A Stafford County animal hospital broke ground on Oct. 26 for a 2,400-square-foot expansion.

The Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital space at 878 Garrisonville Road also is being remodeled inside and out. Work is expected to be completed in 10 months.

"We've hired a design firm that specializes in the veterinary industry and an interior designer to give the entire project a cohesive look," said Troy Snuffer, the hospital's administrator.

Once it's completed, the currently 4,500-square-foot building will have two more exam rooms, bringing the total to six. This will allow the animal hospital, which has 10 veterinarians, to run more efficiently and reduce wait times, he said.

Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital also will get a larger lobby, a special procedures room and an updated surgical suite.

"We expect to offer all services during construction, including our newly expanded urgent care hours from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday," Snuffer said. "To accommodate advances in our medical services, boarding will be minimized during and after the construction process."

Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital opened in 1986 as a two-doctor practice under the direction of Dr. Gary Weisenborn. It expanded in 1994 by adding two more doctors and a boarding facility.

Snuffer, who'd been an employee of the animal hospital for 22 years, and Dr. Gretchen Guth, his business partner and an associate practitioner there 12 years at the time, purchased the business in May of 2010.

Cathy Jett: 540/374-5407
Email: cjett@freelancestar.com