ROUND ROCK, Texas (April 24, 2025) – Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center has opened its new, custom-built facility at
3675 Gattis School Road in Round Rock, Texas, approximately seven miles from its longtime location on East Old Settlers Boulevard. The hospital marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, in partnership with the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.
“The amazing turnout at our open house was encouraging,” said Shari Valdez, Practice Manager at Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center. “We have been a part of the Round Rock community since 2009, so it’s great to have support from our new neighborhood, as well as Thrive Pet Healthcare and the rest of the veterinary community.”
With an estimated 83% of Austin-area residents owning pets, the need for advanced veterinary care has never been greater. This move represents more than new walls and floors; it’s about creating a better space for patients, clients, and veterinary professionals. The new hospital, which offers over 60% more space than the former two-story building, is all on one level, streamlining care and improving comfort for both teams and pet families.
The expanded space allows Heart of Texas to continue offering 24/7 emergency services and Monday-Friday specialty care in internal medicine, oncology (medical), cardiology, surgery, and dentistry/oral surgery.
These behind-the-scenes upgrades are already making a difference for the hospital’s medical team and the pets they care for:
Digital microscopes were added to the Internal Medicine and Oncology departments, improving image sharing and supporting staff and client education
New X-ray system that enables weight-bearing radiographs, making it easier to detect subtle joint abnormalities
Mobile Cone Beam CT unit in the Dentistry department, allowing for high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging of the teeth, bone, and skull without invasive procedures
“We're proud to continue providing top-tier emergency and specialty care in the region,” said Dr. Meighan Dehart, Medical Director at Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center. “Our caring team remains the same and is excited about the opportunity to serve even more pets in our community.”
In 2023, Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center became the country's first combination emergency and specialty hospital to receive the Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification. The Fear Free philosophy now carries through the new facility, with thoughtful design in waiting rooms, exam spaces, and treatment areas to help pets feel more comfortable and to make it easier for veterinary teams to do what they do best.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center remained open 24/7, adapting quickly to changing safety protocols and continuing to provide care when it was needed the most. The team's dedication shows their strong resilience. They are always there for their patients and the community.
Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center is part of Thrive Pet Healthcare’s community of veterinary hospitals, which includes 14 primary, specialty, and emergency care hospitals in the Austin area and more than 360 hospitals in 37 states. Thrive’s investment in the new Round Rock hospital reflects its mission to grow access to veterinary care while supporting the professionals who make that care possible.
