ABOUT US

Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments would like to take this opportunity to welcome you, your family, and your special family member to our website. As you continue to browse and explore our website, it is our hope that you will learn more about our dedication to your family and the quality veterinary medicine and service we provide.

Our goal here at Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments has always been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments displays an unrivaled commitment to our clients through continuing education, technological advances in veterinary medicine and service, and most importantly, administering compassionate care to all pets entrusted to us.

Fear Free Certified Professionals

Some of our staff are Fear Free Certified! This means that our mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.

Rest assured that when you bring your pets to Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments, we will ensure a Fear Free experience.

YOUR PETS, OUR FAMILY.

Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments is a full-service animal center whose mission is to provide the highest standard of veterinary care for pets. We provide friendly, informative, and supportive services for you and your pet, while maintaining a superior working environment for our employees.

MEET OUR TEAM!

Dr. Kristine Preiser

DVM

Dr. Preiser's Bio

The daughter of veterinarian and hospital founder Dr. Herbert Preiser, Dr. Kristine Preiser has been the medical director of Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments since 2007. Kristine played Division I soccer at Iowa State and at the University of Montana where she also earned a BS in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology and a minor in Philosophy. Kristine attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and then completed her clinical year at Washington State University where she graduated in 2007. Before becoming a veterinarian, Kristine held a number of different jobs including wilderness firefighter in the Tally Lake Ranger District in Montana; soccer coach in IL, MT, & AK, including the Olympic Development Program and the Head Women’s Coach of the St. Kitt’s and Nevis National Team for over 3 years; worked as a team member on the wolf reintroduction program through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department in Grand Teton National Park for a winter season; spent 1 year teaching the ways of the wilderness with troubled youths in Montana to encourage a positive lifestyle (AYA), and she also was a substitute teacher and Youth Soccer coach in Alaska for 2 years.

In her free time, Kristine enjoys reading and painting, playing any sports and anything outdoors, especially soccer and golf, and backpacking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, and camping with her dogs Roux, Bug, and Zwieback, Phoebe, and also 3 cats Targa, Talisker (Tallie) and Keaton and squeaking with her guinea pig Nome. When at home, her hobbies include organic gardening, raising chickens, beekeeping, reading, and stamp collecting and scrapbooking for her daughter. In 2019 she and Brett had their first child Charlotte Elisabeth and they both can’t wait to teach her the wonders of nature and animals!! You may also meet her rescue cat Kenai when you come to the animal hospital. Giving back to the community is important to Dr. Preiser; she has recently started a therapy farm in Northern Illinois for both people and animals, pursuing her wildlife license to help any and all animals heal both physically and mentally. She volunteered as medical director of an on-campus animal shelter founded by her family from 2007 to 2018, taking pride in treating every shelter animal like her own and not just a number. Her veterinary interests include surgery, geriatric medicine, wildlife, orthopedics, exercise rehabilitation, holistic medicine, and reproduction. She is now the medical director for Border Tails Rescue and Adoptable Friends Inc, 2 shelters. She strongly supports their mission and philosophy. She is now the medical director for Border Tails Rescue and Adoptable Friends Inc, two shelters she strongly supports their mission and philosophy. She is also a huge golf fan and loves the German premier soccer team Bayern Munich. She moved back to the Midwest to be closer to her father, but her heart and passion lie in the Northwestern mountains. Someday she’ll be reunited with the wilderness, she says! 🙂 While she loves what she does in her practice, her dream job would be Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet! If you watch that show, you’ll know why!

Dr. Silvana Beloiu

DVM

Dr. Beloiu' Bio

Dr. Beloiu was born in the capital city of Romania, Bucharest. She decided to become a veterinarian from an early age because she always felt compassion
every time she encountered a sick pet. In her childhood, she spent three weeks every summer in the Carpathian mountains of Romania camping with her whole family, hiking, and picking herbal medicine, mushrooms, and wild berries with her grandfather. Her grandfather taught her a lot about the forest and opened her heart to nature.

