Relocating to Franklin with your beloved pets? You’ve chosen one of Tennessee’s most affluent communities, and your pets deserve premium veterinary care that matches your discerning standards. However, Tennessee’s climate presents unique health challenges that many relocating families don’t anticipate.
At Animal Ark Animal Hospital, we’ve spent 30 years serving Franklin’s most discerning pet owners – including executives, professionals, and affluent families relocating from across the country. Here’s what sophisticated pet parents need to know about protecting their investment in their pet’s health.
HEARTWORM: THE EXPENSIVE TENNESSEE REALITY
Unlike Colorado, Vermont, or northern California, Tennessee requires year-round heartworm prevention – and the consequences of neglecting this are financially devastating as well as treatment is often uncomfortable to pets.
“Many affluent families relocating from states like Colorado are shocked to learn that heartworm treatment costs can be several thousand dollars per dog,” explains Dr. Paula Schuerer, who has 30 years of veterinary expertise serving Franklin’s most discerning clients. “For families with multiple pets, the treatment costs can be substantial.”
The premium veterinary care approach: Quality prevention is cost-effective. Treatment for established infection is expensive, painful, and requires months of restricted activity for your pet.
TICK-BORNE DISEASES: PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Tennessee’s wooded estates and country club communities create perfect conditions for ticks carrying Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichia, and Lyme disease. These diseases can result in chronic, expensive health issues requiring ongoing specialist care.
Affluent pet owner strategy: Premium tick prevention protocols are warranted year round as both fleas and ticks are present and capable of spreading disease no matter what time of the year. Avoid the “wait and see” approach that often leads to expensive emergency treatments and specialist referrals as well as causing your pet unnecessary pain and illness.
SPECIALIST-LEVEL CARE WITHOUT THE HASSLE
When your pet needs specialized attention, our extensive network means access to the best veterinary specialists in the country – without the inconvenience of multiple appointments and referral fees.
“My cell phone has numerous contacts to specialists across the US,” says Dr. Schuerer. “Ophthalmologists, toxicologists, reproduction specialists, and others. Affluent clients expect immediate access to the best care, and our relationships deliver that without the typical referral runaround.”
Recent example: When a client’s valuable pet developed unusual symptoms, Dr. Schuerer consulted directly with appropriate specialists within hours, avoiding both costly emergency visits and the stress of multiple appointments.
RESEARCH-BACKED REGIONAL EXPERTISE
Successful relocating families conduct thorough research before making important decisions. Our evidence-based approach to regional health adaptation draws from 30 years of data and experience helping families transition successfully to Tennessee’s unique environment.
Affluent pet owners understand that quality guidance prevents expensive and potentially painful problems. Our regional health consultations address:
– Climate-specific breed considerations (how Tennessee’s heat and humidity affects your Persian cat or French Bulldog)
– Premium prevention protocols tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and your property’s specific risks
– Seasonal adjustment strategies that prevent heat-related emergencies
– Emergency preparedness for severe weather (including evacuation planning for valuable breeding animals)
Ready to protect your pet in their new Tennessee home? Call 615-778-0880 to schedule your executive consultation with Franklin’s premier veterinary practice.