An Innovative Approach to Veterinary Care at The Terminal

A new veterinary practice, PetVet365, opened in the Terminal Building in the Strip in December 2024. There are six PetVet365s in Allegheny County and all are owned by the veterinarians that practice at each specific location. They offer an innovative “no fear” approach to treating pets in a nonthreatening, comfortable environment by putting them at ease and thereby reducing the stress and anxiety so often associated with visits to the vet.

In order to experience just how this practice differs from other veterinary protocols, I visited the office to meet with Dr. Emily Morse, one of the two owner/veterinarians, along with Dr. Megan Garrison.

I walked through the doors with that feeling of apprehension that every pet owner experiences when taking their beloved friend to the vet. The difference here, though, was immediately apparent. There is no waiting room and no anxious, nervous faces. I was greeted by Ed at the reception desk. Ed said that upon arrival, you and your pet will be led into a cozy, colorful examination room complete with couch, and lots of toys and treats selected specifically for dogs or cats; there’s even a TV with pet-oriented programs. There are four rooms for dogs and four for cats. Surgeries are performed onsite, walk-ins are welcome, and rabbits, ferrets, and other pocket pets are treated as well. The doctors and staff will make sure your pet is completely relaxed before they start the exam. You remain in the room and they proceed at your pet’s own pace.

According to Ed business is brisk, as approximately 60 percent of the residents of the surrounding apartments own pets. Most of the clients are local and within walking distance of the office or from nearby neighborhoods. Pets are familiar with the area since the Strip is so pet-friendly. Plus, the location provides a wide variety of shopping and meal options to keep pet parents occupied as their animals are being cared for.

As my visit continued, Dr. Emily Morse arrived in shorts and a t-shirt, with a warm smile and friendly demeanor—no lab coats here! Dr. Morse informed me: “I actually had an owner tell me last week that with her previous veterinary clinics, waiting in the lobby while her dog was over-stimulated by every other person and pet coming or going was incredibly stressful for her. She even admitted that was the reason she had never taken her cat in! Eliminating or reducing stressors for pets and their people gives us a chance to help pets that otherwise may not come in for regular preventative care, and helps us identify and address concerns before they become major issues.”

Dr. Megan Garrison added: “After years of a more traditional style of practice with exam tables and white coats, I love the comfortable nature of seeing our patients on couches in a living-room-style environment. This allows us time to get to know the pet and bond with them and their owners alike.”

Miranda, a client, told me that she really appreciates the great communication she receives from the doctors and staff. She can text them anytime and know that someone will promptly respond to provide her with updates. Bubble, her cavapoo, happily ran to Dr. Morse to greet her and was provided with loads of attention. That prompted Dr. Morse to comment: “Some of my favorite experiences are those dogs that immediately roll over for belly rubs, forcing me to do my exams upside down.”

There is a focus here on education and communication. The goal is to build a strong relationship with both owners and their pets.

Both doctors have grown up visiting the Strip and love their location at The Terminal. Dr. Garrison mentioned that “it brings back wonderful memories, and I couldn’t be happier in helping others create great veterinary memories in the Strip District. With the growth in business and housing options Downtown, convenient and accessible veterinary support was much needed.”

Trips to the vet needn’t be fearful. At PetVet365, the visiting pets are family. Good memories are created from the start and reinforced with each visit as staff and doctors get to know you and your pet in this unique and caring environment.

PetVet365 is open 365 days a year, seven days a week, and is located at 1821 Smallman Street at The Terminal; 724-221-7414. Parking is easy to find in front of the Terminal Building and across the street. There is also easy access to an open-air parking area behind the Terminal.

Anne M. Oyler enjoys visiting pet-friendly locations—as well as historic areas and researching local history. She is the founder of the Paul Riis Legacy Preservation Volunteers, whose mission is to play an active role in the maintenance and stewardship of the structures in Allegheny County’s South Park.