Most members of the Penn community know that they share a campus with one of the finest schools of veterinary medicine in the country. But now, students, faculty, and staff at the University have even more reasons to take advantage of the close proximity and bring their pets to the School of Veterinary Medicine—for specialty services, as well as routine examinations and care.

Starting Monday, May 6, Penn Vet’s Primary Care Service at Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is expanding to a full-time schedule, Monday through Friday. The expanded hours will provide more opportunities for pet owners to make appointments to obtain services such as annual check-ups for adult cats and dogs, parasite testing, vaccinations, and general wellness advice, in addition to the hospital's long-standing puppy and kitten examinations with veterinary pediatricians.

Penn Vet is expanding the Primary Care Service, formerly known as Community Practice, in order to boost clinical training opportunities for its students. Fourth-year students who rotate through the Service will act as primary care practitioners, while second-year students will observe visits and gain clinical exposure as part of their coursework. A licensed veterinarian will see every patient and approve all healthcare decisions, but Penn Vet students will take the lead in performing examinations and providing preventive care.

“Members of the campus community who choose to bring their pets to us will be contributing to the education of future veterinarians, while still receiving very high-quality care,” says Grace Anne Mengel, a staff veterinarian at Penn Vet and head of the new Primary Care Service.

Penn Vet offers additional benefits to members of the University community who bring their animals to Ryan Hospital for primary care. Starting Wednesday, May 1, the discount on Ryan Hospital’s services for Penn and Penn Medicine students and employees increases from 10 percent to 20 percent. The new discounted rates will make it easier for members of the Penn community to take advantage of the primary and preventive care services now available every weekday.

Clients will also have ready access to Penn Vet’s team of specialists when needed. And beginning in July, University employees whose animals are receiving care at Ryan during the day will be able to drop off their pets at the beginning of the work day and pick them up at the end of the day.

To make an appointment, call Ryan Hospital at 215-746-VETS (215-746-8387) and indicate the visit is for the Primary Care Service.