Business Details
50 Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Care
Veterinary Specialty Center is dedicated to providing companion animals with state-of-the-art medical care in a kind and comforting environment. Founded on the principles of collaboration and innovation, we have spent decades building enduring relationships with the veterinary community and pet families throughout the Chicagoland region. Our privately-owned hospital features a multidisciplinary team of board-certified specialists and emergency veterinarians who bring unparalleled expertise to every case. We are committed to advancing veterinary medicine through continuous research, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-first philosophy that prioritizes both animal well-being and family support.As a certified Level 1 Trauma Center and AAHA-accredited facility, we maintain the highest industry standards in emergency care, diagnostics, and specialty treatments. Our social mission extends beyond veterinary care through community engagement, environmental stewardship, and professional development opportunities for our staff. With 24/7 emergency services and over 40 years of experience, we serve as a trusted referral center for complex cases requiring advanced medical interventions.
Services
Emergency Care
Cardiology
Diagnostic Imaging
Surgery
Dermatology
Oncology
Neurology
Rehabilitation
Internal Medicine
Radiation Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of collaborative veterinary expertise and innovation
- Our team includes board-certified specialists in 12 veterinary disciplines
- We maintain 24/7 emergency care with Level 1 Trauma Center certifications
- Our AAHA-accredited facility meets the highest veterinary care standards
- We are the only U.S. veterinary hospital certified as a B Corporation
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- VetCOT Certified Level 1 Trauma Center
- VECCS Level 1 Trauma Center
What people say
In good hands
Best team of doctors
Compassionate staff
Successful treatment outcomes
Thorough care
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency veterinary care provides immediate treatment for critical pet conditions. The certified Level 1 Trauma Center offers advanced diagnostics, ICU facilities, and specialized monitoring. The team handles everything from minor emergencies to complex trauma cases requiring surgical interventions.
Cardiology
Board-certified veterinary cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and lung conditions including congestive heart failure, valvular disease, and congenital defects. The service combines specialized imaging technology with tailored treatment plans to address complex cardiac conditions in pets.
Diagnostic Imaging
Advanced diagnostic capabilities include 64-slice CT scans, 3T MRIs, and outpatient ultrasounds. These technologies enable precise non-invasive evaluations for accurate diagnoses across multiple specialty departments including neurology and oncology.
Surgery
The surgical team specializes in procedures ranging from orthopedic corrections to soft tissue surgeries. Services include TPLO operations, gastropexy procedures, and specialized interventions for complex conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
Dermatology
Diplomate-level veterinary dermatologists address skin conditions, allergies, and ear diseases. The department utilizes specialized diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to manage chronic dermatological issues in companion animals.
People
Trevor J. Gerlach
Cardiology
Dr. Gerlach is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist with specialized expertise in complex heart condition management. He contributes to advancing veterinary cardiology through continued clinical research and collaborative patient care.
Leah Kruckman
Cardiology
Dr. Kruckman provides expert cardiac care as a board-certified specialist, focusing on echocardiography and interventional cardiology procedures. Her clinical interests include heart failure management and congenital heart disease treatment.
Elizabeth Cutchin
Critical Care
Dr. Cutchin serves as a critical care specialist with board certification in emergency and critical medicine. She specializes in trauma management and post-operative care for critically ill veterinary patients.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer for pets?
We provide 24/7 emergency care with Level 1 Trauma Center certification, offering immediate treatment for critical conditions including trauma, poisoning, and life-threatening illnesses.
Do you require referrals for specialty services?
Specialty services require veterinary referrals, but our emergency care is available without prior authorization for urgent pet health crises.
What advanced diagnostic capabilities do you have?
Our facility includes 64-slice CT scans, 3T MRIs, and ultrasound technology for precise diagnostics across multiple specialties including neurology and oncology.
How do you support pet owners during treatment?
We provide detailed explanations of medical conditions, treatment options, and follow-up care while maintaining communication with both owners and referring veterinarians throughout the process.
What specialty treatments are available for pets with cancer?
Our oncology department offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and innovative treatments like ELIAS Immunotherapy for various pet cancer cases.
Are you equipped for complex surgical procedures?
Yes, our surgical specialists perform procedures including TPLO operations, soft tissue surgeries, and complex reconstructions using advanced surgical techniques.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Adrianna Baryla
May 14, 2022
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My experience at your facility was absolutely outstanding! Thank you for helping me with my precious Phoenix in a time of crisis. I especially appreciated the late night call to let me know that he was doing better. It so eased my mind and allowed me to get some much needed sleep. Your team is quite remarkable! Everyone we had contact with was extremely kind and gracious.
Debbie Ravenscraft
Apr 11, 2022
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I would give you a 15 if I could. Mimi's Internal Med team is the best. Very respectful of my time, gets back to me with questions and most important, I know my dog is in excellent caring hands. I recommend VSC all the time and tell anyone who will listen how lucky we are to have your facility in our area. How lucky we are to have Sally alive.
Lori Mock
Mar 18, 2022
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Boba was dying in front of us and no one could figure out why. The ENTIRE team of specialists at vet specialty never gave up, figured out what rare disease my poor boy had and saved his life. Over a year later and they still provide the highest level of care for our pup during his follow up dermatology visits. This team of specialists is unmatched, incredible. HUGE Thank you to Dr Ness and to all of the drs at vet specialty. Because of you, my little guy is living, happy and enjoying life!
Monika Walankiewicz
Feb 28, 2022
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I had the good fortune of obtaining care at the Veterinary Specialty Center for my cat Zuzia who had a dual diagnosis of kidney disease and heart failure. Dr. Gerlach and his cardiology team were extremely caring, knowledgeable, and skilled. They went above and beyond and took care of my baby until the end, never skipping a beat and providing the highest quality of care throughout the whole treatment.
The same is true for the emergency team. I firmly believe that working with Dr. Gerlach and the rest of the staff extended my pet's life, and I am eternally grateful for that. Veterinary Specialty Center is an example of excellence in veterinary medicine, and I couldn't recommend them more.
The same is true for the emergency team. I firmly believe that working with Dr. Gerlach and the rest of the staff extended my pet's life, and I am eternally grateful for that. Veterinary Specialty Center is an example of excellence in veterinary medicine, and I couldn't recommend them more.
