PROCTORVILLE — He’s moving his practice only a few thousand feet northward on State Route 7, but the move, he hopes, will be a giant leap into the future of veterinary care.

Dr. Mike Dyer, surrounded by village and county leaders and his animal clinic staff, broke ground Thursday afternoon on a new Proctorville Animal Clinic that will double his space from 3,000 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet.

“We’re busting at the seams now,” Dyer explained.

The new space will allow for a double surgical suite, separate spaces for infectious diseases and respiratory isolation wards, a dedicated dental station and separate boarding areas for dogs and cats.

The new space will also allow for expansion in another area: employees. Right now 25 people work at the Proctorville Animal Clinic; Dyer wants to hire five more. This is to accommodate a projected increase in demand for services.

The new space will house the latest technology in veterinary care, including new laboratory equipment for processing blood work, new digital X-ray equipment and diagnostic ultrasound.

Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Director Bob Smith, Lawrence County Commission President Les Boggs and Commissioner Bill Pratt and Proctorville Mayor Dale Burcham were among those who attended the groundbreaking. Boggs said he looked forward to the jobs that would be created as a result of the expansion. Burcham said he looked forward to seeing the new building completed.

“We’re really excited about you coming here,” he said.

As Dyer and others spoke, workers were behind them pouring concrete inside a wooden frame already rising from the work site. Dyer said the new facility should be ready by the first of next year.