A national chain of animal hospitals operated by candy and pet food giant Mars now has a location in the Christiana-Stanton area.
Blue Pearl recently opened the 20,000-square foot location at a former retail store that housed CompUSA and other retailers over the years. The store site sat vacant for years.
Blue Pearl offers 24-hour emergency service without an appointment. Clients are asked to call ahead.
According to the website, Blue Pearl works with primary care veterinarians to develop treatment plans and has specialists in various areas. It also offers features such as a conference room and separate entrances for dogs and cats.
The hospital was formerly known as Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Delaware and was located a short distance away from the new location in a 10,000-square foot facility off Churchmans Road. The hospital offered 24-hour service.
Blue Pearl, based in Tampa, FL, is owned by pet food and candymaker Mars. It has acquired veterinary hospitals around the nation, with some operating under their former names. Blue Pearl has 76 hospitals in 24 states.
Veterinary practices have been in a consolidation mode over the years, with the pet unit of Mars also acquiring Veterinary Centers of America. VCA operates animal practices and a 24-hour veterinary center in Newark.
The heft of a company like Mars aids in acquiring costly medical technology that mirrors treatment methods for human patients.
