Riverview Animal Hospital has moved into the area’s first LEED eligible veterinary clinic. Located just north of Frazier Avenue at 641 North Market St., the new $2 million state-of-the-art clinic was built on the site of an abandoned manufacturing site.

The 10,400-square-foot building houses two surgery suites, a reception area, laboratory, grooming center and boarding kennels for up to 75 dogs and cats. This allows for four times the boarding capacity of the hospital’s former building.

Dr. Tai Federico said the animal hospital was much needed because it outgrew its current Dorchester Road location less than a mile away. He chose to keep the clinic in North Chattanooga because of his loyal client base and the areas’ on- going renaissance that makes it one of the scenic city’s most attractive places to live, work, shop and dine.

Jared Chastain LEED AP, of the Strauss Company oversaw the construction using LEED guidelines. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification program of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED uses a rating system for new buildings constructed to have less impact on the environment and offer a comfortable workplace for employees.

He explains how his firm teamed up with Dr. Federico, and reviewed every aspect of the project’s environment impact while constructing Riverview’s Animal Hospital’s building. By using LEED construction techniques, Mr. Chastain said they were able to complete an environmentally friendly and extremely energy efficient building.

For example, they installed spray foam insulation in the walls, structurally insulated roof panels ,a high-efficiency geo-thermal HVAC system, efficient LED light fixtures, and recycled construction debris. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints were used throughout the facility, improving the air quality for the employees, customers and pets.

They also used natural lighting throughout the building to save on energy use and it makes for a better work environment.

In addition recycled materials were used when possible throughout the building. For example, the metal roof is made up of at least 25% recycled content. In addition to containing recycled materials, the metal roof also acts as a heat barrier, reflecting the sun’s heat off the building. The Strauss Company also used regional construction materials like concrete, drywall, and lumber from within a 500-mile radius of Chattanooga.

Riverview Animal Hospital serves more than 2,000 clients and provides complete medical and surgical services. The hospital also offers ultrasound, endoscopic and radiology exams for small animals and reptiles. In addition to Dr; Federico, the hospital has three veterinarians on staff: Drs. Liz Lovett, Coleen Johnson and Marisa Shulman.

Because many pet owners work full-time, for their convenience Riverview offers extended hours. They are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. They also will be now be open Sunday evenings from 6-7 p.m. for boarding pickups and drop offs. For more information call 756-6011.