Dr. Edward McGinniss is the esteemed Owner and Veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, a reputable establishment he established in 1993. With nearly four decades of experience in the field of veterinary medicine, Dr. McGinniss is devoted to delivering top-notch care to all beloved pets.

Dr. McGinniss earned his degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984, showcasing a particular expertise in surgery, internal medicine, endoscopy, and dermatology. He is committed to establishing enduring bonds with pet parents, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to ensure the well-being of their furry companions.

Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. McGinniss is an enthusiastic cyclist and world traveler, with a passion for exploring diverse cultures and landscapes. He also takes great pride in his hobby of beekeeping, sharing his locally harvested honey with the community.

At the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, we approach every animal as a cherished family member, and Dr. McGinniss eagerly anticipates collaborating with you in safeguarding your pet’s health and happiness. We welcome you to join us in promoting a healthier, brighter future for your precious furry friends.

Dr. Unger is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, having graduated in 1993, which affords him more than 30 years of extensive experience in the veterinary field. His passion for animals was cultivated during his upbringing near a dairy farm. In addition to his professional commitments, Dr. Unger is an enthusiastic advocate for fitness, participating annually in the Ironman Challenge. He also enjoys baseball; while he is a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, he graciously supports the Chicago Cubs, influenced by his wife.

David Vincent holds the esteemed position of Executive Director at the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa. With a career that began as a Veterinary Assistant and spans 6 years with our team, David has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in veterinary care. He is dedicated to implementing best practices in veterinary medicine to ensure top-quality care for every patient. David upholds the highest standards set by the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and Fear Free guidelines, showcasing his dedication to the well-being and comfort of our patients and their owners. Outside of work, David enjoys gardening and tending to a variety of plants with the same level of care and dedication he brings to his professional life. He also finds joy in spending time with his two Tabby cats, who provide constant companionship and happiness. David’s journey from Veterinary Assistant to Executive Director is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for veterinary medicine. We are proud to have him leading our team at the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.

Grace is a dedicated professional currently serving as the Director of Administration at the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa. With nearly 25 years of experience in the veterinary field, she has been a valuable member of our team for the past 7 years. Throughout her career, Grace has held a variety of roles including client care representative, veterinary assistant, inventory manager, and treatment manager. She is currently pursuing certification as a Veterinary Technician at San Juan College and is certified as Fear Free.

Grace excels in the treatment area, providing compassionate care to patients and assisting in surgeries alongside our doctors. Outside of work, Grace values time with her family, which includes her spouse and two children. She also has a cherished cat and hopes to welcome a Malamute into their home in the future. In her leisure time, Grace enjoys reading, campfires, and camping with her loved ones.

Sebastian Raffo is an experienced Veterinary Assistant currently seeking licensure in the United States after graduating as a veterinarian in Colombia. With a strong background in hospital settings, Sebastian excels in assisting doctors during appointments, providing patient care, and maintaining a comfortable environment for all. His skills include phlebotomy, anesthesia monitoring, radiography, medication management, and client education.

Sebastian is Fear Free certified, specializing in small animals and demonstrating a keen interest in Internal Medicine. He stays informed on the latest developments in veterinary medicine by regularly reading articles and books on various diseases and treatment protocols. By prioritizing understanding of animal emotions and behaviors, Sebastian is deeply committed to delivering superior care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Outside of work, Sebastian enjoys watching true crime documentaries, thriller and comedy movies, and following Rupaul’s Drag Race. He shares his home with his two cats, Sushi and Nori, adopted from Lake Villa Lost Angels. Sebastian’s lifelong passion for animals has driven his pursuit of a career in veterinary medicine, and he remains dedicated to ongoing professional development and collaboration within the veterinary team.

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With 8 years of experience in the field of veterinary medicine, Destiny is a highly dedicated and skilled veterinary assistant. She plays a crucial role in providing support to veterinarians during appointments and surgeries, with a strong emphasis on ensuring a positive and soothing experience for pets, as well as offering valuable education to clients. Destiny holds a Fear Free certification, showcasing her capability in effectively managing fearful pets in a veterinary setting. Her primary objective is to establish a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for every animal that comes through the clinic’s doors.

