Chatham Is A ‘Veterinary Care Desert.’ A New Pet Clinic Is Opening To Fill That Void

CHATHAM — After two decades working in the animal rescue sector, Dr. Simuel Hampton noticed the “huge gaps in services” in pet care on the South Side. In his role at the Anti-Cruelty Society, for example, Hampton noticed families from Far South Side neighborhoods frequently trekking to the organization’s Downtown offices to receive care from its low-cost clinic, he said. Now, Hampton is hoping to close that gap in care for the South Side’s furry friends as the owner and veterinarian at Chatham Veterinary Clinic, 8200 S. King Drive, where he plans to become Chatham’s “friendly neighborhood veterinarian.” Hampton’s office — the only veterinary clinic in Chatham — will welcome its first pet patients on Tuesday. Appointments can be scheduled here . People can visit the veterinary clinic to access comprehensive care for their pets, including dental cleanings, surgeries, spaying and neutering, vaccinations and other preventive services, Hampton said. The office also has a pharmacy with medications for pets. The clinic will cater primarily to dogs and cats, but Hampton can also care for rabbits, goats and backyard poultry, he said. Someone has already asked if they can bring their turtle to have its nails cut. Hampton can do that too, he said. “My goal is to figure out the needs of the community and do the best I can to meet those needs,” Hampton said. Hampton grew up in Auburn Gresham but spent a majority of his time in Chatham, where his grandmother owned a home and his mother was raised, he said. Today, he lives in Chatham. Hampton has been a veterinarian for 14 years. His work in the field has included leading the medical team at local rescue One Tail at a Time and founding the Guardian Mobile Veterinary Services , a practice that offers house calls for pets and pop-up wellness clinics for owners without transportation or access to a veterinarian. Most recently, he worked in a leadership role at the Anti-Cruelty Society, Hampton said. He had been contemplating leaving his role at the Anti-Cruelty Society and purchasing an existing practice when he drove down King Drive and spotted a for-sale sign in front of a small, single-story building, he said. The building was so close to his Chatham home that he noted he could walk to work if he owned the space. Hampton bought the building in February and worked his final day at the Anti-Cruelty Society’s Downtown office in October as he moved full time into opening his own clinic. Hampton and his team designed the Chatham clinic with a “workflow” in mind, he said. As soon as clients enter the building, they’ll check in at the front desk before entering one of three exam rooms where their pets will receive care. One exam room is larger to care for bigger breeds of dogs, while another is sized for cats, rabbits and other smaller furry or scaly friends. Hampton also designed one exam space to double as a “comfort room” for people who are saying goodbye to their pets. Rather than walking through the lobby past waiting clients, grieving pet owners can exit the office from a private door in the exam room. Following Tuesday’s grand opening, Chatham Veterinary Clinic will be one of few that exists on the South Side and the only one in Chatham. The next closest animal clinics and hospitals are Woodlawn Animal Hospital and Auburn Animal Hospital in Auburn Gresham. “We talk about food deserts on the South Side and West Side of Chicago, but there’s also a veterinary care desert,” Hampton said. “As far as this immediate area, there’s not much around. It’s definitely a big need.” In the days leading up to its grand opening, people have already arrived at the Chatham office to express their excitement, Hampton said. The clinic already has appointments scheduled for Tuesday, he said. Long term, Hampton hopes to expand his team of three and open more small-scale locations across the city, particularly on the West and East sides, he said. “It’s a blessing to be here,” Hampton said. “We’re happy and ready to get started.” ______________________________________________________________________ Support Local News! Subscribe to Block Club Chicago , an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Already subscribe? Click here to gift a subscription , or you can support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation. Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast: Should Chicago Have Public Festival Grounds? It’s On The Ballot. Episode play icon Should Chicago Have Public Festival Grounds? It’s On The Ballot. Episode play icon Need A Halloween Costume? A Chicago Thrifting Expert Shares Her Secrets Episode play icon The Cubs Win The Latest Round In Their 20-Year Battle With The Rooftops Load More Search Results placeholder Previous Episode Show Episodes List Next Episode