Our Doctors

Compassionate care during every single visit.

Dr. Kurt Klepitsch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Our Address

3225 W Main St.
Saint Charles, IL 60175
Click here for directions.

Our Schedule

Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Major Holidays

Contact Us

Have questions? We’re here to help!

 

Please complete the form below and a member of our team will respond as quickly as possible. If you wish to schedule an appointment over the phone or have an urgent issue, please call us at 630-377-6660.