Concept design of expanded Central Animal Hospital on Kalamalka Lake Road. (Submitted image)

By Kevin Rothwell

Completion spring 2023

Vernon animal hospital expanding to meet demand

Dec 5, 2022 | 6:00 AM

One of Vernon’s busiest veterinary clinics is expanding to keep up with the demand for services from local pet owners.

Dr. Carey Keith and Dr. Trinity Smith purchased Central Animal Hospital (CAH) in 2009, which used to be located kitty corner from the courthouse. They quickly outgrew that location and purchased a lot at 1901 Kal Lake Road and built a hospital, which opened in 2015.

They are now operating out of the existing building and a portable situated on adjacent property.

The existing building / Photo Submitted

The proposed project would expand the existing building in two directions and add a second storey, another 2,000 square feet of space.

Pay

Vernon's mayor and council pay going up as originally planned

3h ago

Official Community Plan

Vernon's new OCP officially adopted

3h ago

Shopping Interruption

Vernon's mall evacuated after fire alarm pulled

4h ago

“The renovation will allow us to double the number of our exam rooms, from three exam rooms to a total of six. We are adding a second operating room which allows us to continue to perform routine surgeries on the days that we have an orthopaedic surgeon in performing his specialty surgeries,” Dr. Keith told Vernon Matters.

“We are adding a dedicated dental suite that has two tables allowing more space for the delicate dental surgeries that we do. Expanding this building will allow my staff to have a quiet space apart from the hospital area to take their breaks.The second floor has a dedicated staff room/kitchen with an outdoor patio space,” Keith added.

Keith estimates the practice is seeing around 1,800 patients a month and growing monthly. The business has grown to a staff of 30. ​

Artist rendering of the new interior of CAH / Image submitted

“Essentially, this renovation will allow us to better serve Vernon pet owners by allowing us to see more patients on a daily basis along with continuing to accept new clients,” Dr. Keith stated.

The project should be done by next spring.

The hospital will remain fully operational during construction and will still be accepting new clients throughout the construction phase.

For more information about Central Animal Hospital click here.