About us

Just who are these people coming to your house?

Here’s a little bit about all of us!


We are pleased to offer two veterinarians that can come to your house to treat your pets!

Dr. Karen Louis and Dr. Laura Boeren

Dr. Karen Louis (owner) and Dr. Laura Boeren

From Dr. Karen Louis:

Hello! I chose being a veterinarian as a sort of “second career” and have never looked back! I was earning a PhD in molecular cell biology at Washington University School of Medicine, when I adopted two rescued dogs. After becoming more involved with dog rescue, I realized veterinary medicine would be the best career for me. After being accepted into multiple veterinary schools, I chose University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2004. My favorite topics are dermatology and internal medicine, which also happens to be the majority of what I see on a day-to-day basis.

I base my practice on a simple concept: treat people the way I would want to be treated. I take the time to explain diagnostic and treatment options, no matter how complex. My clients appreciate my directness and honesty the most, even when it’s “brutal honesty” sometimes. And, I have learned that laughing a little goes a long way in this job!

vet treating a dog

Dr. Karen Louis with a patient

My clients know I am a doctor, but I am a real person. (Some of my dogs eat poop, no matter what I try.) I am a pet owner, and I know what it is like to love your pet like any “human” member of your family. Home hospice care, which helps improve the quality of life for geriatric dogs and cats, is a passion of mine. I am a member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, and serve on the Veterinary Council for Breed Stewardship.

I currently am “mom” to three rescue dogs: Lucy, a chihuahua mix with chronic brain disease that can still boss us; Sam, an old dachshund who lives for tummy rubs, and Linus, a 6-year-old chow mix who’s blind from a genetic disorder (don’t tell him that though!) I also foster homeless dogs for a couple area rescue groups, as well as rescue dogs from puppy mills.

Recently I started a blog in order to create an accurate, truthful online resource for pet owners. It’s called VetChick.com, and it contains articles covering a wide variety of pet health topics. It’s ever growing!

I also am certified in veterinary medical acupuncture. This is different from Chinese Medicine. I learned acupuncture from a scientific point of view, communicating with nerves and blood vessels with acupuncture needles. (Here’s the basics, and here’s the science-y stuff).

In 2019, my staff and I became certified in Low Stress Handling. Since we a re a non-traditional practice anyway, earning our certification was a logical step, and we incorporate these techniques into every appointment.

I look forward to getting to know new people and their pets! Nothing makes me happier than helping a cat or dog who has been itching, sick, or hurting, and making life better for the whole family.

Karen Louis DVM, MS, cVMA


We’re thrilled to have Drs. Laura Boeren and Melissa Clayton on our team!

Dr. Laura Boeren

 

Dr. Laura Boeren graduated from University of Illinois College of Veterinary medicine in 2001, with honors! She enjoyed practicing in high quality clinics for years, then took some time off to raise her four children. Now they are older, and she’s eager to get back to the work she loves. Dr. Boeren primarily performs in home euthanasias, and has been working part-time with Metro East Home Vet Care for 5 years.

In her free time, Dr. Boeren is active in her church, performing with the praise team. She also practices martial arts, and coaches her kids’ soccer teams.

 

 

Dr. Melissa Clayton graduated from University of Illinois Vet School in 2012 – with honors! She volunteers going to poor countries (and needy areas of the US) and offering veterinary care like spay/neuter clinics and vaccinations to pets in need.  Dr. Clayton is our main surgeon, and performs surgery and dentals on Thursdays. Since the majority of what she does is anesthesia, general surgery, and dental surgery, she is VERY good at it! We are so lucky to have her with us! One of her signatures is snuggling post-op patients in blankets and having staff carry them like babies, which they love. Dr. Clayton has 3 cats and enjoys yoga, hiking, kayaking, and traveling when not being a super-surgeon.

 

 

 

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such amazing technicians work with me! They have mad skills, are fun to be with, and our patients love them….most of the time!

Kelly has a bachelors degree in psychology from McKendree University, which she jokes she uses more often then you’d think in this job! She worked with me years ago at Four Paws Animal Hospital. She left the veterinary field for several years to be a mom to her daughter, but missed working with animals. Kelly is a cat person to her core, while her experience with her own very nervous dog makes her skilled at working with anxious dogs as well! When not working, Kelly home schools her daughter and is learning martial arts.

Nichole is a registered veterinary technician who works one day a week at a local animal hospital, and a couple days a week for us. She loves the big dogs who are babies and the cats that might not love us. Nichole was raised on an Elk Farm, but is happy to see smaller pets. She’s the proud mom of two boys, and is currently in the process of looking for the right large breed dog for their active family.

 

Mandi worked at the Belleville Area Humane Society for years, then made the switch to the veterinary world. She loves working with all species, and has a dog and cat of her own. Mandi loves making house calls, and does the majority of home visits, as well as helps in clinic appointments.

 

 

Jen is our main receptionist with over 10 years experience in the field. She even won a national award for being a top veterinary receptionist in the country! Her crazy sense of humor and calm demeanor make everyone feel right at home.

 

Lisa completed training for a registered veterinary technician from Penn Foster, and has worked in the field for 10 years. Lisa has 2 dogs and 2 cats, and works both in surgery and in the clinic.

 

 

Hannah graduated from Vatterott College with a degree in veterinary technology. She’s been a tech for 6 years, and fosters dogs and cats for local rescues as well! Hannah goes on house calls as well as helps in the clinic.

 

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