4117 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135

(216) 252-4500(216) 252-4500

Open Monday – Sunday 8am–1am

Staff

MEET OUR CARING TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL VETERINARIANS & MANAGEMENT

WEST PARK ANIMAL HOSPITAL PARTNERS

 

BORYS PAKUSH, DVM
Picture of Borys Pakush
Borys Pakush, DVM
Partner Veterinarian

Dr. Pakush was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. Being of Ukrainian descent, Dr. Pakush was raised with many special traditions and customs and speaks fairly fluent Ukrainian. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1988 and his DVM in 1992, both from The Ohio State University. As a partner of West Park Animal Hospital, Dr. Pakush concentrates on the daily operations of the practice and takes pride in providing excellent service to all of his patients. Dr. Pakush and his wife, Leslie, have two children, Maksym and Natalia.

 

R. KANE HENDERSON, DVM
Picture of R. Kane Henderson, DVM
R. Kane Henderson, DVM
Partner Veterinarian

Dr. Kane Henderson was born and raised in Beloit, Ohio. He received his BS from Marietta College in 1992 and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 1996. He has been a partner of West Park Animal Hospital since 2000. His interest lies in veterinary surgery with a special interest in pet orthopedics and rehabilitation. Dr. Henderson is married with two children, Alexys and Brayden, and lives in Medina. He has a yellow lab, a chocolate lab and a cat. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family, doing yard work, and enjoying the outdoors.

 

KARI SWEDENBORG, DVM
Picture of Kari, Swedenborg, DVM
Kari, Swedenborg, DVM
Partner Veterinarian

Dr. Swedenborg was born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where she attended the University of Akron for her bachelor’s degree in biology. She then attended The Ohio State University and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She has been a partner at West Park Animal Hospital since June 2006. She currently resides in Rocky River with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys time at the lake, volunteering for JDRF, gardening, watching hockey, and lacrosse, reading, Broadway shows, and playing piano!

 

MEGAN CULLER, DVM
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Megan Culler, DVM
Partner Veterinarian

Dr. Culler was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in 1996 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in June 2000. She joined West Park Animal Hospital in June 2001 and became a partner in October 2006. Her special interests include general practice, ultrasonography and internal medicine. She currently resides in Olmsted Falls with her husband, Tom, and her daughters Claire, Caitlin, and Caroline. She also has one dog named Bodhi and two cats named Coogee and Calvin. In her free time, she enjoys camping, spending time with her family, and enjoying the outdoors.

 

SCOTT ZIELINSKI, DVM
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Scott Zielinski, DVM
Partner Veterinarian

Dr. Zielinski joined West Park Animal Hospital in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. He is a native of northeast Ohio, having been born in Cleveland and raised in Copley. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1996 and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2003. His special interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. He lives in Solon with his wife, Kathleen; son, Kelan; two daughters, Hazel and Josie; dog, Pedro; and cat, Pearl. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and golfing.

 

ASSOCIATE DOCTORS

NICOLE PLANTNER, DVM
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Nicole Plantner, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Nicole Plantner was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2003 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She was the recipient for the AAHA Student Achievement Award and the Award for Excellence in Small Animal Community Practice in 2009. Her interests include soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and preventative medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Plantner enjoys jogging, camping, hiking and cooking.
ELIZABETH LORENZ, DVM
Picture of Elizabeth Lorenz, DVM
Picture of Elizabeth Lorenz, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Beth Lorenz was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She graduated from The University of Findlay with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2007 and from The Ohio State University with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Her interests include internal medicine, dermatology, and feline behavior issues. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as hiking, visiting National Parks, gardening and reading.  Their four-legged kids include one dog, one cat, two tortoises, two geckos, and four hermit crabs.

