About
We have a warm heart for cold noses
About Our Clinic
Countryside Animal Clinic is a full-service, small animal hospital. The veterinarians and staff at Countryside have been providing Streator and the surrounding communities with outstanding veterinary care for over 30 years. Dr. Susan Schmitt first opened the clinic in 1985, as a single doctor. Since then, Countryside has evolved to become a modern five doctor practice that continues to provide our patients with the latest advances in veterinary medicine. All five of our veterinarians are Streator natives and proud graduates of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Veterinarians
Dr. Sue Schmitt
Dr. Schmitt is a 1982 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Before going to vet school, Dr. Schmitt attended Illinois Valley Community College. She then attended Southern Illinois University where she received a bachelor’s degree in animal science, followed by a master’s degree in reproductive physiology. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Schmitt practiced in Milwaukee for one year and in University Park for two years. In 1985 she returned to her hometown of Streator and opened Countryside Animal Clinic.
Dr. Schmitt shares her home with “Iris” the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Dr. Bob Harms
Dr. Harms is a 1989 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduating, Dr. Harms spent a year as a large animal veterinarian, then joined Countryside Animal Clinic in 1990. Dr. Harms holds a federal and state license that allows him to medically and surgically treat sick or injured birds of prey, including hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons.
Dr. Sue Michlik
Dr. Michlik is a 1994 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating, she moved back to her hometown of Streator to start her veterinary career at Countryside Animal Clinic.
Dr. Abbie Eiten
Dr. Abbie Eiten is a 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her undergraduate work at Illinois Valley Community College and Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Since Dr. Abbie was born and raised in Streator, and is also the niece of Dr. Schmitt, she has had the privilege of working in pretty much every area at Countryside since she was very young.
Dr. Abbie and her husband Derek were married in June of 2014. Her husband works at Vactor. Abbie and Derek have three children Thatcher, Elodie, and Chalmers. They share their home with their three cats “Ethel”, “Agnes”, and “Owen” and their boxer “Myrtle”.
Dr. Kelsie Allen
Dr. Kelsie Allen is a 2018 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Before going to vet school, she attended Northern Illinois University where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is excited to be back in her hometown practicing veterinary medicine at Countryside Animal Clinic. Dr. Allen is the proud parent of four dogs; Grady, a Great Dane; Buckethead, a Saint Bernard; Gus, a Saint Bernard; and Lazarus, an English Mastiff; as well as three horses and multiple cats.
Veterinary Assistants
Danielle
Danielle first joined Countryside in 2012 as a kennel assistant, but her passion for animals did not end there. She started working as a veterinary assistant in 2014 and couldn’t be happier. In her free time she enjoys endless naps with her dogs Evie and Eddie.
Kellsie
Kellsie joined the staff at Countryside Animal Clinic in 2014 as a Veterinary Assistant. She enjoys being part of our veterinary team. Kellsie resides in Streator along with her husband Justin and their two children Ella and Emerson. She is the proud parent of 2 dogs; Gracie, a lab mix and Willow, a spaniel mix.
Receptionists
Brady
Brady started at Countryside Animal Clinic in 2021 in the front office. He enjoys playing his guitar and singing in his free time and hanging out with his two cats, Rocket and Trip.
Alyssa
Alyssa joined Countryside in 2021 as a receptionist. She loves being around animals, especially her cats. When she’s not helping the clients in the front office, she likes to spend time with her family.
Animal Care Assistants
Our Animal Care Assistants are dedicated to keeping your pet comfortable during their stay at Countryside Animal Clinic. They all take pride in making sure your pet’s needs are met no matter what, treating each pet as if it was their own. Some of their daily tasks include feeding, exercising, bathing, brushing, and making sure they have a clean and comfortable place to sleep. All of our Animal Care Assistants are very conscious of each pet’s condition during their stay and make a point to notify the doctors and assistants if anything unusual arises.
Dawn
Dawn first started at Countryside Animal Clinic in 1997 as a Kennel Assistant, and now holds the title of our Kennel Supervisor. Dawn works closely with Streator High School’s work program, helping train students in the every-day tasks of being an Animal Care Assistant. Dawn and her husband Jim share their home with several rescue cats, two bunnies and their four chihuahuas Taco, Chachi, Chico and Pixie.
