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Welcome to Riser Animal Hospital, your trusted local veterinarian serving the Skokie, Illinois community.

Riser Animal Hospital boasts a team of seven dedicated doctors with a rich history of delivering top-notch small animal medicine and surgery, paired with a client-centric approach. Our staff’s genuine care and dedication to animals and their caregivers have been the cornerstone of our practice’s success.

In recognition of our unwavering commitment to excellence, we are proud recipients of an award from the American Animal Hospital Association for 50 years of continuous membership. With over 70 years of serving our community, Riser Animal Hospital maintains the highest level of certification, reflecting our enduring dedication to upholding the highest standards of veterinary care.

As an accredited AAHA member, Riser Animal Hospital adheres to the association’s rigorous standards of quality veterinary care. Our facility undergoes regular evaluations by trained AAHA professionals to ensure that we consistently meet these standards and provide the best possible care for your furry companions. These standards encompass every aspect of our practice, from surgical and dentistry protocols to pain management, patient care, medical recordkeeping, and staff training.

Rest assured that at Riser Animal Hospital, your pets receive the highest standard of care. We are committed to maintaining these standards through ongoing evaluation every four years, ensuring that we continue to exceed expectations and provide unparalleled veterinary services to our valued clients and their beloved pets

The History of Riser

The history of Riser Animal Hospital traces back to its inception in 1950, when Dr. Wayne Riser, DVM, established the practice. Dr. Riser’s vision was to create a pioneering model of veterinary care, leading to the foundation of one of the earliest state-of-the-art animal hospitals. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and focused his research on areas such as hip dysplasia and histopathology, leaving a lasting impact on the veterinary community. Even today, references to his groundbreaking work can be found in current publications.

Initially operating solo, Riser Animal Hospital attracted a succession of exceptional veterinarians over the decades, each contributing to Dr. Riser’s legacy of excellence in care. Dr. Chuck Olt took ownership in the 1960s, later joined by Dr. Edna Guibor. Subsequently, Dr. Thomas Russel welcomed colleagues like Dr. Riley and Dr. Baukert into the practice.

Dr. Emil Baukert, who initially joined as a veterinary student in 1973 and later as a veterinarian in 1977, emerged as a prominent figure in the field. He served in various leadership roles within professional veterinary associations and garnered recognition for his contributions to disaster preparedness, animal welfare, and fostering the human-animal bond. Notably, Dr. Baukert played a pivotal role in establishing and operating the Chicago Veterinary Pet Loss Helpline.

In 2015, Dr. Baukert transitioned ownership of Riser Animal Hospital to two longstanding associates, Baksys and Dr. Sutkay. Under their stewardship, the hospital underwent significant renovations in 2017, culminating in the creation of a modern facility equipped with seven exam rooms, a comfort room, a full pharmacy, a laboratory, and treatment, surgical, and dental suites. The hospital was designed with a focus on patient and client comfort, incorporating the latest medical technology.

Today, Dr. Baksys and Dr. Sutkay remain committed to Dr. Riser’s original vision of providing top-notch care for companion animals while nurturing the bond between humans and their animal companions. Riser Animal Hospital continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, serving as a beacon of quality veterinary care in the community.