The site of the West Park Animal Hospital (WPAH), 4113 Rocky River Drive, has been home to a veterinarian business since the 1950s. Borys Pakush, co-own-er of WPAH, took over the business in 1996 and built the current building in 2003.

WPAH offers full-service, high-quality medical treatment for people’s pets. The business is open 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year to provide care when pets need it along with a wide array of services to minimize referrals to specialists. WPAH staff offers advanced procedures such as orthopedics, diagnostics such as ultrasounds, and rehabilitation from leg injuries and surgeries. Staff undertakes frequent continuing education and training to remain at the forefront of veterinary treatment best practices.

Over the years, the practice has experienced steady growth and, with 130 employees, is outgrowing its current facility. Expansion plans call for the construction of a two-story, 35,000 square foot building at an estimated cost of ten million dollars. Preparation for the expansion project included the purchase and demolition of a problem rental house in order to construct a 50-car parking lot next to the former Cone Zone. It also included the purchase and demolition of an adjacent underused building to make way for the site of the new building. The conceptual building and site design have been approved by the Far West Design Review Committee and the Cleveland City Planning Commission.

The existing hospital will remain open during construction and, once the new building is completed, it will be razed to create additional parking. The expansion will bring an additional 50-60 jobs over a 5-year period to the neighbor-hood. Many of the current – and likely future employees – reside in West Park. The estimated plan is to break ground in the spring of 2021 with construction taking approximately one year.
By Ben Campbell | Photos: West Park Animal Hospital and Onyx Creative