DoveLewis is set to expand the capacity and services of its Slabtown animal hospital, launching construction on a new 30,000-square-foot facility this fall. The northwest Portland mainstay for veterinary emergency and specialty care, currently operating out of a space that provides 24-hour service, is looking to address space constraints that have limited its offerings. The expansion, as reported by OregonLive, will include an additional 12 exam rooms, eight emergency treatment rooms, and three surgical suites.
The structural growth comes as part of an overarching plan to transform DoveLewis into a "comprehensive medical center," a vision supported by President and CEO Ron Morgan hoping to serve both pets and their owners more effectively. The extension will allow current specialty services in radiology, internal medicine, and cardiology to expand, freeing up the existing building primarily for emergency and critical care, according to a conversation with Ron Morgan published by Portland Business Journal. As the only Level 1-accredited veterinary emergency critical care hospital in Oregon, DoveLewis aims to set itself apart in a growing competitive market through this significant upgrade in services.
Morgan highlighted the challenges the clinic faced during the pandemic, with clients and pets having to wait in cars and staff experiencing burnout. The strain of operating under such pressure led to a first in the organization's history — cutting back hours. Further impetus for the expansion arises from the increasing dominance of private equity-owned for-profit vet clinics, which now number 18 compared to six a decade ago. DoveLewis, retaining its nonprofit status, contends that these for-profit facilities that Morgan claims are dr ENT are driving up the cost of veterinary care, due to their investment-driven pricing models.
The new building is a response not just to the growth in demand but also to the desire to maintain affordability in the face of rising costs. DoveLewis's financial assistance fund currently aids with approximately $25,000 in care monthly, and plans are underway to build an endowment to extend this support. Despite hiking costs, Morgan maintains "our vision is to be a hospital that never turns anyone away based on finances," according to Portland Bussiness Journal. DoveLewis handled treatment for over 30,000 animals this year, a significant jump from 22,600 in 2019, primarily due to an increase in specialty services.
The construction costs for the new building, estimated to range from $40 million to $50 million, have been covered by an anonymous donor who purchased the land and is managing the construction costs. The growing nonprofit is actively raising funds for tenant improvements and new equipment, while also boosting its staff count. Staffing has increased from 161 in 2019 to 240 today, with the number of veterinarians rising to 44. DoveLewis is actively hiring more nurses and is planning to introduce new specialties, including oncology, ophthalmology, and rehab, as Portland Business Journal obtained from Morgan.
The current trajectory for DoveLewis sees the first phase of the new facility opening in November. With a bolstered team ready to meet the growing demand for veterinary care in Portland, the expansion promises to be a significant step forward for DoveLewis and its commitment to providing comprehensive veterinary services. The project is managed by construction company Skanska with design by Mackenzie, signifying a robust collaboration aimed at enhancing the overall standard of animal healthcare in the community.
