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. T. Charles Catlin 

​Dr. T. Charles Catlin is a recent graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has relocated to the Tri-Cities from the Detroit area. Dr. Catlin enjoys biking and has a second degree black belt in Traditional Okinawan Karate. Currently Dr. Catlin's pet family resembles a small zoo. It consists of a cat Noel, a Russian Tortoise Franklin, two ferrets Ava and Freya and marine fish.

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.

Amy

I have been working at Animal Alley Veterinary Hospital since it opened in 2011.  I always dreamed of working with animals ever since I was a young child, and the medical field has always been a special interest to me.  My  favorite part of working at Animal Alley is that I learn something new on a daily basis.  I  have two amazing boys that consume my whole world.  In my spare time I enjoy being a mom, watching my  boys in their various activities, reading, fishing, and spending time with my family and friends. 

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 enjoys gardening, reading and dock dog practice.

Erena, Assistant

Animals have always been my passion. My husband and I currently have multiple furry kids. We have 4 cats Shakira, Elenore, Jasper, & Natasha. We have 3 dogs Anya, Bailey, & Kitty. 2 Dumbo Rats Castile & Wade.  I have been in the Veterinary since 2009 and I am currently continuing my education to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. In my spare time I enjoy learning taking care of my farm and raising exotics. 

​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.

Anne, Receptionist

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. I truly enjoy Animal Alley and all the wonderful two and four legged friends that are part of it.

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.

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. Two Face Perry will be 14 in August.
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.   

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.

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. 

Ashley, LVT

I graduated from Baker College of Port Huron in 2015 as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I have been working in veterinary medicine since 2008. I recently married my best friend of 10 years in October 2017. Together we have 2 Boston terriers - Roxy & Marley, 1 French Bulldog puppy - Louie, 2 cats - Morey & Ella, a quarter house named chase and  i also have chickens. I like to be outdoors and go camping, four wheeling, horseback riding, and gardening.