The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society (CHHS) has announced plans to build and open a new veterinary clinic that will serve publicly-owned pets as well as shelter animals.
The two-story CHHS Veterinary Clinic will feature a 2,280 sq. ft. clinic on the main parking lot level, with two exam rooms, a main treatment and dental area with a lab and pharmacy, a surgical suite, a room for pre- and post-op recovery, x-ray room and isolation area. The lower level of the building is a 2,280 sq. ft. two-bedroom two-bath apartment for the veterinarian to live onsite. Currently the CHHS shelter manager and assistant shelter manager both live on campus in two of the CHHS “caretaker cottages."
The new veterinary clinic will be built and located between the current CHHS Canine Adoption Center and CHHS Feline Adoption Center on the humane society’s 10-acre campus at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire. The clinic will be open to the public providing examinations, x-rays, lab tests, surgeries, dentals, pharmaceuticals and preventatives, and more. The anticipated opening staff will include one veterinarian, two veterinary technicians and one office administrator.
“This new veterinary clinic is the missing piece of the puzzle,” says CHHS Executive Director David Stroud. “With the support of this great animal-loving community, we have done amazing lifesaving work for the animals. Since our founding in 1987, our no-kill shelter has rescued thousands of strays and owner-surrendered pets, cared for them as if they were our very own, and we found each one a new loving, forever home.
“We provide low-cost spay/neuter and low-cost rabies vaccinations for local animals, and our community outreach programs include our free food pet pantry for families facing financial hardship, and our innovative humane education program for children – the CHHS Critter Camp,” Stroud continues. “But having an onsite veterinary clinic that not only cares for shelter pets but also public pets fills the gap to complete our lifesaving mission for local animals and the people who love them.”
Consulting veterinarians who have donated time and expertise for the design and operation of the clinic include 2015 CHHS Humane Heroes of the Year Dr. Emily Allison of Cornerstone Animal Hospital in Alto, GA, and Dr. Brad Smith of Animal Wellness Hospital of Highlands.
Groundbreaking for the new CHHS Veterinary Clinic will take place in Fall 2025 with a projected Grand Opening on the humane society’s 40th anniversary in Summer 2027. The estimated construction cost of the clinic is $2.5 million. Click through below to make a tax-deductible donation for this lifesaving project for the animals in our community.
