Luxury pet care center coming to downtown Austin

Luxury pet care center coming to downtown Austin

By Patrick Brendel Thursday, 10 September 2009

Downtown Austin’s first full-service pet care center is set to open the last week of October, offering everything from doggie treats to grooming to canine acupuncture. The Austin Urban Vet Center will be housed in a two-story, stand-alone building at the corner of West Fifth and Rio Grande streets, according to company records.

Veterinarian Erin Homburg co-owns the venture with veterinarian Greg Biehle. For more than 20 years, Biehle has been the owner of Brykerwood Veterinary Clinic at 1501 W. 35th St., while Homburg works at the clinic. Homburg will manage day-to-day operations of the new center, with Biehle available to provide assistance.

"It's a concept I've had in my head for years," Homburg said. "Then Greg had this building he didn't know what to do with, and he's let me run with it."

Along with the veterinary practice of Homburg and Biehle, several other local businesses will participate in the new 12,000 sq. ft. center at 710 W. Fifth St. The center was made possible by a city ordinance, that went into effect May 4, permitting pet service businesses in the Central Business District.

Groovy Dog Bakery makes all-natural, human-grade, gourmet dog treats. It will be the shop’s second location, the first being on South Lamar Boulevard.

Self-serve dog wash and grooming shop Dirty Dog will allow owners to wash their own dogs or schedule full-service appointments. The shop has four other Austin locations and one in San Antonio.

Lofty Dog will provide pet setting and pet taxi services, and will also sell gifts and toys. Upper Paw urban pet resort will offer luxury boarding for dogs and cats, with amenities including na indoor dog park.

Homburg stressed that the veterinary servies will be "state of the art," and that the center is intended to cater to professionals living and working downtown. Residents of the nearby Austonian condominiums are expected to make up much of the client base.

For more information, call 476-2882 or visit www.austinurbanvet.com.