In 1987, when Unionville and Markham grew closer, we moved from across the street into our large 2400 sq. ft. facility. What a chore! Who knew so many guidelines had to be met? But in the end, it was all worth it! We are now located right on the park system of the Rouge River and all dogs in our care enjoy at least three daily walks in the park. The interior is spacious and modern. We have a surgery room for sterile operations, a niche for dental treatments, a large treatment area with cages for close supervision of patients, a library room that serves as room for our night staff. Cats are boarded in a peaceful room with murals of a tropical jungle, dogs have their own boarding area close to the grooming centre. Throughout our clinic, we have incorporated surface areas that meet the College of Veterinarians of Ontario’s guidelines. These surfaces are designed to allow disinfecting solutions to easily sanitize floors, kennels, cages, countertops, lower portions of walls and exam tables. The surfaces are smooth and sometimes slippery to pets, however it is these features which help make them impervious to viruses and bacteria. We have an extensive pipeline of oxygen, carefully hidden from view behind the ceiling tiles, to deliver oxygen to the surgical suite, incubation area and dentistry area. Another air system draws excess anesthetic gases away from our employees in these areas. The blueprints of these air systems resembled a ball of string at the mercy of a litter of playful kittens. During the construction stage of our clinic, we had to consider the noise produced by our clientele-barking dogs. In order to keep on good terms with our fellow neighbours, our walls contain additional features to reduce the likelihood of noise transfer. ACCREDITATION: The licensing body for veterinarians in our province conducts regular on-site inspections of our premises. This process is designed to protect you and your animals. It ensures that our facilities meet specific standards set out by our profession including equipment requirements, proper patient record-keeping, safe drug storage, medical reference library and orderly and sanitary premises. Meeting these standards can require significant investments in time and money. |
