New animal hospital opens on S. Kings Highway

A new animal hospital on South Kings Highway is aiming to make your pet’s trip to the vet a little less stressful. Actually, a lot less stressful.

Harmony Animal Hospital, which opened September 24, features a brand-new, state-of-the-art interior specifically designed to reduce the anxiety level of your cat and dog. The building features separate entrances and waiting rooms for cats and dogs. There are textured floors so dogs don’t have to worry about slipping. Even the paint scheme and and the colors of the uniforms worn by the staff are meant to be as pet-friendly as possible.

“We really try to make the whole experience of visiting the vet less stressful on the pet,” said owner Casandra Fowler.

Fowler, who has been a veterinarian since 2005, had longed dreamed of opening her own hospital. Along with her staff, she’s certified in the Fear Free program, which teaches veterinary professionals the best practices for making their hospital a place that is as comfortable as possible for pets.

Fowler and her staff have instituted many small touches that seek to make Harmony a fear-free zone, from relaxing music played throughout the facility to pheromone plug-ins. The staff also sprays themselves with pheromones and provides dogs with bandannas that have been sprayed with pheromones. There’s also plenty of free treats, used as rewards as pets navigate their stay at the hospital.

“We try to make it a very homey environment,” said Fowler.

The hospital also has the basics, including surgery and dentistry areas, X-ray rooms, a pharmacy, and recovery areas for cats and dogs. The interior is spacious and completely renovated after being vacant for a number of years.

There’s also some nice touches for pet owners, including comfortable furniture and free coffee that’s provided by the popular Grounded Coffee shop around the corner. Cat and dog food and treats are also available for sale.

Harmony is still hiring staff, and will eventually offer services such as cat and dog boarding — in spaces separated by sound-proof walls, of course — as well as pet grooming.

Harmony Animal Hospital is located at 6940 South Kings Highway in the Telegraph Shops at Telegraph Village shopping center (see map). You can follow Harmony Animal Hospital on Facebook here and check out their website here.