Kristie Thompson, DVM
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Kristie Thompson, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Thompson grew up in northeast Ohio, received her Bachelor of Science in biology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2000 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2006. Dr. Thompson worked at West Park Animal Hospital her first year out of veterinary school and then moved to the Kruger National Park in South Africa with her husband where she lived for thirteen years before moving back to Ohio in 2020.  Dr. Thompson received her registration to practice in South Africa in 2008 and while there, practiced in mixed animal clinics and practiced wildlife medicine.  Dr. Thompson is excited to be back at West Park Animal Hospital. She currently resides on the east side of Cleveland with her husband, Charles, their three children Andrew, Zoe and Kyle and two cats Poppy and Turtle. In her free time, Dr. Thompson enjoys traveling, exercising, baking and spending time with her family.

Michelle Leathem, DVM
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Michelle Leathem, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Michelle Leathem was born and raised in Huron, OH.  She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 2007 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011.  Dr. Leathem has previously practiced in both Columbus, OH and the Sandusky, OH area.  Her interests include dentistry and feline medicine.  Outside of work Dr. Leathem enjoys baking, gardening, and traveling along with spending time with her husband, new baby boy, 4 cats, and 1 dog.
KRISTEN MIERZWIAK, DVM
Picture of Kristen Mierzwiak, DVM
Kristen Mierzwiak, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Kristen Mierzwiak grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Findlay in 2007 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2011. Dr. Mierzwiak enjoys orthopedic medicine and surgery, soft tissue surgery, and caring for patients through all stages of their lives. She currently lives in Medina with her husband Aaron and three sons. They also share their home with two dogs, Max and Owen; and three cats, Mo, Toby, and Sage. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, campfires, and hiking in Northeast Ohio.
Rebecca Lazarus, DVM
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Rebecca Lazarus, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Lazarus was born and raised in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. She Graduated from Kent State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She then achieved her Doctor of Veterinary  Medicine in 2016 from The Ohio State University with a special interest in behavior, preventative medicine, low stress veterinary visits, and feline medicine. Before joining West Park Animal Hospital in 2019, Dr Lazarus practiced in Springfield, Ohio and South Euclid, Ohio. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Truly and 3 cats Lucie, Vinnie, and Peepers. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking, and cheering on the Cleveland Indians in the summer.
Anna Miller, DVM
Picture of Anna Miller, DVM
Anna Miller, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Anna was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. She attended both the College of Charleston in South Carolina as well as The Ohio State University. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Her interests include preventative medicine, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. Currently, she resides in Ohio City with her husband and her dog named Limerick. In her free time, she enjoys  traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Natalie Sywyj, DVM
Picture of Natalie Sywyj, DVM
Natalie Sywyj, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Natalie was born and raised in Parma, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2016. She then received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Her special interests include oncology, dentistry, and rehabilitation. Dr. Sywyj is happy to return home to northeast Ohio with her dog Sadie and her cats Delilah and Darcy. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, working out, reading, and watching Browns football in the fall.
MELISSA ROHRS, DVM
Picture of Melissa Rohrs, DVM
Melissa Rohrs, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Melissa Rohrs is a 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys seeing dogs, cats, and small mammals, and is especially interested in dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys various artistic endeavors, sewing clothes with mixed success, and starting (but rarely completing) home improvement projects. She shares a home with her husband, two German shepherds (Panzer and Louie), three bunnies (Ingrid and Biggest Bunny, and Humphrey), and an assortment of goldfish.
Yesenia Garcia-Vega, DVM
Picture of Yesenia Garcia-Vega, DVM
Yesenia Garcia-Vega, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Yesenia Garcia-Vega was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2022. Her veterinary interests include preventative medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, dermatology and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Garcia-Vega is excited to make the move to the Cleveland area along with her husband, their basset hound Droopy and their cat Pirata. In her spare time, she enjoys binge watching Disney movies, exploring local restaurants and hosting game nights with family and friends.

EMERGENCY DOCTORS

Nicole Sypert, DVM
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Nicole Sypert, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Nicole Sypert was born and raised in North Olmsted, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences and from Midwestern University in Arizona with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Her interests include emergency and feline medicine, neurology, and anesthesiology. Currently, she resides in the Cleveland area with her husband. They have a one-eyed rescue dachshund mix named Copper as well two rescue cats named Spooky and Stout. In her spare time, Dr. Sypert enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling.

