Urgent Pet Care, located at 8419 S. 73rd Plaza (one block west of 72nd and Giles), is an emergency veterinary clinic whose mission is to provide caring, compassionate, affordable after-hours care when your family veterinarian is closed.  They are operational every evening, weekend and holiday specifically to provide urgent pet care services.  Debbie Newhouse, LVT, CVPM is the Practice Manager at Urgent Pet Care.

Tell us a little about your business. – Unlike most emergency pet hospitals that are open overnight, Urgent Pet Care hours are Monday thru Friday 5 pm – 1am, Saturdays 12pm – 12am, Sunday and Holidays 10am – 10 pm. The limited hours allow us to serve pet owners at a cost comparable to their family veterinarian.  Pets requiring overnight care are monitored overnight by the veterinarian and staff until the family veterinarian is available. Our clinic welcomes pets with all types of illness and injuries and is equipped with an in-house laboratory, radiology, surgery, an isolation room, and a separate quiet room for cats.

How did you get started in the business? – I started as a veterinary assistant in 1981, became a licensed veterinary technician, practice manager and administrator, and finally a certified veterinarian practice manager.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Starting a new business. You just do not realize how much work goes into getting a business started from concept (and writing the business plan) to opening the doors and hoping customers will come.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – In 2012, I was nationally recognized as Veterinary Practice Manager of the Year by the Veterinary Practice Managers Association.

Tell me a little about your family. –  I am single so my immediate family consists of a cat and three horses. I have a close extended family that I spend a lot of time with. All my nieces and nephews make me proud but I have to brag about my niece Kayla Haneline as she was selected to play volleyball on the USA international team. She was picked out of hundreds of volleyball players to play in Croatia in July. Hopefully, we will see her represent the USA at the Olympics in 4 to 8 years.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time riding my horse. It always helps clear the mind and relax the soul.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – My motto is work hard and play harder.  I like to take time off and travel abroad several times a year.

What are you the most proud of? – Becoming a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in 2009. There are only approximately 250 CVPM’s in the United States.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Have a bucket list of all the things you dream you want to do professionally and personally.  You never know where those dreams will take you or what you will learn along the way.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Reading is a passion of mine. I was told one time if you want to succeed in life you have to take the time to read 30 minutes every day. I usually read several books at a time consisting of an industry book, a business book, and a fiction book.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Through our website at urgentpetcareomaha.com or our Facebook page, by phone at (402) 597-2911, or email me at dnewhouse@urgentpetcareomaha.com.