Who lets the dogs out? Every veterinary practice can find a way

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It's a greenhouse, you say? No...

It's the inclement weather exercise area at Bennet Creek Animal Hospital in Clarksburg, M.D. The practice also included windows in the cat ward and boarding facility because, as owner Dr. Walcoff says, “cats will watch the outside world contentedly.” And each of the runs in dog boarding have glass block panels, providing diffuse and changing natural light. “The comfort of the animals in our care was paramount in determining design features for the facility,” Dr. Walcoff says.

Photo courtesy of Bennet Creek Animal Hospital

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Breathe the air

This secure, exterior, open-air dog walk, part of Memphis Veterinary Specialists in Cordova, Tenn., also brings natural light into the hospital. (This practice makes it easy for team members to get some fresh air, too, with an employee lounge that opens onto a rooftop patio.)

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jacobs Photography

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Bright, light, and homey

This view of the boarding facility inside Wellington Veterinary Clinic in Wellington, Colo., shows the individual mailboxes, skylights, wall sconces, and greenery, which create a warm, homey feel. The team uses the mailboxes to store boarded pets' belongings and a clipboard with their boarding forms. Each boarding suite has a commercial grade, glass-fronted door.

Photo courtesy of Wellington Veterinary Clinic

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Run, run, run

The play yard at Wellington Veterinary Clinic runs the full length of the facility. The trees along the perimeter provide shade. The artificial turf is protected along the fence by river rock. Sand and gravel underneath provide drainage.

One special feature of this veterinary practice: The town's public dog park is built on the hospital's site. Even though the practice has its own play yard, the dog boarders at the hospital's pet resort often enjoy special playtime in the park.

Photo courtesy of Wellington Veterinary Clinic