FLOWOOD -- Private practice veterinarians are partnering with Mississippi State University to provide around-the-clock emergency care and referral services for critical cases in the Jackson area.

The Animal Emergency and Referral Center at 1009 Treetops Boulevard in Flowood opened on March 17. From 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays, the center’s veterinarian and three veterinary technicians handle critical surgery, orthopedic and neurological cases that are referred to them from practicing veterinarians. No elective surgeries, primary care or routine treatments are provided.

During times when a typical private practice would not be open -- evenings, weekends and holidays -- the center is staffed by four local veterinarians.

Dr. Jim Anderson is a private practitioner and one of the clinic’s founders.

“Our goal is to provide quality after-hours care in a convenient location,” Anderson said. “The clinic is just south of Lakeland Drive, behind Applebee’s restaurant.”

Anderson said the opportunity to have the emergency clinic in conjunction with the regional referral center will be an asset to the area.

“We are pleased to have MSU as our partner and look forward to a good working relationship,” he said.

Dr. Lee Tyner, a faculty member at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, oversees MSU’s involvement in this partnership with nine capital-area veterinarians.

“This is a visionary effort that benefits every aspect of veterinary medicine, beginning with the animals and including their owners, private practitioners, the veterinary college and students,” Tyner said. “A significant number of MSU’s referral cases come from the Jackson area. This clinic will relieve much of the travel issues for those cases and offer care without a two- or three-hour drive.”

Dr. Matthew Johnson, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, is chief of staff. Other veterinarians include Drs. Ann Cook, Tracie Jones and Steven Prevost.

For emergency, after-hour needs or directions to the clinic, call (601) 939-8999.