Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Compassionate Veterinary Care for Your Beloved Pets
Pets First is a woman and minority-owned veterinary practice dedicated to providing comprehensive care for dogs and cats in East Lakeview and surrounding communities. Established in 2012, our clinic combines decades of veterinary expertise with compassionate care, offering services ranging from routine wellness exams to advanced surgical procedures and end-of-life support. Our team of experienced veterinarians and technicians prioritizes personalized treatment plans that consider each pet's medical needs alongside their owner's emotional and practical considerations.We maintain affiliations with specialized referral partners to ensure access to advanced care when needed, while maintaining our commitment to being a trusted, community-focused practice. Our facility features modern diagnostic tools, including in-house imaging and laboratory services, and we offer telehealth consultations for select cases. Through continuous education and a focus on both conventional and alternative medicine modalities, we strive to deliver exceptional veterinary care that meets the evolving needs of pets and their families.
Services
Wellness Exams
Soft Tissue Surgery
Dental Procedures
End-of-Life Care
Referral Services
Telehealth Consultations
Nutritional Counseling
Cold Laser Therapy
Spay/Neuter Services
Laboratory Testing
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 12+ years of experience in veterinary medicine with specialized training in alternative therapies
- Our team provides personalized care plans considering medical, emotional, and financial needs
- We maintain partnerships with 7+ specialty clinics for advanced diagnostic and treatment options
- Our facility features modern diagnostic tools including digital radiography and in-house lab testing
- We provide comprehensive end-of-life care with compassionate support for pet owners
What people say
Expert medical care
Compassionate staff
Personalized treatment
Modern facilities
Thorough explanations
Services
Wellness Exams
Our comprehensive wellness exams include physical assessments, vaccination updates, and preventive care planning. We emphasize early disease detection through routine bloodwork and diagnostic testing. Our veterinarians create customized wellness plans based on each pet's age, breed, and health status.
Soft Tissue Surgery
We perform various soft tissue surgical procedures including spays/neuters, mass removals, and cystotomies. Our surgical team utilizes modern anesthetic protocols and post-operative pain management. All surgical patients receive individualized care plans and follow-up monitoring.
End-of-Life Care
Our compassionate end-of-life care includes quality of life assessments, palliative treatments, and humane euthanasia options. We offer memorial services and cremation arrangements through trusted partners. Our team provides emotional support for pet owners during difficult decision-making processes.
Dental Procedures
We provide complete dental care including oral exams, teeth cleaning, and surgical extractions. Our services utilize digital dental radiography for accurate diagnosis. We educate owners on home dental care to maintain oral health between professional cleanings.
Referral Services
We coordinate advanced care through our network of specialty partners including veterinary emergency groups, ophthalmologists, and veterinary dentists. Our team facilitates referrals for complex cases requiring specialized equipment or expertise while maintaining primary care continuity.
People
Dr. Chitra Natarajan
Founder & Veterinarian
Established Pets First in 2012 after 16 years in veterinary practice. Certified in small animal acupuncture with special interest in alternative medicine modalities. Graduated from University of Illinois in 1996.
Dr. Patrick Mitchell
Veterinarian
Joined Pets First in 2013 with 13 years of clinical experience. Specializes in soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. Graduated from Mississippi State University in 2000 after practicing in multiple states.
Dr. Kurt Larson
Veterinarian
Veterinarian with 23 years of experience in Chicago area. Joined Pets First in 2022. Focuses on general practice and client education about modern veterinary medicine.
Dr. Jennise Fermoso
Veterinarian
Joined Pets First in 2024 with experience in mobile veterinary services. Special interests in ophthalmology and shelter medicine. Graduated from University of Illinois in 2020.
Dr. Robert Plourde
Veterinarian
Veterinary relief specialist joining full-time in 2024. Specializes in advanced dentistry and soft tissue surgery. Graduated from St. George's University in 2011 with 13 years clinical experience.
Questions
What services does Pets First offer for senior pets?
We provide comprehensive geriatric care including wellness exams, chronic disease management, and mobility assessments. Our team offers specialized nutritional counseling and pain management options tailored for aging pets.
Can I schedule telehealth appointments at Pets First?
Yes, we offer telehealth consultations at the doctor's discretion. These virtual visits work best for follow-up discussions, treatment plan reviews, and select non-emergency cases requiring professional guidance.
How does Pets First handle emergency situations?
While we don't provide 24/7 emergency care, we maintain partnerships with multiple emergency clinics. Our referral network includes Chicago Veterinary Emergency Group and MedVet for after-hours critical care needs.
What makes Pets First different from other veterinary clinics?
We combine personalized care with comprehensive medical expertise, offering both conventional treatments and alternative medicine options. Our team emphasizes client education and creates treatment plans that balance medical needs with practical considerations.
Do you offer dental care services for pets?
Yes, we provide complete dental services including oral exams, professional cleanings, digital radiography, and surgical extractions. Our dental care emphasizes both treatment and preventive home care education.
How can I schedule an appointment at Pets First?
You can schedule appointments by calling us directly at (773) 904-8724 during business hours. We recommend early booking for surgery slots, which often fill several months in advance.
