Dr. John Strasser, DVM, owner of Carolina Ranch Animal Hospital & Resort, says that he wants gaining your trust to be their signature service.
The list of services available for your pet is extensive, ranging from boarding, daycare, grooming and training to hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation. All of these services won’t bring a client back if the staff has not gained the trust of the pet and owner.
The business model works beautifully with that philosophy. The largest pool of current clients is in boarding and daycare. It takes longer to build up the trust needed for people to bring in their sick pets.
“Bedside manner,” says Dr. Strasser. “It’s the connection with the client.” Both the four-legged and two legged kind.
Carolina Ranch is a culmination of Strasser’s years of experience building and running veterinary hospitals and resorts, which include the Kildaire Animal Medical Center, Town and Country Animal Care Center and Hospital (2 facilities), Gentle Care Animal Hospital, and Preston Animal Hospital. He took the best of what was being offered at those facilities and combined them into an impressive, state-of-the-art facility located on Hwy 42 in the Cleveland Community.
The smallest of details has been considered. The cat condos have sliding partitians that allow for staff to feed the cats and clean the cages without disturbing them. There is a waterfall in the Cat Coral as well as in the Arena which is used for training and playtime for the dogs. Flooring material was used on the wall behind the tubs in the grooming area so that moisture would not collect and they could be easily cleaned.
The individual and group outdoor play areas for the dogs have artificial turf and a sprinkler system that includes disinfectant, making clean up much easier and ensuring a lush yard for the dogs. The pens are cleaned twice a day using a built-in pressure washing system.
In the hospital, there is a separate, yet visible, isolation room for recovering animals, digital x-ray equipment, a fully equipped surgery room and a pharmacy hallway adjacent to the exam rooms.
Dr. Strasser wants the facility to be a resource for veterinarians that are already practicing in the area and is currently in the process of setting up a Cleveland area association of veterinarians. Carolina Ranch also has future plans to open as a 24-hour emergency care facility. Currently, clients must drive to Cary for that service.
The community will get a chance to visit and tour Carolina Ranch when they host their Open House this Sunday from noon – 4 p.m. Live music, vendors, Sybil the Clown and a Pig-Pickin’ will ensure fun for the entire family, including your four-legged friends. Call or email Tracy Cox (919-662-3200 or tracy@carolinaranchpets.com) for more information on how you can attend.
Contact Mary Lahr Cain at mcain@heartlandpublications.com or 919-552-5675.



















