Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Johnston, IA
At Rush Animal Care, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and expert veterinary care for pets in Johnston, IA, and surrounding areas. Founded in 1992 by Dr. Barb Rush, our clinic combines decades of experience with a personalized approach to pet health. Our team of Fear Free Certified professionals offers preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, and emergency services in a low-stress environment.We prioritize clear communication, ensuring pet owners make informed decisions about their animals' care. Equipped with advanced tools, we deliver timely diagnostics and treatments while maintaining a commitment to continuing education and community trust.
Services
Pet Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgical Procedures
Emergency Services
Laser Therapy
Pet Boarding
Wellness Exams
Parasite Prevention
Dental X-Rays
Nutritional Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer Fear Free-certified care for low-stress pet visits.
- Our team provides 24/7 emergency veterinary support.
- Advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures available onsite.
- Personalized wellness plans tailored to each pet's needs.
- Decades of combined experience in veterinary medicine.
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified
What people say
Fear Free-certified staff
Emergency care availability
Personalized treatment plans
Experienced veterinarians
Clean facilities
Services
Pet Vaccinations
Our vaccination programs protect pets from diseases like rabies, parvo, and feline leukemia. We tailor schedules to age, health, and lifestyle. Core and non-core vaccines ensure comprehensive immunity for dogs and cats.
Dental Care
We provide teeth cleanings, extractions, and oral exams under anesthesia. Digital X-rays detect hidden issues. Preventive care maintains oral health and prevents systemic infections in pets.
Surgical Procedures
Our clinic performs spays, neuters, mass removals, and complex surgeries. Advanced monitoring ensures safety. Post-op care includes pain management and recovery guidance for pet owners.
Emergency Services
We treat injuries, poisoning, and sudden illnesses outside regular hours. Rapid diagnostics and stabilization minimize complications. Our team handles critical cases with immediate attention and follow-up care.
Laser Therapy
Cold laser treatments reduce inflammation and pain for arthritis, injuries, and post-surgery recovery. Sessions last 3-8 minutes with no discomfort. This non-invasive option improves mobility and healing in pets.
People
Dr. Barb Rush
Veterinarian
Dr. Rush graduated from Iowa State University in 1980 and founded Rush Animal Care in 1992. She is Fear Free Elite Certified and has three Shelties. She plays piano for local churches.
Dr. Pat Huston
Veterinarian
Dr. Huston is a retired veterinarian with 35 years in mixed-animal practice. He is Fear Free Level 3 Certified and specializes in pet owner communication and intergenerational care.
Alicia Pichler
Office Manager
Alicia manages clinic operations with 15+ years of experience. She oversees administrative functions and ensures smooth patient care coordination for Rush Animal Care's services.
Emily King
Office Coordinator
Emily coordinates daily operations with a biology degree from Luther College. She manages client interactions and supports Fear Free-certified care protocols across all pet services.
Alyssa
Veterinary Technician
Alyssa joined in 2025 after graduating from DMACC. She focuses on compassionate care and patient education, bringing expertise in exotic pet health and preventive medicine.
Questions
What services does Rush Animal Care offer?
We provide vaccinations, dental care, surgery, emergency services, laser therapy, boarding, and wellness exams for pets in Johnston and surrounding areas.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
Yes, our clinic provides emergency services for injured or suddenly ill pets outside regular business hours.
Are your staff Fear Free Certified?
Yes, multiple team members hold Fear Free certifications to reduce pet stress during visits.
What are your office hours?
Monday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Tuesday 7:30 am - 6:30 pm, Thursday 7:30 am - 6:30 pm, Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Do you provide pet boarding?
Yes, we offer boarding with personalized wellness plans and 24/7 monitoring for cats and dogs.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (515) 270-2240 during business hours or use our online request form for appointments.
