Veterinarian Overview
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 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 a 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 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
