Doggie Eye Doctor Approved In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — If you see any dogs with glasses roaming the streets of West Hartford in the near future, don't fret.

That's because town land-use officials have approved a new veterinary ophthalmology clinic in town, though most dogs don't wear glasses, but they do require eye care, just like humans.

The West Hartford Town Plan & Zoning Commission unanimously voted 5-0 earlier this month in support of a special permit to operate the clinic at 312 N. Main St.

New Fairfield veterinarian Kyle Tofflemire sought and successfully obtained a special permit to operate at the site, which is zoned residential/office space.

The approval came May 1, with a public hearing on the matter drawing no specific opposition to the proposal.

Tofflemire's plan doesn't propose any changes to the interior or exterior of the site, according to the town.

According to a narrative submitted to the town by Tofflemire, the clinic — which specializes in eye care for dogs — will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

It will have one veterinary ophthalmologist and two full-time staff members, who are expected to care for about one to two dogs an hour (15 to 18 clients a day), wrote Tofflemire.

He said the site will not have any boarding or overnight capacities.

The size of the lot is about 0.28 acres and the building there is about 3,400 square feet and the parking lot has room for 11 spaces, according to Tofflemire.

"All animals will be either leashed or contained within a mobile pet carrier while in possession of their owners for the short distance between their parking space and the building entrance," wrote Tofflemire.

"No barking is anticipated. While on-site, all animals will be handled directly by pet owners or veterinary staff members."

The property is owned by 312 North Main Street LLC, according to the application.

The applicant will have to return to the PZC by May 2025 for a further review and evaluation of the site, a standard practice regarding local zoning matters.

For the minutes of the May 1 West Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From April 27: 'Canine Eye Care Facility Pitched In West Hartford'