Perkiomen Animal Hospital celebrated its 60th year of business Aug. 18 with a visit by U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-6).

                Bob Warner founded the animal hospital, located at 919 Gravel Pike, Hereford, in 1956.  Dr. Dominick and Joanne Pulice purchased the hospital in 1989, and the facility continues to thrive, treating approximately 50 to 60 animals a day, according to Joanne Pulice.

                "Any business that can last 60 years deserves to be celebrated," Costello said. He presented the Pulice family with a Congressional certificate of recognition for the hospital's outstanding care and service for animals and pet owners.

                The Pulices led Costello on a tour of the hospital, which includes five examination rooms, a surgery room, a dental station and boarding facilities.

                Joanne Pulice said the hospital relies on excellent customer service to maintain its customer base. Most of its patients' owners have been utilizing the hospital for multiple generations.

                "One of the people in here the other day said Dr. Warner treated his grandfather's farm animals," Joanne Pulice said.

                The facility currently has 35 employees, 20 of which are full time. She said that includes six veterinarians.  "We are very much like a family that has grown bigger over the years," Joanne Pulice said. The Pulices completed an expansion of the hospital in 1997.

                She said that for 27 years, the business has worked hard to be part of the community. For example, the hospital's employees have participated in a Relay for Life team for several years.

                Costello lauded the hospital for treating pets and educating their owners on proper care.

                "It's a real success story," said Costello, whose district includes Douglas, New Hanover and part of Upper Hanover townships as well as East Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill boroughs. "Caring for animals is near and dear to me. Pets are part of the family."

                According to Costello, being exposed to various businesses helps him better understand the positive and negative impacts of taxes and regulations from an occupational perspective. The visit was Costello's seventh and final stop during a one-day tour of the Upper Perkiomen Valley.