Canine Center

Patti Pascale

2024-04

Dr Barkus is a wonderful knowledgeable Veterinarian. Her staff is very friendly. . I would highly recommend Cannie Center

Allison Dibbern

2023-12

We just started visiting Canine Center a little over a month ago, but have been in multiple times with two senior dogs who needed the consistency and care of a reliable vet practice. I had been trying to find a new vet for awhile now, with rough experiences along the way. I was referred to Dr. Barcus from a current client and we are grateful to have found a vet who is considerate when it comes to diagnosing, treatment, and what a mom of two senior dogs is going through. Thank you to the staff of Canine Center for their patience and kindness.

Tricia Furch

2023-08

Dr Barcus and staff are great. I'm so happy we found Canine Center. Dr. Barcus is beyond knowledgeable on the newest treatments and fully explains options. We're so grateful for her help in treating our dog in her senior years and making Gracie (and us) comfortable after her cancer diagnosis. I wish we had found Canine Center sooner!

jenna deegan

2024-04

Loved everything from 1st time visit! Office is quiet and calm. Doctor was very thorough and informative. Every one was super nice. And prices for services and supplements were better than expected

linda bailey

2023-05

We are new to IL and I have a GSD. Dilly loves going to the vet and they have been really great with her there. They let her be herself, and she does well with them.

Nick Baldino

2023-09

Love this place! Very clean, warm & welcoming. My dog is happy to enter through the door! Dr. Barcus is great at explaining everything in ways that I understand. Their tech, Lexi is awesome too!

LLCC 1

2019-05

We’ve been going to the Canine Center since it opened in 2005. My husband and I have the highest respect and are so thankful for Dr. Barcus and her staff Cheryl, Michele and Lexi.This past Saturday, I left a message before hours to see if we could bring our loving german shepherd, Nikki, in for diagnosis. She had gone from an active, healthy, 10-year-old to a lethargic pup and had collapsed late the night before. Cheryl called back before they opened and said I should bring her over asap. We arrived shortly after 8 a.m. and the entire staff was on hand waiting to help. Within a short period of time, Dr. Barcus shared her thoughts on a diagnosis and it was the worst we could have imagined – hemangiosarcoma and the spleen had ruptured. We were devasted and in shock. She offered a thorough explanation of the disease, information on treatment and prognosis so we could make our decisions.Dr. Barcus and her staff spent well over 2 hours (on a busy Saturday morning) tending to Nikki, myself and my husband. In the end we decided that putting Nikki to rest was the best decision for her. It was also the hardest decision we’ve ever made. Our beloved pup who had just been her spunky self hours before was no longer going to be a part of our every day life.Again, the staff came to the rescue and allowed us to spend as long as we wanted with Nikki in a beautiful, peaceful, private room. Every single one of them was attentive, compassionate and empathetic to Nikki and our situation.Thank-you all for your time, your kindness, your knowledge and for everything you did for us yesterday morning. I can’t imagine being with anyone else or being anywhere else during such a difficult time.You are all truly the best.

Matt Tofts

2023-05

We have been going to Canine Center for many years and they have taken care of our dogs from infancy to senior. The care and understanding that is shown by the doctor and all her staff is wonderful. The doctor takes the time to explain diagnoses, procedures and medications so that the client understands the treatment their best friend is receiving. We love that Canine Center does not recommend unnecessary treatments or vaccinations for conditions our pups would never encounter, and the doctor has always been open an honest about the effectiveness of any recommended procedures. Prices for treatment and prescriptions are very reasonable and you can be sure you'll receive any available promotions or manufacturer's discounts on products.The doctor is passionate about dogs as you can see when you first walk into the clinic in Lake Villa, and she is always researching the best for our canine friends. You can find her name on web pages, studies, papers and publications penned over the last 25 years, from Tufts University, to specific breed clubs, dog nutrition, exercise, agility training, and canine enrichment programs and activities.Early morning, evening and weekend appointments are available which fits wonderfully with our busy schedule, and they have accommodated emergency appointments during office hours when our pups have needed them.

Alisa Kronshage

2019-05

Dr. Barkus and her staff are amazing. They talk about the personal side of owning a pet. She brings in her own experiences and lets you know what to expect. We have only been there twice, but so far our puppy wags her tail going in and going out. Thank you.

