CRANBURY, N.J. – dvm360®, the preeminent authority on veterinary practice design, today proudly announced the distinguished winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Hospital Design360 Competition. This prestigious annual competition celebrates veterinary hospitals that exemplify the pinnacle of excellence in design, groundbreaking innovation, and exceptional functionality, ultimately setting new benchmarks for the industry in elevating patient care, operational efficiency, and overall well-being.
Each year, the Hospital Design360 Competition serves as a vital platform to honor practices that are not merely constructing buildings, but rather reimagining the very essence of veterinary care delivery. The celebrated winners of this year’s competition profoundly demonstrate how thoughtful, intentional design can revolutionize the way veterinary teams collaborate and perform their essential work, fundamentally transform how clients experience the care provided to their beloved pets, and crucially, create environments where animals can truly heal and thrive. Their collective achievements herald a future where veterinary spaces are meticulously crafted with a deep sense of intention, profound compassion, and forward-thinking innovation, moving beyond mere aesthetics to functional artistry.
In the highly competitive category for facilities measuring less than 3,500 square feet, the esteemed top honor was bestowed upon Fauna Veterinary Collective, nestled in Lake Forest, California. This practice garnered acclaim for its exceptionally warm, remarkably innovative, and profoundly purpose-driven design. Complementing this top award, Merit recognition in this category was awarded to Ivy Veterinary Care and Treeline Veterinary Cancer Care for their demonstrably thoughtful, efficiently laid out, and unequivocally client-centered facilities, showcasing how even smaller spaces can achieve remarkable design outcomes.
Dr. Sydney Pokard, founder of Fauna Veterinary Collective, shared her heartfelt appreciation for this significant recognition: “Winning this hospital design contest is such an incredible honor. Fauna was born from a very personal vision. I wanted to create a space that not only provides the highest standard of care for all animals but also reflects warmth, innovation and purpose in every detail. From the layout and lighting to the materials and flow, everything was intentionally designed to reduce stress for our patients and their owners, while also supporting our staff in the work they do every day.”
Moving to the category encompassing hospitals ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 square feet, Sherwood Family Pet Clinic in Sherwood, Oregon, emerged victorious. Their facility captivated the judges with its inspiring design, which masterfully balances crucial functionality with a significant positive impact on the surrounding community. In this keenly contested category, Merit awards were also presented to The Eye Vets, The Animal Neurology Center, and Windsong Veterinary Hospital, all lauded for their innovative and remarkably efficient designs that enhance both patient care and operational flow.
Dr. Robert Merrill, owner of Sherwood Family Pet Clinic, reflected on their achievement: “We are incredibly honored to have our hospital recognized by dvm360. Designing this building was a true labor of love. We poured our hearts into creating a space that would support our team, care for more pets, and serve our growing community for years to come. Being part of the contest that inspired us is an amazing full-circle moment.”
Finally, in the category for expansive facilities exceeding 8,000 square feet, ARISE Veterinary Center, located in Queen Creek, Arizona, secured the top award. This impressive center was celebrated for its expansive, highly innovative, and deeply compassionate facility, setting a new standard for large-scale veterinary operations. Merit awards in this prestigious category were given to BluePearl Pet Hospital — Grand Rapids, Stitches Veterinary Surgery, and Veterinary Healthcare Associates, each recognized for their impressive designs that unequivocally prioritize advanced care delivery alongside exceptional team well-being.
Melissa Burns, director of hospital operations at ARISE Veterinary Center, emphasized the collective effort behind their win: “This award is a reflection of the heart, vision, and relentless dedication of the entire ARISE team. I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built — one grounded in compassion, innovation and a passion for leading the future of veterinary medicine. It’s an honor to be recognized for the work we love doing every day.”
The Hospital Design360 Competition plays a crucial role in acknowledging newly built and meticulously renovated practices that consistently raise the bar for veterinary spaces across the nation. By spotlighting hospitals that demonstrate significant improvements in client experience, enhance staff efficiency, and optimize overall care delivery, dvm360 continues to serve as an unparalleled source of inspiration for the entire profession. It encourages the creation of facilities that truly embody the very best of modern veterinary medicine, pushing boundaries and fostering environments conducive to healing and operational excellence.
Dr. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer of dvm360, eloquently articulated the philosophy underpinning the competition: “At dvm360, we believe that hospital design is more than aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that empower veterinary teams and support the emotional and physical well-being of pets and their owners. These winners are raising the bar for what veterinary medicine can look like when thoughtful design meets innovation. They inspire all of us to reimagine what’s possible in our profession.”
Adding to this sentiment, John Hydrusko, vice president of sales at MJH Life Sciences®, the parent company of dvm360, remarked, “These practices aren’t just beautiful — they’re strategic, sustainable and deeply intentional in how they serve patients, clients and staff. As the veterinary profession evolves, dvm360 is proud to lead the way in highlighting hospitals that integrate technology, prioritize wellness and ultimately create better outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.”
The winning hospitals and their groundbreaking designs will be prominently featured in the esteemed dvm360 journal, reaching a wide audience of veterinary professionals. Additionally, these exemplary practices will be honored at the upcoming Fetch dvm360 conferences, where veterinary professionals converge to learn about the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, innovative practice management strategies, and cutting-edge hospital design trends.
For more detailed information on the Hospital Design360 Competition and to view an exclusive showcase of the inspiring winning designs, please visit http://www.dvm360.com/.
Positive Trends in Veterinary Care and Facility Design
- The pet care industry continues to experience robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership and a growing willingness among owners to invest in high-quality veterinary care for their companions.
- There’s a significant shift towards client-centric and fear-free clinic designs, aimed at reducing stress for pets and their owners, which improves the overall veterinary visit experience.
- Technological integration in veterinary hospitals, including advanced imaging, telemedicine, and specialized surgical suites, is enhancing diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes.
- Emphasis on staff well-being and ergonomic design in veterinary facilities is becoming paramount, addressing the demanding nature of the profession and contributing to better retention and job satisfaction.
About dvm360
Founded over five decades ago, dvm360 stands as the leading multimedia provider of animal health care communications, education, and research tailored specifically for veterinary professionals. We are committed to engaging our expansive audience with top-of-the-line, in-depth digital and print news, essential medical information, and comprehensive veterinary resources. Our focus spans every critical aspect of a veterinary professional’s multifaceted life, ensuring relevance and utility. Through our cutting-edge online learning platform, dvm360 Flex, we further deliver a complete 360-degree solution for continuing education, offered in diverse mediums including traditional print, dynamic digital content, immersive in-person events, and flexible on-demand modules. Our mission is to empower veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their practice and deliver optimal animal health outcomes.
About MJH Life Sciences®
MJH Life Sciences® holds the distinguished position as the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company across North America. The organization is singularly dedicated to delivering trusted healthcare news and vital information across a multitude of channels, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the precise information and resources necessary to consistently optimize patient outcomes. MJH Life Sciences masterfully combines the extensive reach and profound influence of its powerful portfolio of digital and print product lines, impactful live events, enriching educational programs, and insightful market research. This comprehensive offering is synergistically coupled with the bespoke customization capabilities of a specialized boutique firm. Their esteemed clientele includes many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, and biotech companies, a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and reliability. For more information regarding their extensive services and impactful work, please visit https://www.mjhlifesciences.com/.
Media Contact:
Julia Paradizova
MJH Life Sciences
