For seven years, Vet Kathleen Fearon has been making house calls out of her van, accessible by the catchy telephone number 261-PETS.

But she has literally and figuratively found a home at 37 Church Hill Road, in a 1918 home across the street from Town Hall she and her father, Peter Fearon, helped refurbish.

First Selectman Tim Herbst, Economic Development Director Deborah Cox and Economic Development Commissi0n Chairman Jim Abraham cut the ribbon at an open house Friday. Another open house will be held there Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when doughnuts will served, as well dog biscuits for the pets.

"I'm using this a lot, which is good," Herbst said of the over-sized scissors with which he snipped the red ribbon.

"This the first professional use that has been opened in this area" at the top of Church Hill Road, Herbst said. "You've done a beautiful job rehabilitating the property."

The office will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but Fearon,  a Trumbull resident,  said she will continue to make house calls.

The doctor has one permanent staff member for the office, Veterinary Technician Dana Paoletto of Trumbull, who has served with her since van was started.

"I've had my truck for seven years," Fearon said. Before that, she was a researcher, having earned Ph.D. in molecular biology. But she soon became attracted to veterinary medicine and went back to school.

"It was a second career," Fearon said.

And a career that has been rewarding for her animal patients and their owners, such as Easton resident Annie Hampford and her mixed-breed, 15-year-old dog Quinn.

"I think it's wonderful," Hampford said, as she toured the offices, which are on the first floor.

While she appreciates the home service, Hampford also liked the new office.

"It's also nice to know it's here as a place to come to. She's a wonderful, wonderful vet."

Paoletto showed off the offices. There is an exam room, an office, a kitchen, and even a living room with a stone fireplace. The floors are hardwood with area rugs.

"It's turned out really well," she said.

Cox said the new business will set the tone for future developments in the area. 

"She's exceeded everybody's expectations. She's proven that businesses make good neighbors," Cox said.