Compassionate care during every single visit.
Dr. Kurt Klepitsch
Practice Owner
Dr. Kurt Klepitsch joined the practice in 1990 and is now the practice owner.
He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1988.
His clinical interests include Internal Medicine and Surgery.
He has a Spaniel/Retriever Mix named Finn, pictured, and a cat named Poppy.
In his free time, he enjoys gardening, golfing, fishing, and spending time with his wife, son, and daughter, Sidney, who is now a Veterinarian at Gateway.
Dr. Sidney Klepitsch
Veterinarian
Dr. Sidney started working at Gateway as a technician and has since transitioned to a Veterinarian after graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 2023.
Her clinical interests include Dentistry, Surgery, and Preventative Medicine. Dr. Sidney Klepitsch has a Great Pyrenees/Australian Shepherd Mix named Lindy. She adopted Lindy from Fetch Wisconsin Rescue. She also has a Hedgehog named Hobbes.
In her free time, she enjoys long-distance running and riding her horse named Iggy, a Paso Fino gelding she adopted in 2018.
Dr. Cindy Hooper
Medical Director
She joined the practice in 2010.
Dr. Hooper graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006.
Her clinical interests include Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Public Health.
She has three dogs, Missile Fuzz, a rescued Pomeranian, and 2 Sloughis, Jnah and Barq.
She has three cats, Callie, G.A.R.F., who she rescued from Kane County Animal Control, and Oscar, who she rescued from Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control. She is pictured with Barq.
In her free time, Dr. Hooper likes to spend time with her husband and daughter.
She has traveled extensively, visiting at least 25 U.S. states, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador (and the Galapagos!), England, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Morocco, and many islands in the Caribbean.
Dr. Rebecca Tracy
Associate
Dr. Rebecca Tracy joined the practice in 2015.
Dr. Tracy graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006.
Her clinical interests include Dermatology, Ophthalmology, and Exotic Pet Medicine.
She has two cats named Oscar and Giblets and a Beagle named Noli,
pictured.
In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and son and reading her Kindle.
Dr. Shannon Bianucci
Associate
Dr. Bianucci joined the practice in 2016.
Dr. Bianucci graduated from the University of Illinois in 2005.
Her clinical interests include Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Surgery.
She has three dogs, a French Bulldog named Gemma, an Australian Cattle Dog Mix named Lacey, and a Boston Terrier named Panda Bear.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Dr. Patrice Lima
Part Time Associate
Dr. Lima joined the practice in 1998.
She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1998.
She has a daughter and one furry child – a spunky German Shepherd named Skittles.
Her clinical interest is Behavior.
In her free time, she likes to read, knit, cook, and bake allergy-friendly treats.
Dr. Lima also enjoys spending time outside with her family.
Dr. Heather Nickel
Associate
Dr. Nickel has practiced at several clinics in the area; she joined the practice in 2019.
Dr. Nickel graduated from the University of Illinois in 2004.
Her clinical interests include Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Holistic Medicine. She has a certification in Fear Free veterinary visits and incorporates alternative medicine into general practice when able.
Dr. Nickel has a 1-and-1/2-year-old Yorkie-Poo named Lily; she adopted Lily from Anderson Heartline Rescue while she was under care for the Parvo virus.
Dr. Nickel also has 11 Green Severum Cichlid fish.
In her free time, she takes care of her three young children and loves to garden and cook with her husband.
Dr. Bridget Vlakancic
Associate
Dr. Vlakancic joined our practice in 2020.
She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012.
Her clinical interests include Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Ultrasound.
Dr. Vlakancic is pictured with her pug, Oliver.
In her free time she likes spending time with her family, traveling, and running.
Your preferred Saint Charles veterinarian!
Our clients are friends as well as customers. We value their continued trust and goodwill. Courtesy and patience with clients and their pets are our highest priority.
We’re here for your pet.
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Our Schedule
Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Major Holidays
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