The Mecklenburg County Planning Commission approved a special-exception permit allowing a surgical-only veterinary facility on the north side of Highway 58, west of Wilkerson Road.
Applicant Holly Gill, a veterinarian licensed in Virginia since 1983, told the commission the facility will be used exclusively for spay and neuter surgeries and will not operate as a walk-in veterinary clinic. Gill said the building is a house converted to support a small surgical suite and prep area; she expects appointments by reservation only and estimated she could perform up to six or seven cats per day. She said the clinic will operate three days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"I want to make it clear... it's gonna be a surgical service. The only patients that I will be give, treating or doing anything for will be animals that are there to be either spayed or neutered," Gill said. She added she has been performing spay/neuter work through a volunteer arrangement at the Lake Country SPCA and that the organization (Southern Animal Care) is registered as a 501(c)(3).
A commissioner moved to approve the special exception, finding the proposed use would not be detrimental to public welfare and that the structure would meet required building codes and state licensing. The motion passed on a voice vote after a second by Mr. Lawrence.
The approval is conditioned on compliance with applicable building codes and state veterinary licensing requirements; Gill said she already obtained the necessary state licensure to perform surgeries in the converted facility. The commission did not record significant public opposition during the hearing.