Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Carbondale Veterinarian for Pet Wellness & Emergencies
Lakeside Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted leader in veterinary care since 1996, dedicated to providing unrivaled medical services with integrity and compassion. Our team combines decades of experience with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies to address both routine wellness and urgent care needs. We are committed to evidence-based medicine, prioritizing personalized patient care and client education to ensure pets live longer, healthier lives.Our mission is to exceed expectations through professionalism, transparency, and a deep understanding of the human-animal bond, supported by affiliations with leading veterinary organizations. With 24/7 emergency services and a focus on community engagement, we serve as a reliable partner for pet owners in Carbondale and beyond.
Services
Wellness Care
Vaccinations
Emergency Services
In-House Diagnostics
Surgery
Urgent Care
Parasite Prevention
Senior Wellness
Microchipping
Ultrasounds
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 24/7 emergency care with immediate response for critical situations
- Experienced veterinarians with decades of local and national practice
- In-house diagnostics enabling rapid test results and treatment decisions
- Comprehensive services from wellness exams to complex surgical procedures
- Community-focused approach with active involvement in local pet health initiatives
Associations and certifications
- American Association Of Feline Practitioners
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association
What people say
Compassionate staff
Immediate emergency response
Thorough explanations
Pet memorial services
Supportive follow-up
Services
Emergency Services
Our 24/7 emergency veterinary care addresses critical issues like trauma, poisoning, and respiratory distress. Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by experienced professionals, we provide immediate stabilization and treatment for pets in crisis. From initial assessment to post-operative recovery, our team prioritizes rapid intervention to improve outcomes for urgent cases.
Vaccinations
We offer core and preventive vaccination programs tailored to pets' lifestyles and regional health risks. Our protocols follow AAFCO guidelines, protecting against diseases like rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia. Veterinarians explain each vaccine's purpose and schedule, ensuring pet owners make informed decisions while emphasizing preventive care's role in long-term wellness.
In-House Diagnostics
Our on-site laboratory provides rapid blood work, urinalysis, and parasite screenings for timely diagnoses. Digital radiography and ultrasound capabilities allow immediate imaging for internal injuries or illnesses. This enables same-day results and treatment decisions, reducing wait times for critical cases needing urgent intervention.
Surgery
We perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays/neuters, foreign object removal, and orthopedic repairs. Pre-operative consultations review risks and recovery expectations, while advanced monitoring ensures patient safety under anesthesia. Post-operative care includes pain management and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Wellness Exams
Semi-annual wellness exams establish health baselines and detect early disease indicators. Comprehensive physical evaluations cover dental health, weight management, and organ function. Veterinarians create customized care plans incorporating nutrition advice, parasite prevention, and age-specific screenings to maintain lifelong pet wellness.
People
Dr. Mark Tichacek
Veterinarian
Graduate of University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with 25+ years serving Southern Illinois. Specializes in companion animal care and surgery. Active member of American Veterinary Medical Association. Combines technical expertise with compassionate treatment for over two decades.
Dr. Sarah Placek
Veterinarian
Southern Illinois native and University of Missouri veterinary graduate. Provides medical and surgical care with passion for animal health. Active in community outreach programs. Enjoys outdoor activities and continuing education to enhance clinical skills for patient care.
Dr. Sandra Kayne
Veterinarian
Experienced practitioner with recent addition to the team. Focuses on compassionate diagnostics and treatment plans. Participates in professional development programs to maintain high care standards. Dedicated to building trust with pet owners through clear communication.
Cortney Ford
Veterinary Technician
Certified technician since 2016 with BLS/ALS certifications. Specializes in patient care and client education. Builds strong relationships between clinic and pet families. Continuously learns new techniques to improve animal treatment outcomes through advanced veterinary practices.
Christa Tichacek
Receptionist
Veteran staff member with zoology degree and wildlife rehabilitation background. Facilitates smooth client interactions and urgent care coordination. Advocates for animal welfare through daily operations and community education efforts. Provides efficient administrative support since 1996.
Questions
What emergency veterinary services do you provide?
We offer 24/7 emergency care for critical conditions including trauma, poisonings, breathing difficulties, and severe allergic reactions. Our team provides stabilization, diagnostics, and treatment for urgent pet health crises.
Do you handle routine pet checkups?
Yes, we conduct comprehensive wellness exams twice yearly to monitor health trends, administer vaccinations, and implement preventive care plans tailored to each pet's specific needs.
What diagnostic tools are available?
Our in-house lab offers rapid blood testing, urinalysis, and parasite screening. We use digital radiography, ultrasound, and ECG for advanced diagnostics supporting accurate, timely treatment decisions.
How can I schedule appointments?
Use our PetDesk app for appointment requests, prescription refills, or contact us directly at 618-361-4680. Urgent cases receive immediate attention without prior scheduling.
Are payment plans available?
We accept CareCredit for veterinary expenses. While no in-house financing exists, our team works with clients to explore affordable treatment options and payment arrangements when needed.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily serving Carbondale and Southern Illinois communities. Clients travel from Herrin, Murphysboro, and surrounding regions for our specialized veterinary services and 24/7 availability.
