Nearly five decades after Dr. John Hill opened Cypress Veterinary Hospital in 1971, Cypress’ oldest clinic of its kind continues to grow.

Dr. Ricardo Caballero took ownership of the practice in 2005 and has served as the medical director ever since. Caballero said he grew up on a farm in Honduras and has always had a love for pets.

“So my background is that I grew up with pets and livestock, and it was always my dream to become a vet,” he said. “All kinds of animals—from chickens to pigs to horses, mules, cattle.”

In addition to general pet wellness care, Caballero said he is interested in more advanced medicine and challenging surgeries other veterinarians might not be willing to take on. The hospital offers emergency medicine, critical care, ultrasound, digital radiology, laser surgery, laser therapy and alternative herbal cancer therapy services.

That Cypress Veterinary Hospital has been established in the community for several generations also makes it unique, Caballero said. Many clients continue to support the business because their parents and even grandparents were also clients, he said.

Clinic staff members have designed a special new facility on-site with the comfort and safety of clients and pets in mind. Caballero said the new “fear-free” facility, slated to celebrate a grand opening in November, will feature separate waiting and treatment areas for dogs and cats with acoustic ceilings to create a soundproof effect.

The current building will later be converted to a boarding and grooming facility to expand on services the clinic is already providing, he said.

Practice Manager Jodi Osgood said Cypress Veterinary Hospital invests in the community by supporting Future Farmers of America programs in local high schools and by offering an on-site dog park.

“I think we try to support the community as much as possible because the community’s done a lot for us too,” she said.

12002 Cypress North Houston Road, Cypress 281-469-8056 www.cypressvethospital.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., closed Sun.