They say that pets are like children to most people, and Heart + Paw certainly knows how to treat four-legged friends like family.
The veterinary care, grooming, and dog daycare center first came to the area in the fall of 2019 with their location in Glen Mills and has since expanded with various other locations, including their newest spot in Northern Liberties.
“There are more pet parents than ever who are looking to provide their furry family members with the quality care that we have come to be known for. Pet adoption rates have skyrocketed during the pandemic and with our COVID-19 policy in place, we have found a way to provide that much needed one on one support. We’re looking forward to meeting pet parents in the Northern Liberties area,” says Dr. George Melillo, Co-Founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of Heart + Paw.
The co-founders answered those questions by providing all of the services your pet could ever need in one facility, but also by elevating the experience for pet owners. Instead of just dropping off your pet, Heart + Paw allowed pet parents to stay, hang out, watch their pet get groomed and truly enjoy the experience. All Heart + Paw centers offer a general practice with veterinary components, highly curated retail availability and grooming in a spa-like atmosphere. There are also extra services offered depending on the location including doggie daycare and overnight dog boarding.
The latest location for Heart + Paw will open its doors in Northern Liberties at Liberty Square on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. Due to COVID, the grand opening will include a virtual option for pet parents who don’t have an appointment but want to learn about the center and its extensive offerings.
“We are looking forward to offering our services in Northern Liberties in a safe yet inviting way,” said Heart + Paw CEO Dave Lasus. “The desire for high quality pet care continues to be a top priority as pet parents continue to treat their pets as a member of the family.”
Heart + Paw offers safe pick-up and drop-off procedures, fully sanitized exam rooms for pets, phone calls during your pet’s exam, and an effective policy for “flattening the COVID-19” curve, among other protocols to keep you safe while ensuring your pet has access to exceptional veterinary care. The Northern Liberties opening comes during National Pet Dental Health Month, a time to address the importance of your pet’s oral health. Oral disease is one of the most common problems faced by our four-legged friends, making February the perfect time to schedule a dental check up at a Heart + Paw location.
“Routine checkups are vital to keeping our four-legged friends healthy,” said Heart + Paw’s Northern Liberties partner doctor, Dr. Jonas Vaitkus, in the release. “As many people took the opportunity to welcome a new pet into their home during the pandemic, it’s important for them to seek out the veterinary care and knowledge about what our pets need to stay healthy. Not understanding the importance of pet oral health can lead to painful plaque build-up, periodontal disease, jaw fractures, and even greater health issues such as heart, lung and kidney disease.”
Heart + Paw creates unique service touchpoints for its clients, for example, the ability to text with their vet, as well as tailoring the low-stress experience to the unique needs of cats and dogs. At some centers, cats have a feline-only waiting room and in the exam room, there are custom-built cat shelves designed by the Chief Veterinary Officer so that cats can get examined where they feel most comfortable. For dogs, there are custom floor mats so that dogs can be examined side-by-side with the vet and avoid the stress of lifting them onto the table.
Heart + Paw’s new location also offers the option of dental coverage on prevention plans, ensuring that your best friend’s dental care is finely tailored to their specific needs.
“Pet parenting is increasing and service options are wide-ranging,” added Lasus in his statement. “Heart + Paw is expanding as many first time pet parents want the finest care for their new best friends. We are poised to redefine the veterinary experience.”
According to the release, Philadelphians can stop by the new location from 11 a.m. to noon for the grand opening to receive goodies and have a picture taken of you and your pet at an outdoor selfie station. From noon to 1 p.m., people will have the opportunity to virtually tour the facility and meet the team if you RSVP online. First time clients can enjoy $25 off their first exam, 50% off grooming and three free days of daycare and a $5 contribution for each virtual attendee will be made to a local animal shelter. Giveaways and prizes throughout the event will include a variety of retail items such as Heart + Paw apparel, treat bags, and a custom prevention plan valued at up to $1,200. Clients can call in advance at 267-365-3795 to reserve the grand opening promotions and their virtual seat online or visit online at heartandpaw.com.
