The interior design choices are stunning and team members have plenty of room to breathe. But it's a team-first attitude that gives Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital in Bakersfield, Calif., it's true identity.
The previous facility was too small. The floor plan was inefficient. The technology was outdated. But in the end, promoting
team and family unity was the real driving force behind the Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital practice owners' desire to build
a new facility.
After scouring the city of Bakersfield, Calif., for the perfect location, the practice owners discovered an ideal 2-acre site
in an industrial park near a busy road. After a relatively problem-free construction process, the owners opened their dream
facility in May 2008. The Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition judges rewarded the practice with a 2009 Merit Award, praising the facility's beautiful colors,
well-thought-out floor plan, and top-notch equipment.
Lobby: A 16-foot-tall faux banyan tree, inside a four-sided bench, towers above the reception area. A separate seating area
provides a place for uneasy patients to wait. From the north end of the lobby, clients can access an outdoor courtyard patio,
great for entertaining impatient pets.
The practice had previously operated out of two buildings. One, constructed in the 1920s, was too small and had an inefficient
floor plan. The other, built in the 1970s, was originally considered a satellite facility, but as business grew, it became
the main hospital. Unfortunately, the building's small size afforded team members precious little room to care for pets. "I
can't believe we actually worked out of that place," co-owner Dr. Paul Ulrich says.
PUTTING FAMILY FIRST
Conference room: Large windows lining the conference room's southern wall provide team members with a pleasing view. This
room is located next to the doctors' office, which has workspace for 10 doctors, and just down the hall from the staff lounge.
While increasing square footage was an important consideration, the practice owners were more concerned with maintaining a
family-friendly environment, both for clients and for employees. First of all, combining two sets of team members from different
buildings was like blending families. So after opening the new facility, the owners went about the difficult task of developing
team chemistry and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all employees. They started by encouraging team members to take
care of their families.
Luxury boarding: Large skylights allow natural light into Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital's 16 luxury boarding suites.
"Our philosophy has always been that the practice is important, but family comes first," Dr. Ulrich says. "Employees understand
that it's not an issue if they need to take a day or two off to deal with family issues." The practice employs more than a
few young professionals with children, so this flexibility is crucial to help the team maintain productivity—and sanity. A
daycare across the street gives employees a convenient child care option, and the practice often holds company picnics and
parties to celebrate birthdays. "The togetherness is something I always try to impress upon new hires," Dr. Ulrich says.
A look at the numbers
To make clients feel at home, the practice owners included a quaint children's play area with games, toys, books, and educational
materials. Also, team members stress the importance of parasite prevention to keep clients' family members safe.
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