In the heart of Enchanted Lake, Kailua, a new center for pet health and wellness has emerged, welcoming dogs, cats, and their families for a different kind of veterinary experience. It’s all in the name, “Pilina”, the Hawaiian word for connection. Pilina Vet stands as a testament to the respect this team has for the profound bond between animals and their ‘ohana. Founded by Dr. Sara Federschmidt and her husband Franz, Pilina Vet offers an elevated approach to veterinary care.
During the challenging times of the pandemic, Dr. Sara saw a gap in veterinary care that she was determined to fill. She reflects, “I realized that the essence of veterinary service is not just in treating animals, but in nurturing the relationship between pets and their families.” This passion led to the creation of Pilina Vet, where every visit is an opportunity for caretakers to deepen their understanding and connection with their animal companions.
A New Standard of Veterinary Care
Pilina Vet has reimagined the veterinary experience. Upon arrival, clients and patients skip the “front desk chaos,” instead being greeted and promptly ushered into an exam room. Once settled, clients are offered a complimentary Hoku cold brew coffee or water. Most importantly, during the exam, Pilina Vet understands that clear and detailed explanations are critical to an exceptional visit. Dr. Sara and her team dedicate time to answer every question so families are able to make informed decisions.
“Our goal is to minimize the stress and confusion that often accompanies veterinary visits,” explains Tesia, Lead Veterinary Nurse. “We want the families we work with to come away with a clear plan and peace of mind.”
Pilina Vet is able to run bloodwork and urinalysis, take x-rays, and capture microscope images in-house, which allows for timely diagnosis and visuals that help demonstrate an animal’s condition.
Joining Hands with the local Kailua Pet Community
Outside of individual patient care, Pilina Vet is committed to fostering a sense of connection in
the Kailua community. No strangers to Kailua, Dr. Sara and Franz met flying together during their assignments at Patrol Squadron Four aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, over a decade ago, and eventually married in Waimanalo. After her career in the Navy, Dr. Sara went on to earn a doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM) before returning to Kailua, the place she and Franz had grown so fond of.
Once established in Kailua, the Federschmidt family envisioned an opportunity to connect with and lend a helping hand to their community through Pilina Vet. Over the past year, they have organized small fundraisers to support community members and organizations such as the Maui Humane Society after the devastating fires. The team also organizes pet friendly “Coffee with the DVM” events, where the team is able to engage with patrons and clients outside of a veterinary setting.
The Pilina Vet team invites families to experience veterinary care as it should be. The practice offers annual wellness exams, and sick appointments for dogs and cats showing concerning symptoms. In addition, Pilina Vet offers professional dental cleanings and routine surgical procedures, such as spay, neuter, and mass removal.
“We extend a big mahalo to all who have established care for their animal family members. We are so grateful for your support!” says Dr. Sara. “To those we have not had the pleasure of meeting, we look forward to offering you the expertise, support and care everyone deserves when caring for a beloved pet.”