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Open Saturdays
Welcome To
Carlson Animal Hospital
Personalized Veterinary Preventive Care
Pet Wellness & Sickness Exams
Vaccinations
Flea & Tick Prevention
Spay & Neuter
Blood, Urine, and Fecal Testing
Animals We See: Dogs, Cats
Neighborhoods We Serve: River Forest, Oak Park
Hours
Monday - Wednesday:
8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday - Friday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:
8:00am - 1:00pm
Closed Now
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About Us
At Carlson Animal Hospital, we provide the best of general practice- trusted, compassionate care- along with the advanced care of a specialty hospital. We provide medical and surgical care for dogs and cats in Oak Park, River Forest, and the surrounding western Chicago suburbs. We are proud to be American Animal Hospital Association accredited.
Carlson Animal Hospital offers the gold standard of veterinary care. We are proud to offer the most current, comprehensive, and compassionate care along with the advanced care of a specialty hospital. We routinely consult with specialists and universities around the country. Our goal is to earn your confidence and respect while working collaboratively in the loving care of your pet throughout their lifetime. We treat your pets as if they were our own.
Special Offers
Care for your pets with these limited-time offers.
Current Promotions
15% Off Life-Saving Prevention*
Parasites can kill—But you can protect! Now through June, 30, 2025, save on vital care for your pet.
ProHeart® 12 (moxidectin) for dogs: 1 dose, 1 year of heartworm protectionxs
Simparica® (sarolaner) chewable for dogs: 1 chewable, 35 days of flea-&-tick protection
Revolution® Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) for cats: 1 application, 1 month of protection
Simparica TRIO® (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for dogs :1 chewable, triple protection
*Valid 4/1 – 6/30/2025. In-hospital purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for Thrive Plus member discounts and other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to ProHeart 12, Simparica 6-packs, Simparica Trio 6-packs, and Revolution Plus 6-packs only. Availability of products may vary. While supplies last. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription. See IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION and full prescribing information at ProHeart12PI.com; SimparicaPI.com; RevolutionPlusPI.com; and SimparicaTrioPI.com.
New Client Offer: Free Wellness Exam!
Until April 30, we are offering a FREE wellness exam to new clients! Mention the coupon code FREE100 when scheduling your pet's wellness exam appointment at our practice. This offer is available at participating locations, limited to one per household, and cannot be combined with any other offers or redeemed for cash. Valid for scheduled wellness appointments only and does not apply to illness exams, subject to determination by the veterinarian. This offer is exclusively for new clients and clinic fees will apply. Expires April 30.
$100 OFF Dental Cleanings
Brighter smiles mean a brighter future! Annual dental cleanings can extend your pet’s life, prevent disease, and help detect oral cancers. Call to schedule today!
*Blood and urine testing must be completed within 30 days before dental cleanings. Offer valid from 2/10/25 to 4/10/25. Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions, except Thrive Plus membership discounts. Thrive Plus members receive their membership discount of 10% off dental cleanings before the $100 discount is applied. Offer valid for dental cleanings only and at select locations; excludes exams, extractions, radiographs, and oral surgeries. Subject to availability.
4 Promotions Available
Our Veterinary Services
Wellness Exams
Regular wellness exams allow us to catch underlying health problems early, provide consistent preventative care, and support your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Sick / Illness Exams
Our veterinarians are skilled in diagnosing common problems that affect our pets like vomiting, itching, lumps, limping, and more.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are essential for preventive care and can increase the chances of a longer, happier life for pets. Ensuring that pets are consistently up to date with their vaccinations can help prevent contracting disease or help lessen the severity of symptoms if a disease is contracted.
Diagnostic Testing
It's hard to provide care without knowing the root of what is ailing your pet, which is why diagnostic testing is so important. Diagnostic testing can include laboratory testing (blood, urine, and fecal) and diagnostic imaging like X–rays, CT, MRI, and ultrasound.
Preventive Pet Dental Care
From routine cleanings to tooth extractions, the Thrive Pet Healthcare network of Primary Care veterinarians and Dental Specialists is here to keep your pet's smile fresh! Our general practices can take care of everyday dental maintenance with outstanding regular check-ins, cleanings, and basic surgeries.
Meanwhile, our specialty veterinarians are prepared to handle more complex or chronic dental cases like a root abscess, jaw fracture, abnormal tooth formation, or advanced periodontal disease. These doctors are highly trained within the field of veterinary dentistry and have access to specialized equipment, typically unavailable at primary care clinics.
Spay & Neuter
Unless you intend to breed, we recommend having pets spayed or neutered. Pets that have been spayed or neutered tend to live longer and have healthier lives.
Surgery
Surgery covers a vast sub-sect of veterinary medicine, from routine spay and neuter to complex orthopedic and soft tissue procedures. Within our Thrive Pet Healthcare network, you can access surgical services on both the primary care and specialty level so whatever your pet’s surgical needs, our trusted veterinarians and surgical specialists are here for you.
Heartworm Prevention
Another key component of helping to maintain your pet’s health and happiness is having them on reliable, consistent heartworm preventative.
Heartworm disease is serious and potentially fatal to our dogs and cats. Heartworms are spread by mosquito bites and can grow up to a foot long, living in the heart and lungs of our beloved pets.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas can cause itchy skin, skin infections, and spread tapeworms. Ticks can carry disease such as Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and more.
Pet Grooming
Grooming has hygienic and health benefits for pets. We offer safe, quality pet grooming ranging from nail trims and baths to more specific grooming services.