She graduated from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, Romania in 1997. During her study years, she volunteered almost every Saturday at the university clinic, helping with treatments, surgeries, and house calls. This experience in the formative years
constituted a great foundation for future clinical work as a veterinarian. After graduation, she worked in a small animal practice for 3 years in Bucharest. In
2000 she moved to the United States and started working as a veterinary assistant at Riser Animal Hospital and then at March Animal Hospital while
being enrolled in the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). She
completed the Evaluated Clinical Year (ECY) at Iowa State University, and finished the program in 2007, becoming a licensed veterinarian. Upon
completion of the program, she returned to March Animal Hospital where she practiced for 14 years all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine. Always
interested in gaining new skills she attended various training programs for laser surgery and also in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) becoming certified in acupuncture, herbal, and food therapy. Blending Western and Eastern medicine has been her passion, trying to get the best outcome for the patient. Other professional interests include all types of soft tissue surgery, geriatric medicine, and dentistry. She also received training in laparoscopic surgery at the Animal Medical Center of Skokie.

In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, husband Alex, daughter Melissa, and cat Emma Fuzzball, reading, cooking, bicycle riding, rollerblading, and listening to music.

Dr. Mary Lewis

DVM

Dr. Lewis' Bio

Dr. Mary Lewis graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1988 as the second graduating class. She also did her undergrad at U of W-Madison. She has been part of our team since 2020 and immediately fit in with our team. She is one of the kindest, most compassionate people you’ll ever met, not only to our patients, but to our clients and team! She is so thankful to be a part of pets and their peoples’ lives, with a particular interest in working for the best of preventative care from beginning to end of our pets lives. She grew up in Northern Wisconsin playing outside all day in the woods and on a lake. Her family had horses, dogs and cats. She cherishes that she and her family still get to head north all year round to Manitowish Waters to her childhood home. For Dr. Lewis, her faith and family are her core focuses.

She had three dogs for most of her adult life , one always being a lab. Now she has a single dog home of her Papillon, Wilbur. Her pet naming criteria sourced from 50-60’s sitcom characters ( aka Wilbur Post from Mr Ed) . Ask her about her pets’ names! Outside of veterinary medicine, she love s her hobbies with her husband ( they just celebrated their 34 th anniversary !!) , her 3 lovely kids with terrific spouses and dogs, and her pride and joy grandchildren . She’s pretty addicted to her almost 3 year old grandson and 5 month old granddaughter . She and her husband love walking, bicycling, kayaking, disc golf, her new found hobby of pickleball, fishing,cross country ski ng, snowshoe ing, cooking, gardening, reading (especially historical fiction). Her newest adventures with her husband is to visit the National Parks! When you meet Dr. Lewis you’ll feel like you’ve found a friend.

Jaimie

Technician Team Leader

Jaimie's Bio

Jaimie joined Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments family back in February of 2005. She graduated in 2000 from Oregon State University with a degree in Wildlife Biology and that began the start of her career with animals. In 2001, she signed on with the U.S, Fish & Wildlife Service as a team member on the Greater Yellowstone Area Wolf Reintroduction project. After working there for 2 years, Jaimie took a position with the U.S. Forest Service doing flying squirrel surveys in Alaska. Eight years after leaving IL, Jaimie made the decision to move back home to be closer to her family. Outside of work she enjoys playing soccer and going to Blackhawks games, but she’s always up for anything outdoors. Living out west for 8 years has given her a greater appreciation of the beautiful things nature has to offer. Jaimie has 2 cats, Wrigley and Odie that are also Heartland Animal Shelter alumni and 2 dogs, McKinley and Chico. Did you know Jaimie is a carboholic??

Elsie

Certified Veterinary Technician

Elsie's Bio

Since joining our team at Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments in 2015 her mind and her heart have been opened to so many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the families and their companions.

She attended Fox College Vet Tech Institute and is proud to be a Certified Vet Technician.

She enjoys living a very exciting life, always trying new food and going on adventures; but being a mom is her happiest journey yet, and her Son gives her an excuse to act silly! Lifting and running keeps her fit, but dancing is her favorite way to maintain good cardiovascular fitness!

Elsie’s Zoo features her funny Jack Russell Terrier Troy, her Pit Bull Petey, Alec the Bearded Dragon and Oscar the Leopard Gecko.