In her personal life, Destiny enjoys spending quality time with her family and partaking in activities such as training her dogs and participating in line dancing. She is deeply committed to ensuring that each veterinary visit is stress-free and pleasant for both pets and their owners. Destiny is dedicated to cultivating a supportive and encouraging environment during vet visits and is eager to engage with clients who are motivated to enhance the health and overall well-being of their beloved pets.

Cathy Reilly is the Communications Manager and Client Care Representative at the practice, ensuring the smooth daily operations of the CCR team. With over 50 years in veterinary medicine, her extensive experience spans roles from kennels to management, reflecting her deep knowledge and commitment to animal care. Cathy is Fear Free Certified, emphasizing her dedication to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. While supporting her husband during his 20 year active duty career and raising her sons, she worked at various clinics across the country and abroad, including Japan, Texas and California. Her responsibilities include overseeing CCR operations, staff training, client communication, and managing office protocols. Cathy has successfully managed transitions of multiple veterinary practices and implemented client education programs that improved satisfaction and pet care outcomes.

Cathy’s philosophy centers around client education, pet behavior, nutrition, and puppy training and socialization. Outside of work, she enjoys Flyball, disc, and lure coursing with her dog, and is involved with a local rescue, helping pet parents with behavior and training challenges. Her lifelong passion for animals began with her first dog at age two and has included various pets like dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, and pocket pets. Currently, Cathy has one dog, Maverick, and two older cats, Clover and Ethel. Committed to the practice’s mission of exceptional care, Cathy invites clients to experience the dedication and expertise she brings to the practice.

Introducing Kaylee, our diligent Client Service Representative at the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa. With nearly seven years of experience within our establishment, Kaylee plays a pivotal role in providing exceptional service and care to all clients and patients. She obtained her associate’s degree in arts from the College of Lake County in 2017 and has also earned Fear Free Elite certification, showcasing her dedication to creating a stress-free environment for our patients.

Kaylee firmly believes in maintaining a fear-free atmosphere for all our patients and takes great pride in ensuring that each visit to the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa is as comfortable and positive as possible for both pets and their owners. In her personal time, Kaylee enjoys engaging with her own animals, engaging in activities such as swimming, horseback riding, and basketball. With more than a decade of experience in working with horses, she aspires to have her own farm in the future.

Her love for animals is apparent in her personal life, where she cares for a German Shepherd mix named Max, two Maine Coon cats named Storm and Tsunami, and a snake named Fifi. This passion for animal welfare transcends her professional duties, demonstrating her profound dedication to veterinary medicine. Kaylee is wholeheartedly devoted to upholding the values of the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, ensuring that every client and patient receives top-notch care. She encourages you to visit our practice and encounter the compassionate service we provide. Please don’t hesitate to contact Kaylee for any assistance – she is here to ensure your experience is seamless and pleasant.

Meet Zack Smetters, our dedicated Client Care Representative at the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa. Zack plays a crucial role in providing exceptional service to our clients and their pets. With his experience and Fear Free Certification, Zack creates a stress-free environment for both pets and their owners. He excels in client education, particularly in managing canine osteoarthritis and preparing pets for international travel. Zack firmly believes that well-informed pet owners can make the best decisions for their furry companions.

Outside of work, Zack enjoys activities such as kayaking, visiting zoos, and exploring craft fairs. His passion for animals extends to his personal life, where he cares for his own pets including four dogs and two guinea pigs. Zack’s dedication to veterinary medicine stems from his childhood pet, a 14-year-old black lab whom he is committed to keeping happy and healthy in his senior years.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Zack. He is here to ensure that you and your pets receive the highest level of service at our practice.

Abby Hinkley is our Client Care Representative, devoted to providing a smooth and helpful experience for all of our clients. With an associate’s degree, Abby brings a strong educational background to her role. She takes a particular interest in simplifying the lives of clients and consistently aims to deliver exceptional service and support. Outside of the office, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, including her baby boy born in August, as well as playing with her two beloved dogs: Flynn, a Black and Tan Coonhound, and Dixie Ann, a Husky.