Sophie Cressman, DVM
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Sophie Cressman, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Sophie Cressman grew up in Ohio and went on to received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2022. Her interests include emergency and shelter medicine with a special interest in international volunteerism. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the globe to explore different cultures (and food), spending time with loved ones, and going on outdoor adventures!

Allison Wise, MVB
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Allison Wise, MVB
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Allison Wise was born and raised in Westlake, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University. She went on to earn a veterinary degree from University College Dublin (Ireland) in 2022. Her veterinary interests include emergency medicine and surgery. She enjoys spending time on the lake, cheering on Cleveland sports, and traveling in her spare time.

Santiago Bustamante, DVM
Picture of Santiago Bustamante, DVM
Santiago Bustamante, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Santiago Bustamante was born and raised in Colombia, which allows him to provide fluent care to Spanish speaking clients. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2022. Prior to attending veterinary school, he worked as a dog trainer and then a veterinary technician, allowing him to gain insight of the diverse facets involved in pet care. Dr. Bustamante enjoys the varied challenges presented by the unpredictable nature of emergency medicine, though he has a special interest in pain/stress management and behavior modification. When not working, he enjoys going for nature hikes, playing video games and trying out new food recipes.

Kim Pintabona, DVM
Picture of Kim Pintabona, DVM
Kim Pintabona, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Kim Pintabona was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from PennWest Edinboro with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2018 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2023. Her interests include emergency medicine, critical care and nutrition. She currently resides in Cleveland with her cat Ophelia that she rescued when she moved to Columbus for veterinary school. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, attending concerts and spending time with family and friends. 

Part-time / Relief EMERGENCY DOCTORS

KIMBERLY PARKER, DVM
Picture of Kimberly Parker, DVM
Kimberly Parker, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian

Dr. Kimberly Parker was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Albion College in 2000 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2006. She joined West Park Animal Hospital as an emergency veterinarian in 2008. She relocated to beautiful Arizona for 1.5 years, but returned home in 2018 to rejoin the emergency staff. Dr. Parker is passionate about hospice and end-of-life care for companion animals. In October 2017, she became the first veterinarian in Ohio to become certified in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPV) through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). Dr. Parker resides in Wellington, Ohio with her husband James. They share their home with many critters including 6 dogs, 3 cats, 2 cockatoos, and a lizard. In her spare time, she enjoys attending live music events and traveling.

Gwen Gross, DVM
Picture of Gwen Gross, DVM
Gwen Gross, DVM
Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Gwen is from Northeast Ohio. She attended Cleveland State University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St Kitts in the West Indies, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, rehabilitation and acupuncture, and chronic pain management. In her free time, Dr. Gwen enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, free diving, kayaking, cycling, and doing Spartan races. She has a dog named Raven and a boa constrictor named Ramona.

Management Team

Callan  |  Hospital Administrator
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Callan, Hospital Administrator

Callan has been a part of our team since 2014. She’s started her career with us a receptionist and has developed her experiences and knowledge base since. Her ability to help guide our team in the right direction as we continuously grow has moved her into her current position. Her favorite parts of her job are getting to see patients go home with their families after a long hospital stay and creating trusting relationships with our clients. Callan’s fur family consists of 3 kitties, 1 dog, and a leopard gecko named Toast! In her free time, she enjoys exploring the Metroparks with her dog and spending time with friends and family.
Jason  |  Human Resources Manager
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Jason, HR Manager

Jason was born and raised right here in West Park! He started coming to West Park Animal Hospital as a client where he realized his passion for helping animals. Jason has been a team member at WPAH since 2015, starting off as an assistant and working his way up to the Diagnostics and Kennel Manager in 2021. He was later promoted to the Human Resources Manager in June 2022, and is now certified in Human Resources Management through Southern New Hampshire University. His family includes his wonderful wife, Rhiannon, their 7 dogs and 3 cats. In his spare time he enjoys watching movies, listening to music, cuddling his fur babies and laughing with his wife.
Lacey  |  Daytime Customer Service Representative Manager
Picture of Lacey, CSR Manager
Lacey, Daytime CSR Manager

