Dr. John VanDaele

Dr. John VanDaele was born and raised in northern Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992.  He moved to the Saginaw area in 2000 after practicing in the metro Detroit area for eight years.  Dr. VanDaele and his wife, Danielle, opened Animal Alley Veterinary Hospital in January 2011.  Dr. VanDaele has been active in many professional and community organizations including the parish council of his church, Freeland Boy Scouts, the Saginaw Veterinary Medical Association and Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. 
Dr. VanDaele, with his wife Danielle, have 5 children at home that he loves dearly.  His pet family include a Yorkie named Senator, Steve, the Great Dane, two cats named Ringo and Olaf and a rabbit named Fred Hop. Out of the office Dr. VanDaele loves to spend time relaxing with family and friends, playing poker and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Jessica Varner

​Dr. Jessica Varner is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Varner's home town is Auburn, Michigan. In recent years she has relocated back to the Tri-City area. She and her family love to camp, especially in the northern areas of the state, and engaging in family activities. The have two family pets, a golden retriever Maya and a German short haired pointer Brooks.

Karen, Practice Manager

One would think that after a career in the public sector for 43 years, retirement and the ability to sleep in, travel without taking time off, and the ability to take afternoon naps would be enticing.  However, the thought of retirement in those terms for me was one I did not want to experience.  Instead I chose to return to full time employment, but this time working in an environment where animals and their owners are the main focus.  The idea of working for a business who contributes to improving the lives of animals was appealing.  I am positive I have made the right decision and look forward to a rewarding future here at the hospital. 
 
Personally, I am fortunate to have two cats of my own.  Baily is a Rag Doll born in Toronto, Canada.  He is registered, with perfect markings and beautiful blue eyes.  He recently has survived a bout with foot cancer and now is missing one leg.  He does not view that lost limb as a deficit, and has worked out a special way to jump and run.  My other male cat, Harley, is a mixture of main coon and angora, a true bundle of beautiful fur. He is quite a large cat, not petite, and when he gets to running the house, you just want to get out of his way.  His speed and agility truly fits his name.  I believe they will both fit right in with our other very special animal friends here at Animal Alley.

Sara, LVT

I  graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 1996 and have been with Animal Alley since 2014. I especially enjoy patient care, surgery and anesthesia and I have a special interest in hospice/palliative care, human/animal bond and pet loss.
I  have 6 dogs, Norman a blind Shih Tzu, Chewie and Eddie- Brussels Griffons, Lilly-a sheltie, Ace-a yellow Lab and Indy a special needs Blue Heeler.  All are purebred rescues.  I am  also affiliated with the American Brussels Griffon Rescue Alliance.  I am married with 3 boys and in my  spare time I enjoy watching all the activities the boys are into.  I also enjoy gardening, reading and dock dog practice.

Anne, LVT

I have worked in a professional setting with animals since 2009 and have worked in the veterinary field since 2012. My favorite parts of the veterinary world are the human-animal bond, the science behind veterinary medicine, and client education. I have one yellow lab-pitbull mix named Morgan, a rescue who rescued me and is the love of my life. I also have two cat brothers, Johan and Gustav (Goose), who were not thrilled to be rescued but enjoy the free food, snuggles and couch anyway. In 2015 I joined the Animal Alley Family as a receptionist and now through hard work, I am an LVT.  I truly enjoy Animal Alley and all the wonderful two and four legged friends that are part of it.

Erena, Assistant

I have been working at Animal Alley for 5 years as an assistant. I am currently pursuing my education to become a Licensed Vet Tech. My husband and I have a small hobby farm with three goats; Cici, Zoey and Flower, 30 chickens, 3 ducks and 3 barn cats. We also have 3 dogs; Bailey a Sheperd Mix, Anya a Fox/Rat Terrier Mix and Kitty a Rottweiler. We also have 3 indoor cats; Shakira, Elenore and Natasha. In my spare time I enjoy taking care of the farm and working with exotic animals.

