Largest animal hospital in region opens

Public Record, The, Jun 05, 1998

INDIO--Valley Animal Clinic and Valley Kennel opened at 46-920 Jefferson in Indio May 14. The 12,500 square-foot facility is the largest of its kind in Southern California.

The building, owned by Indio Veterinarian Dr. Gary L. Homec, cost nearly $1.7 million. The loan was arranged through The Money Store Commercial Lending Division's San Diego office and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The new facility is three times the size of Homec's old facility. He expects to employ an additional seven to 10 staff members. He says the expansion in space and staff is necessary because of increasing demand for his services.

Among the services offered are a 1,000 square-foot dog and ca play and exercise area that features natural light and plants. The extra large kennel rooms have lamb fleece bedding and benches. The animal hospital has a behavioral specialist on staff and is equipped with a pet trauma center.

It also has an intensive care unit, a surgical suite with room for two operations simultaneously, and an on-site blood testing unit.

In addition to Homec, two other veterinarians are on staff. They are Dr. Eric Jackman and Dr. Bruce Armstrong. Jackman is the only veterinarian in the Coachella Valley who does advanced bone plating, a procedure to heal broken bones.

The kennel facility is 6,000 square feet. The temperature-controlled area has room for 70 dogs and 45 cats.

Homec is also starting an animal rescue center. He is setting aside 700 square feet for this purpose. According to Homec, the animal rescue center will serve three purposes: it will rescue dogs and cats that otherwise would have been put to death, accord the animal hospital and staff an opportunity to serve the community, and educate the public on how to properly care for a pet through wellness programs and behavioral classes.

Dogs and cats saved from the pound will be bathed and cleaned, nursed to health, given vaccinations, and receive behavioral training. The animals may then be adopted for $40.

The animals are also taken to hospitals, senior centers and schools for people who may not have much contact with pets.