Alton Main Animal Hospital

My 5 years old dog suddenly experienced IVDD (degenerative disc disease) about 4 months ago and we had to go to different animal hospital that is closer to my house. We went there and they told me to consider euthanasia because there is no hope for my dog anymore. Also, they prescribed medication but it was just painkiller. Then, we made appointment with Dr. Shim (which is my dog's usual physician) and with his treatment, my dog can now walk normally!! The surgery was too expensive option for me but Dr. Shim's medication treatment was successful. My dog is slowly getting better and now at this moment, she can walk, run, and walk up the stairs. I would give 10 stars to Dr. Shim and definitely RECOMMEND him!

Dr. Shim is the best of the best! I have a hard time putting my trust within a veterinarian but Dr. Shim goes above and beyond. My cat was in the ER and the next day they took her in immediately. No matter how busy they were throughout the week they continued to see her to give her treatment and tests. Dr. Shim actually cares about the animals that he treats. My cat had high levels of toxicity in her body and a blood infection, I was extremely scared but they did their best no matter the circumstances. He is very knowledgeable and even though we didn’t know her test results rite away he suspected what kind of treatment she needed and I’m so happy that he did because it couldn’t have waited. I ask a lot of questions and he is always patient with me and answers them thoroughly. He even called on his day off to see if I had any more questions and just to check up on her. Thank you Dr. Shim and your team for taking good care of my furry family, we couldn’t be more grateful for you all!

I found Alton Main Animal Hospital through their excellent reviews online. Reviews that stood out to me in particular were patients that drove long distances out of loyalty to their favorite vet, Dr. Shim, and patients that noted the hospital's care and warmth.

Unfortunately, our beloved animal companion was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer. We hadn't known that yet and were instead alarmed by a bleeding growth on his abdomen and quickly searched for a local vet. Dr. Shim and his team were able to fit us in quickly after they learned details. During our visits, Dr. Shim communicated information practically and straightforward, but with care. A lot of vets I've visited unfortunately have lost that kind side.

To be honest, the first couple times I visited, there were many other patients and they were going through everyone rather efficiently. However, that efficiency luckily does not translate into poor results but rather some of the best work I've seen. Surgery went smoothly, and when we returned a couple weeks later to remove the stitches, you could barely tell where it was.

We have since gone to a local oncology specialist since Alton does not yet provide chemo or radiation but were shocked with the specialist's lack of empathy and also lack of straightforward information about the cancer. Obviously, we want the best care for our pet, so if both do similar work with one hospital showing more compassion, I will lean toward that one.

Outside of our scheduled visits, Dr. Shim has also been patient in guiding me through this new process on the phone. He makes the time to answer all my questions and ease me through the anxiety of what could be a much more difficult process. I also must make note that this is one of the most affordable vets I've been to, especially when it comes to surgery. Thank you SO SO much Dr. Shim and team! From front desk to those unseen in the back, you all do such wonderful work and should be proud of the clinic you run.

I've taken my pets to alton main animal hospital for over 10 years. They have good pricing and genuinely care about your pets.