Kristofer Schoeffler refers to Bobby Stevener as a second father. Stevener and Schoeffler’s father were good friends, so Schoeffler grew up around Pearland Animal Hospital, which Stevener opened in 1968. In fact, Schoeffler’s first job in high school was cleaning kennels at the hospital.

Pearland Animal Hospital began as a mixed animal clinic; horses were 70-80 percent of the animals treated, Stevener said. In the 1980s, the practice transitioned to a small-animal practice.

The clinic has also grown from 2,500 square feet to almost 6,000 square feet. The business will be expanding more in celebration of its 50-year anniversary.

“We’ve seen [Pearland] become less rural and more suburban and our practices mirror that,” Schoeffler said.

Schoeffler moved back to Pearland from Alaska in 2011 to work at Pearland Animal Hospital. In 2013, he bought the business from Stevener.

“I said, ‘Have you thought about moving back to Pearland and eventually buying my practice?’ He said, ‘Give me two weeks.’ That’s about what he said,” Stevener said.

As Pearland has grown, the hospital has expanded its services as well. Some services the hospital offers include surgeries, ultrasounds, pain management and geriatric care.

The hospital also focuses on “fear-free” treatment, primarily for cats. This can include anything from letting clients bring their animals in through the back door if their pet is skittish around other animals, to allowing a female veterinarian to work on a pet that is fearful of male veterinarians.

The business also offers premium products, Schoeffler said. Despite the higher cost, the hospital works to make them affordable for clients.

“We try to make everything as convenient for the client as possible,” Schoeffler said.

Despite the growth in services and continued education for the vets, the animal hospital has maintained a small-town feel, Schoeffler said.

“I love the culture—it’s a small-town feel. And a very family feel. Our staff love working here,” Schoeffler said.