Walking into Precious Paws, at 1004 State Street in Bettendorf, you’re greeted with photo after photo of pet patients. These furry friends - from the spunky to the gray muzzled - adorn the walls of this friendly and welcoming Veterinary Hospital.
“First and foremost, our goal is quality medicine and doing that in a welcoming, loving and fun environment,” said Kay Metzgar, DVM, owner of Precious Paws. “We get to know our clients. We love their pets. And we want people to feel like they are family, because, for me, we are here on this earth to be here for each other. And the human-animal bond is so special and so needed. Having a staff with these core values makes it easy.”
Dr. Kay, as she is known, opened Precious Paws in 2021. Her staff of 6 includes another veterinarian, Dr. Brandon Bauer, as well as medical support and office staff. This caring group caters to dogs and cats and offers care ranging from wellness exams to medical and surgical services to dental care.
Dr. Kay, a native of Bettendorf, spent years in Denver, CO, before returning to the Midwest to practice veterinary medicine. “Returning to Iowa was easy,” she said. “The Midwest is a special place with special people. The City of Bettendorf was excited for Precious Paws to be here. The process was smooth and we felt welcomed and supported, and we continue to feel that way.”
Of her prominent location, Metzgar says “We love being right by the river. We enjoy our neighbors at the brewery and at TMI!”
When she’s not busy at Precious Paws, Metzgar can be found planning another project – an animal rescue and sanctuary – a 501c3 she formed with her husband.
“We are hoping to provide a safe haven for pets needing a loving place to be adopted or just live out their lives,” she said. “We have support from the Precious Paws family, not only in fundraising, but in volunteering for projects to get us to closer to this goal. Our clients want to help and are on board.” she said.