Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Reliable Veterinarian in Chicago, IL
Woodlawn Animal Hospital has been a dedicated provider of comprehensive veterinary care since 1995. Founded by Dr. Allyson Harris, our practice combines decades of clinical expertise with a commitment to client education and preventive care. We offer a full range of services including vaccinations, surgical procedures, dental care, diagnostics, and wellness exams, all delivered with a compassionate approach. Our state-licensed facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by a team passionate about maintaining the highest standards of pet health.We prioritize transparency by providing detailed treatment plans and discuss all options to empower our clients in making informed decisions. Located in the heart of Chicago's Woodlawn community, we serve as a trusted partner in pet healthcare for Chicagoland residents. Our mission is to bridge the gap in underserved areas by delivering accessible, quality veterinary medicine with integrity and personalized attention.
Services
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgical Procedures
Grooming
Boarding
House Calls
Advanced Diagnostics
K-Laser Therapy
Puppy Socialization
Parasite Prevention
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We provide detailed treatment plans on the first visit to ensure transparency.
- Our team includes experienced professionals like Dr. Allyson Harris with 25+ years in practice.
- We offer advanced diagnostics and surgical care with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Flexible appointment options include in-clinic and curbside visits for convenience.
- Fellowship-trained specialists like Dr. Charlene Artis enhance our diagnostic capabilities.
Services
Vaccinations
Our vaccination program follows Illinois state law and prioritizes medically critical vaccines to prevent diseases like rabies and parvovirus. We help clients understand essential versus optional vaccines while ensuring compliance with boarding and grooming requirements. Education on scheduling and affordability options is provided to maintain consistent protection for pets.
Dental Care
We offer comprehensive dental services including X-rays, scaling/polishing, and surgical extractions under anesthesia. Our approach addresses pain management and prevents systemic illnesses caused by untreated dental disease. Clients receive home care guidance and pricing transparency before treatment to avoid unexpected costs.
Surgical Procedures
Routine and complex surgeries use Sevoflurane anesthesia and advanced monitoring equipment for safety. Our team performs spays/neuters, fracture repairs, and soft tissue surgeries with dedicated CVT support during procedures. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and pain management protocols ensure optimal recovery for patients.
Advanced Diagnostics
On-site ABAXIS equipment provides immediate bloodwork results while manual fecal tests detect parasites. We partner with external labs for specialized diagnostics like histopathology. This capability enables rapid diagnosis of conditions requiring urgent intervention, improving treatment outcomes for critically ill pets.
House Calls
We provide home care for mobility-challenged clients, performing exams, vaccinations, and basic treatments in pets' familiar environments. Transportation assistance is available when in-home care isn't sufficient, ensuring accessibility to essential veterinary services for all community members.
People
Dr. Allyson Harris
Founder & CEO
A graduate of Tuskegee University's veterinary school, Dr. Harris established Woodlawn Animal Hospital in 1995 after completing an internship there. She transitioned from associate veterinarian roles to owning the practice, focusing on underserved communities.
Dr. Charlene Artis
Veterinarian
Born in Chicago, Dr. Artis earned her veterinary degree from Tuskegee University in 2001. After practicing in Michigan, she joined WAH in 2011 specializing in internal medicine with a focus on complex diagnostic cases.
Artesia Wilson
Certified Veterinary Technician
With 9 years of professional grooming experience and veterinary technician certification, Artesia provides dual expertise in pet care and medical support. She assists in diagnostics and procedures while offering specialized grooming services for hospital patients.
Questions
Why are annual wellness exams essential for pets?
Annual exams detect hidden diseases like dental issues or parasites before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and prevents costly advanced illnesses through proactive care.
Why does Woodlawn require pre-visit stool samples?
Fresh stool samples tested under microscopes identify dangerous parasites like roundworms that threaten pets and humans. These hidden infestations require immediate treatment to prevent spread and health complications.
Can I schedule grooming services separately?
Yes, grooming requires separate scheduling. Contact us directly for availability and to discuss your pet's specific grooming needs outside of regular veterinary appointments.
What emergency care options exist after hours?
We recommend contacting local emergency clinics as we operate Monday-Saturday during standard business hours without 24/7 emergency services.
Why do vaccine requirements differ from other facilities?
As a medical hospital, we maintain higher standards to protect all pets in our care. These requirements prevent disease transmission across boarding, grooming, and treatment areas.
How does K-Laser therapy help pets?
This non-invasive treatment reduces pain and inflammation for conditions like arthritis or injuries. It accelerates healing by stimulating cellular repair processes without requiring medication.