Elsie is blessed knowing she has a whole team of amazing people with the same passion and goals in their hearts as she does for the veterinary field. We are blessed to have Elsie on our team, come in and meet her and you will agree with us on how compassionate, caring, and will do anything to make your pet and you comfortable here at the hospital!!

Amy

Certified Veterinary Technician

Amy's Bio

Amy joined the team in October of 2016, she graduated from vet tech institute in 2011 and is a certified veterinary technician. She has been working with animals since she was in high school. Amy has worked with a variety of species including birds, rabbits, reptiles, and wildlife. Amy lives with her husband, 3 small children, a lab named Claire, and a bunny named Charley Anderson. Amy enjoys scrapbooking in her spare time.

Abigail

Veterinary Assistant

Abigail's Bio

As a lover of animals, I always knew I wanted to help the ones who didn’t have a voice. I got my first vet assistant job right out of high school and knew this field was my passion and what I was meant to do with my life. After getting certified as a vet assistant at College of Lake County, I started looking to go further and become a veterinary technician. Finally, after a year and a half, I decided to go to tech school at Rockford Career College and graduated with my AAS in Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, I have worked as a veterinary tech and am working towards obtaining my CVT license. In my free time, I like to spend it with my husband, 2 dogs Koda and Daisy and 2 cats 2-Pac and Eros. I also love spending time with my family and sister on the weekends as well. I love watching football and baseball, with the Bears and Cubs being my favorite Chicago teams. My dream is to rescue all the homeless dogs one day, but for now I’ll settle with rescuing the seniors, ones who need love the most.

Katie

Veterinary Assistant

Katie's Bio

Born into a family with Siberian Huskies and Thoroughbreds, her love of animals began early. It was always her dream to work with animals as well as humans, and in 2011, she graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in pre-veterinary medicine. She spent the next 3 years studying chiropractic medicine at National University of Health Sciences. It was at this time when she lost the first of her 4 miniature dachshunds, Kali, and Kolby, Jessica, and Rascal, were soon to follow. It was in this moment that she dedicated her life to saving animals that could not save themselves. Outside of work, she spends all of her time at the stable, riding as many horses as she can. She has been riding and competitively showing jumping horses for 20 years. She has a 22-year-old Thoroughbred, Magic, and a Labrador Retriever puppy, Lola. She loves traveling, so much so that she was a student ambassador for the state of Illinois in 2006. She also loves attending Blackhawks games and Bears games, as well as attending concerts, and enjoying anything that allows her to spend time in the water. The first thing you’ll notice about Katie is her kindness and willingness to listen, come in and meet her!

Julie

Veterinary Assistant

Julie's Bio

Julie was born and grew up in South Korea and loved animals from a young age. She graduated Veterinary School in South Korea and practiced 3 years before immigrating to the USA in 2012 to build her family with her husband and 2 children. Most of her whole life was living as a loving mom and wife. Though Julie had a veterinary degree, she thinks being a mom and wife was a worthwhile and blessed time. She is so happy to be back in the veterinary field and work and learn as a vet tech at Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments. When she has free time, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and gardening. You’ll notice Julie is always smiling and always willing to help you!

Amanda

Veterinary Assistant

Amanda's Bio

Amanda has been in the veterinary field for about seven years and has loved every minute of it. She’s always known it was what was meant for her to be doing. She’s currently working hard in her final semester to achieve her Certified Veterinary Technician degree. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her furry zoo at home: Lady May, the pit bull mix; Ivanka, the Kitten; and Wednesday, the chinchilla. She loves spending time with her nephew Easton. Come in and meet Amanda; she might meet you in the parking lot in excitement to meet you and your pets! Her positive and vibrant energy is contagious!

