Dave Clayton

For pet owners in Illinois, finding a compassionate, experienced, and trustworthy veterinarian is paramount. In Ottawa, IL, a name that has been a pillar of the veterinary community for decades is Dr. Dave Clayton. As part of the team at Fox Valley Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Clayton and his colleagues have built a reputation for providing exceptional care that extends beyond medical expertise to include genuine concern for the well-being of every animal and their family. This article will provide a detailed look at what makes this practice a cornerstone of pet health in the Illinois Valley and why so many local residents have come to rely on their services.

Fox Valley Veterinary Hospital, where Dr. Dave Clayton practices, is a well-established and highly respected veterinary clinic. Founded in 1974, the hospital has over 45 years of experience in providing general veterinary needs for cats and dogs. The clinic is notably the only AAHA-certified pet hospital in Ottawa, a distinction that speaks to their commitment to the highest standards of veterinary medicine. Dr. Clayton, a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine. His father, Dr. H. David Clayton, an advisor and consultant for the practice with over 38 years of experience, was instrumental in developing the first after-hours emergency hospital for pets in Illinois, a testament to the family's long-standing dedication to animal care in the state. This deep-rooted expertise and a focus on compassionate, comprehensive care define the practice's approach to medicine.

The professional and caring staff at Fox Valley Veterinary Hospital are consistently praised by clients for their supportive nature and dedication. They are known for taking the time to explain things thoroughly and walking clients through all available options, which is a major factor in building trust and peace of mind. While most visits are for routine wellness, the clinic also offers emergency services and even house calls for very sick pets, showcasing their flexibility and commitment to patient care in all situations. The clinic's philosophy is centered on not only providing high-quality medical treatment but also building close, long-lasting relationships with their clients and their pets.

Location and Accessibility

Fox Valley Veterinary Hospital is conveniently located at 1311 Starfire Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA. This address is easy to find for residents throughout Ottawa and the surrounding Illinois communities. The facility is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. These thoughtful accommodations ensure that every pet owner can comfortably bring their animal in for care, regardless of their own mobility needs.

The clinic operates with appointments recommended, which helps them manage their schedule and provide dedicated time for each patient. However, they are also known for their responsiveness in emergency situations, demonstrating a readiness to assist when an animal is in a crisis. The presence of free parking on-site adds to the convenience, removing any potential stress associated with finding a parking spot during a visit.

Services Offered

• Wellness and Preventive Care: Routine physical exams, vaccinations for both cats and dogs, and proactive health management to ensure long, healthy lives.
• Emergency Services: Offering emergency pet care for urgent medical situations, with a strong focus on quick and effective treatment.
• Diagnostic Services: Comprehensive in-hospital testing, including pet radiology, lab tests, blood panels, x-rays, and more, to accurately diagnose a wide range of conditions.
• Veterinary Surgery: A full suite of surgical procedures, including soft tissue surgery, spaying, neutering, and emergency surgery.
• Dental Procedures: Dental cleaning and other procedures to maintain a pet’s oral health, a critical component of their overall well-being.
• Microchipping: Permanent identification services to help ensure lost pets are reunited with their owners.
• Parasite Prevention: Solutions for fleas, ticks, and heartworm prevention to protect pets from common ailments.
• Second Opinions and Estimates: The clinic offers second opinions after an examination and provides clear estimates, promoting transparent and informed decision-making.

Features / Highlights

• AAHA-Certified: As the only AAHA-certified hospital in Ottawa, the clinic voluntarily adheres to over 900 standards of care, ensuring a top-tier level of service.
• Highly Experienced Veterinarians: The team, including Dr. Dave Clayton and his father Dr. H. David Clayton, brings decades of experience to their practice.
• Compassionate and Supportive Staff: Reviews consistently highlight the staff’s kindness, patience, and genuine love for animals, which helps calm both pets and their owners.
• Comprehensive Care: The clinic’s ability to handle everything from routine wellness to emergency surgery and house calls provides a single, trusted source for all pet health needs.
• Transparent Communication: The staff's practice of explaining things clearly and discussing options before proceeding ensures clients are always well-informed.
• Senior Discounts: The clinic offers senior discounts, demonstrating a commitment to making quality care more accessible to the community.

Contact Information

Address: 1311 Starfire Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA

Phone: (815) 434-0363

What is worth choosing

For pet owners in Ottawa, Illinois, choosing a veterinarian is a decision that impacts the health and happiness of a family member. The team at Fox Valley Veterinary Hospital, including Dr. Dave Clayton, makes this choice easy with their unique blend of high-level accreditation, decades of experience, and a deeply compassionate approach to care. The clinic’s AAHA certification is a significant reason to choose them, as it means they meet rigorous standards for quality and excellence that go beyond basic state requirements. This certification is a public commitment to providing the best possible care, from their surgical suite to their diagnostic lab.

The compassionate and kind demeanor of the entire staff is another major draw. Pet owners consistently praise the team for their caring nature and ability to make both anxious pets and their worried owners feel at ease. The personal follow-up calls after a visit, even for non-emergency situations, show a level of dedication that builds lasting trust and loyalty. This isn't just a business; it's a team that truly loves animals and wants the best for them. The story of a pet owner who received a personal text to check on their cat after an emergency call highlights this commitment to patient well-being, even outside of regular business hours.

Furthermore, the clinic’s comprehensive service offerings mean you can rely on one trusted provider for all your pet’s needs. Whether it's a routine vaccine, a complex soft tissue surgery, or an urgent medical situation, their experienced team is equipped to handle it. The availability of senior discounts, free parking, and second opinions demonstrates their commitment to making their services accessible and transparent. For anyone in the Illinois Valley looking for a veterinary partner they can trust for their pet’s entire life, Fox Valley Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Dave Clayton are an exceptional choice that offers peace of mind through a perfect blend of professional excellence and heartfelt compassion.

Dave Clayton

1311 Starfire Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA