Having the last name “Pett” is a plus when opening a veterinary practice.

But experience and demand were additional factors for veterinarian Scott Pett in the opening of Lanvale Animal Hospital in Leland.

Pett and his wife, Deb Pett, co-owner of Lanvale Animal Hospital, opened the practice at 1428 Lanvale Road in June, one of numerous recent openings or expansions in the area to meet the ongoing demand for pet needs.

The Petts moved to the area three years ago from Massachusetts where they had a veterinary practice for 15 years.

"We are excited to open our doors and serve the pets and families of Leland," Scott Pett said in a news release. "We look forward to establishing roots in Leland and contributing positively to this dynamic community."

Joining Scott Pett in the practice is Artan Emini, a veterinarian specializing in advanced surgical procedures.

Deb Pett said the new animal hospital has had a good reception so far.

“Business is really picking up already,” she said. “People are hearing about us and coming in, and it's great.”

The 5,500-square-foot building has seven exam rooms, a surgery suite, a dental suite and more.

“When we designed this, it was intended to be warm and welcoming for the clients and the staff but also calm and comforting to the animals,” Deb Pett said. “We really put a lot of effort into designing the space that way.”

In addition to the usual veterinary services, Lanvale Animal Hospital also offers advanced surgeries, including ACL repair, Deb Pett said.

In other pet news, the owner of a mobile pet care franchise is expanding to include all of Brunswick County.

Lisa Miller (pictured below) was a client of Woofie’s for 15 years before starting Woofie’s of Greater Wilmington in Leland in 2022, according to a news release.

To celebrate Miller’s expansion, she is hosting a grand opening event during the N.C. Fourth of July Festival in Southport, being held July 2 to 4. At the festival, visitors and their dogs can tour the high-tech Woofie’s van and receive complimentary Wash & Go dog baths and nail trims, giveaways and free samples from The Farmer’s Dog, as time allows and supplies last, according to the release.

Woofie’s offers additional services beyond grooming, the release stated.

“As one of the first Woofie’s franchises in the country, we learned a lot through starting and growing Woofie’s of Leland, and it translated into a thriving business. Pet owners in the area needed caring, experienced, always-there-when-needed pet care services,” Miller said. “Wilmington is the natural next phase as we bring our popular brand of premium mobile pet care to Brunswick County and North Carolina islands.”