Rita Ryerson

For pet owners across the Columbia, Illinois area and the surrounding communities, finding a veterinary practice that combines **Compassionate Care** with **Advanced Veterinary Medical** technology is essential. **Bellson Animal Hospital** has established itself as that trusted partner. Co-owned by Dr. Rita Ryerson, who holds a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been serving the region since the hospital opened in June 1991, Bellson Animal Hospital has a long-standing commitment to the health and well-being of local pets.

Dr. Ryerson and the entire team at Bellson Animal Hospital pride themselves on their comprehensive approach to animal wellness. They are renowned for their ability to diagnose and treat complex health issues, demonstrating endless compassion for their patients and a dedication to forming lasting friendships with clients. The hospital’s philosophy centers on providing the highest level of veterinary medicine, treating every patient with the same loving attention and care they would give their own pets. This commitment to both high-quality medicine and genuine empathy is why the hospital is considered a premier veterinary service in the region.

This full-service veterinary facility is well-equipped to manage everything from routine **Preventive Health Care** to complex **Advanced Surgical Care**. Whether you own a family dog, a fussy cat, or an exotic animal, Bellson Animal Hospital strives to be the dedicated healthcare provider for your beloved companion.

Bellson Animal Hospital is conveniently located in a highly accessible area of Columbia, Illinois, making it a simple drive for residents across the metro-east region. The facility's address is **1400 Columbia Centre Dr Drive, Columbia, IL 62236, USA**. This location is easily found and designed with client convenience in mind.

Understanding the needs of all community members, the hospital has taken important steps to ensure the facility is welcoming and accessible:

• **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:** Provides easy and barrier-free access for all visitors.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** Designated parking spaces offer convenient and safe access close to the entrance.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Restroom:** The restroom facilities are designed to be accessible, prioritizing visitor comfort.

To provide all patients with sufficient time and attention, **Appointments are recommended**. The team at Bellson Animal Hospital aims to accommodate busy schedules and minimize wait times, ensuring a smoother experience for both pets and their owners. For new or returning clients, calling ahead is the best way to secure your preferred time.

Bellson Animal Hospital offers a vast array of services, focusing on providing comprehensive and modern care for **Cats And Dogs**, as well as specialized services for **Exotic Animal** patients. The scope of their practice covers preventative, diagnostic, surgical, and specialty care.

Diagnostics and General Medicine:

• **Complete Physical Exam:** Thorough annual or semi-annual check-ups to establish a baseline of health.
• **Preventive Health Care:** Including **Administer Vaccinations** and comprehensive parasite prevention.
• **Advanced Diagnostics:** Utilizing modern medical technology such as **X-Rays** and a dedicated **Diagnostic Laboratory** to conduct **Blood Work** and various **Laboratory Tests** rapidly and accurately.
• **Internal Medicine:** Expert diagnosis and management of complex medical conditions, including care for **Senior Pets**.
• **Pet Pain Management:** Customized plans for relieving pain, including administering **Pain Medication**.
• **Wellness Support:** Offering guidance on **Poison Control** and micro-chipping for **Pet Identification**.

Dental Care and Surgery:

• **Comprehensive Dental Care:** Full-service dentistry including **Dental Check**, **Teeth Cleanings**, **Dental Cleanings**, and treating **Dental Disease**.
• **Advanced Dental Radiography:** Utilizing **Digital Dental Radiographs** to accurately diagnose issues below the gumline, such as abscesses or bone loss, before performing **Surgical Extractions**.
• **General Surgery:** Routine and elective procedures such as **Spays And Neuters**.
• **Advanced Surgical Care:** Offering **Advanced Surgical Procedures** including **Soft Tissue Surgery**, **Fracture Repair**, and **Cesarean Sections**, all performed under **General Anesthesia** with meticulous monitoring.

Specialty and Convenience Services:

• **Exotic Animal Medicine:** Specialized veterinary care for non-traditional pets.
• **Equine Medicine:** While their primary focus is companion animals, the inclusion of **Equine Medicine** in their knowledge base reflects Dr. Ryerson’s background and comprehensive training, allowing them to provide a wider scope of care when possible.
• **Online Pharmacy:** For client convenience, the hospital offers an **Online Pharmacy** with the option for **Home Delivery** of medications and prescription diets.

Bellson Animal Hospital is distinguished by several key features that enhance the quality of care and the client experience for local pet owners:

• **AAFP Cat Friendly Practice Certified:** The practice holds a special certification from the American Association of Feline Practitioners, indicating a dedication to providing an environment and approach tailored to minimizing stress and improving the health and welfare of cats.
• **Expertise in Complex Cases:** Dr. Ryerson’s strong background and interest in diagnosing and treating challenging, complex health issues provide a crucial resource for pets that require more intensive or specialized medical investigation.
• **Full Surgical and Advanced Diagnostic Suite:** The ability to perform nearly **All Surgical Procedures**—from routine to complex—in-house, coupled with a full **Diagnostic Laboratory** and **Digital Dental Radiographs**, ensures continuity of care and rapid results without the need for excessive referrals.
• **Long-Term Community Trust:** Having been a fixture in the Columbia community since 1991, Bellson Animal Hospital has fostered relationships spanning decades, building a reputation for kindness, thoroughness, and genuine concern for its patients.
• **Dedicated and Compassionate Staff:** Customer reviews consistently highlight the entire team’s friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable demeanor. The staff is praised for their helpfulness, gentleness during difficult times (like end-of-life care), and making pets comfortable.
• **Transparency and Education:** The veterinarians excel in educating pet owners about their animal's individual health, thoroughly explaining all procedures and medication options, which fosters a partnership in pet healthcare.

To schedule an appointment for your pet or to inquire about the specialized care and advanced diagnostic services at Bellson Animal Hospital, please use the following contact details:

• **Address:** 1400 Columbia Centre Dr Drive, Columbia, IL 62236, USA
• **Phone (Primary):** (618) 281-5100
• **Mobile Phone (General):** +1 618-281-5100
• **Hours:** It is recommended to call ahead for current operating hours, as they may vary slightly, but generally include appointments Monday through Saturday.
• **Note:** **Appointments are recommended** to ensure you and your pet are seen promptly.

Bellson Animal Hospital is an outstanding choice for Illinois pet owners seeking a veterinary partner with decades of experience, advanced medical capabilities, and a personalized, compassionate touch. Choosing Bellson means entrusting your pet to a team co-led by an established veterinarian, Dr. Rita Ryerson, who is dedicated to both the science of medicine and the art of **Compassionate Care**.

The **Cat Friendly Practice** certification ensures that feline patients, who often become stressed in clinic environments, receive tailored and gentle handling. Furthermore, the commitment to utilizing **Advanced Diagnostics**, including digital radiology and an in-house lab, allows for quick, precise treatment, which is critical for managing both acute illnesses and chronic conditions in **Senior Pets**.

While some reviews note that prices may be on the higher side, clients consistently state that the **quality of care justifies the investment**. For comprehensive medical and surgical services, from routine **Pet Vaccinations** and **Teeth Cleanings** to complex **Fracture Repair** and **Specialty Services**, Bellson Animal Hospital provides the expertise and dedication that truly treats your pet as family, making it a highly recommended choice in the Columbia, IL region.

Rita Ryerson

1400 Columbia Centre Dr Drive, Columbia, IL 62236, USA