New vet clinic opening in town

The crew at Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic are ready to greet the public when the facility opens on May 5. Left to right are: Amanda van der Linde, office manager and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT); Trudy Long, reception and Animal Care Attendant; Jahna Gogo, RVT; and Dr. Sharon Howard, owner. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A familiar face is behind a new veterinary clinic opening in Tillsonburg.

Dr. Sharon Howard, is opening Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic on May 5. The full-service veterinary clinic will be specializing in medical care for dogs and cats. This includes, preventative health care, dental work and surgery.

Howard has lived in Tillsonburg for 23 years, and worked at a number of clinics in the area as an associate veterinarian during that time. She will bring the best of what she has seen from each of the places she worked to her new venture.

“I’ve had a lot of positive influences from other places I worked and gained knowledge from a lot of other experienced veterinarians,” Howard said.

For instance, one unique service Howard is offering is home euthanasia. She had experience with this service while working at a clinic in London.

“It’s a very difficult time for people and we want to make it as stress free and personal as possible,” she said. “Time and time again, people are so grateful for that service.”

Located at the intersection of Tillson Ave and North Street, Paws and Claws Veterinary Clinic was designed to give a personal connection in what Howard called a “homey environment.”

“We’re going for a homey, comfortable feel rather than something like a doctor’s office,” she said.

Howard emphasized this a privately-owned clinic, not a corporate enterprise, and will stress personal service. She decided to strike out on her own seeing the demand and growth in Tillsonburg.

“There’s a need and Tillsonburg is a growing community,” she said. “It’s a great time to offer this as a service.”

Reception of the business is already exceeding Howard’s expectations.

“The reception has been positive and people are saying we need this,” she said, adding there are already more than 300 people who want to sign on.

Local staff have been hired to fill the positions and the business is ready to open. The clinic was designed to be able to add another veterinarian down the road.

Pricing will be competitive with the area. Hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., initially.