Providing Superior Care to Companion Animals
If you need assistance getting your pet into the building, please call us upon arrival.
Outstanding Pet Care, Canine Rehabilitation, Nutrition, and Surgical Services
Since 1959, Bethany Animal Hospital has been providing superior service for your pets’ health and well-being. You can trust our full-service animal hospital to provide outstanding services, including preventative care, diagnostic and surgical services, exotic pet medicine, and a canine rehabilitation center. Call us today to get started.
Latest Veterinary Technology
120 Years+ of Combined Experience
Diagnostics, Preventative Maintenance, and Surgery
Meet Our Bethany Animal Hospital Team of Veterinarians

Mike Schelkopf
DVM, Owner
Second-generation owner of Bethany Animal Hospital, which his parents, Berni and Russell, purchased in 1959. Earned his DVM from the University of Illinois in 1978.
Along with Dr. Charles Schelkopf and Dr. Deborah Schelkopf, Dr. Mike has driven the clinic’s growth and success for decades. He began in large animal practice before specializing in swine health.
Member of AVMA, AAHA, and ISVMA. Passionate about team development and delivering welcoming, high-quality care for clients and patients.
Enjoys time with his adult children, two young granddaughters, and extended family.

Deborah Schelkopf
DVM, Retired
Dr. Deborah Schelkopf joined Bethany Animal Hospital in 1978 as its first small animal veterinarian. She played a key role in expanding the part-time companion animal service into today’s respected four-doctor practice with strong community ties. She helped design the current hospital facility (opened in 1979) and achieved AAHA accreditation in 1980.
Dr. Schelkopf dedicated her entire career to Bethany Animal Hospital, with special interests in internal medicine, clinical pathology, client education, and rehabilitation medicine. A member of AVMA, IVMA, and AAHA, her commitment to high-quality care, continuing education, and client service remains the foundation of the practice.

Carlos Dominguez
DVM
Dr. Carlos Dominguez is a family pet general practitioner who has served at Bethany Animal Hospital since January 2000. He earned a BS in Biology (along with associate degrees in animal science and animal nutrition) from Kansas State University in 1987, followed by his DVM from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, where he received the George W. Catt Memorial Scholarship.
His special interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, small animal and exotic medicine, and pain management (with continuing education certification in the latter). He is a member of the AVMA, AAHA, and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Dominguez is a proud father of four—Alexandra, Marcus, Javier, and Manuel—and shares his home with two beloved dogs, Basil and Ivy. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, reading, and especially jazz music.

LeAnn Gruber
DVM
Member, Feline Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. LeAnn Gruber is a general practitioner at Bethany Animal Hospital, where she began her career after earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She holds a B.S. in Biology (minor in Chemistry) from Western Illinois University (1997).
Her professional interests include preventive medicine, nutrition/weight management, and end-of-life care. She is Fear Free certified and a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.
Dr. Gruber lives with her husband, two daughters, two cats (Lanie and Olive), a dog (Stella), and a flock of chickens. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, crafts, gardening, and serving as a team captain for Relay for Life.

Heather Brown
DVM
Dr. Heather Brown joined Bethany Animal Hospital in June 2010 after earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University (2006).
Originally from Buffalo, New York, and northern New Jersey, she relocated to Illinois in 2004. Her professional interests include dermatology, preventative medicine, ultrasonography, and exotic mammal medicine. She is a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association, and she regularly attends continuing education conferences.
Dr. Brown enjoys spending time with her husband, Dan, their two children (Cheyenne and Jack), and their lab mix, Swinney. In her free time, she loves baking and cake decorating, cheering for Clemson football, participating in book clubs, and staying active in her church.

Jon Mason
DVM
Dr. Jon Mason graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary School and previously practiced in Lodi, Wisconsin, before joining Bethany Animal Hospital. His interests include wellness/preventive medicine, surgery, and ultrasonography. He is pursuing certification in canine physical rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee and aims to advance his orthopedic surgery skills.
He and his wife, Savannah (also a veterinarian), share two cats: Buck (a Siamese named after Bucky the Badger) and Bourbon (a domestic longhair). They plan to add a dog soon!
In his free time, Dr. Mason enjoys fishing, hiking, cooking, golfing, and renovating their farmhouse.

Alan Hertz
DVM
Dr. Hertz graduated from Iowa State University in 2005 and has practiced mixed animal, production, and companion animal medicine. He is passionate about building long-term relationships with pets and enhancing their quality of life.
He and his wife have two boys. Their family pets include Jude (1-year-old Basset Hound), Lucy (3-year-old wire terrier mix), Animagus (6-year-old cat), and Shadow (7-month-old cat)—with the kids helping name and bond with the younger ones.
The family enjoys outdoor adventures, music, games, travel, and exploring their community.
Exceptional Care for Family Pets
Visiting the vet is key to providing long and healthy lives
From routine checkups to dental procedures and lab tests, Bethany Animal Hospital can handle all your pet care needs. In order to make your pet's visit stress-free, we have a number of team members who are Fear-Free certified. We'll make your pet as comfortable as possible.
In-House Lab Diagnostics
Providing your pet with the best treatment options
Give your pet the best in diagnostics by relying on our experienced veterinarians at Bethany Animal Hospital for lab services, radiography, and more. We use the latest veterinary techniques and best practices in veterinary care to diagnose your pet.
Our Services
Ensure your pet's lifelong health and happiness with our outstanding services at Bethany Animal Hospital.
Ultrasound Services
At Bethany Animal Hospital, our ultrasound services provide non-invasive imaging to accurately diagnose health issues in pets, ensuring effective treatment plans and promoting overall wellness for your beloved companions.
What our satisfied customers are saying...
Vet Surgical Services
Whether your pet needs major or minor surgery, you can trust our caring vets to complete the surgery safely and get your pet back to your home in no time.
📸 Paw-some Moments Captured! 🐾 Browse our Instagram Gallery for a glimpse into the daily joys and cuddles at Bethany Animal Hospital. 🐕🐈💕
🐾Paw-sitively Healthy Tips for Your Furry Friends -
The Bethany Animal Hospital Blog Spot🐶😺


Bethany Animal Hospital Serving Sycamore and the Surrounding Areas including:










































































































Share On: