Powered by Passion and Love for Animals
Rooted in Experience, Driven by Heart
At our Herrin hospital, you’ll find a close-knit team that blends years of experience with a deep love for animals. We take pride in our thoughtful, respectful approach and our ability to collaborate on personalized care for every pet. Our long-standing team is the reason families continue to trust us, year after year.
Our Doctors
Dr. Collin Rhine
Veterinarian
Dr. Shannon Zaloz
Veterinarian
Dr. Shannon Zaloz joined our veterinary team in March 2025, bringing a compassionate, hands-on approach to animal care. A proud graduate of the University of Missouri–Columbia, Dr. Zaloz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2018, followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.
As a Certified Fear Free Professional, Dr. Zaloz is committed to making every veterinary visit as low-stress and positive as possible for both pets and their people. She is currently pursuing a certification in animal rehabilitation, further deepening her dedication to helping animals recover and thrive.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Zaloz enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and cycling. She also has a background in caving and brings that same adventurous spirit to all she does. At home, she shares her life with a mischievous cat named Dae, who’s always on a quest for their next snack.
Fun fact: Dr. Zaloz broke a long-standing family tradition by becoming a veterinarian—her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother were all librarians.
Dr. Laura Portee
Veterinarian
Dr. Laura Portee attended high school in Carrier Mills, Illinois. She received her B.S. from Southeastern Illinois College and University of Illinois and then her DVM from University of Illinois. After graduating veterinary school, Dr. Portee became an associate DVM with Central Hospital For Animals in Fall of 1996. She has a special area of interest in canine reproduction, cosmetic surgery, and orthopedics (colnine sports medicine).
Dr. Portee enjoys participating and training for dog shows in conformation (German Short Point) and Obedience, not to mention Horseback riding and competition ranch sorting and cutting. She is an avid gardener and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Dr. Ellen Mcnitt
Veterinarian
Dr. Ellen McNitt was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, She received her B.S. from SUL Ross State University and her DVM from Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine. After being employed in a mixed animal practice for years, she then joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and was stationed in Arizona, Honduras, and Okinawa. It was in Okinawa that Dr. McNitt met her future husband and moved to Murphysboro, Illinois.
She was employed for nine years with T.O. Miller, DVM in Murphysboro, Illinois, then took an associate DVM position with Central Hospital For Animals where she has practiced for the last nine years.
Dr. McNitt has three pets (2 Chihuahua’s & 1 Spaniel/Retriever) that were all rescues. She enjoys reading, counted cross-stitch, party decorating, arts and crafts.