Pleasant Paws Pet Center

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A Newtown veterinarian is expanding his services with what he calls his “dream project” — a 17,767-square-foot, two-story building that will encompass a veterinary clinic, canine physical rehabilitation center, “luxury” canine and feline boarding, obedience training and a retail store, among other features.

“I always wanted a one-stop shop,” said Dr. Rakesh Vali, owner of the Mt. Pleasant Hospital for Animals at 119 Mt. Pleasant Road. “We’ve been expanding here since 2013, but there just isn’t enough room for everything we want to do.”

In addition, Dr. Vali said, Newtown and the surrounding area does not have a complex that offers what his new project, Pleasant Paws Pet Center, will. In addition to Pleasant Paws facility which is in construction now at 94 S. Main St., Newtown, is scheduled to begin in April, 2020. it will offer pet transportation, dog daycare, grooming services, and boarding for birds and exotic pets as well.

“In addition to Newtown we also currently have a number of clients from Brookfield, Bethel and some from Danbury,” he said.

“But we believe the new place will not only draw more people from those places, but from the other end (of Newtown) as well, places like Monroe, Easton and Trumbull.”

Born in India, Dr. Vali joined Mt. Pleasant in 2003 as an associate to Dr. Brian Silverlieb, who founded the Veterinary Hospital in 1977. Dr. Vali took ownership of the practice in 2010 when Dr. Silverlieb was stricken with cancer; he died the following year.

Dr. Vali also owns Fieldstone Veterinary Clinic in New Fairfield, though he said he practices mainly in Newtown.

He stressed that Mt. Pleasant would remain in business. “There’s been a lot of concern about that (in the community), but we’re not going to move,” he said. “This will remain a center for veterinary / medical services, while (Pleasant Paws) will be centered on the other services.”

Pleasant Paws will employ several employees, including two doctors, Dr. Vali said. Although winter weather has played havoc with construction projects in the past, he said he has been assured by Solli Engineering of Monroe and Claris Construction of Newtown that its scheduled April opening can be achieved.