Important Updates from Dr. Alex & Parallel Healing Veterinary Care

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions below — they cover many of the changes you might be wondering about.


Temporary Closure for Training

We will be out of the office from September 27 – October 3, 2025, as Dr. Alex will be in Phoenix completing training with PetSmart Veterinary Services.

To ensure your pets are cared for before this time, we will be offering extended hours from September 23 – 26.
Please text or call us at 231-559-0149 to schedule an appointment.

During the week we are away, we will still be available for phone and text support at our main number.
Please send a text message for the quickest response, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.


Our New Office Location

103 1st Street, Suite 1
Elk Rapids, MI 49629


Frequently Asked Questions

What’s happening? Why will you be away for a week?

Dr. Alex is officially becoming the new veterinarian at PetSmart in Traverse City,
with her full hospital expected to open by mid-December 2025.
This training week is required as part of the transition. If your pet needs to be seen beforehand,
please reach out right away — we’ll do our best to accommodate with extended hours this week.

Why did you change to an Elk Rapids address?

Our former Kewadin office was sold, and the new owners requested immediate possession.
We quickly secured a great temporary office space in Elk Rapids to continue serving our clients.

Why the move to PetSmart?

While wellness-only care has been rewarding, there have been requests for full services from our clientele.
Dr. Alex is also a trained surgeon who is eager to provide dentistry, surgery, and advanced medical care.
Partnering with PetSmart allows us access to the facilities, equipment, and team support needed to offer these services,
while keeping the practice locally owned and operated by Dr. Alex.

Will PetSmart control how Dr. Alex runs her practice?

No. Dr. Alex will remain the decision-maker for her practice. The partnership simply provides financial and operational support.
Our values of personalized, hometown care will remain the same, while giving us the ability to grow and sustain the business long-term.

What new services will be available?

  • Digital X-ray & dental X-ray
  • Surgical suites
  • Patient monitoring
  • Ultrasound
  • Expanded dentistry and surgical procedures

Will any current services be taken away?

No. All services you rely on today will remain available — plus new ones will be added.

What location will you be at in December?

We will remain in Elk Rapids until the Traverse City PetSmart hospital is ready,
currently projected for December 15, 2025. If this timeline shifts, we will notify you right away.

Will there be a separate entrance at PetSmart?

Yes. Clients will be able to use a dedicated entrance directly into Dr. Alex’s hospital — no need to go through the main PetSmart store.

Traverse City feels too far for me — what if I can’t follow you?

We completely understand. If you decide not to make the transition, we’ll make sure your records are transferred promptly
to the veterinarian of your choice. Of course, we hope you’ll continue with us in Traverse City, but your pet’s care will always come first.

How can I ask more questions?

We welcome your questions! Text is preferred, as Dr. Alex personally replies to messages whenever possible.
You can also call us at 231-559-0149, and we’ll arrange a call or meeting as needed.