Callahan’s Full Circle Animal Hospital expansion plans are underway.
Owner and veterinarian Dr. Mike Payne said he expects to break ground within 30 days, provided all the permits are finalized.
The Callahan Town Council approved a site plan for the new 4,600 square-foot, single-story build Nov. 21. The new location will be east of the State Farm building. Dr. Mike, as he’s known around town, plans to expand services to provide additional care for pets.
Twelve employees are already on staff at the location off A1A. Four to five more employees will be added.
Plans include the addition of another veterinarian to round out the staff. The animal hospital offers vaccines, spay and neuter surgery, emergency and general pet surgery and care.
“It is exciting,” Dr. Mike said. “We worked long and hard at this to be able to expand out. We’re hoping to provide more prompt service. Having an extra doctor on board will allow daytime emergencies to be handled quicker. We’re looking (to add) an exercise room for rehab and extend surgery availability.”
Additional features include a larger lobby and quiet room, an enlarged treatment area, a surgery suite, double the amount of surgery rooms, and an updated isolation intensive care unit for cats and dogs.
Fernandina Beach-based Rice Architect, LLC project manager Mark Akins has worked for nearly five months on the project.
Fernandina Beach contractor Dewayne Crews will oversee the build, which should take about nine months, according to Payne.
When complete, the new site will represent a sense of accomplishment for Payne and wife Cindy. Married for 36 years, the couple grew up in western Nassau. They have two sons and eight grandchildren.
“When we opened five and a half years ago, we weren’t sure what we were stepping into,” said Cindy Payne. “But the community stayed loyal and supported us through the years. We’re just extremely blessed and thankful that we’ve been able to move forward with this.”
Dr. Mike is a graduate of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitt’s, West Indies.
Full Circle Animal Hospital at 450077 S.R. 200 is open for appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. to noon. Saturday hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. to 11 and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 904-879-1025 to learn more.