Office Hours

Monday ~ 7am - 6pm
Tuesday ~ 7am - 7pm
Wednesday ~ 7am - 6pm
Thursday ~ 7am - 7pm
Friday ~ 7am - 6pm
1/21 ~ 7am - noon
Saturday ~ 8am - 1pm
Sunday ~ closed
621 S. Route 59, Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: (630) 820-6999
Fax: (630) 820-5880

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Pet News

Samuel M. Ristich, DVM

Dr. Sam Ristich
Samuel M. Ristich, DVM
Practice Owner,
Chief of Staff

Newman
Newman

  • Founder and Owner of Indian Prairie Animal Hospital
  • University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine (UIUC-CVM), External
  • Advisor for Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Student Mentor. Class of 1984
  • Illinois Academy of Veterinary Medicine, former Executive Secretary
  • Chicago Veterinary Medical Assoc., former President
  • Illinois Academy of Veterinary Medicine, former President
  • Illinois State Veterinary Medical Assoc., former Board Member

Title:
Veterinarian/Owner - IPAH Family member since 1989

Town or City where you were born:
Hammond , In

Educational Background/Degree(s)/Certifications:
DVM, Illinois 1984

Why were you drawn to a career with animals?
From raising Rabbits as a child

What is your favorite part of the field?
Working with the public and their pets

Personal Quote:
'They are alot like their owners'

What animals do you share your life with?
Newman - Vizsla 5 yrs. old,
Lola - Chihuahua mix 2 yrs old

Favorite Pet Activity?
Playing catch with Newman

I always laugh when...
Newman & Lola "play fight" together

I'm at peace when...
I'm watching the Cubs game with Newman at my feet.

Pet epiphany moment?
Lola curled up with my wife as they sleep

My favorite bonding session happens when?
I'm greeted by both dogs after a long day at the hospital


Favorite movie or book:
Kelly's Heroes and I like to read anything about Ötzi

Tell us something about yourself:
I like to rise early (before 5:00 am), love dining downtown with my wife on Saturday evenings and I know nothing about cars

As and IPAH family member I feel...
Proud to work among such a great staff

Laura Pratscher, DVM

drpratscherandleia
Laura Pratscher, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
with Leia

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, 2005
  • Masters of Science, Reproductive Physiology, Purdue University, 2001
  • Bachelors of Science, Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 1999
  • Member, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association ( CVMA)
  • Member, American Veterinary Association (AVMA)

Title:
Associate Veterinarian at IPAH
I treat dogs, cats, guniea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, rats and mice


Town or City where you were born:
Merrillville, IN

Why were you drawn to a career with animals?
From working at the animal emergency clinic in high school

What is your favorite part of the field?
Helping people keep their furry-family members healthy

What animals do you share with your life?
Leia and Obi the cats, Phoenix and Keaton the mini aussies, and Charlie the box turtle

Favorite pet activity?
Going to the park with Phoenix and Keaton

I always laugh when...
I call Obi the cat from any place in the house and he comes running as if he were a dog

I'm at peace when...
I'm cooking a new recipe in the kitchen or hosting family at my home

Pet epiphany moment?
Watching Charlie eat romaine lettuce and strawberries

My favorite bonding session happens when?
I'm grooming Phoenix and Keaton or when I'm watching the food network and the cats are keeping me company

Favorite movie or book:
All of the James Patterson book series and 80's movies such as Pretty in Pink and The Lost Boys

Tell us something about yourself:
I was chosen the most compasionate caregiver out of my entire graduating veterinary class, and received the HIlls Buddy Award

As an IPAH family member I feel...
Honored to be a part of this great team

Rosie

Rosie
Rosie

Full Name
Rossetia, "Rosie" for short

Staff Nickname
Turkey, Turkey legs

Age
21 years old

Sign
Capricorn

Life Expectancy
60-80years

Breed
Amazon parrot

Weight
480 grams

Food
Harrison's High Potency Coarse & Power Treats

Favorite snacks
Nuts, apples,bananas,cheese, oatmeal, fries, chips and of course: graham CRACKERS

Favorite Sayings
"Polly want a cracker," "Hello," "I love you" and "Rossetia"

Favorite Hang out
Next to Lisa on the recycle bin

Favorite place to be pet
Her cheeks. We recommend not trying to touch her because she likes to BITE.

Favorite toy
Cardboard box or newspaper

Things she hates
towels and water bottles that squirt

She visits the technicians for a manicure/pedicure, beak trim/wing trim about once a month. Rosie is kept in her condo here at the hospital. She gets to roam around when Dr.Ristich is out of the office. Rosie was willed to Dr.Ristich by a client.

Dr. Sam Ristich is the Founder and Owner of Indian Prairie Animal Hospital (1990), a four year accredited American Animal Hospital Association veterinary clinic. He graduated from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine (UIUC-CVM) in 1984. Dr. Ristich was a former president for the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, the Illinois Academy of Veterinary Medicine and the Illinois Veterinary Alumnae Association. Dr. Ristich currently serves on the Advisory Committee of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. He also serves on 2 separate committees for the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association.