Pet Owners Scramble for Records and Medications as the Only Vet in Town Closes Its Doors

In a shocking turn of events, Whiting Veterinary Clinic, the only animal hospital in the Whiting, NJ area, permanently closed on October 25. The abrupt shutdown has left the community of pet owners, including many seniors, searching for alternative care options, with some traveling out of town to access veterinary services.

The Sudden Closure and Community Impact

Staff were blindsided by the news during an emergency meeting held by their corporate owners, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, who announced that the clinic would close effective immediately. “We were completely blindsided,” said Stacie Cullen Jankauskas, the clinic supervisor, who has since taken to social media to inform pet owners and encourage kindness towards the remaining staff as they grieve the loss of what they considered their professional home.

According to Jersey Shore Online “This has been an emotional rollercoaster,” Jankauskas said, speaking on behalf of her and the team, who had no prior indication that the clinic would close. Many of their clients, particularly elderly residents, now face the daunting challenge of finding another vet, with the nearest facilities located in neighboring towns like Toms River and Forked River.

Temporary Staff and Patient Record Access

In an effort to support clients, two staff members will remain on-site until November 15 to help pet owners retrieve medical records. While clients are encouraged to come in person to 108 Lacey Road Suite 14, they can also call or email the clinic to access records. Jankauskas noted that handling requests has been overwhelming, with over 600 emails waiting in the queue for records.

For those needing chronic medications or prescription diets for their pets, Jankauskas advised that pet owners must establish a relationship with a new veterinarian as the clinic is no longer able to dispense medications. This has further complicated matters for many clients, especially as other area vets are currently overwhelmed and, in some cases, unable to take on new patients.

Corporate Transition and Staff Reactions

The clinic was acquired by Rarebreed Veterinary Partners. Despite recent growth and a steady increase in client visits, the corporate ownership made the decision to close this Whiting location without detailed explanation to the staff.

Clients Express Frustration and Concern

The closure has been especially distressing for the clinic’s clients, many of whom have relied on Whiting Veterinary Clinic for years. One resident expressed his frustration over the impact on elderly pet owners, saying, “For these seniors, their dogs are like family, and they can’t go anywhere now.” Others, like Lakehurst resident Laura Sloan, noted that finding a new vet for their three pets has become a significant concern, as other area clinics have either a long waiting list or aren’t accepting new clients.

As Whiting’s only veterinary hospital, the closure has left a significant gap in the local community’s access to veterinary care. With no immediate replacement on the horizon, pet owners are left facing long drives and limited options for their animals’ healthcare needs.

While the sudden closure marks the end of an era for Whiting Veterinary Clinic, it also underscores the essential role that such local practices play in the lives of pet owners and communities alike.