New Veterinary Clinic Opens in Spirit Lake

Residents of Spirit Lake are welcoming the sound of barking and meowing once again, thanks to the recent opening of Hunt PRN Veterinary Services on October 1. This marks the first veterinary clinic in the area in the last 15 years, according to Dr. Brittney Hunt, the clinic’s founder.

Having relocated to Spirit Lake in 2021, Dr. Hunt noticed that pet owners often had to drive long distances—up to 30 minutes—to access veterinary care in neighboring towns like Rathdrum, Hayden, and Coeur d’Alene. “In this area, we have a limited number of veterinarians for the influx of people moving here. I was surprised that there was no vet here,” she said.

Prior to opening the physical clinic, Dr. Hunt had already begun treating pets in the community. “We started vaccine clinics back in April at Cup of Grace,” she mentioned. Since then, the clinic has expanded its services to include spaying, neutering, in-home euthanasia, and dental work, even facilitating house calls for clients with mobility challenges.

Matt Kramer, a clinic technician, highlighted the importance of house calls for clients like one who needed vaccine updates for her dog but struggled to make the trip to a clinic. “It took us just 15 minutes, but for her, it would have been a huge hassle,” he explained.

Local pet owners, like Kyla Thierry, express relief at having a nearby clinic. After having to take her dog Chewbacca to Coeur d’Alene for emergency surgery, Thierry appreciates the accessibility of Hunt PRN. “It’s a relief to not have to go that far for care, and it’s more affordable than bigger corporate places,” she noted.

The clinic’s focus on personalized care is evident, with clients praising the one-on-one attention provided. Tiana Heath emphasized that having in-depth discussions about her pet’s health was a significant advantage of the new facility. Additionally, same-day appointments have been a welcome change for many pet owners, saving them time and stress during emergencies.

Dr. Hunt sees her clinic as a much-needed resource for the community, aiming to make veterinary care more accessible as the availability of such services decreases further north. “This clinic provides a local option for veterinary care, which was really needed,” she affirmed.

As Hunt PRN Veterinary Services settles into the community, it promises to foster stronger bonds between pet owners and their beloved animals, making veterinary visits a smoother experience for all involved.