Page 6 - Best of the Best 2020

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
6N • BEST OF THE BEST
FINALIST:BESTVETERINARYCLINIC ShacklefordRoadVeterinaryClinic>>
Upgraded facilities, caring staff solicit purring cats, wagging tails
From utilizing cutting-edge technology to streamlining customer-service procedures, Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic has made numerous improvements to provide top-notch
care. That commitment to pets earned the establishment a spot as a finalist for Best Veterinary Clinic in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s 2020 Best of the Best contest.
“We’re just so grateful to all of our clients and very excited, and so are our staff and our clinic,” said Catherine Barron, hospital administrator. “It’s a big honor.”
She and her husband, veterinarian Brian Barron, purchased the clinic nearly seven years ago. Since then, the couple have worked to enhance every aspect of the clinic. While some changes are visible, such as the new building that has housed the clinic since 2018, other improvements are more subtle, such as updating the clinic’s scheduling system.
The clinic also benefits from a well-trained team of three veterinarians and 18 additional staff members.
“We can’t do it without them,” Catherine said. “There is no role in the business that isn’t important. From our kennel technicians to our receptionist to the vet techs and doctors, everybody plays a crucial role.”
Sending home a healthy cat or dog is the best part of going to work each day, Brian added.
“Of course, getting to interact with dogs and cats all day is never a bad thing,” he said. “To have a pet that doesn’t feel good or is seriously ill [and be] able to send them home healthy again — that’s a really good feeling.”
Catherine said the clinic plans to add physical therapy and acupuncture to its services.
“We’re always looking for innovative forms of treatment, diagnosis and things like that for us to be better for our patients,” she said. “There’s no telling where we could be in the next year.”
She added that the clinic supports the Little Rock Animal Village, the Humane Society of Pulaski County and other local nonprofits. In addition, Brian is a member of the board of directors for CARE (Central Arkansas Rescue Effort) for Animals and the Catholic High School Alumni Association.
Catherine said the Best of the Best award is a sign that the clinic is doing right by clients.
“Thank you for being so loyal and sticking with us through all the changes we’ve made, because it has been for them and our patients,” she said. “We appreciate the vote and the confidence and trust they have in us to take care of their loved ones.”
SARAH DECLERK/ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic was named a finalist for Best Veterinary Clinic in the 2020 Best of the Best contest.