Commissioners have unanimously approved a request by the owner of Arbor Pet Hospital to expand his practice into the adjacent parcel, formerly the Shepherds Way thrift shop.

When completed, the existing pet hospital, 3,934 square feet, located at 1220 NE 26 St., will be expanded by 5,619 square feet. The building that formerly housed Shepherds Way, now located in Fort Lauderdale, will be torn down.

“We expect we will be adding staff, expanding hours,” said Dr. Louis Mogyoros, Arbor’s owner.

The project was praised by commissioners and residents.

“It’s a tremendous improvement,” said John Fiore, former mayor and current president of the East Neighborhood Association. “It’s a beautiful project,” said Nick Berry, president of the Planning and Zoning Board.

Mayor Gary Resnick said he was “glad you’re expanding in Wilton Manors as opposed to somewhere else.”