Jacqueline Sehn launched MercyVet on Mercer Island and the doctor wants it to remain there.
For the last 23-and-a-half years, Sehn — a doctor of veterinary medicine — and her staff have provided integrative veterinary care for clients’ dogs and cats who reside on and off the Island, and the founder’s crew was faced with finding a new home for its clinic about a year ago. MercyVet and other businesses had to move because the building they occupied went the sale and development route.
With heaps of help and the watchful eyes of her dedicated clients, Sehn pinned down a new location two blocks away at 2630 77th Ave. SE #116. To thank its supportive community members, MercyVet held a delayed open house and ribbon cutting on Oct. 27 as copious costumed trick-or-treaters roamed the downtown core to commence the city’s Hallo-Weekend.
“We are kind of part of the community, and I really didn’t want to lose that,” said Sehn, an Islander since 1996, adding that they fully remodeled the new spot to fit their needs. “So I know these people. They were coming to me with their babies, and all the babies are bringing the dogs here, driving the car. So we have this relationship with our clients, and we love them, and we didn’t want to abandon them.”
Sehn said staff and clients feel like they have formed a little family on the Island over the last two decades-plus. Joining Sehn on staff is her main partner and associate veterinarian Kim Primack, also an Island resident; doctor Julie Hsu, an acupuncturist who is also an Islander; and others, including doctor of veterinary medicine Lisa Brienen.
MercyVet’s team not only offers quality medicine and holistic treatment — including chiropractic and herbal elements — but focuses on helping solidify the bond between animals and their owners.
“We want to not only recognize the animal need, but also the family need where that animal lives,” Sehn said of the human-animal dynamic.
Also on tap for clients and their furry pets is The MercyVet Good Samaritan Fund, which Islanders have donated to in order to provide financial assistance for clients in need.
“We decided to create a fund that people could donate one dollar, $10, $500, and then we would have this money. So my clients trust me. We’ve been together for so long, they trust me to identify a worthy cause,” said Sehn, noting that within the last month they used some of the fund to pay a client’s bill for their golden retriever’s leg amputation after developing a bone tumor.
MercyVet was there for its clients during COVID since they were identified as essential medical workers, and they were ultra busy, said Sehn, adding that her business received some governmental aid through the payment protection program. To aid with the puppies’ crucial socialization, MercyVet held one-hour puppy playgroups while their owners waited in their cars.
Whether it’s helping search for a new location, donating to the fund and more, Sehn said that she is grateful for her clients and the community for continuing to embrace MercyVet after all these years.
For more information, visit: https://www.mercyvet.com/
Pictured at the MercyVet open house and ribbon cutting on Oct. 27 are, from left to right: City councilmember Jake Jacobson, hospital manager Daisy Whitley, founder and doctor of veterinary medicine Jacqueline Sehn, Mayor Salim Nice, associate veterinarian Kim Primack, Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum with his daughter and several MercyVet clients. Courtesy photo
