About Us

Welcome to Central Hospital For Animals where we have over 200 years of quality veterinary experience!   CHFA has been caring for the pets of southern Illinois since 1975.  We have four locations to serve you and to provide for the needs of your four-legged family members.  Our hospital locations at Herrin, Marion, Carbondale and Harrisburg offer 24-hour emergency service so you can have peace of mind that we are always here for your pets. We offer a wide variety of services from wellness/preventive medicine, dentistry, exotics, general surgery, spay/neuters, orthopedics, reproductive services, routine and emergency care.


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 For Animals opened on November 18, 1975 by Drs. 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.


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.  Central Hospital For Animals is committed to the best service & quality for your loved ones. 


Thank you for visiting CHFA!