A new Professional Animal Wellness Services, PAWS, office has opened at 2139 Jackson Ave., in Escalon.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, a large crowd gathered to welcome the new business to town, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled through the Chamber of Commerce and a number of activities offered. The PAWS Open House also welcomed in canine visitors of all shapes and sizes, with an obstacle course, photo area and dog treats featured.
Professional Animal Wellness Services is designed as a “preventative health care center” for pets, according to officials. Products and services range from microchipping to spay and neuter, vaccinations, sample testing, flea control, obedience training and grooming.
“I am one of the owners,” explained Dr. Joel Speiller, who wielded the Chamber’s oversized scissors for the ribbon cutting. “We have five veterinarians total.”
Along with Dr. Speiller, other veterinarians at the location include Drs. Jennifer Brinson, Jennifer Elmahdy, Hernan Favetto and Jacob Roach.
The center is along Jackson Avenue, in the Escalon Community Shopping Center and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch from noon to 1 pm.; as well as being open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.
Speiller said the PAWS concept was one the team was happy to see come to fruition and they stayed busy on Saturday with a number of vaccinations and exams.
The Open House also saw a number of booths with information, refreshments, a spinning wheel for prizes, free raffle drawings, and more. Officials from the Escalon Animal Shelter brought a couple of adoptable pets out for the day and many of the dogs and their owners tried out the obstacle course and used the photo area and props for a photo opportunity.
“We’re not a sick animal hospital,” Speiller added, noting that they focus more on prevention, aiming to keep pets healthy and happy.