All Dogs and Cats Veterinary Hospital opened a second location in New Castle two months into the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020.

Dana Gonzalez, practice manager of the hospital’s locations in Glenwood Springs and New Castle, said it was a crazy time for veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout the nation.

“We experienced a boom in business,” Gonzalez said.

“The increase in hospital visits stemmed from pet owners having more time to be around their animals. People were staying home with their pets and noticing they didn’t feel good and maybe they decided it’s a good time to take them in. Many people acquired new pets as well because they were able to stay home.”

The only inconvenience of opening during a pandemic was bringing animals in while their owners waited at the curbside.

“It was difficult with a new location and people not being able to come inside. … When people are sitting outside, they’re kind of wondering what’s going on.”

On the inside is a different story.

“We actually have a really nice facility down there,” Gonzalez said.

“We have a comfort room, which is a really nice option for people to have for a euthansia procedures. We don’t have that here at our Glenwood Springs location.”

The comfort room offers a comfortable couch and floor for owners to sit with their pets during those last precious moments together.

Dr. Annie Schmidt is the new veterinarian at the New Castle location. Schmidt offers acupuncture services for pain management or conditions with lameness, Gonzalez said.

In addition to their canine and feline clients, the hospital is now treating pocket pets, such as bunnies, rats, mice and hamsters.

“That is an important thing — getting rabbits spayed or neutered,” Gonzalez said.

Reporter Shannon Marvel can be reached at 605-350-8355 or smarvel@postindependent.com.