Makayla

Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Makayla's Bio

Meet Makayla one of our certified Veterinary Assistants, immediately after high school in 2020 she began her interest in veterinary medicine. In 2022 she graduated from her college veterinary assistant program and now is currently in school to become a certified Veterinary Technician. On her free time she enjoys jogging in forest preserves with her family, taking care of her three pit bulls (Kobe, Carmelo, and Blue) and lots of crocheting

Maribel

Veterinary Assistant

Maribel's Bio

As a kid she always knew she wanted to help and save a pet’s life and make a difference. She started off working at pet boarding facilities and kept growing her knowledge till she got hired on as a veterinarian assistant. She inspired her siblings to be animal lovers as well. As a kid she would read books and watch animal channels to learn more about pets and their behavior. At the age of 11 she convinced her parents to get her a dog, a miniature poodle named Smokey. After that her family only got bigger! She am a current owner of a miniature poodle (Smokey), miniature yorkie (Mia), three domestic Shorthair cats (Batman, Cleo and Apa), a huskie (Maze) and lastly a Cane Corso (Beast). What a farm, you can tell she loves animals! That doesn’t include her sister two horses Odyssey and Ruby and her mother’s miniature poodle/yorkie (Grouch). She intends to continue to grow in the animal medical field and save one pet at a time. Maribel brings a gentle compassion and calm to her team and her patients.

Shannon

Customer Service Representative

Shannon's Bio

Bio coming soon

Ray

Customer Service Representative

Ray's Bio

Ray started her career in animal care as a private pet sitter in 2014. From there, her love for animals grew, and she wanted to help them more. She began working in the veterinary field in 2021. In her free time, she enjoys playing Sims 4 and watching comedies. At home, she has two cats, Hazel and Comet, a Basset Bound named Hunter, and two guinea pigs Moshe and Ophelia. We are excited to have Ray as part of our CSR team, you’ll find her genuine smile and kindness to be so comforting for all of your needs.

Heather

Customer Service Representative

Heather's Bio

Meet Heather! She is part of our client service representative. She loves working in the animal field because it’s always something different everyday. She has worked in the vet med field for 4 years now. She has a lab pointer mix at home named Lucky. In her spare time, she loves taking her on long walks with her fiancé on the weekends and exploring new places. Heather is very knowledgeable and compassionate and works hard to accommodate your every need.

Brad

Kennel Attendant Extraordinaire

Brad's Bio

If any of you use our boarding services, you know Brad! Brad has been loyal to Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments for over 20 years!! He is a quiet and gentle person that is very in tune with our boarders – dogs and cats alike! He enjoys going to the gym and pizza. He rescued his cat Whitey almost 3 years ago now.

Kenai and Miss Priscilla!

Welcome Committee

Welcome Committee Bio

We have quite a welcome committee here at Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments. Although rarely will you ever see all 3 of them in one room at one time there are 3 black cats that roam the halls of Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments. Chugach (aka Chewie) and his sister, Kenai came to Preiser Animal Hospital Urgent Care & Wellness Appointments as strays once upon a time. Dr. Preiser took one look at their big orange eyes and fell in love instantly. Unfortunately, her German Shepherd had different aspirations for them. And for that reason, they came to call the hospital home. And it truly is their home. About a year later, along came a kitten named Priscilla, also a stray, and Chewie was instantly smitten. Shortly after her arrival, Priscilla injured her arm and required a little more TLC. Chewie nursed her back to health and they have been living happily ever after since. Chewie can usually be found either on the sign-in clipboard or laying in the outgoing mailbox. Kenai is the brains of the operation. She is also our interior decorator at times, using her nails to help re-design the upholstery. As for Miss Priss. She is less enthusiastic about dogs so she tends to take cover until things quiet down. But when no one is around you will find her stretched out on the waiting room floor with her belly waiting to be petted or begging for water at the faucet (she has us trained quite well).

Freddy

Tapping Turtle

Freddy's bio

Freddy was rescued by Dr. Preiser from a client who couldn’t take care of him anymore. He lives in Dr. Preiser’s office in his tank. He is a very social and active little guy and makes sure Dr. Preiser is always working hard in her office (when she actually can be in her office).

Nome

Hospital Nymph

Nome's bio

Meet Nome the Guinea Pig! She’s our shyest resident but very sweet! She lives in her suite in Dr. Preiser’s office and squeaks her way to food! If you walk by her condo, she’ll tell you she hasn’t been fed, even if someone had just fed her!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

Use the form below to send us a message! A member of our team will get back to you as quickly as possible. If you need immediate assistance, please give us a call at 847-827-5200.