Animal Medical Center of Chicago

04/01/2025

“Debbie and Eric, our amazing managers at AMCOC, are lacing up for a cause that benefits us all—our parks! Chicago’s 600+ parks aren’t just green spaces; they’re where we take peaceful strolls, play with our pups, and connect with our community. Every step they take in the Bank of America Chicago Half Marathon supports the Chicago Parks Foundation, helping to keep these spaces vibrant and welcoming. Let’s rally behind them! Every donation, big or small, helps keep our parks thriving for people and pets alike. 🌿🐾

Debbie's Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/deborah-drake

Eric's Fundraising Link: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/EZChiParks

🔗 Donate today and be a part of something special! 💚

02/03/2025

Dear AMC Clients,

In response to the horrific Los Angeles area fires, AMC would like to team up with our generous clients to bring support to those affected. We are collecting donations for Pasadena Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Society, two area shelters in hard-hit locations, who are housing displaced pets who have been separated from their families.

As a thank you for your thoughtful support, clients who donate $10 or more to the heroic efforts of Los Angeles animal shelters will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Maeve + Roscoe 3 in 1 Pet Protection System by Tavo, makers of protective travel systems designed to keep your pet safe during transport. This $850 value prize will allow you to cart your pet around town in style!

If you would like to donate, call, text or email us, or, if you are in the office with your pet, let us know you would like to donate.

We thank you so much for generously supporting those affected.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy 2025.

The Doctors and staff of Animal Medical Center of Chicago

01/18/2025

Dear Clients,

We are saddened to learn about the recent deaths of Teal (Chilean flamingo) and Slater (seal) at the Lincoln Park Zoo due to Avian Influenza. This tragedy hits too close to home to ignore.

What You Need to Know About Avian Influenza

The History
• 1996: H5N1 Influenza A was first identified in domestic waterfowl in Southern China.
• 2020: A new variant of H5N1, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), was detected in wild birds in Europe.
• 2021: HPAI was seen in birds in the United States and Canada.
• 2022: HPAI H5N1 was detected in various mammals in the U.S. and other countries.
• 2024: The CDC confirmed a positive human case of Influenza A (H5N1) in the United States.

Who Is Susceptible?

While birds are most commonly affected, Avian Influenza can also infect cats, dogs, cows, humans, and other mammals.

How Is It Transmitted?

H5N1 can spread through:
• Raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products
• Raw or undercooked poultry meat
• F***s of infected animals
• Contaminated clothing, especially from individuals working on affected farms

Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Pets

The illness may begin with:
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy and fever
• Coughing and sneezing
• Red eyes
• Discharge from the eyes and nose

It can quickly progress, especially in cats, to more serious issues such as:
• Difficulty breathing
• Neurological signs: tremors, circling, seizures, incoordination, and blindness

If your pet displays any of these symptoms, contact us immediately at 773.525.3353.

How Can H5N1 Infection Be Prevented?

Pet owners and caregivers should follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid feeding dairy products or colostrum that has not been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked.
2. Thoroughly cook all meat before feeding.
3. Avoid raw meat-based foods or treats.
4. Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and wildlife.
5. Do not walk your pet in areas heavily populated by birds (e.g., under bridges or near water sources where pigeons and geese gather).
6. Do not allow your pet to eat bird excrement while on walks.
7. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry or meat.
8. Change clothes and shoes, and wash thoroughly after any exposure to a sick or dead animal that may harbor the H5N1 virus.
9. After walking your pet outdoors, wash their paws and clean the soles of your shoes with soap.

If you have any questions or concerns , please call us at 773.525.3353.

Be safe and well,

The Doctors and Staff at Animal Medical Center of Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo reports that testing has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of death for a Chilean flamingo on January 8 and harbor seal on January 9.

10/29/2024

It’s National Cat Day, apparently, but at AMC we celebrate cats everyday even when they would rather not be here.

10/24/2024

Studies have shown that donut collars that look like actual donuts are superior to donut collars that don’t. (It was one study by Bamba but we confirmed, the science is very sound).