Lynn Ivan

2020-05

Honey loves coming to the Canine Center. The vet and techs are awesome. They don't throw all kinds of treatments and foods at you in order to make a buck. I come away knowing they want and recommend the best for Honey!

Toni Antonetti

2019-05

The best place to bring your dog! Dr. Barcus is great -- she recommends what is appropriate and necessary for your dog. Rates are very reasonable. Vet techs are friendly and professional. Plus, Canine Center works with local rescues!

Sandy Kroll

2023-05

It's an awesome place to take your 4 legged companion !! It's immaculate even w/winter weather, Inc the glass individual waiting area for your pet is less stressful for the dog parents & pets!! Not like most were your worn out after holding your dog back on a leash to prevent other pet contact or other dogs that have no manners that want to bother you & your pet. Actually the 1st time I've NOT come home worn out, (had taken 6 of my own pets besides my parents dogs to many clinics) I'd be exhausted after thier visits & they were wound up cuz they were in large waiting rooms & confined in small exam rooms w/tons of other pet hair!!The staff & vet are very professional, caring, accommodating, and have an interest in your dogs health!! Don't treat you like your another $ coming in the door, or pushing you out for the next patient. They were so sweet to my dog that has anxiety issues & she went along w/them like she knew them all her life when they went into exam room & they did what they needed to do.Thank You sol much for your patience w/my precious one!!

Eva Larsen

2023-05

Dr Barcus & staff have provided exceptional care and compassion for all our fur babies. Started going to the Canine center about 16 years ago and wouldn’t want to take my dogs anywhere else.

Mary

2021-05

Canine Center is the best! The staff is professional and so caring. Dr. Barkus listens to our concerns and offers the best care for our dog. When we went to her initially for a second opinion we had a dog with a near constant limp and knee surgery as the only solution. We walked out with a non-surgical treatment plan and now have a happy dog that no longer limps and typically walks 5 miles a day.

Amy Wangler

2019-05

Dr Barcus is simply the BEST there is. I have taken all my dogs to her and she has always helped us make the best decisions for our pets. She is beyond knowledgeable and always gives options, never pushy. We moved further away, but still make the drive to see her and her amazing staff.

Kimberly Fulton

2019-05

Dr. Barcus is the best. She offers state of the art care for your fur baby and always offers different options available when she can. She has cared for our puppies up to our senior dogs. I cannot say enough nice things about her and her staff. They are very accommodating as well and always find an appointment to fit your schedule!

Celia Turner

2020-05

Love supporting independent professionals! Dr. Barcus has focused her practice on canines to provide the best in care whether your dog is a pet or competitive performer. The staff all take the time to explain, answer questions - and schedule appointments so you're not waiting a long time.

Matt Ingersol

2020-05

Amazing place!!! We are a verified non-paid review! If you are new to the area or looking to switch (we were looking to switch and get another opinion when we started with Canine Center). Loving, super low stress for our pets, honest (not "here is something else to buy and lets see if it works"), Follow up phone calls from vet or staff to check on your pets progress! Honestly their service is equal to "when doctors cared and checked up on you" small town feel. No tables, to scare our pets, they examine right there on the floor (huge mat) where your pets are comfortable. Can't say enough good about Canine Center.

Gayle Thor

2021-05

I've been coming here for many years. Dr. Barcus is fantastic and she has the most wonderful staff. They are all so caring and patient and treat my dog just as if she was theirs. I'll always bring my pups here!

Carol Porter

2020-05

Always helpful with a smile. I've had my dogs to several other vets & no one compares! They are prompt & you're not sitting in a waiting room with a bunch of other animals. You're promptly taken to your own room. Dr. Barkus is extremely knowledgable & goes out of her way to make sure your dog gets the best care. I've referred several people & will continue to do so.

Emilie Joslun

2020-05

Dr Barkus took the time to listen to my concerns and gave me all the options that that were available for my dog. She truly cares for the well being of animals and gave me a sense of security by treating my dog as if it was her own. She feels strongly about over vaccinating animals and went into detail about what is important and what is simply too much. She is firm on her beliefs and very educated and she is just what I was looking for in a veterinarian. The center is very clean and open doors to see what happens in the background. My dog was very comfortable going there for a checkup and I feel confident knowing my only child is in good hands. The staff is VERY friendly and ask alot of questions before seeing the Doctor. I like that as I tend to forget my own questions sometimes. They call for a follow up as well as a friendly text to see how how my dog was doing, with something as simple as an eye infection/allergy they still cared enough to call and text.

