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/ Business of the Month / Eagle River Animal Hospital
Business of the Month: January 2024
1720 Highway 45 North
Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: (715) 479-7090
Website: https://eaglerivervet.com/
In December, the Eagle River Animal Hospital celebrated the opening of its new and expanded hospital, enhancing the quality of care for pets, providing new services, and offering a more comfortable experience for both animals and their owners.
Dr. Katie Hom, owner, envisioned the project before Covid, which has now become a reality. The new 10,000-plus sq. ft. hospital is a replacement for the familiar aging facility next door, which had limited space. The former hospital has since been demolished.
Recently, we sat down for an interview with Dr. Mary Camp, one of the veterinarians at the Clinic, and Practice Manager Amber Plautz, to delve into the exciting developments at the Hospital. Dr. Hom, Dr. Camp, and Plautz have all been with the hospital since 2014.
When people and their pets walk into the new hospital, they are welcomed into a large lobby featuring a cozy faux fireplace, expansive windows, and a welcoming reception area.
Camp expressed her excitement about the new facility. "With the new animal hospital, we have been able to update a lot of the spaces,” she said. They include areas dedicated solely to veterinarian workspaces, surgery, lab, treatments, isolation, as well as an indoor dog training center led by trainer Heidi Skarda. In addition, they now offer pet grooming services, provided by groomer Jennifer Vessell.
The hospital has experienced a steady increase in patient volume, and appointment slots are consistently full throughout the year. Camp stated that there were 6,700 patient visits from January to October this year.
Camp and Plautz acknowledge the need for 24/7 emergency veterinary care, but staffing challenges remain a significant obstacle to providing this service. “We still face a shortage of veterinarians,” said Camp. “The demand for comprehensive pet care has been on the rise, with an increased emphasis on preventive care, dental health, and specialized treatments like dermatology. We’re doing more in-depth care these days.”
The new building is expected to improve overall efficiency, and hopefully, Camp said, potentially attract additional veterinarians to join the team. The hospital has 19 full- and part-time staff members, and recently welcomed part-time veterinarian Dr. Roger Flemming allowing for two doctors to be present every day.
One of the significant improvements in the new facility is also the kennel area. The clinic has introduced glass kennels that help reduce noise, with in-floor heating, and adjustable lighting to create a quieter and more comfortable recovery space for pets.
Camp emphasized the positive impact of the new facility, stating, "We're excited because we want to provide the best possible care, and the new facility gives us a better opportunity for hospitalized care. It was nice to see people coming in that first week, the animals have been really relaxed."
The Eagle River Animal Hospital provides care for a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles by approval. The hospital has implemented a Closed Captioning Television system so that the veterinarians can monitor pets remotely, including large screens in the treatment area for enhanced observation.
To cater to the emotional needs of pet owners during difficult times, the facility includes a separate euthanasia area for saying goodbye to one’s beloved companion.
Camp also highlighted the clinic's regional significance. "We draw people and their pets from Ontonagon, Antigo, Crandon, Hiles, Iron River, and Bruce's Crossing,” she said. “If we can attract some additional veterinarians and support staff up here, we can make an even greater impact on the community.”
Plautz emphasized the joy of working with pets and their owners. "The pets are so happy. When you make that bond, when that dog and owner are so excited to see you; it is a shining part in my day."
Camp summed up her passion for veterinary care. "It's something different every day. I always wanted to be a veterinarian and use my skills to benefit animals and their owners. It feels like home here."
Plautz concluded by highlighting the clinic's focus on building a close-knit community. "I love Eagle River because we're helping our clients, and it feels like family here. I think Dr. Katie and Dr. Mary work really hard to have a family here, happy patients, and happy clients."
Congratulations!
October 2024
The Guide's Inn named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
September 2024
Eagle River Pet Company named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
August 2024
Headwaters Services named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
July 2024
Camp Marimeta named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
June 2024
North Lakeland Discovery Center named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
May 2024
Roots - The Northwoods Juice Bar named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
April 2024
Backwoods DCB named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
March 2024
Eagle River Office Supply & Copy Center Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
December 2023
Private Chef Luke Selected as the VCEDC Business of the Year
November 2023
Eagle River Tire named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
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AWI named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
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WinMan Trails named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
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Private Chef Luke named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
July 2023
Aqualand Ale House named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
June 2023
Eagle River Roasters named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
May 2023
VFW Post 8637 Eagle River named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
April 2023
Conover Gardens named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
March 2023
The Hiker Box named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
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Hooked & Tagged named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
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Track Side named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
November 2022
Lac du Flambeau Workforce Training & Business Development Center Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
October 2022
LakeTime Management Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
September 2022
Iconik Etchings and Innovations Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
August 2022
Trout Lake Station named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation.
July 2022
Pitlik & Wick, Inc. named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
June 2022
Eagle River Historical Society named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
May 2022
Jensen-Akins Appliances/Hardware/Docks named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation.
April 2022
Boulder Junction Coffee Company named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
March 2022
Schindelholz Dental named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
February 2022
Arrow Gift Shop named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
January 2022
Ahlborn Equipment named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
December 2021
Hillbilly Hollow named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
November 2021
Trees for Tomorrow named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
October 2021
Simpson Electric Company named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
September 2021
Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Company named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
July 2021
Camp Manito-wish YMCA Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
June 2021
Eagle River Light & Water Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
May 2021
Great Headwaters Trails Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
April 2021
March 2021
Charlie's Market Named Business of the Month by Vilas Economic Development Corporation
February 2021
January 2021
2020 Business of the Year
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
Located in Eagle River, the Northwoods Children's Museum has thought outside the box continuing its programming and mission to give back to the community even during Covid-19.
August 2020
July 2020
Congratulations to the new $3.3 million Country Market in Lac du Flambeau (LdF) for being selected as the VCEDC July Business of the Month. According to Melissa Doud, LDF Business Development Corp. Interim COO, the Country Market which opened in June, has enhanced the entire shopping experience.
June 2020
Congratulations to Land O' Lakes Arts, a cultural establishment that offers people of all ages that sense of wonder and purpose.
May 2020
Steve and Lisa Coon have turned their passion for the outdoors into a successful business and yet, feel their true success comes from being integrated into the community, a community they feel is like family.
April 2020
Among being a stellar lodge, restaurant, and destination of choice for tourists and area residents, we congratulate Debby and Dan Johns and all of their staff for their generosity and commitment to Vilas County to ensure our history and culture live on for future generations.
March 2020
Congratulations to Eagle River's Last Resort for 38 years in business providing great customer service and experiences to Eagle River visitors, and providing a positive influence on the Eagle River community.
February 2020
In 2016, April graduated from a business startup course, now called Nicolet Entrepreneur Training (NET) program, offered through a partnership with the VCEDC and Nicolet College. "With ongoing support from the VCEDC, including rental space within the Eagle River Business Incubator, I was able to develop and implement my business plan, founding Starlight in 2016," said April.
Reach out to the folks at the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation today!
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