Lethbridge’s newest pet hospital is the city’s first grid net-zero commercial building, using geothermal heating and solar power.
Veterinary Team Lead Dr. Jacob Adserballe says this is the fifth clinic he has built and each time it gets a little better. He states going into this build he knew he wanted the geothermal and solar inclussion.
“We are net zero for energy and that’s one of the reasons we’re not connected to natural gas at all and so that was the objective,” Adserballe says. “We wanted to build a place that was really good for staff. It’s hard to attract and retain talent these days and so that was one of the reasons as well. We wanted to be good for the environment, support the environment and also support our team.”
Along with being a net zero facility, the clinic also has separate spaces for feline and K9 patients, including separate entrances. Adserballe explains these decisions will help the facility get it’s feline-friendly certification.
“It’s just sort of different way to let cat owners know that there are special considerations made for them.”
Another highlight in the design of the building for the veterinarian is the compassion room. It is a sound-insulated room, that he describes as being quiet and calm where families can have extra time with their pets before saying goodbye.
“We know it’s very emotional. It gets emotional for us too. So, having that room allows us to get away from the exam room, create a circumstance that is more meaningful, more personal, where the owner can be there in a comfortable setting and be there for the procedure. It’s really hard to go through, but it actually gives better closure when you’re there.”
He says this is something he would never go without because it allows the families to take as much time as they need after.
The Lethbridge Pet Hospital has been open for roughly three months and starting the week of March 24th will be eventing its hours from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Adserballe says with time they are hoping to be able to expand those hours.
