CHATHAM, Chicago — After two decades in animal rescue, Dr. Simuel Hampton is opening the Chatham Veterinary Clinic at 8200 S. King Drive, the first full‑service pet clinic in the neighborhood. The grand opening on Tuesday marks a major step toward ending the “veterinary care desert” that residents on the South Side have long faced.

Local Need Meets Local Solution

While working for the Anti‑Cruelty Society, Hampton saw families from Far South Side neighborhoods travel downtown for low‑cost veterinary services. “We talk about food deserts on the South Side, but there’s also a veterinary care desert,” he said. “As far as this immediate area, there’s not much around. It’s definitely a big need.”

Comprehensive Services for Pets and Their Families

The new clinic will provide dental cleanings, surgeries, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, preventive care and an on‑site pharmacy. In addition to dogs and cats, Hampton will treat rabbits, goats, backyard poultry and even turtles, offering nail trims for the latter.

Designed With Compassion

Hampton’s team designed the space with a clear workflow: a front desk check‑in, three exam rooms (one for larger dogs, one for cats and smaller animals, and a “comfort room” for owners saying goodbye to a pet). The private exit from the comfort room lets grieving owners leave without passing through the waiting area.

Roots in the Community

Born in Auburn Gresham and raised in Chatham, Hampton lives in the neighborhood and says his grandmother’s home and his mother’s upbringing there shaped his commitment to local service. He previously led the medical team at One Tail at a Time rescue and founded Guardian Mobile Veterinary Services, which provided house calls and pop‑up clinics for owners without transportation.

Looking Ahead

Hampton plans to grow the clinic’s staff to three employees and eventually open additional small‑scale locations across Chicago, especially on the West and East sides. “It’s a blessing to be here,” he said. “We’re happy and ready to get started.”

Neighborhood Impact

With the clinic now open, Chatham residents no longer need to travel to Woodlawn Animal Hospital or Auburn Animal Hospital for routine care. The new facility promises to improve pet health, reduce costs for families and strengthen the fabric of the community.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.