Karen, Assistant​ 

Animals have always been a part of my life. I have worked with them in a professional setting for almost 20 years. My background and passion is mostly in the zoo industry, but I also enjoy family pets. I currently live in Clio with my family and enjoy riding my horses in my free time. 
Katie, Assistant
I recently graduated from Central Michigan University, pre-veterinary and I have been working at Animal Alley since the Summer of 2018. My dream is to one day be a veterinarian myself, and I love being able to care for animals every day. In my spare time, I enjoy many of the outdoor activities that Michigan offers like hiking, camping, and snowboarding. My rescue pup, Ollie, is my right-hand-man and accompanies me on most of my outdoor adventures
Alan, Assistant
Hi.  My name is Al.  I have a dog named Stella.  Stella loves to do stretches with me and listen to the Bee Gees.  We both like the stretching, but honestly, disco is a bit wasted on Stella.  I have  been with Animal Alley since September of 2018, but it feels like I've known everyone here much longer.  This place is filled with great people.  I love animals and people, and I try my best to make all our visitors to the hospital feel happy and remembered.  I like dog kisses, and talking to the cats, and seeing how much people care for their animals.  It gives me hope. 
It is a pleasure meeting you all when you come through the door, and I promise to do my best to make sure that when you say goodbye, we say goodbye as friends.

​Mary, Receptionist 

I have worked in the Veterinary field for over 18 years and have been with Animal Alley for  over 4 years. I reside in Freeland with my husband Bob. We raised 5 children together and 3 have served proudly with our US Military. 3 are now married. We have a grandson named Peyton and a new granddaughter named Stella. I have a Bloodhound named Lil Dude , a Shih Tzu named Maya, a little mix named Merlyn and another Shih Tzu named Ellie Mae. I also have a Bloodhound I rescued from the shelter, her name is Willow and she is 5.  I have 2 horses and a little Donkey named Greg. We also have several kittys. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and riding and showing my horses.

Vicki, Receptionist 

​I joined Animal Alley Veterinary Hospital August of 2017. I have a red fox lab named Gunner. I'm on the hunt for my next Great Dane puppy. I really do believe that pets make our lives better! Plus who doesn't love puppy kisses.
Wendy, Receptionist
​I joined the Animal Alley Family in February of 2018. I worked for a veterinary hospital up north for about 4.5 years before relocating back to the Saginaw area. I have three Associate Degrees, a Certificate and Diploma from different colleges and universities, for different studies, but still gravitate back to veterinary medicine. I love being around animals and am definitely one of those people that sees a dog and has to pet it! I currently have two dogs living in my home, Eli, who is (I believe) a Great Dane/Red Nose Pit mix, and Oliver, who is a Chihuahua, and an axolotl named Mr. Chibbs. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family, especially my granddaughter, Jemma!

Constance, Accounting Specialist/Reception

I have been working at Animal Alley since June of 2016. The best part of working at Animal Alley is how I learn something new each day and the family atmosphere of the staff.  I have a Jack Russell named "Two Face Perry." He got his name because when he was little the right side of his face was all brown and the left side was all white, he had a perfect line down the center of his face and he is from Perry Michigan. He has been with me since he was 8 weeks old. 
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, gardening, fishing , sewing and spending time with my boyfriend, friends and family.

​Joel, Procurement Specialist/Reception 

I joined the Animal Alley staff in June of 2016, bringing 15 years of small animal veterinary clinic experience.  I am avid animal lover, and have been been surrounded by pets since childhood, and currently have 2 geriatric cats.  When not at work I keep very busy with a multitude of hobbies and interests.  In my spare time I enjoy historical renovations, gardening, pottery,  tile-making and learning traditional crafts and skills.   
Annette, Kennel Attendant
​Annette lives in Bay City with her husband, two sons and her beloved Great Dane, Bear. She enjoys cooking and baking, reading and lots of family time. Growing up she was surrounded by dogs and rabbits resulting in a life long love for all animals. She is a Kennel Attendant and Animal Alley and looks forward to caring for your pets in our office.
Miranda, Kennel Attendant
​I became apart of the Animal Alley team in may 2018. I currently live in Bay city and have one dog named Gracie Mae which is my entire world. Animals have always been my passion so that’s what makes working here so great. I am also pursing my dream of becoming a dog trainer through Animal Behavior College. 

Ricki, Queen of the Clinic

I have been with Animal Alley well for several years now. I like to nap a lot during the day but when I do wake up I enjoy soft loving pets on my head. I also enjoy several snacks during the day and require the staff to make sure those snacks are readily available.
Loki, King of the Clinic
My name is Loki and I am the King of the clinic. I love to sneak treats, even if it is the staffs' food left unattended, shhh.