Lacey has been a team member at WPAH since 2012.  She started off as a client service rep, worked her way to a shift lead and now the CSR manager. One of her favorite things while working is to take a few moments to love on the pets who are staying in the hospital away from their families. Cleveland born and raised, Lacey shares her home with her husband David and their 7 rescue fur babes. An English Bulldog and six crazy cats.   During her free time, she loves being with family and friends, listening to music and enjoys the spookier side of matters.
Katrina |  Emergency Customer Service Representative Manager
Picture of Katrina, ER CSR Manager
Katrina, ER CSR Manager

Katrina was born in Florida, but raised in Akron, OH. Currently living in Cleveland, Katrina joined the WPAH team in July 2018. She was promoted to shift lead in December 2020 and later promoted to the ER Customer Service Representative Manager in January 2023. Katrina’s special interests include emergency medicine and client & patient care. Her most cherished part of the job is end of life care because her empathy allows her to comfort and support families as they say goodbye. Outside of work, Katrina enjoys hiking, attending concerts, playing cozy games, reading, and spending time with her family. She also has a cat named Theo!
Katie  |  Head Daytime Registered Veterinary Technician
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Katie, Daytime Head RVT

Katie graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an Associate of Applied Science with a focus on Veterinary Technology in 2013. She did an internship here at West Park Animal Hospital that year and has been working here ever since. Katie has a special interest in emergency, phlebotomy, low stress handling, and rescue. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading books, weight lifting, and spending time with animals and in nature. Katie resides in Cleveland with her 2 pitties and 3 kitties.
Lexy  |  Head Emergency Registered Veterinary Technician
Picture of Lexy, ER Head RVT
Lexy, ER Head RVT

Lexy has been a team member at WPAH since 2019. Starting off as a veterinary assistant with experience in emergency medicine from Lorain, Lexy went to school and received her associate of Science from Stautzenberger and became a registered veterinary technician in 2020. She also has a certificate in equine sports massage, equine rehabilitation therapy, and just finished additional schooling for ultrasound. Lexy has a special interest in emergency medicine, ultrasound, and large breed dogs. Having been born and raised on a farm with lots of animals in Columbia Station, Lexy found her passion at the vet clinic her family owned. She currently shares her home with her boyfriend and their 4 Great Dane pups which are like her children. Outside of work, Lexy enjoys spending time with her dogs, boyfriend, and her family’s 3 draft horses.
EMILY  |  Head Daytime Veterinary Assistant
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Emily, Head Daytime Vet Assistant

Emily was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She currently lives in Olmsted Falls and started at WPAH as an assistant in September of 2016. Emily was later promoted to shift lead in 2019 and become the Head Daytime Vet Assistant in 2022. Her special vet medicine interests include providing optimal patient care, diagnostics and laboratory, watching critical rescue cases improve medically and find a loving home, and developing team members to their full potential. Outside of work Emily loves to go hiking with her dogs, tend to her house plant collection and garden, and rides her brand-new purple, genuine buddy125 scooter. Emily has 3 rescue dogs that she fell in love with at work and adopted through mutts in a rut- her bloodhound Clementine, miniature dachshund Clifford, and Bull Terrier Poncho. She also has a cat named Rue that she found in a dumpster eating pizza.
Faith  |  Head Emergency Veterinary Assistant
Picture of Faith, Head Emergency Vet Assistant
Faith, Head Emergency Vet Assistant

Faith was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Following the passions she discovered at an early age, she enrolled at Medina County Career Center in 2011 and graduated in 2013. Faith started pursuing emergency medicine with us in 2017 before becoming a shift lead, and later becoming the Head Emergency Vet Assistant in 2023. She currently resides in Avon with her boyfriend and two pit bulls she rescued through WPAH, Karen and Phyllis. In her free time, Faith enjoys books, art, music, and anything outdoors.
Julio  |  Animal Care Team Manager
picture of Julio, ACT Manager
Julio, ACT Manager

