After more than 50 years at the Northside Road location, Progressive Vet Hospital is spreading out at its new location, surrounded by a sugar mill and historic ruins in Estate La Grande Princesse.
Dr. Kasey Canton, veterinarian and owner of Progressive, said the move was made on Dec. 23. A week later, staff and equipment appeared to have been settled in the over 5,000-square-foot location.
“The expansion is not for potential growth. This location makes our work easier, more efficient. We were bursting at the seams,” at the old location, Canton told The Source.
Compared to the former location, pets will be seen in four exam rooms, instead of two, with advanced imaging equipment.
There are also 10 outdoor pens of various sizes for dogs. Two of the outdoor pens are large enough for a family of dogs to run and play and even the most energetic dog will be safely confined. The pens, built by Canton, can be opened into a large dog park simply by opening gates.
Two indoor areas serve as boarding kennels for cats and dogs. Realizing that Progressive is now the only veterinary clinic with the capability to provide boarding, one of Canton’s first plans is to build additional housing, perhaps a large solar array and pavilion for comfort and breezes.
“We had more than 50 animals over the holidays,” Canton said.
Additionally, there is ample parking outside the front door of the clinic for visitors and clients.
“We’re excited to bring this vision to life. The estate offers the perfect combination of history, beauty, and functionality and we can’t wait for our clients and their pets to experience it,” he said.
The clinic is planning an open house pig roast on Jan. 18 with entertainment by the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra between 1- 4 p.m.
Canton, born on St. Croix, worked under Dr. Eugene Petersen at the veterinary clinic during high school and college summer vacations. He studied veterinary medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and returned to St. Croix after graduation in 1998 to intern for two years with Petersen. In 2000, Canton bought the clinic.
Dr. Ariel Baumann, who spent her childhood on St. Croix, earned a degree from Hollins University in Virginia and her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Ross University. She has been practicing at Progressive since 2011.
Petersen also worked at the clinic throughout high school and college. He graduated from veterinary school at Tuskegee University before returning home to work at the formerly named Crago Clinic. In 1979, he and Dr. Paul Hess bought the clinic and in 1993, Hess left, opening Island Animal Clinic, leaving Petersen as sole proprietor.
According to Canton, Crago Clinic was opened in the residence of V. G. “Red” Crago, a retired veterinarian from Ohio who moved to the islands in the 1950s. He ran the clinic until the 1970s. The former location is now for sale.
