. Stay informed to avoid surprises.
Should I remodel instead of building a new facility?
Building a new facility may seem daunting; remodeling may seem messy. Dan Chapel, AIA, weighs in on both sides.
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Walls & Floors
Materials matter in veterinary hospital design
Find out why it pays to use pricier, high-quality materials in veterinary practice.
The 2012 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Supplement
Find out if these 4 cutting-edge veterinary trends are for you.
Make strong color choices for your veterinary practice
Everyone responds to color, so the choices you make will affect your team as they work every day, and your clients? impressions of their veterinary practice visit.
7 ways your veterinary practice can make a better first (and lasting) impression
Sure, it's fun to dream about a beautiful new facility, but a few small and inexpensive steps could win you far more points that you might think with potential veterinary clients.
Hanging with Hafen: How moisture can ruin your floors
Avoid a construction disaster by taking the proper precautions when laying flooring on top of your concrete slab.
The 2011 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Supplement
From flooring to financing, we've got you covered.
Make time to meet during your construction project
Sure, your schedule is crazy. But carving out a couple of hours per week could be the key to keeping your project on schedule and on budget.
Stick with ceramic when tiling walls
Stick with ceramic when tiling walls
25 ways to make your team love your hospital
Your team members are what make your practice run, so give them the tools they need to succeed and to enjoy work. Here's what our veterinary architects have to say about building with your team in mind.
 MORE ARTICLES

Web Daily
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: How to simplify the veterinary building process
Before you freak out, take a deep breathe and learn from these tips.
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: Design the perfect veterinary client experience
Get ready to rock your veterinary clients' socks.
3 questions to consider before investing in new technology for your veterinary practice
Don't make a big purchase without considering these questions.
Keep your veterinary practice cool this summer without going broke
This summer, follow these energy-saving tips from Ryerson University, and you can cut your veterinary practice's energy bill by 20 to 50 percent.
Design Details with Hafen and Lewis: Pick the perfect site for your veterinary practice
Shopping for the perfect veterinary site? Check out these tricks.
Make strong color choices for your veterinary practice
Everyone responds to color, so the choices you make will affect your team as they work every day, and your clients? impressions of their veterinary practice visit.
Video: Cut your budget wisely when designing a veterinary clinic
Dropping items from your design can create uncorrectable problems down the road.
Video: Floor plan—The most critical part of the building process
Take a hard look at issues of functionality and traffic when designing a clinic.
Video: Stay sane during the building process
The construction process contains a great many variables. Stay informed to avoid surprises.
 MORE ARTICLES

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