Interview with Stacey Hamilton, practice manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: As with most people in the veterinary field, I think it’s one of those things where you always knew you wanted to work with animals. For most of us, our passion for animals started when we were just kids, and as we grew up, we realized that it is possible to have a career with animals, and one that we will love to go to everyday. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m sure the majority of the people in the veterinary field could never see them selves in any other field because it is so rewarding. I know I couldn’t do anything else and be truly happy.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Not only are we an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited hospital, but we accept all types of pets, from dogs and cats to chinchillas and pot-bellied pigs. We also work with a multitude of rescue groups to provide discounted services to those in need while still providing the top-notch medicine they deserve. In June 2014, we expanded to include a full-service pet salon and retail center. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for our clients and to make life easier if we can for them. Clients love our pet bakery and the spa-like experience their pets receive when they are here for grooming.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The gratification of knowing you’ve helped an animal live the longest, happiest life possible. It feels great to be a voice for animals and be able to leave at the end of the day with a job well done because you know you’ve not only helped that animal physically, but you’ve also helped strengthen the bond they have with their owner or family.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Compliance. Trying to help owners understand what is going on with their pet medically so they will approve treatment can be challenging because their pets can’t talk to them and tell them what is wrong. They have to trust in us that we are making the best recommendations. Building trusting, lasting relationships and following up is crucial to ensuring our pets get the best possible treatment outcomes, so having excellent people skills is a must.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We received our AAHA accreditation just eight months after opening. This is an optional accreditation that only 15 percent of hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have. We’ve chose to be inspected on more than 900 standards of care so that our clients know we hold ourselves to the highest level of medicine and put their pets health as the No. 1 priority.
Profile
Business: Loving Family Animal Hospital
Address: 14605 E. Arapahoe Road, Unit H
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 2011
Contact: 303-680-5050,
Employees: 14