End-Of-Life Care
We will be by your side during this time of need to offer both medical assistance and emotional support.
More About Us
Richard Carlson
DVM, AVBP
Dr. Rich Carlson thoroughly enjoys working as a veterinarian. Becoming a veterinarian was his dream as a young boy, and he feels so fortunate to have spent the last 30+ years helping people and their pets. After graduating from the University of Illinois, he founded Carlson Animal Hospital in Oak Park in 1980 in a 900-square-foot dry cleaner space. Carlson Animal Hospital grew quickly, and a few years later Dr. Carlson bought and renovated his current 3,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art building. The facility won the American Animal Hospital Architecture top award for the best re-use of a building and was awarded the Cavalcade of Pride Award by the Village of Oak Park. Dr. Carlson earned the title "Diplomate" when he became board certified in canine and feline practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in 1987. This is a respected and fully accredited board designation for veterinarians who demonstrate expertise in a broad range of clinical subjects. He is one of a small group of 900 ABVP Diplomates in the United States and abroad. ABVP Diplomates undergo a very long and very difficult process of additional study and examination to become board-certified specialist. ABVP Diplomates have proven knowledge and expertise above and beyond what is required to practice veterinary medicine. Dr. Carlson has a special interest in internal medicine, ultrasound, endocrinology, oncology, dermatology, and infectious diseases. He is academically oriented and has published several scientific papers in peer-reviewed veterinary medical journals. He also wrote a pet health newspaper column for 15 years and served on the credential committee for the Feline Specialty Board for many years. He enjoys mentoring and training young veterinarians and staff. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Carlson has invested in state-of-the-art noninvasive technology such as digital radiography, digital ultrasound, digital dental radiography, and computerized medical records to better serve his patients. This high-end technology has revolutionized the practice of medicine. Dr. Carlson and his staff are excited and proud to offer this to patients. He feels privileged to be part of the community and his clients' and pets’ lives and has truly enjoyed getting to know them. In his free time, Dr. Carlson enjoys spending time with his family and his own pets, Zoe and Julio, as well as his grandpets, Andre, Sloopy, Minnie, Bella, and Cody. He also enjoys traveling and working out at the health club.
Traci Lazar
DVM
Dr. Traci Lazar (Leslie) received her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, as well as her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine training, at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. She has volunteered and worked at a number of local animal shelters, and emergency centers, and through the university as a technician, kennel assistant, emergency radiology technician, and surgery technician. Two of her most memorable and educational experiences include traveling to Africa for a month to work for Vets-in-the-Wild, as well as working with Rural Area Veterinary Services in Washington State to assist in spay/neuter and wellness clinics throughout the state’s various Indian reservations. Dr. Lazar started working at Carlson Animal Hospital immediately after graduating from veterinary school. She is originally from Park Ridge, Illinois, and loves being close to home. She has a black Lab/pit bull mix named Parker who she adopted when he was six months old. Now he is an old man and enjoys a life of luxury involving neighborhood walks, afternoon naps, treats, and more naps. She is married and has enjoyed watching the bond form between her husband (who grew up with cats) and Parker. They enjoy living in Logan Square and taking advantage of all it has to offer. Dr. Lazar has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was five years old and nothing could change her mind. Fortunately, she thoroughly enjoys science and continuing her education. At this point in her career, she is focusing on expanding her knowledge in internal medicine and abdominal ultrasound, soft tissue surgery, and continuing to grow in the field of veterinary medicine every day. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors as much as possible, training for half marathons, biking, kayaking, traveling the world, and trying new cuisine with her husband. She is very grateful for the support of the staff and continuing mentorship and guidance of her colleagues at Carlson Animal Hospital and feels like she has truly found a home here.
Cheryl Toncray
DVM
Dr. Cheryl Toncray moved to Chicago in 1992 as a young veterinarian and began working full-time at Carlson Animal Hospital. She received her veterinary degree in 1990 with honors from Michigan State University. She was specifically attracted to the high level of compassionate care and progressive state-of-the-art medicine practiced by Dr. Carlson and his staff. Her specific interests are in internal medicine and most recently elderly/hospice care for the senior pet. While at Michigan State University, she was the recipient of the International Veterinary Student Group African Exchange fellowship and was chosen by the University to be a featured article in Michigan Women magazine. Prior to joining the staff at Carlson Animal Hospital, she practiced veterinary medicine in Toledo, Ohio for 2 years. When first moving to Illinois she lived in Oak Park where she was an active member of the community through her work at the hospital, her local church, and as a member/violinist of the Oak Park/River Forest Symphony. In the past years, she and her husband Tim decided to expand their family beyond the 2 dogs, 4 cats, and a rabbit they started their married life with. Adding their 2 daughters led to her working fewer hours at the hospital, however, she has remained an active member of the staff. She is extremely excited about the advancements made in veterinary medicine over the 20+ years she has been working at Carlson Animal Hospital. She is fortunate to be working these many years with Dr. Carlson, the staff at Carlson Animal Hospital, and the patients and clients she sees on a daily basis where she is able to practice and provide advanced medicine and surgery to our wonderful companions. In her time away from the hospital she loves to travel, perform her music, and spend time with her active family.
Membership Benefits That Go Beyond
Thrive Plus empowers you to provide the best possible care for your pet by making veterinary services more cost-effective and accessible.
Unlimited FREE Pet Exams◊
10% Off Care Services
$5 Nail Trims
Exclusive Offers
OUR ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
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