This month, an exciting new option for our furry friends’ healthcare is coming to Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood.
On October 28th, Berkeley Animal Hospital will officially open for business on Lowell Boulevard just south of 44th Avenue. The clinic will offer standard medical services including wellness exams, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and more. Soon-to-be Medical Director Dr. Cal Melberg says that starting a practice has long been a goal of his.
“I fell in love with the Berkeley area and community, and I was surprised there wasn’t a vet clinic right here. And from there I decided if I got the opportunity to start a clinic, I should do it. So that’s where we are now.”
Raised in a rural Wisconsin town, Dr. Melberg remembers how everyone knew and trusted the local veterinarian. He intends to bring a similar warmth and familiarity to his big city practice. The new hospital’s guiding principle will be “patient over everything,” meaning care will be tailored to the specific needs of each individual pet.
“A lot of practices will do x-rays, bloodwork every single time because ‘this is what we do.’ What I like to see more is a team collaborative environment with myself, owner and patient. I hope that people get a more personal experience – I think that’s the most important thing in veterinary medicine,” says Dr. Melberg.
When it comes to finding quality healthcare for your pet, Dr. Melberg has a few recommendations.
“What pet owners really end up liking about their vet is one who listens to their needs, someone who allows them to voice their concerns. And feeling like those concerns are addressed there in the room during the time you’re allotted.”
Dr. Melberg also suggests paying close attention to exams when possible, and noting things like if the doctor gets down on the floor with your cat or dog, or if they approach your pet slowly and carefully. These can be indicators of a caring and attentive professional.
But overall, “It’s a good time to be a pet owner – you have a lot of options,” he says.
Berkeley Animal Hospital’s first day of official business will be Monday, October 28th, but there are a few opportunities before then for those interested in meeting Dr. Melberg and learning more. His team will have an informational booth at Tennyson Fall Fest on October 19th, and the hospital will have an open house on Saturday, October 26th which will include coffee, tours of the facility and a pet costume contest.
For more information and to sign up for email updates, go to https://berkeleyanimal.com/.
