We are a low-cost veterinary clinic and animal shelter located in East St. Louis, Illinois—one of the most economically disadvantaged communities in the United States, with an average household income of approximately $30,000. Our mission is to increase access to veterinary care and reduce animal suffering by providing free spay/neuter services and low-cost medical care to members of our community.
Our clinic is fully equipped with ultrasound, digital radiography, in-house bloodwork analyzers, and dental equipment, allowing us to provide a wide range of diagnostics and treatments comparable to those offered by general practice veterinary hospitals. We operate on a walk-in model, enabling us to accommodate urgent cases, walk-in emergencies, and same-day surgical procedures when needed.
In addition to serving the public, our facility also functions as an open-admission, no-kill animal shelter. Due to significant underfunding of local animal control services in East St. Louis, we effectively serve as the city’s primary animal control resource. Our shelter has an annual intake of approximately 1,800 animals, providing lifesaving care, sheltering, and placement services for dogs and cats in need. The majority of our intakes (and owned animals) are heartworm positive so we also do 6-12 heartworm injections a day as well.
Our clinic is staffed by three veterinarians and operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The medical team is supported by a dedicated intake veterinary technician, surgical veterinary technician, two veterinary assistants who manage daily clinic operations, and a veterinary receptionist who coordinates client care and scheduling.
We are fully equipped to provide comprehensive diagnostic and surgical services, including digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house blood analyzers, and microscopes for fecal, urine, and cytology evaluation. Our surgical suite includes a dental unit and electrosurgical (Bovie) unit, allowing us to safely perform both routine and advanced procedures.
Our surgical caseload ranges from high-volume spay and neuter to more advanced soft tissue and orthopedic procedures, including dentals, limb amputations, femoral head ostectomies (FHOs), lateral suture repairs, mass removals, and enucleations, among others. This breadth of services allows us to address a wide spectrum of medical needs in-house, often on a same-day or urgent basis, minimizing delays in care for animals and families with limited resources.
Students will be expected to work my standard schedule of Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The two students I am accepting are individuals I worked closely with during veterinary school and whose clinical judgment, technical skills, and professionalism I trust. Because of this established working relationship, they will function as primary clinicians under my direct supervision. They will be expected to run appointments, manage cases, perform surgeries, and carry out the same clinical responsibilities that I routinely perform, with appropriate oversight and mentorship.
If additional students express interest in participating, their role would differ based on experience and familiarity. These students would be provided with close guidance and hands-on instruction throughout all aspects of clinical and surgical care, with responsibilities adjusted to ensure patient safety and an effective learning environment.
725 N 15th St
East St. Louis, IL 62205
United States