A Clinic That Heals Through the Human-Animal Bond
A new veterinary clinic, built around the idea that the human–animal bond can strengthen people and their communities, has opened in Coconut Creek.
The clinic, Urban Pawz, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 19, 2025. Co-founder Brian Appelblatt, who spent nearly 30 years working in human healthcare — including behavioral health, addiction medicine and infectious disease — said the concept grew out of concern for what he described as a cultural need for connection.
"There's really a crisis going on here. We all feel it, we all see it, right? And the truth is, we've become so separated, and there's so much hate that the reversal to all of that is to try to understand love and to bring people and communities back together," Appelblatt said.
"And nothing shows unconditional love more than animals," he added.
Appelblatt said growing scientific research supports the power of the human–animal bond, citing organizations and leaders in the field.
"In Washington, there's a non-profit - the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute. There are professors who have written books on the power of this bond, and its ability to heal," he said. "There's a lot of scientific evidence pouring into this type of study - and it really supports the relationships of animals and humans." Urban Pawz, co-founded with his wife, Veterinarian Dr. Marcelle Dias-Appelblatt, was designed around a mission the couple summarizes as treating love with love because we understand it's healing power!
The clinic's approach includes educating pet owners about how their own emotional state affects their animals.
"You come in as a client, leave as family. Animals are receivers of energy," said Appelblatt. "People used to think that the relationship was one directional - but it's really bi-directional. If you're super-anxious, the dog is going to feel that emotion, and is going to carry that emotion as well."
Appelblatt, who built and marketed major biotech and pharmaceutical brands before moving into veterinary care, said he saw an "immediate unmet need" in the lack of public discussion about that bond. Since opening, he said the clinic has begun forming relationships with leaders across the country studying the
topic.
"I'm in touch with the authorities in the field, like Rustin Moore," he said, referring to the dean of the Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
He also cited ongoing conversations with Steve Feldman, president of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute. Appelblatt pointed to the University of Florida's new program in the field as evidence that "it's really picking up momentum."
He said the timing for such a message is important and we believe we are right on the forefront and we are changing the landscape!
"Love is the best healer of them all. And animals teach us that better than anything else," Appelblatt said.