Clinic center: Dechra becomes Human-Animal Bond–Certified company

A specialty hospital, part of a North Carolina–based network of veterinary hospitals, is now offering internal medicine services. Additionally, Chewy Vet Care has opened a new facility in Aventura, Florida. Meanwhile, Dechra recently obtained a new certification status that will expand its education and training initiatives for its clients and workforce.

Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital (Sims, North Carolina)

Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital, which is part of Vets Pets' veterinary hospitals network, has expanded its specialty services to include an internal medicine service. The service will be led by Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM). In addition to the new internal medicine offering, the hospital offers emergency, surgical, and critical care services. Providing those services are 2 boarded surgeons, 2 boarded criticalists, and 13 full-time emergency veterinarians.

Wiley obtained her veterinary degree and completed a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, she completed an internal medicine residency program at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she did research on molecular diagnostics for early cancer detection and canine genetic diseases.

“Since its founding, Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital has evolved to meet the growing needs of pets and referring veterinarians across Eastern North Carolina. The addition of internal medicine complements existing emergency, surgical, and critical care services, furthering the hospital's commitment to collaboration and patient-centered care,” Vets Pets wrote in a news release.1

Chewy Vet Care Aventura (Aventura, Florida)

Earlier this fall, Chewy Vet Care opened a new location in Aventura, Florida. The clinic features personalized room monitors that showcase patient photos, the care team, and appointment details during every appointment. Like other Chewy Vet Care centers, the Aventura facility was designed with the signature warm lighting and soft colors. The building also contains nonslip floors and pet-friendly materials for a calming environment. Other touches include Polaroid photos, selfie mirrors, and exam rooms named after patients.

“We are thrilled to bring Chewy Vet Care to Miami. It is an exciting moment for pet health care as more pet parents are embracing a lifestyle where their pets’ well-being is at the center of everything they do. Especially in Miami, where pets are part of the city’s vibrant culture, from morning beach walks to outdoor dining and community events,” said Mita Malhotra, MS, president of Chewy Health. “We look forward to delivering the personalized care and convenience that our customers have come to love and expect from Chewy, now a best-in-class veterinary practice."

Dechra becomes Human-Animal Bond Certified

Dechra recently announced it has become a Human-Animal Bond-Certified company. As part of its new status, the company has committed to supporting education on the human-animal bond for veterinary professionals and to supporting research efforts by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Dechra said it will also train its workforce on the science of the human-animal bond.2

Collectively, the North American Veterinary Community and HABRI offer the Human-Animal Bond Certification. The certification looks at the documented science behind the benefits of the human-animal bond and offers veterinarians tools to apply it in their practice through a series of virtual modules.

According to Dechra, the organization is helping make the certification an accessible and affordable continuing education online course for veterinarians and clinics. The company said it plans to offer training for the Human-Animal Bond Certification to its clients in early 2026.2

References

1. Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital adds internal medicine service led by Dr Claire Wiley. News release. Vets Pets. October 28, 2025. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/points-east-veterinary-specialty-hospital-adds-internal-medicine-service-led-by-dr-claire-wiley-302597236.html
2. Dechra advances public health as newest Human-Animal Bond Certified company. News release. Dechra. November 7, 2025. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.dechra.com/news/2025/november/habri-launch