Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists reopens after Hurricane Harvey destruction

Image courtesy of GCVS

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) has opened its new, state-of-the-art hospital after its former facility was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. The veterinary emergency and specialty hospital has cared for pets in the Lone Star State since 1989, according to a hospital press release. It was also the focus of two seasons of Nat Geo WILD's Animal ER, which aired worldwide in 2016 and 2017.

While GCVS was in the process of rebuilding, the Houston veterinary referral community supported it by offering specialists space to continue providing medical care to pets, the release states. GCVS built a temporary space and moved into it in November 2017, and it began building this new permanent location, which opened for business in January 2019.

The new 50,292-square-foot hospital, which is at a major intersection of I-10, will house 14 departments and more than 50 veterinarians, including 30 board-certified specialists, and more than 200 team members under one roof. The following specialties will be available at the new facility:

Anesthesia and pain management

Avian and exotics

Cardiology

Dentistry and oral surgery

Dermatology and allergy

Diagnostic imaging

Emergency and critical care

Internal medicine

Neurology and neurosurgery

Oncology

Ophthalmology

Rehabilitation and fitness

Sports medicine

Surgery and orthopedics.

The new facility features 39 exam rooms, nine operating rooms and the latest technology, including MRI, CT, digital radiography and a linear accelerator. Other new additions include 536 parking spaces, several waiting areas and separate check-in and checkout stations, the release says.

“Our forever home is a rebirth for the community, our people and the pets we care for. This new building is a symbol of our resiliency, strength and commitment to the people and pets of Houston,” says Ryan Buck, group president for Compassion-First Pet Hospital's Texas hospitals, of which GCVS is a part.