BUSINESS PROFILE: Six years ago, a white Doberman with blue eyes stole the hearts of Chris Chandler and Dr. Robert Nagell, co-owners of the former Pacific Veterinary Clinic in North Park. On April 15, the pair moved the 20-year-old practice into their new expanded location at 2200 University Ave. and renamed it in honor of the number one canine in their lives, Bodhi Veterinary Clinic.
“He’s a great dog,” said Chandler. “The influence that Bodhi has had and how he affected our lives (is the reason behind the name change).”
Although they realized years ago that relocation was necessary to expand the business and continue to provide quality care for their growing number of patients, selecting the perfect place proved to be a challenge. They eventually decided on a vacant 7,000 square foot building – about 6,000 square feet larger than the craftsman-style home that previously housed the clinic. Then they began the 17-month journey of gaining approval from the community, getting zoning permits and rebuilding the majority of the structure.
Originally built in 1973 as a Jack LaLanne Gymnasium, the building has also been used as a bath house and banquet hall before sitting vacant in recent years. Chandler described the location as “quite an eyesore” when they purchased it. In order to prepare for an animal clinic, the entire property, from the plumbing to the 14-stall parking lot, received an overhaul.
Environmental and artistic details help set Bodhi Veterinary Clinic apart from other animal hospitals in the area. Solar panels on the carport let the clinic produce its own electricity and natural light floods the building through solar tubes. The clinic even features denim insulation instead of the standard fiberglass.
“Those are things that we did to help the pets who come here and the clients who come here to have a different experience, a little healthier and cleaner environment,” said Chandler.
“We wanted to think ahead so that the building would last for 30 to 40 years without having to put any major expenses into it so that we can keep our costs as low as possible,” he continued.
The veterinary clinic also houses a lovely collection of art and the outside of the building is adorned with large back-lit LED black and white pictures of birds, cats and dogs. Bodhi, the owner’s Doberman, even gets the special treatment of a seven-foot photograph.
“North Park is a wonderful community for artists to live in and (the photos) are our contribution to North Park and the arts community,” Chandler said.
With six experienced veterinarians, Bodhi Veterinary Clinic has settled into its new home and is ready to treat a variety of animals. In the past two weeks, they’ve seen the traditional cats and dogs as well as a dove and a chicken.
“Our belief is that we have a commitment to the pets in our lives,” said Chandler. “We want to make it affordable to everyone to come in and be responsible for the health of their loved ones.”
