Veterinarian promotes happy, healthy pets

Dr. Shane Daigle said he has a passion for dogs, cats, horses, ferrets and just about any other animal that winds up at Premier Animal Hospital.

Premier Animal Hospital opened in Cedar Park in 2005 and treats animals from across the region, including Bastrop, Hutto, Marble Falls and Austin. The staff encourages pet owners to tour the hospital and view procedures to familiarize themselves with the facility.

"We treat every four-legged friend that comes through the door as a member of our own family," he said. "We like to involve and empower the owners to make decisions about their pets."

The animal hospital has grown significantly since its opening, gaining about 100 new clients per month, Daigle said. That does not include the animals groomed, boarded, trained and pampered at Premier Pet Resort and Day Spa, which opened behind the hospital in 2008.

"We opened the pet resort because there is a huge demand for people who want a one-stop shop for their pet, and we saw a need for that," Daigle said.

Daigle owns both businesses and said referrals between the two are common. After receiving treatment at the hospital, animals can stay at the pet resort, which is managed by Jan Heumann. She said the holidays are the busiest time of year.

"There's a lull between Valentine's Day and Spring Break, and that's our maintenance time. That's usually when we get a little bit of a breather," she said. "Come spring break, it stays busy all the way through."

The two-story pet spa, which connects to the hospital, has kennels in various sizes. While owners are away, they can watch a live feed of their pet online via a Web camera.

Outside, several fenced areas with green turf allow room for exercise. Kennel manager Alex Noel said other boarding and grooming businesses often have group playtime with up to 20 dogs, but Premier Pet Resort and Day Spa provides individualized attention.

"A playtime is 15 minutes one-on-one playtime with a kennel technician," he said. "We'll always do one-on-one unless someone wants their animal socialized, and then we can do small groups."

In addition to on-site training and boarding, Noel said up to 30 dogs per day are dropped off for bathing and grooming.

Premier Animal Hospital , Premier Pet Resort and Day Spa, 3651 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park

260-4000, www.premieranimalhospital.com

260-8772, www.premierpetspa.com