Loving Care Animal Clinic to relocate to Palatine

Loving Care Animal Clinic, a household name to pet owners throughout Rolling Meadows and beyond, plans to relocate to a larger space in Palatine.

“I’m looking to expand my business,” said owner and veterinarian Joanne Carlson, who has run the Kirchoff Road clinic since purchasing it 14 years ago. “I’ve outgrown the size where I’m at right now and looking to add more services.”

The Palatine village council Monday unanimously approved Carlson’s request for a special use to operate an animal hospital at 444 E. Northwest Highway.

The move to the 3,600-square-foot building — about double the size of the current location — likely will take place by the end of October, veterinary assistant Kristie Willenborg said.

Palatine officials said the animal hospital should be a good fit for the poorly maintained, vacant office space. It has 26 parking spots, far more than the 12 required under village code, and a street separates area homes from the building, located between a heating and air conditioning business and more offices.

Carlson plans to remodel the interior to include a reception and waiting area, exam rooms, x-ray and surgery rooms and a grooming area. She anticipates extending hours and seeing up to 50 clients per day. She’ll also install a privacy fence.

The clinic won’t provide overnight boarding, and because Carlson uses less invasive laser surgery, recovering animals don’t often have to be hospitalized for the night.