CHESHIRE – A local private veterinary practice was taken over by a national chain where the private practice owner began her career more than a decade ago.
Dr. Kristine Metz, owner of Animal Medical Care on Cornwall Avenue, told pet owners she treats that she will join the Cheshire site of the VCA Animal Hospital next month. Metz will begin viewing pets on June 14th as a member of VCA Cheshire, she told her customers in an email.
“In order to continue to meet our current demand and maintain our customer satisfaction, we have decided to move the AMC team and operations to the VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital, which has been a member of our community for many years,” wrote Metz in the E -Mail to customers that was shared with Hearst Connecticut Media. She was not immediately available to comment on the decision to end her private practice.
Metz started her veterinary practice Animal Medical Care 15 years ago. Prior to that, she began her career for 15 years at Cheshire Veterinary Hospital, which was later acquired and renamed VCA Cheshire.
“It will be like coming home,” said Metz of joining VCA Cheshire. “I look forward to continuing to provide high quality care for your pets in a state-of-the-art facility.”
VCA is one of the largest veterinary hospital chains in North America with more than 1,000 offices, including 20 in Connecticut.
Joseph Campbell, a VCA spokesperson, said company officials were “excited about the opportunity to welcome the Animal Medical Care team and their patients to the VCA family, where we recognize the commitment of Dr. Metz for excellent pet care. “
“All members of the Animal Medical Care team have been invited to join VCA as part of this proposed transition,” said Campbell.
The response to news from customers whose pets are treated by Metz has been mixed.
Andres Arteaga has used veterinary practices for both his dog and cat and said on social media that he was disappointed with the news about Animal Medical Care, “I get the business case.”
“Animal Medical Care felt more ‘high touch’ than VCA …” said Arteaga.
Ron Briggs told the Register that he has been bringing his family’s dogs and cats to Metz for about 15 years and “she is without a doubt the best vet we have ever had.
“I think this will only expand their ability to provide the best care available,” Briggs said when asked if Metz had joined the VCA Cheshire practice.
Other Metz customers said they are looking for a new veterinary practice to treat their pets after it closes theirs.
“I don’t think I’ll be following them to VCA,” said Eileen O’Connell Turner.
Theresa Burak said: “Currently looking for a new vet.”
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luther.turmelle@hearstmediat.com
