Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Elyria, OH
Elyria Animal Hospital has been a trusted name in pet care since 1960, serving Elyria, Ohio, and surrounding communities. Our family-owned practice combines decades of experience with a compassionate approach to veterinary medicine, offering services ranging from routine checkups to advanced treatments like I-131 therapy for hyperthyroidism. Our team of skilled veterinarians and technicians prioritizes personalized care, utilizing modern diagnostics and treatment methods while maintaining a deep commitment to the human-animal bond.We serve both common and exotic pets, emphasizing preventive care, emergency services, and client education. With over 65 years of local expertise, we remain dedicated to advancing pet health through continuous learning, community engagement, and ethical practice standards.
Services
Pet Laser Surgery
Companion Therapy Laser
In-House Laboratory
Digital Radiography
Dental Services
I-131 Treatment
Emergency Care
Exotic Pet Care
Online Pet Store
Vaccination Packages
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer 65+ years of veterinary expertise in Elyria, OH.
- Our hospital provides the only I-131 treatment for cats in Ohio.
- Our team includes specialists in exotic and pocket pet care.
- We maintain Fear Free Certified staff for stress-free pet visits.
- Our online store offers free shipping on pet essentials year-round.
What people say
Compassionate care
Experienced staff
Expertise in exotic pets
Excellent I-131 treatment
Fear Free Certified team
Services
I-131 Treatment
Our I-131 treatment safely manages feline hyperthyroidism through a single injection. This non-invasive procedure requires a 3-10 day stay for radiation safety compliance. The treatment selectively destroys overactive thyroid tissue without harming surrounding organs, achieving normal thyroid function in 95% of cases within one month. Patients receive continuous monitoring by our licensed veterinary team.
Pet Laser Surgery
We utilize advanced laser technology for precise surgical interventions with reduced pain and faster recovery. This technique minimizes bleeding and infection risks while improving postoperative comfort. Our veterinarians perform laser surgeries for soft tissue conditions, tumors, and dental procedures. The technology allows for outpatient care in many cases that previously required hospitalization.
Dental Services
Our comprehensive dental care includes cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatments under anesthesia. Digital dental radiography enables accurate diagnosis of tooth root issues and jawbone health. We provide preventive education on home care routines and offer specialized diets for oral health. Fear Free techniques ensure minimal stress during dental examinations for pets.
In-House Laboratory
Our on-site lab delivers rapid bloodwork, urinalysis, and parasite screening results during appointments. This capability allows immediate assessment of organ function, diabetes management, and infectious disease detection. We combine immediate testing with access to external specialists for complex cases, ensuring comprehensive diagnostic capabilities without delaying treatment decisions.
Exotic Pet Care
We provide specialized care for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other pocket pets. Our team has expertise in exotic animal nutrition, disease prevention, and surgical procedures. Services include wellness exams, dental care for rodents, and emergency treatment tailored to unique species' needs. We offer housing and diet recommendations specific to each exotic pet type.
People
Dr. Alex O'Roark
Veterinarian
Dr. O'Roark brings extensive experience from private practice and Johns Hopkins research. He has practiced at Elyria Animal Hospital since 1992, focusing on small animal care. His background includes work with racehorses and academic research on antioxidants.
Dr. Rick Thompson
Veterinarian
With 34 years in veterinary medicine, Dr. Thompson founded The Family Pet Clinic before joining Elyria Animal Hospital. He specializes in K9 officer care and has expertise in exotic animal training from his California background.
Dr. Eric Allie
Veterinarian
Dr. Allie joins us after 13 years in local practice, bringing expertise in ultrasonography and greyhound medicine. He received dual excellence awards from Ohio State University and combines technical skill with practical experience gained as a veterinary assistant.
Jeanette O.
Veterinary Technician
Certified dental technician with ASVDT credentials since 1984. Fear Free Certified with extensive experience in pet dental care. She has worked at Elyria Animal Hospital for over 35 years, specializing in animal dental health.
Lexie M.
Registered Veterinary Technician
RVT since 2021 with Fear Free Certification. She joined the hospital in 2023 after completing her education. Her expertise includes patient care and client education for both cats and dogs.
Questions
What pet services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive veterinary care including I-131 treatment, laser surgery, dental care, emergency services, and exotic pet care. Our services also include in-house diagnostics and an online pet store.
Do you treat exotic animals?
Yes, we specialize in exotic and pocket pet care, including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and reptiles. Our team has specific expertise in unique species' medical needs.
What are your emergency hours?
Emergency services are available during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting the Animal Emergency Center in Cuyahoga County.
How does I-131 treatment work for cats?
I-131 treatment involves a single injection that targets overactive thyroid tissue. Cats stay 3-10 days for radiation safety. The non-invasive procedure requires no anesthesia and has a 95% success rate.
Do you have online ordering for pet products?
Yes, our online store offers medications, supplements, and specialized diets with free shipping on orders over $49. You can order from home and have products delivered directly.
Are your staff Fear Free Certified?
Multiple team members hold Fear Free Certification to reduce pet anxiety during visits. We implement stress-reduction techniques for all patient interactions.
