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Background pattern over a blue color block in the header of the About Us page.  The patter includes fun graphics icons of a paw prints, dog bone, fish, heart and fish skeleton

About Us

Small town care in a suburban community.

Up close image of the face of a cat with big blue eyes
Our Mission

At Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality veterinary care that enhances the health and well-being of pets and their families. We are dedicated to delivering comprehensive medical services with integrity and respect, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention in a welcoming environment. Through client education and preventive care, we strive to foster lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.​

Our Vision

At Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, we envision a future where every pet in our community enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life. We strive to be a trusted partner in animal care, known for our excellence in veterinary medicine, our compassionate approach, and our commitment to innovation. By fostering strong bonds between pets and their families, we aim to create a healthier, more informed, and more compassionate community for all animals.

The Heart Behind the Hospital

At Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, we believe that exceptional veterinary care starts with relationships. We’re more than just a clinic—we’re your pet’s lifelong partner in health, offering compassionate, personalized care with a small-town touch right here in Wheaton, Illinois.


From routine wellness exams to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, our dedicated team is here to support every stage of your pet’s life. We know that every furry friend is unique, and we take the time to get to know you and your pet, ensuring they receive the best possible care tailored to their needs.

Our hospital is built on trust, expertise, and a deep love for animals. Whether it’s a wagging tail, a gentle purr, or a curious nose, we cherish the bond between pets and their families. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-tier veterinary services with warmth and heart—because your pet deserves nothing less.

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Welcome to Paws & Claws Animal Hospital—Where Country Comfort Meets Suburban Convenience. We can’t wait to meet you and your beloved companion!

Vet with her hand on a large dog laying on the examination table - dog is happy with tongue out
Dr. Melanie S. Murphy
BVSc, MRCVS
Owner & Veterinarian

There’s no other job I would rather do than being a veterinarian—it’s been my passion for as long as I can remember! Growing up on the South Side, I knew from the age of five that caring for animals was my calling. That journey led me from being a veterinary technician to studying at the University of Liverpool in England, where I earned my veterinary degree.

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What I love most about working with animals is the individuality of every patient—no two pets (or days!) are ever the same. Getting to know each pet and their family is the best part of what I do. Building trust and providing compassionate care is what drives me every day.

 

A fun fact about me? I’m a die-hard supporter of the Chicago Wolves hockey team—you might even catch me at a game! In my spare time, I love to read, travel, and garden. I’m lucky to share my life with my wonderful, supportive husband, Dave, and my mom. We all live with our four-legged crew, including two Great Danes, a Saint Bernard, an English Mastiff, and a whole bunch of cats—some of whom might make an appearance around the office from time to time!

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At Paws and Claws Animal Hospital, I bring my passion, experience, and love for animals to every patient who walks through our doors. I will treat your pets as if they were my own—because I know they are family. I can't wait to meet you and your furry companions!

Support Staff
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