by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
This month, Advanced Care Pet Hospital in Sartell is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a renewed vision for the future and a new veterinarian.
The pet hospital, owned and operated by Dr. Pamela Gerds and husband Tom, is ranked among the top 3 percent of animal clinics/hospitals nationwide, ranking number 139 in the top Vet500 by “Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Insider.”
Gerds’ founding vision was to treat animals with the same kindness and respect that people in hospitals should be treated. After 10 years, the hospital staff plans to extend that service with state-of-the-art veterinary services and treatments.
“Pets love us unconditionally,” she said. “They make us laugh, they make us happy, and in their way they seem to make us more human.”
A native of Minnetonka, Gerds earned degrees in English and French from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, before returning to school to earn a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
The pet hospital, which is open seven days a week, uses a full range of technology that includes X-rays, ultrasound, a full surgical suite, prescriptions and supplies fully ready to avoid waiting and delays. Its staff of 10 includes two veterinarians, vet technicians and front-desk staff.
Advanced Care works in conjunction with the Tri-County Humane Society for critical urgent care of the shelter’s animals.
Currently, in this area there is a critical shortage of veterinarians, causing an opening at Advanced Care to go unfilled for three years. Gerds recently completed her 41st day of constant work without another veterinarian after the previous one resigned to open a practice in Little Falls.
A sense of jubilation swept the staff at Advanced Care at the recent hiring of veterinarian Dr. Michael Drey Jr., a native of South Dakota who received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Iowa and has 11 years of veterinary experience with small-animal medicine, surgery and preventive medicine. Drey Jr. lives in Sartell with wife Allison, children Camden and Haley, and Abby the family cat.
Dr. Pamela Gerds founded Advanced Care Pet Hospital in Sartell 10 years ago. At her right is Dr. Michael Drey Jr., who was recently hired as the new veterinarian.