Julio was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Julio has been a team member at WPAH since 2020.  He started off as a client service representative, worked his way to a shift lead and is now the Animal Care Team manager. Julio is also one of our Rescue Coordinators. His favorite part of the job is working with different local rescues and helping provide care for rescue patients. Julio shares his home with his two rescue kitties , Julius and Sir Catthew. In his free time, Julio enjoys watching movies, listening to music, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.
Colleen  |  Housekeeping Manager
Picture of Colleen, Housekeeping Manager
Colleen, Housekeeping Manager

Colleen was born, raised, and still resides in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in the West Park area and her family always brought their pets to WPAH!  Colleen has been a team member at WPAH since 2022.  She started off on the Animal Care Team, worked her way up to shift lead and is now the Housekeeping manager. Animals have always been a major passion of Colleen’s, with one of her goals having always been to work in this field. Her favorite part of her job is having the opportunity to make our patients feel as loved and comfortable as possible. Colleen has two beautiful boys and a huge animal obsessed family with one very charismatic cat named Lola!  Outside of work she enjoys hiking, reading, anything sports related, coloring, movies, and spending valuable time with her family.
Tiffany  |  Marketing & Media Manager
Picture of Tiffany, Marketing & Media Manager
Tiffany, Marketing & Media Manager

Tiffany grew up in Lakewood, Ohio and was a client at West Park before becoming part of the WPAH family in 2020. Starting as a receptionist, Tiffany worked her way up to her dream career as the Marketing and Media Manager in 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2013 and Associates degree in Marine Mammal Behavior Care and Training in 2016, where she realized her passion for working with animals. After living in Chicago and the Florida Keys, she returned home to be close to friends and family. She currently resides in Cleveland with her German Shepard/Boxer mix Mason and Tabico kitty Penelope. Tiffany enjoys nature photography, traveling, and pretty much anything outdoors.  
Heather, RVT  |  Inventory Manager
Photo of Inventory Manager Heather
Heather, RVT Inventory Manager

Heather grew up in Brooklyn, Ohio. Heather has worked in the veterinary field since 2013.  She obtained her veterinary technician’s license through PIMA Institute in San Diego, CA.  In the field, she has experience with specialty, emergency and zoo medicine. Outside of work she enjoys photography and crafting for her Etsy.  Heather loves spending time with her mini Australian Shepherd, Ellie and her fluffy cat Meow Meow.  
Andrea  |  Diagnostics Manager
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Andrea, Diagnostics Manager

Andrea was born and raised in Southeastern Ohio. She worked at an animal rescue for four years prior to starting with us as an assistant in 2020. She worked her way up as an assistant shift lead before becoming diagnostic manager. She shares her home with two cats, Maverick and Emma. Her special interests are feline medicine and rescue work. She’s currently pursuing a degree to become an RVT. In her spare time she likes to read, watch movies, and spend time with her family and friends.

ABOUT US

Thank you for your Cleveland Hot List votes. We were voted #1 again for the 5th year in a row! We are happy to continue to serve the community and appreciate your support.

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“Anytime we call or come in, they are welcoming and very helpful! To us, this is important when choosing a doctor. So high five West Park; job well done!!!!”

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“West Park is by far the best place for our pets! From the doctors to the techs to the staff. They all have always had the best interest, care and confidence in treating our four legged friends!”

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“Our daughter takes her dog there and it's wonderful! The vet is great and their prices very competitive and it's always clean. The staff is friendly and always willing to help you with any questions that you have.”

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“Over the last 10 years they have always delivered on their service! From late night calls, last minute visits when we had a sick pup, a quick question because our dog had eaten a whole box of fundraiser candy bars, or the annual visits, the staff at West Park has been fabulous!”

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“I used to bring my dog here when we lived closer - I loved the people working there. They're all animal lovers and truly enjoy what they're doing. They keep it well maintained and clean, and their prices are outstanding compared to their competition.”

 

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(216) 252-4500

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Every day 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.

 

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