WWW.SHAKER.LIFE | SUMMER 2021 39
“We always wanted to be an owner-operator of a veterinary clinic.
The opportunity wasn’t there in central Ohio, so we went through a
veterinary broker,” says Lisa Welsh, Jeremy’s wife. “Dr. Prueter was looking
to retire and he had his practice listed. We came up to take a look at it, and it was a
great fit. Dr. Prueter stayed on for about six months to help with the transition.”
Despite the longevity of the business in its current location, the design isn’t
especially conducive to the efficient operation of a modern clinic.
“We knew the limitations of the building when we bought it,” says Jeremy.
“The location is excellent, and the history. But it’s an old house. I think the plan
was for it to be a veterinary clinic and a home at the same time. That’s not the ideal
setup for a veterinary practice for today’s society and needs, especially as things get
built up around us. With the limited parking, and considering how we continue to
grow, we knew we needed a new space.”
Timing is everything. After being vacant for many years, the
building was purchased in 2019 by Shaker Heights Development
Corporation (SHDC) as part of its work to revitalize the Lee Road
commercial corridor. “Coincidentally, we scheduled a meeting with
the SHDC when we were looking for spaces to build or to buy and
renovate,” Lisa says.
The Welshes purchased the building from the SHDC in March
2020, and partial demolition took place in July to allow for the
construction of an addition on the rear of the building. Renovations
and construction of the addition started in January of this year.
Despite the ongoing construction of the new space, combined
with the upcoming task of packing up the current office for the
move, the Welshes don’t view the situation as challenging.
“We’re super excited; the community has given nothing but
support,” says Jeremy. “We love it here and I think there was a
definite need for the kind of stylized medicine that we promote.
The size of the building will ultimately determine how many we can
serve, but our goal is high-quality medicine and communication.
It’s been a great relationship with the community thus far.”
Continuing on Jeremy’s thoughts, Lisa adds, “We wanted to
grow, but we never wanted to be a large practice. It’s a great fit. We can expand a
little bit and serve more people, but still have that small, hometown feel.” SL
The new Shaker Heights Animal Hospital is slated to open later this year.
For more information on the hospital and its services,
visit shakerheightsanimalhospital.com or call 216-561-7387.
the lee road corridor: business expansions
Opposite:
Lisa and
Jeremy
Welsh.
Below:
The new,
soon-toopen
animal
hospital
location
at Lee and
Kenyon
roads.
/WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
/shakerheightsanimalhospital.com