For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 25, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

‘Angell at Essex’ Opens at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School

New Clinic is both a Hands-On Learning Environment for Veterinary Science Students and a Critical Resource for Low Income Pet Owners

DANVERS — Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to announce, in partnership with Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center, the opening of Angell at Essex, a fully immersive academic and clinical training experience for students studying veterinary science.

In the three years since Angell at Nashoba opened at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, 16 students have graduated from Nashoba’s school’s veterinary science track and are now pursuing careers as veterinary technicians and other animal care and medical personnel.

On the heels of that success, Essex Tech and Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new clinic in Danvers today, which will also serve as a critical resource for low-income pet owners who need care for their animals.

“We began the process of building Angell at Essex after visiting the clinic at Nashoba in 2017 and we are so excited to partner with Angell Animal Medical Center to create this authentic learning experience to prepare our students for the workforce,” Riccio said.

Students from Essex Tech’s construction related programs worked alongside general contractors to build out the new clinic, which is located on the school’s main campus on Maple Street.

Angell at Essex, which opens its doors to the public on Monday, Dec. 2, will provide discounted spay and neuter services, vaccinations and basic veterinary care for cats, dogs and other pets.

A significant portion of the clinic’s services will be offered to the region’s population of low-income pet owners who cannot afford care for their animals at general veterinary practices. Remaining appointments will serve the general public in the area who are seeking quality care for their pets.

Teaching (and Healing) Together

Essex Tech students interested in a career in veterinary medicine will perform basic tasks such as client and patient intake, record keeping and appointment setting, as well as handling of animals, all supervised under the direction of their licensed classroom instructors, and with guidance from Medical Director Erin Turowski.

Turowski will oversee all animal care at the clinic and brings with her a passion for helping young people succeed in the veterinary profession.

“Not only will Angell at Essex provide an unparalleled learning experience for the veterinary science students at the school, but we’re also going to ensure that every pet owner—no matter their socioeconomic status—can secure basic veterinary care for their pets,” Turowski said.

Assisting both Turowski and the students will be Laura Shields, a certified veterinary technician who has been named practice supervisor for the new clinic.  “This (Angell at Essex) is an amazing opportunity to help develop the next generation of veterinary assistants and prepare them for exciting and lucrative careers, and I’m so excited to be part of it,” Shields said.

Quality Veterinary Care for Low-Income Pet Owners

Angell at Essex will be open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the year.  The clinic does not provide overnight care, specialty care or 24/7 emergency service, as Angell’s Boston and Waltham facilities do, but will refer cases as appropriate to surrounding specialty veterinary referral hospitals.  Appointments can be scheduled via phone at 978-304-4648.

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