Local Brentwood animal hospital searches for new home after building sale
The Brendwood-Islip Hospital for Animals faces relocation as owner deals with health issues; community members launch fundraiser and pledge support.
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The Brentwood-Islip Hospital for Animals, a longtime fixture in the community since the 1970s, is preparing to relocate after learning it must move from its current location.
According to staff, the owner of the practice has been dealing with health issues and is selling the building.
The unexpected development has left employees scrambling to find a new building where the veterinary hospital can continue operating.
Veterinarian Laurie Donovan has been working at the practice since 2023 and was heartbroken when she heard the news just last week.
“I love the relationships with the people and their pets. I love watching them grow…” said Donovan. “And that's what's so devastating about this. If I have to leave this community, I won't have that anymore. And that's the worst part.”
Despite the uncertainty, community members say they remain committed to supporting the practice and will continue bringing their pets to the hospital wherever it relocates.
“Doctor Donovan and the staff here are amazing. They are the most compassionate, unselfish, dedicated group of people. And I wouldn't want anyone else taking care of my dog,” said Melanie Sidito of Brentwood.
“I will go to the end of the world to still be with this vet,” said Jackey Gmora, of Lindenhurst. “They just mean that much to me. And the compassion, the empathy that they've shown to us is just unreal. And they're a second family.”
Clients have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help their favorite veterinarian get back on her feet and reopen the practice’s doors as soon as possible.
“It’s kind of hard to find somebody who literally treats our pets as if they were their own,” said Tom Dobler, of Brentwood.
As the search for a new location continues, supporters say they are determined to stand by the veterinary team that has served local pet owners for decades.
