The furry-friendly residents in the Merriweather District and Howard County will have a new veterinary clinic offering beloved pets and their owners exceptional and affordable care. Paws Up will combine thoughtfully designed clinics and modern technology with a personalized approach and hometown feel in one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. Co-founders Jessica Van Dyke, her mother, Karin De Francis, and Dr. Timothy Cujdik, expect to open to the public in July of this year.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Paws Up Veterinary to Merriweather District,” said Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes. “Offering exceptional care for pets and peace of mind for their owners, Paws Up is another fantastic amenity for our residents, office tenants and community.”
Dr. Tim is a renowned and respected veterinarian and general surgeon, with over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, having practiced at several of Baltimore’s best, including Main Street, Vinson, Old Court, Hunt Valley and Fulton Animal Hospitals. He is the proud owner of two Bulldogs, Hazel and Etta, and is recognized as a leading authority on Brachycephalic breeds.
Following an 8-year tenure at the National Institute of Health, Tim frequently utilizes the NIH database for cutting edge updates in disease prevention and treatment. His ground-breaking NIH research focused on thyroid, kidney and prostate function, and was published in leading medical journals.
“I see my patients and their owners as more than income and numbers. With the big increase in corporate ownership, much of that close interaction has been lost. I am honored and proud to co-found such a modern, progressive practice where a client will always be warmly welcomed with quality care and a personal touch,” said Dr. Timothy Cujdik.
Jessica Van Dyke began her career working in venture capital and private equity, focusing on early and growth stage investments across the health care space, which uniquely positioned her to bring to reality her Paws Up dream. She considers her French Bulldog, Winnie, her first child.
Jessica Van Dyke commented, “During my venture capital days, I saw firsthand how technology transformed human patient care, yet veterinary medicine was not as quick to catch up, sparking my idea for Paws Up: a modern clinic designed to integrate technology with hospitality, creating a seamless, stress-free experience for veterinarians, pets, and their people. By rethinking the traditional model, Paws Up is setting a new standard for pet care—one that’s as innovative as it is compassionate. Our mantra is “Your Best Friend Deserves Forever Health! Launching Paws Up in my hometown with my Mom and Dr. Tim is a dream come true. We can’t wait to serve patients in the Howard County Community!”
Karin De Francis was Co-Owner of the Maryland Jockey Club, parent company of Laurel Park, and Pimlico Race Course, home to horse racing’s world famous Preakness Stakes, overseeing the operation, management and development of the Preakness. Her family includes two cats, Ginger and Ted, and her German Shepherd, Vivian, as family.
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with the Paws Up team. Loving animals is in our DNA! Launching this with my daughter and Dr. Tim is a joy, and serving the pet owners of Howard County, an honor,” said Karin De Francis.
Paws Up was represented by Emory Camper with Ameriventure Commercial, and Howard Hughes was represented by Ray Schupp, Suzanne Katz and Sean Harcourt of H&R Retail.
Follow along the journey of build out to launch across various social media channels (@PawsUpVeterinary), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
