Oak Heart Expands to North Hills Amid Raleigh's Pet Care Crunch

RALEIGH, NC – April 23, 2026 – As Raleigh's skyline and population continue their upward trajectory, so does the demand for essential services, including care for its four-legged residents. Vets Pets, a North Carolina-based veterinary cooperative, today announced it is stepping in to meet that need with a new Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital opening in the rapidly developing North Hills neighborhood this summer.

The new facility, located at 3700 Six Forks Road, will be the fifth location under the Oak Heart banner. It aims to provide comprehensive companion animal medicine in a part of the city where urban growth is outpacing the availability of veterinary care. The hospital will be led by Dr. Jake Clements, a veterinarian who has been serving the Raleigh community at another Oak Heart location.

Responding to a City's Explosive Growth

The decision to plant a flag in North Hills is a direct response to Raleigh's staggering growth. Having recently surpassed a population of 500,000, the city is in the midst of a development boom, with thousands of building permits issued annually. North Hills, in particular, has transformed into a bustling urban center, with high-rise buildings reshaping the area around Six Forks Road. This influx of new residents has brought with it a surge in pet ownership.

Industry data indicates that approximately 63% of Raleigh households include pets, a figure that has been amplified by the "pandemic pet adoption boom." This has placed unprecedented strain on existing veterinary services across the Triangle. Local clinics frequently report backlogs for routine appointments, with wait times stretching for weeks, while emergency facilities have been forced to limit cases due to staffing shortages and overwhelming demand. The opening of a new, full-service hospital is poised to bring much-needed relief to pet owners in one of the city's most densely populated and growing corridors.

"Our mission at Oak Heart has always been to provide complete, affordable veterinary care that families can rely on," said George Ghneim, DVM, Partner at Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital. "The North Hills area is growing fast, and we want to be there for the pet families moving in. Dr. Clements is a great fit to lead this hospital."

A Local Leader for a New Location

Leading the North Hills practice is Dr. Jake Clements, a familiar face to some Raleigh pet owners. A graduate of the prestigious NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Clements chose to build his career in the city he came to love during his studies. He has been practicing at Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital at Longview since 2023, where he cultivated a reputation for building strong, long-term relationships with clients.

His background highlights a focus on collaborative care, working closely with pet owners to optimize treatment plans. Colleagues note that this client-centric approach made him a natural choice to spearhead the new hospital and establish its presence in the community. Dr. Clements' personal connection to the area, from hiking in Umstead State Park to enjoying Raleigh life with his own rescue dog and two cats, further roots the new practice in the local fabric.

A Cooperative Model in a Competitive Market

The expansion is powered by Vets Pets, a Wilson-based cooperative network that supports dozens of hospitals across North Carolina. The group's business model stands in contrast to large corporate consolidators, offering a partnership structure that handles the business side of the practice—including operations, HR, and technology—freeing veterinarians to focus purely on medicine.

This model is particularly relevant in today's veterinary industry, which is grappling with high rates of burnout and a national shortage of doctors and technicians. Vets Pets has invested heavily in creating a supportive work environment, offering a robust benefits package that includes a comprehensive mental health program, wellness incentives, and competitive insurance. By prioritizing the well-being of its professionals, the cooperative aims to attract and retain top talent like Dr. Clements, enabling sustainable growth.

"It's pretty cool to see how far Oak Heart has come," said Steve Thomas, CEO of Vets Pets. "Five locations is a testament to the care Dr. Ghneim and his team provide every day. North Hills is a natural next step, and we are excited to serve more families in the Triangle."

While the North Hills area is home to several existing veterinary clinics, the sheer volume of demand suggests the market can support, and indeed requires, more capacity. The new Oak Heart hospital will offer a full suite of services, including complete medical care, diagnostic services, advanced dentistry, boarding, doggie daycare, grooming, and training, positioning it as a one-stop resource for the area's pet owners.

The hospital is slated to open in early summer. A grand opening celebration for the community is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, offering residents and their pets a chance to tour the new facility and meet the team.