Bortell Animal Hospital

07/17/2026

We love welcoming new friends to the clinic, especially when they're as cute as these pups 🥰

07/16/2026

A little bit of magic just walked through our doors! 🐈‍⬛✨ Welcome to our clinic, Athena!

P.S. Remember that you can still vote for Dr Bortell and our clinic in the Pantagraph Best of Reader's Choice!

07/08/2026

Just a reminder that you can use the link below to vote for us in the Pantagraph Best of Readers' Choice Awards! We are nominated for Best Veterinarian (under "People") and Best Veterinary Office (under "Services"). You can vote every day!

https://thepantagraph.secondstreetapp.com/2026-Bloomington-Best-of-Readers-Choice---Voting/

Check it out now!

07/07/2026

Please use the link below to vote for us in the Pantagraph Best of Readers' Choice Awards! We are nominated for Best Veterinarian (under "People") and Best Veterinary Office (under "Services")

https://thepantagraph.secondstreetapp.com/2026-Bloomington-Best-of-Readers-Choice---Voting/

Check it out now!

06/17/2026

In light of the weather forecast, prioritizing staff safety is important to us. We will be closing today at 3:00. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.

05/19/2026

We apologize for the inconvenience, but due to the persistent smoke odor, our office will be closing at noon today, Tuesday. For emergencies during office hours, please email [email protected], which will be monitored frequently. Thank you for your understanding.

05/19/2026

Due to an emergency situation, our facility is temporarily closed. The safety of our staff, clients and their pets is our top priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding while emergency personnel assess the situation. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Update: We are now open. Please enter through the door nearest the street. Thank you!

05/18/2026

Our animal hospital was recently reminded that we learn so much about life from our patients, who become a part of our family.
This happened recently upon the passing of several of our cherished patients.

The first story is about one of our senior cat patients named Cash, who passed away from cancer.
Cash’s owner is fighting her own health issues and told Dr. Bortell a few times before and after Cash’s passing that she and Cash live one day at a time - or you lose that day!
They discussed how these are such simple words and yet many people forget to cherish that one day (today!)

The second story regards a wonderful email sent to Dr Bortell about the one year memorial of a senior dog, who battled many pulmonary and cardiac conditions. Shelby’s owner sent a list of Shelby’s top ten life lessons. "These also are so simple but profound and touched me deeply", Dr. Bortell said.

Here are Shelby’s lessons to us:

1. Live in the present moment
2. Enjoy the little things
3. When you fall, get back up again
4. Love unconditionally
5. Be kind to yourself and everyone else
6. Rest when you need to and enjoy soft blankets and pillows when you do so
7. I/you can do hard things and make hard decisions
8. Enjoy life in the body you have
9. Be affectionate with those you feel safe with
10. Soak up the sun and spend time outside

Both Shelby and Cash only weighed a few pounds, but tiny as they were, the imprints they left on everyone who knew them was huge. Here are pictures of our sweet Shelby and Cash:

05/15/2026

Bruce highly recommends laser acupuncture for arthritis and knee pain. It’s even better with an emotional support toy present!

05/13/2026

She may be low to the ground but high on beautiful corgi energy. Everyone, welcome Lula Mae to the clinic!