The Leatherstocking Veterinary Group recently broke ground on a $1.6 million construction project for their modern 8,000 square foot Veterinary Clinic in New Berlin, on Route 8. Grand opening and open house will be in the Fall of 2024. (Submitted Photo)

NEW BERLIN — New Berlin Veterinary Clinic located on Route 8 is building a new facility that they hope to open next fall, in 2024.

Leartherstocking Veterinary Group Marketing Coordinator Ashley Harvey said the new building will be located next to the current clinic and will be the new home for the business once it is completed.

Dr. Bill Johnson, runs the clinic in New Berlin. He said, “We’ve known for several years that we needed more space. The existing clinic was built in the mid-1960’s and did not meet the needs for a modern veterinary hospital. We were going to build in 2020 but our Cooperstown location lost its lease and needed a new home so we built a clinic there in 2021 and opened it in 2022.”

Johnson said they’ve budgeted approximately $1.6 million for the project. The new clinic will offer a larger space for appointments, surgeries, and comprehensive care to the pets with about 8,000 square feet and modern amenities. He said their clients are excited about the new building.

He explained the current waiting room is too small. He said they do not have enough exam and treatment rooms so this will be great for everyone to have the room to work and be able to have their companion treated in a modern facility.

“The team has been generating ideas for the new clinic for the past two years. We have had numerous iterations of the plans posted on the wall of the clinic for comments. We created a simple functional design without bells and whistles that will fit into the community. It should fill the needs of a veterinary hospital for many years to come,” Johnson added.

The current staff includes four doctors, One full time and three part-time; nine licensed technicians, assistants and receptionist.

“Our staff is so excited to be moving into a new clinic. They can’t wait to be able to show off our new space. It is truly a team effort in making this project come to fruition,” said Johnson.

Dr. Kathy Mahon, said the renovations over the years accommodated their growing business yet the facility itself is aging, creating many difficulties to support their work load.

The old clinic will be converted into their business office to support the four clinics with support staff of five, inventory and HR people.

Johnson said to look for the grand opening party and open house in the fall of 2024.