Key West Vets & Pets Is An Island Oasis For Animals

If Cayo Hueso truly is “the last bastion of the overqualified,” as many claim, then Dr. Thomas Householder, of Key West Vets & Pets, is definitely living in the right place.

The licensed veterinarian, who opened up his practice at 1118 White St. two years ago, has more than three decades experience, treating and healing all types of animals, from cows to hamsters, and hawks to sharks. Householder relocated his practice to Key West from Miami, where he assisted some 60,000 clients over the years.

“Living on the island is definitely a pretty big change for me,” Householder said. “But it’s a great place to be. People take very good care of their animal here. It’s very rare that I come across pets here who haven’t seen a vet already. We’re a real community of animal lovers.”

An animal enthusiast himself, with seven dogs – and a cat – in his immediate family, Householder prides himself on the quality of care he provides in his clean, well-equipped office. Key West Vets & Pets overs services ranging from spay and neuter operations, immunizations to teeth cleanings, to surgeries, all utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, and an experienced team of assistants. Householder is always looking for relief vets. The practice boasts an in-house lab, and a top-of-the-line X-ray machine that provides high-def images in moments.

The clinic specializes in preventative medicine, and simple and complicated sick animal care, as well as dermatology skin issues, nail trims, medicated baths, and even dentistry.

No pet issue is too big or too small, including, ear-cleanings, minor lacerations, and heartworm treatments.

“Key West does have heartworms here,” Householder said. “I recommend that people give their animals Heartguard products.”

Key West Vets & Pets can also facilitate special order food purchases.

Householder’s hard work is paying off, through a growing base of appreciative clients, and many glowing online reviews of his performance.

“I don’t read those,” he said with a laugh. “I just practice veterinary medicine.”

Householder, who gains new clients daily, is also active in the community, but holding fundraisers for the Xena Fund, which provides financial assistance to cash-strapped pet owners with medical concerns, and the Key West Wildlife Center, for whom Householder performs wild bird surgeries.

A former Boy and Girl Scout leader, Householder is also immersing himself in the island lifestyle, living on a sailboat, and SCUBA diving on area wrecks when time permits.

The only thing he’d change about his adopted hometown is the high cost of housing.

“It’s a concern of mine that my employees are able to live in a nice place,” Householder said. “The sailboat is working for me, for now.”