Oak Knoll Animal Hospital has been part of the community for more than 30 years and is now moving to a new location for a bigger space.

Currently located at 7202 Minnetonka Blvd, the hospital is moving to 6315 Minnetonka Blvd. in order to own the building as opposed to renting, and to create a larger and more modern space in which they can treat cats and dogs. The hospital offers many services such as vaccinations, check-ups, surgeries, dental care, X-rays, as well as a full animal pharmacy.

Freshman Neema Mochoge said she thinks it is important for the hospital to have ample space.

“[The move] is great because they will have more space for the animals,” Mochoge said.

Practice Manager Kari Klassen said she believes it is important for people to have access to animal hospitals.

“[Pets are] family members and if they get sick we feel it’s important that there’s a place for them to go,” Klassen said. “Also the preventative care can allow them to live a longer and healthier life, and be part of that family for as long as they possibly can.”

According to Klassen, it is also important for students to be involved with the health and care of family pets because it teaches responsibility, among other lessons.

“It teaches you how to take care of something else and how to love something else, and I just think a cat or a dog definitely shows that in return, they’re very loyal animals,” Klassen said.

Sophomore Claire Beneke said she believes it’s good for students to be involved in animal care.

“Caring for animals is good because it helps make a rounder person,” Beneke said.

The Oak Knoll Animal Hospital hopes to open its new location Dec. 8. Although the business has been around for a long time and is known by many members of the community, the hospital is having an open house in which people can meet with staff members and learn about the hospital and it’s new space.

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Miranda Van Pilsum-Johnson