For over 71 years, the Lewiston Veterinary Clinic has been helping animals in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Thanks to a free lighting upgrade from Avista, the clinic will save energy and money, so it can continue its legacy of providing affordable care and specialty procedures.
The clinic serves all kinds of animals and is one of the few taking new clients and addressing after-hours emergencies.
Alecia Zenner, a second-generation client, trusts the clinic for her pets’ care. Not only has her family been going there for over 40 years, but they helped her cattle dog through a serious injury.
"I know they are going to make the right decision for my pets," said Alecia. “I have complete confidence in their knowledge and skills."
Alecia and her family are among the numerous loyal Lewiston-Clarkston Valley customers who trust the clinic with their small animals, horses, exotics, and livestock. Some of the clinic’s team members have been there for over 40 years, making it easy to find comfort in a familiar face.
"We've had people start at 16 years old and then retire here," said Dr. John Hoch, co-owner of the clinic. "That is pretty cool."
Dr. Hoch joined the clinic in 1989 as an Associate.
“It was a good opportunity for me," he said. "One of the biggest reasons I came here was the support and mentorship of the ownership. It's been more like a family than a business.”
When the clinic’s previous owners retired, Dr. Hoch, Dr. Shelly O’Connell and the late Dr. “Doni” Wagner eventually took ownership. Dr. Hoch has now practiced for over 38 years.
The clinic has remained in the same location since Gary MacIntosh opened it as the Macintosh Vet Clinic in the 1950s.
Given the building’s age, it recently underwent extensive renovations, which included a new roof and other major improvements.
During the project, an Avista contractor suggested the clinic use Avista’s small business direct-install lighting program to upgrade the building’s old fluorescent lights.
"It was good timing," said Dr. Hoch. "We appreciate Avista coming in and doing that. The lights are brighter, which is better for working."
Avista covered the entire $34,675 energy-efficient lighting upgrade. The new lights are estimated to save the clinic over 52,604 kWh of electricity annually. For comparison’s sake, that’s enough electricity to power more than three average Washington or Idaho homes for an entire year.
"The new lights are wonderful and have automatic sensors," said practice manager Rachael MacArthur. "If we're not in the room, the lights will turn off automatically, which saves time, energy and money."
Washington and Idaho Avista small business customers can easily qualify for lighting upgrades like this. Plus, Avista typically covers 100% of the project costs.