Integrative Pet Care addresses array of wellness needs
An interview with Dr. Arlene O. Rodriguez and Dr. Rosemary J. LoGiudice, owners of Integrative Pet Care Hanover Park
Q: Describe your business.
A: We operate a veterinary center dedicated exclusively to the physical rehabilitative therapy, fitness and holistic wellness needs of dogs and cats. As our name suggests, we integrate traditional and complementary veterinary methods for rehabilitation, exercise, wellness, and holistic healing. We can help pets recover from injury or surgery, manage their pain and prevent future injury, help pets maintain or achieve fitness and help retard the stiffness and soreness often associated with aging. We also offer Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, holistic consultations and complementary and alternative therapies and treatments for chronic illness.
Certified professionals supervise all therapies, which include: underwater treadmill, therapeutic laser, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, diet and exercise programs, massage therapy, veterinary acupuncture and veterinary spinal manipulative therapy or chiropractic will soon be available.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: Dr. Rodriguez: I was frustrated at times in regular veterinary practice in that I felt I was limited with what I could offer to my patients for pain or postoperative recovery, arthritis, and other common problems. I knew there had to be more ways to help my patients. I therefore researched available options and found that by enrolling in the post graduate veterinary rehabilitation certification program through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute I could learn rehabilitation medicine and pain management therapies that I could use to help my patients.
A: Dr. LoGiudice: I have been fortunate to have experienced many aspects of the veterinary profession in my more than 30 years as a veterinarian. Sports medicine with athletic horses and dogs had always been a big interest of mine. A classmate of mine from veterinary college started the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and we talked at a meeting several years ago. That was the impetus I needed to return to post graduate studies and gain my certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through CRI. I wanted to be able to help animals achieve their maximum potential in athletic ability and quality of life.
Also, learning additional methods of pain management encouraged me to study at the Chi Institute for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and earn my certification as a Veterinary Acupuncturist. I am currently in the Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy program (veterinary chiropractic) at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center and hope to achieve certification this summer.
Q: What did you do before launching this practice?
A: Dr. Rodriguez: I was the owner and veterinary clinician at my traditional veterinary practice, Hanover Park Animal Care Center
A: Dr. LoGiudice: I was part-owner and veterinary clinician at Integrative Pet Care Chicago (I am still there one day each week); Interim Director of the Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine; Director, Membership & Field Services Division of the American Veterinary Medical Association; Owner and veterinary clinician: Country Care Animal Hospital, Manhattan, IL; LLS Equine, Joliet, IL; Ingmire Large Animal Clinic, Joliet.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating a small business?
A: Both: The freedom to set our own quality standards and hours needed to meet the needs of our patients and clients.
Q: Are you doing now what you pictured doing when you were young?
A: Dr. Rodriguez: Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I couldn’t be happier.
A: Dr. LoGiudice: Since I was in 5th grade the only thing I wanted to do was be a veterinarian. At that time, rehabilitation veterinary medicine had not yet been established. I enjoy what I am doing and I am doing it as a veterinarian, so life is good!
-Kim Mikus
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Please contact us at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Business: Integrative Pet Care Hanover Park
Address: 1920 Ontarioville Road, Hanover Park, IL 60133
Owners: Arlene O. Rodriguez, DVM, CCRT and Rosemary J. LoGiudice, DVM, CCRT, CVA
Opened: 2012
Web address: www.integrativepetcare.com