Frey Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, stands as a testament to thoughtful design and a commitment to exceptional veterinary care. Owner Dr. Ryan Steen’s vision, years in the making, culminated in a state-of-the-art facility that earned a Merit Award in the Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition. This recognition highlights the hospital’s attractive aesthetics, innovative systems, and client-centered approach. The journey to create this outstanding animal hospital began with a surprising team-building exercise and a desire to build something truly special for the pets and their owners in Cedar Rapids.
Dr. Steen’s approach to unveiling his plans for Frey Pet Hospital was as unique as the hospital itself. Instead of simply announcing the expansion, he engaged his team in a brainstorming session focused on hospital improvements. It was during what they thought was a team dinner to discuss these ideas, that Dr. Steen revealed the real purpose: a presentation of the architectural plans for the new Frey Pet Hospital building. The architect showcased a computer animation of the new space, generating excitement and enthusiasm among the staff who were integral to the hospital’s daily operations. Dr. Steen had kept the plans under wraps initially, admitting, “I kept it a secret initially because I didn’t know if I’d have the guts to actually go through with it, and I didn’t want to let them down.” However, once revealed, the team’s input further enriched the design, making the final result even more impactful and tailored to the needs of Frey Pet Hospital, located in Cedar Rapids.
Decades of Dedication to Veterinary Excellence in Cedar Rapids
Dr. Steen’s connection to Frey Pet Hospital is deeply rooted. He began his career there as a kennel attendant, progressing to veterinary assistant before pursuing his veterinary degree. After graduating in 2000, he returned to Frey Pet Hospital, joining the practice under the original owner, Dr. Dean Frey. The transition plan for Dr. Steen to take ownership coincided with his vision for a significant modernization of the facility. While Dr. Frey had established a high standard of veterinary practice, the physical space was in need of an upgrade. Dr. Steen dedicated eight years to meticulously planning this transformation, recognizing the importance of getting it right from the outset for Frey Pet Hospital and its clients in Cedar Rapids. His preparation involved extensive research, visiting veterinary hospitals nationwide, studying award-winning designs from past Veterinary Economics competitions, and attending the 2009 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Conference. This thorough groundwork allowed him to refine his vision through over 25 iterations, ensuring every detail of Frey Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids was purposefully designed.
Innovative Design for Optimal Workflow and Communication
Frey Pet Hospital’s design prioritizes both efficiency and a comfortable environment. The central treatment hub is a key feature, designed without obstructive columns to ensure an unobstructed line of sight for the veterinary team. This fosters constant visual communication among staff, crucial for seamless patient care. Achieving this open design required meticulous planning, with utilities routed beneath the treatment area before walls were erected, demanding close coordination between plumbers, electricians, and other contractors. This innovative approach sets Frey Pet Hospital apart, enhancing workflow and team collaboration.
Beyond the central treatment area, Dr. Steen implemented a unique lighting system to streamline communication and minimize interruptions. In the previous facility, doctors would often get caught in conversations at the reception desk when delivering charts. To address this, he designed a system where doctors could discreetly signal the reception staff when a client was ready for checkout. By placing charts in a designated basket and flipping a light switch, a subtle signal alerts receptionists without disrupting client interactions or the doctor’s workflow. This thoughtful detail exemplifies the focus on efficiency and client experience at Frey Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Elevating the Client and Pet Experience
Understanding the importance of client comfort, Frey Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids incorporated several features to enhance the overall experience. Exam rooms are individually themed, creating a more engaging and less clinical atmosphere. Each room, with themes like “fox” and “grizzly bear,” feels more like a museum exhibit than a typical exam room, sparking client interest and making visits more enjoyable. Clients often express curiosity about which themed room they will be in next, adding a unique and positive element to their experience at Frey Pet Hospital.
Recognizing the emotional aspect of veterinary visits, particularly during difficult times, Frey Pet Hospital includes a reflective garden adjacent to the comfort room. This tranquil outdoor space provides a quiet sanctuary for clients to spend time with their pets before euthanasia, reflect after challenging appointments, or simply find solace. This thoughtful addition underscores the hospital’s commitment to compassionate care and client well-being. Dr. Steen emphasizes that “Details like that really enhance the client experience,” and these elements, carefully integrated into the design of Frey Pet Hospital in Cedar Rapids, demonstrate a deep understanding of the human-animal bond.
Frey Pet Hospital: A Model for Veterinary Care
Frey Pet Hospital, located at 2300 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, is more than just a veterinary clinic; it’s a carefully planned and executed vision of what a modern, client-focused animal hospital can be. From the innovative central treatment hub to the themed exam rooms and reflective garden, every detail reflects Dr. Steen’s dedication to providing exceptional veterinary care in a comfortable and efficient environment. The hospital’s award-winning design is a result of years of planning, research, and a commitment to creating the best possible experience for pets, their owners, and the veterinary team in Cedar Rapids. For those seeking exemplary veterinary care in Cedar Rapids, Frey Pet Hospital stands as a beacon of excellence, demonstrating that thoughtful design and compassionate service can go hand-in-hand.
Key Personnel:
- Owner: Ryan Steen, DVM
- Associates: 3 full-time, 2 part-time
- Hospital team: 18 full-time, 6 part-time
Practice Details:
- Practice type: 100 percent small animal
- Building size: 8,055 square feet
- Exam rooms: 17 client, 21 staff
- Cages: 37
- Parking spaces: 17 client, 21 staff
- Year built: 2011
Design and Construction:
- Construction: $1.4 million (building only, excludes land purchase, landscaping, parking lot, etc.)
- Site improvement: $123,256
- Professional fees: $93,329
- Equipment: $229,553
- Furnishings: $17,859
- Computers: $22,354
Primary Architect:
- Ed Sauter and Jim Baty, Sauter Baty Associates
- 113 First St. NW, Mt. Vernon, IA 52314
- (319) 895-8827
- Sauter Baty Associates Website
