Our Doctors

About Central Hospital for Animals

Central Hospital For Animals was opened on November 18, 1975 by Doctors Blakely, Spears, and Rhine.  The hospital was formed by combining Blakely Animal Hospital and Spears Veterinary Clinic.  Dr. Rhine joined the corporation, fresh from his residency at the University of Illinois.  The modern facility was built with the goal of providing comprehensive medical and surgical care for animal patients.  Over the years, satellite clinics were added to neighboring towns in Carbondale, Marion, and Harrisburg.  All hospitals contain a full laboratory and pharmacy and the main facility in Herrin provides digital radiography, ultrasound, therapy laser and surgical facilities complete with CO2 laser and dentistry.  Most diagnostic and treatment procedures are completed within the hospital, although we also rely on other laboratories as needed.  Twenty-four hour emergency service is another important aspect of our full service hospital.  We have 9 doctors’ staffed at all four locations to help serve our Southern Illinois community.

Over the years, many talented doctors have worked and trained here.  Gordon and Sue Ella Rhine became the sole owners of CHFA in August of 1994.  Dr. Richard Jefferson has been a valued member on staff since June, 1989; Dr.  Kim Talley became an associate in June of 1996.  Dr. Laura Portee also became an associate in December of 1996, Dr. Richard Harper became an associate in December of 1998, Dr. Ellen McNitt became an associate in March 2006, Dr. Libby Ownby became an associate in December of 2012, Dr. Collin Rhine became an associate in 2013, and Dr. Saundra Kayne joined the CHFA team as an associate in August of 2015.

As an associate member of the American Animal Hospital Association, Central Hospital For Animals adheres to high standards of quality medical care.  AAHA has contributed greatly to the care of patients and encourages continuing improvement through meetings and seminars with that goal in mind.  We are proud to be a member of the organization.

Central Hospital was incorporated in 1975, to take advantage of business laws and opportunities for growth and expansion.  Due to the increasing need for additional services in other locations, CHFA expanded to include outpatient clinics in Harrisburg (1985) Carbondale (1996) and the Marion Eastside Facility (2014).  Keith Rhine (Dr. Rhine’s son) built Central Animal Inn next to the Herrin location (2005) to accommodate the growing needs of our boarding and grooming pets.

Throughout the years, Central Hospital For Animals has continued its tradition of providing the best veterinary care possible.  We look forward to continuing this tradition with the help of a dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled staff.