Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Veterinary Care in Swansea, IL | Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Resort
Established in 2005, Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Resort is a trusted provider of comprehensive veterinary care in Swansea, Illinois. As an AAHA-accredited facility, we combine advanced medical technology with compassionate, personalized service to serve dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, and exotic animals. Our team of Fear Free Certified professionals is committed to delivering high-quality care that prioritizes your pet's comfort and well-being. With decades of combined experience, we offer expertise in preventive services, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and specialized exotic pet medicine.Our core values of compassion, teamwork, and honesty guide every interaction, ensuring clients receive transparent, ethical care. Recognized by the AVMA and ISVMA, we emphasize continuous education to stay at the forefront of veterinary advancements. By fostering lasting relationships with pets and their families, we aim to enhance the human-animal bond while promoting long, healthy lives for every patient.
Services
Preventive Services
Medical Services
Dental Care
Surgical Services
Exotic Pet Medicine
Laser Therapy
Microchipping
Emergency Services
Nutritional Counseling
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Only 12% of U.S. animal hospitals hold AAHA accreditation, which we have maintained since 2005.
- Fear Free Certified team members reduce stress during veterinary visits through specialized handling techniques.
- Comprehensive care spanning puppies to senior pets, including exotic animal expertise.
- Over 40 years combined experience from veterinarians trained in orthopedic surgery, dentistry, and internal medicine.
- Proven track record with testimonials highlighting consistent timeliness, clear communication, and exceptional client support.
Associations and certifications
- AAHA
- AVMA
- ISVMA
What people say
Great doctors and staff
Compassionate care
Clean facility
Timely appointments
Thorough exams
Services
Preventive Services
Our preventive care programs include annual exams, vaccinations, and parasite control to stop illnesses before they start. Tailored to your pet's age and lifestyle, these services catch health issues early when they're most treatable. With personalized wellness plans for puppies, adult pets, and seniors, we help extend your companion's life through proactive veterinary medicine.
Medical Services
From routine bloodwork to advanced imaging, our in-house diagnostics enable immediate answers for faster treatment. Skilled in cardiology, dermatology, and endocrinology, our veterinarians address chronic conditions and acute illnesses with evidence-based medicine. We prioritize client education about treatment options for informed health decisions.
Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings and oral surgery prevent painful conditions like periodontal disease. Our team uses modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment to ensure safe procedures. Oral health assessments during wellness exams help maintain your pet's overall systemic health through proper dental hygiene.
Surgical Services
We perform spay/neuter, soft-tissue, and orthopedic surgeries in a state-certified facility using strict safety protocols. Preoperative exams and post-operative laser therapy minimize risks while promoting recovery. Our surgical team emphasizes pain management and clear discharge instructions for pet owners.
Exotic Pet Medicine
Specialized veterinary expertise for reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other pocket pets ensures proper nutrition, parasite control, and disease management. Our staff provides species-specific wellness exams and treatment plans for exotic animal owners who need experienced medical guidance.
People
Dr. Craig Staehle
Veterinarian/Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Craig Staehle graduated from the University of Illinois in 1996. He specializes in orthopedic surgery, dentistry, and exotic animal medicine. With decades of experience, he's committed to advancing veterinary care through continued education and earned the 2019 PetPlan Veterinarian of the Year award.
Dr. Kimberly Staehle
Veterinarian/Managerial
Dr. Kimberly Staehle holds a veterinary doctorate and master's degree in reproductive physiology from the University of Illinois. She contributes administrative leadership and exotic pet expertise, having previously worked at the Clearwater Aquarium and Highland VetPharma. She specializes in reproductive health and exotic animal care.
Dr. Deni Stallons
Veterinarian
Dr. Deni Stallons joined the team in 2011 after graduating from the University of Illinois. She focuses on internal medicine for dogs and cats, bringing specialized knowledge of advanced disease management protocols. Her experience includes working with complex chronic conditions and developing individualized treatment plans.
Dr. Lindsay Huffman
Veterinarian
Dr. Lindsay Huffman specializes in internal medicine and dentistry. A graduate of the University of Illinois, she applies her leadership studies background to patient care coordination. Her approach integrates dietary management with medical treatments for optimal outcomes.
Robin
Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
Robin, our lead technician since 2015, manages daily nursing operations and anesthesia protocols. Certified through Vatterott's program, she oversees staff training and quality assurance for patient care standards across all medical and surgical departments.
Questions
What exotic pet services do you offer?
We provide medical care, surgeries, and nutrition counseling for reptiles, rabbits, pocket pets, and other exotic animals. Our veterinarians have specialized training in treating these unique species.
Are you AAHA accredited?
Yes, we've maintained AAHA accreditation since 2005, placing us among the top 12% of veterinary hospitals meeting rigorous quality standards for equipment, protocols, and patient care.
Do you handle pet emergencies?
We provide in-clinic emergency services during regular business hours. For urgent situations, call ahead so we can prepare for your arrival and prioritize critical cases.
What payment options are available?
We accept credit/debit cards and offer financing through CareCredit and Scratchpay. Payment is due at discharge, with a $100 deposit required for scheduled surgeries.
