Companion Pet Clinic Building New Vancouver Facility

Dr. Joe Giffoni’s dream of owning a brand new veterinary clinic is only months away from becoming reality. In October, Giffoni and his staff at Companion Pet Clinic in Vancouver will take charge of a modern new facility at 211 N.E. Crestwood Court, just off Mill Plain Boulevard.

The 3,000-square-foot clinic broke ground in April. It features a rustic, country-style exterior design that includes a cultured stone veneer accent. The entry and waiting areas sport ceramic tile and open beam ceilings. The new building is two blocks east of Companion’s previous location.

Giffoni said the facility will be much more user-friendly than Companion’s current building, which is only 1,900-square-feet. The new clinic will have more exam rooms, separate dog and cat wards, an isolation ward, a large treatment area, and a large surgery suite. “We’ll also have dog runs, plenty of parking, and an expanded waiting area,” Giffoni said.   

Giffoni was quick to praise the work of general contractor Schlecht Construction and project manager Bryan Halbert. “Bryan has taken me step by step through the whole construction process, including helping me secure a loan,” Giffoni said. “He worked with the architect to keep costs low, helped secure the permits from the city, and is working diligently to ensure the project stays on schedule and on budget.”

Halbert said that veterinary clinics pose special challenges for contractors. “Each area – surgery, exam, treatment, isolation and kennels – has its own requirements for ventilation, plumbing and electrical. For example, in a similar sized office building there would be only one heating and air conditioning system. But to prevent odors from the kennels from circulating into other areas, this facility has three separate systems.”

Subcontractors involved in the project include McDonalds Excavation (site work); Pacific Construction (concrete); Parr Lumber (lumber supply); Russell & Sons (plumbing); Entek Corporation (HVAC); and Haskin Electric (electrical). Key Bank handled the financing.

Companion Pet Clinic has operated in Vancouver since 1989 and was purchased by Giffoni in 1991.