Kyle Mills / Post Independent
Divide Creek Animal Hospital in Silt officially closed its doors Friday, leaving customers to find a new veterinary home and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office without one of its west-end animal shelters.
On March 21, the Divide Creek Animal Hospital posted an announcement of its closing on its Facebook page.
“We have fought the decision to close for some time now, but there are many, many factors that have contributed to my decision,” the post from longtime owner and veterinarian Dr. Peter Langegger read.
“I cannot thank you enough for allowing myself, my family and my staff for being the care givers for your pets for the last 15 years,” it continued. “Without you, there would have never been a Divide Creek. Love and best wishes to you all. — Dr. Pete.”
Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario said there will be a gap in the local community for emergency pet care, and that the facility will be missed. But, he said there are still options for veterinary and shelter services.
As far as Garfield County Animal Control is concerned, the emergency clinic in Basalt will still be the place officers can take severely injured pets after hours, Vallario said. And, the county also contracts with the Rifle Animal Hospital for some of its shelter needs. The Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) facility in Spring Valley serves as the main shelter for the county.
Vallario added that Divide Creek Animal Hospital has been a great resource for local law enforcement, but he does not anticipate there being much of a disruption in shelter services for loose pets or stray animals that are picked up.
Opened in 2004, Divide Creek Animal Hospital provided surgery, dentistry, general pet care and emergency services.
Garfield County Finance Director Theresa Wagenman confirmed that the county had supported Divide Creek Animal Hospital with over $200,000 for shelter needs from 2016 to 2018.
The number budgeted for use of the facility went down each of the past four years, with $75,000 budgeted for 2019.
The phone at Divide Creek Animal Hospital had been disconnected by Friday, and ownership could not be reached for further comment in time for the publication of this article.