Dr. Sandra Gilmore has become a co-owner of Coble Animal Hospital after returning to the practice last August.
Gilmore is a native of Oquawka, Illinois, and earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from University of Illinois in 2004. She began her career in mixed animal practice in Pike County, serving rural farmers and families while caring for livestock and companion animals. In 2008, she transitioned to small animal practice and joined Coble Animal Hospital on MacArthur Boulevard.
In 2017, Gilmore became the animal emergency programs coordinator for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, where she strengthened statewide animal disease preparedness and emergency response. She built partnerships across government, industry and local communities, served as liaison to Illinois Emergency Management on radiologic planning for pets and livestock, supported animal care during COVID-19 and helped coordinate response efforts for the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.
Dr. Joan Saner Reeder, who has worked at Coble Animal Hospital for more than two decades, purchased the practice from Dr. Frank Coble in 2024. Saner Reeder reached out to Gilmore and invited her to return to clinical practice. Gilmore started working at the Sangamon Avenue location in August and has now become a part owner.
“Dr. Gilmore is a smart, capable veterinarian,” Saner Reeder said. “We strive to provide the highest standard of care for the pets we treat, and we are committed to serving our clients and helping the Springfield community. I’m thrilled to now have Sandy as a business partner.”
Gilmore has served more than 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and Illinois Army National Guard, including deploying from 2003-2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Gilmore lives in Springfield with her husband, Nick, and their three children: Nicholas (freshman at San Diego State University), Sullivan (high school senior at Southeast) and Hazel (fourth grade, St Aloysius). She enjoys running with her four dogs, the outdoors, thrifting, baking and cheering on her kids at swim meets, wrestling matches and music performances.
“From the time I was old enough to know what a veterinarian was, I knew that’s what I wanted to be,” Gilmore said. “Owning Coble Animal Hospital with Dr. Saner means I get to keep doing what I love, but with greater intention and impact. I see it as a responsibility to support and grow a talented staff who shares our passion.”