Hawthorne Animal Hospital to celebrate 70 years of caring for pets in Madison County

By Tribune Staff • Hawthorne Animal Hospital, a top-rated veterinary clinic serving the St. Louis Metro East, is excited to mark a critical milestone in its mission of providing pets with compassionate, comprehensive care close to home. In 2026, Hawthorne will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a year of special events, honoring the generations of local families who have trusted the hospital with their pets’ care.

Founded in 1956 by Dr. Merle Ottwein, Hawthorne has grown from a one-vet clinic serving Madison County families and farms into a state-of-the-art, full-service veterinary hospital that treats pets from across Southern Illinois and St. Louis. Today, Hawthorne is staffed by 12 Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMS), led by Dr. Paul Myer, and a team of 78 dedicated veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care professionals, who specialize in both routine wellness and advanced medical care.

“Through a lifetime of service, compassion, and high-quality care, Dr. Ottwein left a legacy that continues to be shared by the Hawthorne staff and felt by families today,” said Dr. Myer. “As we honor this important milestone in Hawthorne’s long history, we continue to build on the foundation he set seven decades ago.”

Over the past 70 years, Hawthorne has treated more than 2 million pets whose families trusted the hospital with their care. In addition to routine wellness exams, Southern Illinois’ only AAHA-accredited hospital specializes in advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, dental care, and 24/7 emergency and intensive care support.

Hawthorne’s commitment to pets and families extends far beyond its hospital walls. Through donations and philanthropic efforts such as the annual Golf Scramble, Hawthorne has raised more than $250,000 over the last nine years for its Angel Fund 501(c)3 charity. The Angel Fund allows Hawthorne to provide free vaccinations, emergency care, and preventative medicine to 16 K-9 officers in Madison County as well as treat injured eagles, owls, and other wildlife rescued by Treehouse Wildlife Center. Hawthorne is also an active supporter of the Edwardsville YMCA, Edwardsville Children’s Museum, and the R.P. Lumber Center.

“When your clients trust you with their pets’ care for 70 years, that’s an honor you take to heart,” Dr. Myer remarked. “Returning that love and loyalty means showing up for our friends and neighbors whenever they need us. We’re deeply grateful to continue serving such a compassionate, close-knit community.”

To celebrate 70 years, Hawthorne will host a series of events in 2026, starting with the Third Annual Angel Fund Golf Scramble presented by Royal Banks of Illinois on Friday, June 18. The deadline for signups for the golf scramble is May 29, 2026, and more information is available on Hawthorne’s website. The hospital will also be the site of a Client Appreciation Event and Pet Show on Saturday, Oct. 10. To stay informed about upcoming events, follow Hawthorne on Facebook or Instagram, or visit www.hawthorneanimals.com.