PetSmart is opening walk-in pet care clinics at two locations in Colorado

DENVER — PetSmart has opened walk-in clinics in two Colorado locations to address common pet health problems.

MySimplePetExpress clinics are staffed by both veterinarians and veterinary technicians and offer a variety of services, including vaccinations, health consultations and nutritional advice.

The openings come as the country experiences a vet shortage. Approximately 3,800 veterinarians are responsible for caring for Colorado’s 2.5 million dogs and cats. A survey by Colorado State University’s Animal-Human Policy Center found that 70% of veterinarians turn away pet owners because of heavy workloads.

“What we’re really trying to address are common concerns that need to be addressed immediately,” said Dr. Dennis Chmiel, a veterinarian at MySimplePetExpress.

Chmiel said while the clinic’s staff are veterinarians, they will be managed by vet techs on most days.

“We don’t always need a veterinarian here,” said Chmiel.

MySimplePetExpress aims to provide an option for pet owners who may not be able to get an appointment with their veterinarian.

“If you can’t get into your primary care vet for two or three days, or sometimes two or three weeks, that’s not good,” Chmiel said.

Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would expand the scope of care that vet techs can provide. Clinicians put that concept into practice.

“Vet techs have been underutilized and underrepresented in the veterinary care team for years,” said Tianna Crane, a vet tech at MySimplePetExpress.

Crane will work at the clinic full-time, providing much-needed assistance to pet owners seeking expert medical advice.

“We’re finally empowered to practice at the top of our skill set,” Crane said.

MySimplePetExpress clinics are located at the following PetSmart locations:

• PetSmart – Highlands Ranch
  9291 South Broadway
  Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
• PetSmart – Sheridan
  3720 River Point Parkway
  Sheridan, CO 80110