Dr Jarek Guzy, his wife Kasia, and their three children, Oliver, 7, Amelia, 5, and Annika, 13 months, are happy to be a part of the Newtown community.

Dr Guzy took over the Berkshire Veterinary Hospital practice September 24, where he continues to provide care for longtime customers of the veterinarian clinic in Sandy Hook, and welcomes new clients. Kasia Guzy is hospital administrator and takes care of the business end of the animal hospital.

Dr Guzy graduated from veterinarian school in Poland, in 1994. The couple moved to the United States in 2000, and he received his DVM in 2006, from the University of Florida. He has worked in a number of practices in the US, most recently the Animal Clinic in Milford.

Berkshire Veterinary Hospital provides care for dogs and cats, exclusively, and will be building the feline practice further, said Ms Guzy. Dr Guzy is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. He also provides services to the Halfway Home Rescue for Cats in North Haven.

Cats need special care, said Dr Guzy, and because cats can hide symptoms of illness better than dogs, many cat owners are unaware of how ill the cat is, before it is brought in for treatment. “We want to attract more healthy cats to the practice, for preventative care,” said Ms Guzy. Berkshire Veterinary Hospital will be scheduling “chats” and evening programs for cat owners in the upcoming months, she said.

“Dogs, of course, are our love and passion, too,” Ms Guzy emphasized.

The changes they have made so far have been minor. Dogs and cats continue to have separate entrances and waiting areas, and feline- and canine-sanctioned examination rooms have been designated. “We’ve updated and refreshed a few things, since taking over,” Ms Guzy said. Longtime customers will see many familiar faces at the animal hospital. “Veterinarian technicians and reception staff remain the same,” emphasized Dr Guzy.

Berkshire Veterinary Hospital has a full surgery and pharmacy onsite, as well as an in-house lab and digital x-ray. Boarding is available for cats and dogs in the newly licensed kennel.

Twenty-eight indoor runs allow room for boarding dogs to exercise and play. Reservations for boarding must be made in advance, and holiday and school vacation times are particularly busy.

Dr Guzy is pleased to continue pet care service to Newtown pets, and noted that it is a town where pet owners are willing and able to give pets the care they need.

“We love this area,” said Ms Guzy. “We knew this would be the place we wanted to be.”

Berkshire Veterinary Hospital is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, and Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm. The hospital is closed on Sunday. After-hour emergency calls will be directed to local emergency animal clinics. To make an appointment or for more information, call 203-426-4222 or visit berkshirevet.net.