Marc Kazen

2022-05

Dr. Barcus (yes that's her name and she's a canine vet) is a great vet. We've been going to see her for 7 years now. She always lays out the facts well for us to make informed decisions and the staff at the canine center are great.

Darlene Gorman

2019-05

The Canine Center is the best place to bring your dog, if you love and care about your dog.. When you walk into the center you are greeted by the friendly staff. They even greet the dog by name! They talk to the dog and treat them with great care.Dr. Brackus is outstanding! She is ready to give you "down to earth" advice to handle both Physical and Behavioral problems. She gives you various options to handle problems, thereby you make knowledgable decisions concerning your dog.Another outstanding feature is if you have an appointment, you are seen at the time. You do not sit in a waiting room with other dogs, waiting for hours to be seen. If your appointment us at 11, you are seen at 11.I love the Canine Center. Best of all, my dog loves the Canine Center. As a dog owner, you know dogs read people, and my dog gives Canine Center an A+ in lovable, caring people.

Mary Schuller

2018-05

I feel so fortunate to have found the Canine Center and specifically, Dr Barcus. Her knowledge, professionalism, compassion and integrity are second to none in my opinion. She understands and appreciates her client!s unique situations and does everything she can to avoid unnecessary charges, while providing a superb level of care. She listens to you and answers all questions thoroughly to ensure you understand all aspects of your pet's health management. Her staff is consistently friendly and helpful. My one and only complaint is they need better signage if you're approaching from south Rt 45! Even after several years, I still always miss the turn!! Or is that due to my being a senior driver??

Misty Burkert

2020-05

Absolutely fantastic experience. The entire staff was great. The vet handled my situation with patience and great knowledge. My dog is usually a handful at these appointments but this time, his first time here, went so smoothly I could not believe it. When it came time for the bill, I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable it was. Thank you all, I know where to bring him in the future.

Kelly Bott

2018-05

I am always comforted by the fact that Dr. Barcus and her team of veterinary assistants and staff have my dog's best interests in mind. Dr. Barcus has a preventative approach, but does not recommend anything that seems unnecessary. She explains things clearly and is very prompt in delivering information. Their schedule is extremely accommodating and we have never had to wait for care. I highly recommend the Canine Center for their genuine interest in the wellbeing of your companion.

Kelly Cartwright

2018-05

Cooper and I have been going to the Canine Center since he was about 8, he is now 15. At this point we go three times every week for fluids and at longer intervals for stems cells, both to treat his kidney issues. Everyone at the Canine Center is wonderful and the structure of the facility takes away much of the stress of going to the vet, no group waiting room, no interaction with other dogs, no cats, etc. Dr. Barcus is proactive and up on current techniques. Without starting the stem cell process last year I don't think Cooper would still be with me. Happy to say he is still active and happy and I am thankful to everyone at the Canine Center for taking such great care of my boy.

John Bouma

2019-05

Dr. Barcus and Staff are terrific. Dr. Barcus is very knowledgeable and professional and great with our dog. We need some hard facts about outcomes for knee surgery and pros and cons. She makes you informed som that you make the right choice. We opted out of surgery for the knee and our dog heal great without the surgery. Also, the cost was a fraction of the surgery that everyone wanted to perform for the tune of $5,000+.I highly recommend her for your dog!! Dr. Barcus does not do high pressure and emotional pulling on your decision making process to make the right choice towards options for what's best for your pet and your family.

R Sue

2022-05

Canine Center is the place to go for your pets needs. Dr. Barcus is very patient and explains what is best for your pet. Her staff is very friendly and nice. My dogs love going there and we highly recommend Canine Center!

Jori Davis

2018-05

Great vet, great staff. Dr. Barcus is great, always has practical advice and solutions for my dogs. Her vet technicians are wonderful, always helpful. Everyone always goes above and beyond, especially with urgent situations. Dr. Barcus has a great approach to pain management for older dogs and offers more knowledge and treatment options than I've had with other vets. I would highly recommend this vet, especially for older dogs with health complications.