A new veterinary clinic will aim to give lifelong care to Hutchinson pets starting Dec. 3.
Lifelong Veterinary Clinic, 905 State Highway 15, is already scheduling appointments according to Angie Gearey, who will run the Lifelong Veterinary Clinic, and Carl Larson, the owner of several other area clinics.
Gearey said the clinic’s mission is all in the name.
“Carl and I came up with (Lifelong Veterinary Clinic) to fit our vision of it,” she said. “The clinic will prioritize human-pet bonds. A pet is not simply a dog or cat but a beloved member of someone’s family. We’re focusing on the idea that we’re giving lifelong care to lifelong friends.”
Gearey, a certified vet by the University of Wisconson-Madison, said she’s jumping back into the Hutchinson pet-owning community after four years of working in Kimball. A Hutchinson resident, Gearey formerly owned a practice in town called Animal Medical Center.
“Over the last year, Carl and I talked about long-term goals, and one of mine was working in this community,” she said. “We talked about how that could benefit both of us.”
“We’re currently prepared to schedule elective surgery and wellness exams,” Larson said. “There’s already somebody on the other end of the phone.”
Lifelong will differentiate itself from other clinics in town with its network of vets and technicians in Watkins, Kimball, Maple Lake and Litchfield, all of whom are part of Animals, Inc.
“From a practice standpoint, we have the ability to see a comprehensive representation of different species in our area,” Larson said.
“We’re a large team, and we meet as doctors quarterly and discuss cases,” Gearey said. “We’re constantly learning from each other. Someone might have another area of expertise and can have conversations about unique cases. (Customers) can get that without having to get a referral to a bigger facility.
Gearey said avoiding referrals to specialty clinics can help customers avoid massive bills.
“If there is a full schedule one day, we’re able to get patients urgent care by calling someone in from another nearby clinic,” she said. “That’s another advantage.”
Gearey said she’s excited to get back to the community and start making new connections.
“I fell in love with the idea of working in a small city,” Gearey said. “I love the idea that I can go to the hockey rink or the store and run into clients and check on cases.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 320-234-7400.