07/27/2024

Happy Saturday! We're chugging along today in the hospital, hopefully y'all are having a wonderful weekend! We'll see you back again on Monday :)

07/21/2024

Happy National Ice Cream Day from your local vet who's favorite special treat is ice cream! One of our newer veterinarians Dr. Forti got this amazing set of photos while Dr. Solomon meeting a kitty and giving him Churu, this cat was so in love with everything that he was climbing Dr. Solomon and grabbing onto the stick to get more chicken churu! Is your furchild getting a pup cup/kitty kup today to celebrate? Show us in the comments!

07/17/2024

It's World Emoji Day... what emoji would you say Clifford is feeling in his dapper banana hat?? 🤨😒😑😽🍌🍉🍓🥭

07/14/2024

Happy Sunday! Hopefully your day is lazy and relaxing. Dennis says it is WAYYYY too early to be responsible, sleeping in is the best Sunday activity. What are you and your gang up to this weekend? Show us in the comments!

07/10/2024

Not a single sound gets past these incredible ears on one of our favorite frequent fliers, Watson! He announces himself every time he comes to see us, throwing back his head to holler in his perfect beagle voice and letting his magnificent ears extend to their full spread eagle form. Is he the winnder of the Ears of the Year award? Clearly he's taking first place, blue ribbon, platinum gold all-star champ, anything else would be a disgrace.

07/08/2024

We are HUGE on veterinary dental care here, because we've seen how it can change lives for the better. Brushing teeth is certainly beneficial, we will never deny that - but we recognize that it's difficult to brush all sides of your pet's teeth, and that ultimately they need cleanings under the gums and x-rays to check on the status of the teeth, just like we do even with brushing our teeth at least once a day (if not more). Putting a pet under anesthesia is a big deal, but that's why we always check bloodwork beforehand and provide top quality care ensuring proper vitals monitoring and anesthetic management. Wanna join the Clean Teeth Brigade? Simply mention it at your next appointment and our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

07/06/2024

What's your pet's favorite summertime activity? The dog park is always a favorite for our canine companions! Do you have everything you need for the dog park? We can help you get your DFA tag and vaccines + stool testing done so your pup can run free in the local Dog Friendly Areas! What are y'all getting up to this weekend? Show us in the comments!

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July from the tiniest pup named Dennis!! We are CLOSED today for the holiday, but will be back open tomorrow at 8 AM bright and early to see everyone. Stay safe, keep your kitties and pups safe, and enjoy your holiday!

07/02/2024

We love it when dogs love us. That's why we strive for the best, and take Fear Free care seriously. Founded in the concepts of respecting autonomy and prioritizing health as high as safety, we see the results daily. We're never going to restrain an animal forcefully just to get something done, we're going to listen to their body language and go with what works best for them. Some pets need their parents there, some need extra baby food and cheese to distract them, and some need anti-anxiety medications to not feel like they have to escape in a panic. We know that pokey things like vaccines and blood draws are no fun, but we make it as positive of an experience possible with tasty treats and lots of love from professionals who truly adore all animals. Curious about what Fear Free could look like for your pet? Call our office at 773-525-3353 to schedule your first appointment today!

06/29/2024

Dog Beaches are SO MUCH FUN! But did you know that your dog needs to get vetted first before going to the beach? We can help! People bringing dogs into a Chicago Park District DFA (dog friendly area) must have both a permit with them and a registration tag for each dog. The registration tag must be on the dog's collar or harness. The permit and registration tag may be used at any officially sanctioned Chicago Park District DFA. We can help you get everything you need sorted for this, just ask one of our Care Coordinators when you schedule your pup's wellness appointment!

06/28/2024

Cat owners! Is this your kitty?!? One of our clients found this very sweet cat wandering the streets of Chicago near the Schubert/Hermitage intersection. We scanned the kitty for a microchip, but none came up. Does this kitty belong to you? Reach out to us at 773-525-3353 and we will put you in touch with the rescuer, who is fostering the kitty until someone claims them. Share share share! Let's get this kitty home!

06/27/2024

We've got all kinds of good stuff rotating in our snack stash. We usually have some special flavors like venison and lamb, and we've even got hydrolyzed cookies and peanut butter packets for the special allergy pups! Oh and of course we've got Churu and spray cheese for our kitty friends, and sometimes we get little gravy snack packs too! Can't forget about the baby food, that's a crowd favorite ♥ Does your pet have a favorite here? Anything we should get in stock next?

06/24/2024

What do you think is going through Frankie's head?? That face can convince even the most stoic of hearts to cave in and give him a cookie, he is so perfect.