PONDERAY — Dogs, cats, turtles, guinea pigs and other pets in need of boarding or healthcare in the greater Sandpoint area will soon be able to enjoy more elbow room thanks to the expansion of the Pend Oreille Veterinary Service, 895 Kootenai Cutoff Road.

"After 52 years in the same facility, Pend Oreille Veterinary Service is proud to announce construction has begun on our new veterinary hospital," said Dr. Christine Smart, a member of the facility's medical team. "The new site is adjacent to our existing facility on Kootenai Cutoff Road. The new construction will allow us to more efficiently and comfortably care for pets in our community."

The 7,000-square-foot space will include a separate feline waiting room and two exam rooms just for cats, with eight exam rooms being added overall. Roomier kennel digs for dogs and cats are also on tap, said Smart.

More space for surgery, an isolation area and an enclosed imaging room will all add to the clinic's capacity while promoting greater safety for pets and their owners. With the addition of a children's play area in view of exam rooms, parents can focus their attention on their pets' medical needs.

The clinic has closed its adjacent dog park to make way for facility expansion. To date, it has no plans for future replacement of the park, according to a POVS spokesperson.

Construction work has already begun and should be completed by the end of the year, Smart said. Pend Oreille Veterinary Service will remain open during the project.