Interview with Albert Chai, veterinarian
How did you get involved in this business?
We decided to open Blue Spruce Animal Clinic because we saw the need for a friendly, highly skilled veterinarian in the Castle Rock area. We wanted to start a veterinary clinic where our utmost priority, before anything else, was providing the best care possible for our patients, as well as building lasting relationships with people in the community.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Our business truly cares about the community and wants to help make Castle Rock a better place to live, through helping the town’s pets live long and healthy lives. Along with our community participation, we have a state-of-the-art facility. We have the latest equipment, such as a digital full-body X-ray, digital dental X-ray, ultrasound and a full laboratory. We also collaborate with a board-certified surgeon so we can perform even more advanced procedures in-house. We also work closely with a veterinarian who performs acupuncture and holistic medicine, and we will soon be offering canine rehabilitation.
What do you like best about your line of work?
What I like best about my line of work is seeing a pet that is scared and not feeling well, and treating him so that he is able to run and jump and play again. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a pet owner with a smile and a happy pet with a wagging tail.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge, and I think most vets would agree, is that our patients cannot tell us what is wrong and often try to hide what is wrong. It can be quite difficult to reach a diagnosis when your patient can’t tell you what is wrong and pretends that everything is fine so it can go home again.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
People might be surprised to learn that our traditional operating hours include Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. We saw the need for quality veterinary care on weekends, and how exorbitant emergency fees can be.
Business:Blue Spruce Animal Clinic
Address: 101 Briscoe St., Castle Rock
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Monday, 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday
Founded: 2013
Contact: 303-663-9700,
Employees: 5
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail khamm@denverpost.com.
