Homewood Veterinary Care officially opened its doors on the corner of 183rd Street and Dixie Highway on Saturday, Dec. 17. The grand opening celebration included a ribbon cutting, prizes for pet owners and an open house where customers could tour the entire facility.
This same business had been Markham Animal Clinic in Markham for decades. Dr. Denise Cudiamat, the managing veterinary doctor at Homewood Veterinary Care, said they moved to Homewood because they were looking for a “more state-of-the art facility,” “better equipment” and more space.
“We see dogs and cats primarily at this time,” Homewood Veterinary marketing associate Heidi Groselak said. “They do sometimes see a couple of different other species but primarily cats and dogs.”
Mario’s Tacos catered the event and drew in passersby with a taco truck in the parking lot. Open house attendees received a $5 off coupon at Mario’s.
Inside Homewood Veterinary, attendees could help themselves to cupcakes, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Attendees could spin a wheel and receive the prize the wheel landed on. Prizes included dog bandanas, toys, toothbrushes and other pet items.
Tours of the faculty showed off the six examination rooms, treatment areas, dog kennels, the cat ward, the pharmacy, the surgical suite, the isolation ward for the contagious and the comfort room for people having quality of life discussions.
Shenita D. Talton, a Markham resident, said she brought Hard Rock, her cat, to Markham Animal Clinic. She said she’s been with this veterinarian clinic for years. Despite the farther drive to Homewood, Talton said she’ll remain a loyal customer.
“My cat is used to these people, so I want to bring her back. I just want to keep it consistent,” Talton said. “I feel confident, and I trust their care.”
Felisha Clay, a Homewood resident, was at the open house with Diego, her Chihuahua and rescue dog from South Suburban Humane Society.
“I can literally walk here. […] In case there’s an emergency or I really need to get him somewhere, it’s right here,” Clay said. “Usually when you bring your dog to the vet, you don’t get to see a lot of what happens in the background. So, it was cool to see the operating tables. Because it looks like a human operating table but it’s for dogs.”
Napolean Haney, Homewood’s village manager, said he has two children but no pets. At the open house, he pet and played with General Zod, a dog named after the Superman villain. General Zod is owned by Chicago Heights residents Javen Holloway and Chay Holloway.
“We’re very happy to see good use come into this corner. This is the geographic center of Homewood,” Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld said. “We wish them well – much success.”
Homewood Veterinary Care is at 18265 Dixie Highway. They can be reached at 1-708-339-4010. They’re open Monday through Friday. On Wednesdays, they’re open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. All other weekdays, they’re open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.