FOR THE LOVE OF PETS

Afternoon sunshine floods the cheerful interior of Pets4Life, Highland Park’s new full-service veterinary hospital and pet care facility. The door swings open and a client, seeing owners Greg Gibson and Meg Gibson Revord, relaxes into happy chat—just the sort of banter between longtime acquaintances that’s been a part of North Shore town culture for decades.

Siblings Greg and Meg grew up on the North Shore in a family home filled with pets. There were “dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, and even a parrot!” says Meg, describing the menagerie. “We have always been animal lovers.”

That the brother and sister team would launch Pets4Life after successful careers in other arenas, comes back to their enduring love for animals.

“We both felt that there was definitely a need for a more holistic approach to caring for animals,” says Meg, whose current home pet roster includes two rescue Siberian huskies, two cats, and more to come. “I had been thinking for several years about what my next career chapter would be, after 35 years practicing law. Greg was also looking for his next challenge, after working in real estate, private equity, and running other small businesses. This venture seemed the right step for both of us.”

As a one-stop-shop, Pet4Life fills the gap Gibson and Revord saw in the pet care sector.

“Our entire business model centers around the vets and their staff and their years of animal care expertise. Here, veterinarians provide input and expertise on all aspects of pet care,” Gibson explains.“In addition to the pets’ medical care, our vets approve and support our grooming processes, pet foods, and other pet products. We also provide pet training and soon, will offer day care services for owners and their pets.”

With two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and a pet grooming and spa care expert, the business is well staffed to provide the attention and care needed for this wide array of services. That includes everything from comprehensive pet physical exams and vaccinations for new puppies and kittens to pet spa and salon services such as full body haircuts, baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, hair brushing, sanitary trims, and the “bow on top”—a bandana and spritz of cologne.

A full roster of more intensive veterinary hospital procedures is also provided, as well as emergency pet care during business hours. While the practice currently focuses on cats and dogs, Gibson and Revord say that could expand to include other species of animal pets in the future. And once the Highland Park facility is well-established, the team plans to open Pets4Life locations in other communities.

“We love being located in this vibrant, pet-friendly retail community, “says Revord. “Central Avenue in Highland Park is ideal, convenient place for residents to bring their pets for all of their pet care needs.”

Enhancing the educational aspect of their mission, Pets4Life’s website blog features fresh content created in collaboration with the vets, groomers, and trainers.

“We research to provide articles on issues that are most important, topical, or overlooked before sharing information with our clients, and so far, the feedback has been great,” says Revord.

Adding fun to educational equation, Pets4Life hosts family-friendly, pet-focused events each month. Its Iditarod gathering last month, featuring Siberian huskies and stories of the world-famous race they run, was well attended. Orphans of the Storm will be coming in May with pets available for adoption. And in August, Leader Dogs for the Blind will be at Pets4Life with their trainers, dogs and “puppy pals”—Chicago-area puppy trainers.

“It’s great seeing the community come with their children to learn more about animals and have the opportunity to meet our vets and groomers and tour the facility,” says Revord.

Many are surprised by its size and scope. A state-of-the-art animal hospital with exam rooms and surgical arena at the back, airy retail space in front and dog training, spa, and salon on the lower level, Pets4Life was designed by Santini Studio.

“The goal was to create a best-care facility that pet owners would want to come to for everything related to their pets,” Gibson adds. “Our design and build team did an amazing job, we are very happy with the result, and we welcome more pet lovers in the community to come in to see it for themselves.”

For more information on Pets4Life services and upcoming events, visit pets4.com.