VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The mission behind an expansion project at the Virginia Beach SPCA was simple.
“It means a decreased wait to access care,” said SPCA Medical Director Dr. Ann Marie Woyma.
She said it’s what the SPCA’s veterinary clinic staff has longed for.
“We had one very small surgery area, one very small prep and recovery area," said Woyma. "So, sometimes you would have to wait to start your next surgery.”
Woyma said it extended the time to get patients in and out. And so, leaders ventured on the journey to renovate and expand the clinic.
“It started over five years ago with a vision that we knew we could do more,” said CEO Derby Brackett.
That vision then became reality in January when construction began inside the building. Roughly six months later, additional space was completed, and upgraded equipment like x-rays and ultrasounds were added.
“We now have two surgical beds as well as a separate dental area,” said Brackett. “We also have separated prep areas...expanded treatment rooms and now five exam rooms.”
Wednesday morning, SPCA staff and leaders celebrated the accomplishment, which they said would enhance patient services and care.
“All the things that we need to really do not only spay neuter and regular surgeries but special needs surgeries as well,” Brackett said.
The updated clinic has been open for the last month. SPCA leaders say with the additional space, they’ve been able to add more dental appointments to the day. It’s a service they say is highly requested.
"The best feeling of it all is the fact that we're able to give our staff this space to work in," said Woyma. "Through the renovation, they have stayed dedicated to serving the community because they knew that closing this clinic means that people don't have access those services. So whether it meant working out of a back hallway because all the rooms were under renovation, running patients back and forth from the car because we didn't have exam rooms, they stayed dedicated."
The Virginia Beach SPCA received a $1.1 million grant from PetSmart charities to help fund the project. Those funds will also help with staff hiring and retention, education and improving equipment.