Dr. Sarah Hantz and Dr. Heather Williams say their vision of Mount Comfort Veterinary Care is to “reimagine the veterinary care experience."
In 2016, Williams and Hantz were working in a general veterinary practice together, when they discovered their similar experiences gave them both a “shared practice-philosophy and style.” One day, while at a coffee shop, Williams and Hantz began to dream of how to combine those collective beliefs and experiences to create something new.
Williams remembered their story recently in an interview, saying, "We used to talk a lot about what we would build if we could build a practice and we would sort of joke about it. And then, one day we looked at each other and realized, you know, that we weren't joking anymore, that we really wanted to do this, and that was the moment that Mount Comfort Veterinary Care was born.”
When Mount Comfort opened in 2020, Williams and Hantz decided to instill a vital component in their reimagination: a “Fear-Free” certification. The mission of Fear-Free is “to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.” Through their dedication, Williams and Hantz provided Fayetteville with the only Fear-Fear clinic in the state of Arkansas. And, most importantly, they created an environment for clients to be comfortable and cared for. “It’s really just a way we approach the needs of pets…animals feel fear and stress just as people do,” said Williams. “When they are less stressed, we can take care of them better.”
This approach impacts their daily interactions with pets and pet owners. Hantz said that they find many ways to relieve the stress of the animals in their care. Of course, this includes things like calming medication for pets, but Hantz also emphasized the importance of “happy visits.” This is a time that the animal comes in to meet the staff and get treats, to get acclimated to the environment. Williams and Hantz say they believe in the power of the human/animal bond. They say that placing it at the center of everything they do will provide clients with the best possible care.
Both Williams and Hantz said that their decision to become a veterinarian was born from this kind of love of animals, but that it takes more than just an affinity for pets. With so many different cases and animals, it also takes medical expertise to handle those in their care. Williams said, “You have to love the puzzle of medicine. You are constantly having to learn and evolve with things you’ve never seen before.” Hantz said, "What keeps us going is that everyone here is so invested in continuing to learn and wanting to do the best job they can."
Mount Comfort Veterinary Clinic is a revolutionary example of a veterinary clinic combining personal care with professional expertise. Williams, Hantz, and their team work steadily to uphold a comfortable, supportive environment for pets and pet owners, while working with local specialists to provide a number of services for healthier pets.
Services (from the Mount Comfort Veterinary Care website)
Wellness Care: Our primary goal will always be to maintain your pet’s health and wellness...To keep your furry friends in tip top shape we offer a tailored approach to vaccinations, preventative care, and spay/neuter services.
Diagnostic Services: We are a full-service veterinary practice, offering comprehensive diagnostic services from the initial thorough examination to full laboratory and imaging capabilities when needed.
Treatment/Surgical Services: We’re here with in-depth treatment and surgical options to get your pets back to living their best life! We also know there may be times we don’t have all the answers, but through partnering with area specialists, there’s a good chance we’ll know someone who does.