Rugby Veterinary Service business was growing so much the staff was literally running out of room to do their work.

“We were seeing animals in the hallway because we just didn’t have enough exam space,’ said Denise Lagasse, office manager, who owns the business with her husband, Dr. Rick Lagasse, veterinarian. “It became quite challenging to schedule appointments. We scheduled based on whether there was a room available.”

That’s no longer a problem.

A recently-completed expansion project enables the vet clinic to feature three small animal exam rooms as well as separate surgery, radiology and treatment rooms, Lagasse said.

The added space means all three veterinarians can be seeing animals at the same time and allows more flexibility in scheduling appointments.

The expansion, which began in August of 2008, also created a much larger reception area for customers and additional retail space to sell more products.

Earlier, remodeling was completed to the large animal wing.

It’s indeed challenging to keep the business open while construction is taking place. However, Lagasse said, the staff, customers and the contractors were all good to work with during the past several months.

There is still exterior work to finish on the building and gravel to be added to the parking lot, but basically, the project is completed.

Rugby Veterinary Service covers quite a large area and is the largest vet clinic between Minot and Devils Lake.

Lagasse said a open house at the business, located in the industrial park, has been planned for Jan. 12, 2010, to show the many changes.