Compassionate Care for Pets and Exotics

By Courtney Johnson, Business Spotlight

The concept that in an ideal world, pets and their people thrive together has motivated Pearl Street Animal Hospital Medical Director Dr. Hatley McMicking since she began working with animals. From a vet clinic receptionist at 17 to more than twenty years in the profession, she has learned a thing or two about making that happen. 

She led the veterinary team at the SPCA in British Columbia while working with hospitals, vets and more than 40 shelters on charitable vet work. In 2022, she moved to Colorado and started Sage Veterinary Services, a relief business that addresses the shortage of veterinarians by covering absences across Colorado and other states while consulting for non-profit and for-profit organizations.

When she was ready for a new challenge after running Sage Veterinary Services, she sought the perfect opportunity to help with her mission. She wasn’t finding it, so she created the job by building her practice from the walls up. 

Opening its doors in April, Pearl Street Animal Hospital offers a full range of animal care, from furry friends to exotics. With top-of-the-line diagnostic technology, including ultrasound and a lab to run panels onsite, pets can get the individualized care they need. “Our clients can be seen for anything short of 24-hour emergency care.” 

With a shortage of exotic pet care in the area, Dr. Hatley saw an opportunity to help those pet owners. “There is a niche, a need for exotic animals to receive the care they need,” she said. A developing practice, they currently can offer services for most exotic animals except parrots. “We don’t have the proper setup yet for bird welfare,” she said. 

She has used her years of experience to design a well-thought-out practice true to her core values. The experienced and dedicated staff are all people Hatley has worked with in the past, and they have the same beliefs about pet care. “We aren’t new to each other, making it more meaningful for the practice,” she said. Instead of getting to know each other, the staff can focus on getting to know their clients and providing top-notch care.

The building aesthetic puts both the owner and the pet at ease, from the minimalist decor and lack of music playing in the front room to the softer lighting. “It’s very zen,” she said. We want it to feel calm and familiar.” 

When you enter the building, dogs go left, while exotic pets and cats go to the right. This way, cats can be put at ease with a more calming and quiet atmosphere and experience. There is a room with a separate exit right to the parking lot for pet owners who must say goodbye to one of their beloved family members. It’s all in the details, from the open exam room floor plan for exotic animals to have space to roam, to the windows in the cat exam room to pique their curiosity. 

A window from the main vet office allows staff to get attention quickly if help is needed. Separate surgical and dental suites keep things sanitary and provide the best client experience. Currently, they are performing one to two surgeries a week. As the business builds, they expect a much higher number to take full advantage of the Traveling oncology and surgeons bring the care to the client, versus the client having to go to them, catering to that concierge aspect. 

Pearl Street is not a one-size-fits-all practice. The heart of Pearl Street is developing customized, trusted, individualized care for every visitor. “Thriving for one pet isn’t necessarily thriving for others,” Hatley said. 

Even before an office visit, the staff takes great care to get to know their pet clients. Whether pets are new to the office or ongoing customers, their needs and traits can change. Perhaps your pet needs to come in through a side door to calm nerves or doesn’t like eye contact—all these requests can be met.  

Transparency is key to the mission of Pearl Street. “Clients are aware of the care their pet will receive,” said Hatley. “We never want a pet owner to feel like they don’t know what is happening.” Each can ask questions, look at all the care options and make the most informed decisions possible. Care continues after pets leave Pearl Street with follow-up care and more. An online patient portal makes it easy to find all pet care information from pharmacy requests to after-care instructions. 

Holding a recent open house, the reception for Pearl Street has been bigger than Hatley thought, especially with so many good vet options nearby. 

“Starting with 25 to 50 visits a week is what new practices aim for, but we are averaging 100 a week in the first three weeks,” she said. 

“We are growing well. A lot of the appointments have been for exotics.”   

As the business continues to grow, developing relationships in the community is also true to Dr. Hatley’s mission. “Attending events, working with shelters and offering discounted care and services—being a member of the community of Boulder is something I embrace and value.” 

Dr. Hatley recommended stopping by Pearl Street to get a tour and see the facilities and what they offer. Pearl Street Animal Hospital is currently offering a 50% off your first visit special and offers care credit to cover costs for
qualifying clients. 

Pearl Street Animal Hospital
2100 28th Street, Boulder
720.487.9570 • pearlstanimalhospital.com