Listen to this articleThe new Veterinary Surgical Center of Long Island that opens in Huntington next week is certainly a family affair.
The 10,000-square-foot facility, built on the 1.2-acre site of the former Fort Hill Nursery at 188 East Main St., was developed by Dr. Margaret Puccio and her sister Theresa Puccio and the staff also includes their sister Judith Puccio Cuomo, an ultrasound and veterinary technician.
The new $12 million surgical center is a specialty referral practice, where its animal patients, mostly dogs and cats, are referred by veterinarians. The center will host dozens of Long Island-area veterinarians at its three-day open house on Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 to introduce them to the facility.
The surgical center, which will be staffed by about 50 people, will also be providing 24-hour emergency care, so pet owners can bring their pets to the center at all hours seven days a week.
Staffed by about 50 people, Theresa Puccio describes VSCLI as a “progressive, team-oriented” operation that practices high-quality surgery, medicine, communication, and compassionate patient care. The hospital is equipped with a Canon 128 slice CT Scanner, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit, two digital radiology rooms, endoscopic equipment for endoscopy, arthroscopy, and laparoscopy, as well as ultrasound, a complete laboratory, a Snyder oxygen cage, and more.
“I am very proud of the beautiful hospital that we have built in this community, as well as the new jobs that we have created,” said Theresa Puccio, the facility’s CEO. “In addition, it is an honor to work with my sister, Margaret, as well as my twin sister, Judith, an ultrasound technologist, veterinary technician and practice manager. This is a family business that I hope will continue to be run by generations of Puccios.”
The sisters, who grew up in Dix Hills, have been well prepared to assume their roles at the surgical center.
Dr. Puccio is a board-certified veterinary surgeon who graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. Over the last 29 years, Puccio has worked at veterinary surgical hospitals in New York City and Long Island and has trained surgical residents and surgical interns throughout her career.
Theresa Puccio is a certified treasury professional and a certified financial risk manager with an MBA in finance. Formerly the treasurer at the New York City Housing Authority, she has more than 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, specializing in cash management, budgeting, and investing in fixed-income instruments and equities.
While VSCLI doesn’t officially open until Monday, April 29, Dr. Puccio said she has already received favorable feedback from other veterinarians in the community who have visited the hospital.
“Opening this hospital means everything to me. After working at other specialty hospitals for over 25 years, it has been my dream to build a state-of-the-art specialty hospital where I can provide the community with the best veterinary care possible,” she said. “I have assembled the finest team of veterinary professionals in this sector who are committed to my core values of excellence, professionalism, and teamwork. Everyone is excited for our doors to open and to begin helping patients.”
