We’ll Make A Difference
Over the 40 years we’ve been in practice, our patients and their parents have become like family. Warm hugs, shared stories and lots of tail wags and chin scratches are the norm around here! Does your Kalamazoo vet provide this level of personalized care? If not, perhaps it’s time for a change. Call or stop in and see us today. We can’t wait to meet you!
Dr. Heather Short
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Heather Short’s passion for animal care began when she was only eight years old—it hasn’t wavered since. For her, another career path simply wouldn’t have made sense! Dr. Short is proud to care for pets and their owners every day as an Associate Veterinarian with the Pet Vet Family Pet Care team.
Dr. Short graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996, and has been practicing in small-animal medicine ever since. Medically, she enjoys preventative care, wellness exams, dermatological work, and quality-of-life care for pets suffering from chronic diseases. Most of all, she loves creating new relationships with the area’s pet owners and their beloved companions.
Dr. Short’s interests outside of veterinary medicine include scrapbooking, photography, visiting cities like Chicago and Traverse City, bowling, bicycling, swimming, and spending quality time with friends, family, and pets. She has two children, Ashley and Austin—and shares her home with a trio of domestic short-haired cats: Mittens, Mynx, and Shadow.
Dr. Claudia Gonzalez
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Gonzalez grew up in Miami and attended Florida International University where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In 2018, she went on to pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Michigan State University. She has a special interest in internal medicine, behavior, and preventative medicine. Dr. Gonzalez enjoys spending time with her very adventurous dog named Martin and her cats Lily and Nimbus. She also loves the outdoors and visiting National Parks, one of the many reasons she decided to stay in Michigan with her furry family.
Dr. Michael Cole
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The Team at Pet Vet Family Pet Care Center is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Cole, DVM. Dr Cole earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2013 after earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan. His is also Fear Free certified.
Dr. Cole’s father and grandfather were both veterinarians and he grew up working in his father’s practice in Northern Michigan where his passion for veterinary medicine took root. He is particularly interested in gastroenterology and animal behavior.
Dr. Cole has a 13 year old DSH tuxedo cat with whom he enjoys watching movies. He also enjoys playing board games with family and friends as well as camping and reading.
He looks forward to meeting the clients and patients over the coming months, beginning April 3rd!
Charlie
Practice Manager
Charlie is originally from North Bay, Canada. She has worked in executive management for the past 25 years in the nonprofit sector.
Charlie loves animals of all kinds. Raising six children provided lots of opportunity to welcome strays and rescues into an affectionate and fun-loving family. Huskies quickly became a favorite breed.
When not at work or volunteering Charlie loves to garden, read, cook, explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Alisa
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Alisa graduated from Baker College in 2012 and has her veterinary technician license in both Michigan and Indiana. She is originally from Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. Alisa is a veteran and has proudly served in the U.S. Army and the Canadian Navy.
Alisa enjoys getting to know and help a wide variety of patients. She likes learning more advanced and compassionate ways to provide exceptional care. Alisa is Fear Free Certified. Her approach helps to create trust with animals, which provides a more positive veterinary visit experience.
Alisa has been married for 35 years, has two children, a Sheltie and two cats.
Shyanne
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Shyanne graduated from Ross Medical Education Center in 2021 with a Certificate of Veterinary Assistant. She enjoys working in veterinary medicine to help animals and their owners to receive the very best care possible.
Shyanne lives with her family and several animals on their family farm. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, reading, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Tiffany
Veterinary Assistant
Tiffany graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Zoology. She was an intern at a wolf sanctuary in New Mexico following her education at MSU. Tiffany is a Veterinary Assistant and is enjoying learning new veterinary skills with the Pet Vet Team.
In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling whenever the opportunity arises. At home she lives with her three lovable dogs—Caesar, Lily and Zeus.
Gretchen
Boarding & Kennel Supervisor
Gretchen has lived in Kalamazoo for more than 20 years. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
She has loved animals all of her life and since childhood has always had a dog. Gretchen said she just can’t imagine her life without a dog.
In her spare time, Gretchen enjoys baking, gardening, and walking her four dogs.
Erin
Customer Service Representative
Erin is currently a student at Western Michigan University in environmental studies. Veterinary medicine has always been of interest and she loves working with animals.
In her free time, Erin enjoys hiking trails, playing with her dog Benjamin and napping with her fluffy cat Suki.
Kori
Customer Service Representative
Kori graduated from Ross Medical Education Center in 2014 with a Certificate of Veterinary Assistant. She worked at Pet Vet from 2014 to 2017 and loved it. Kori worked in animal research at Charles River from 2019 to 2021. Now returning to Pet Vet, Kori said it feels like home.
She has loved animals since she was a child. Today Kori shares her home and her life with five cats, a dog, and a rat. She is always happy to help people with their pets.
Vayda
Certified Veterinary Assistant
Vayda graduated from Penn Foster with a certification in veterinary assistant. She has always had a love and passion for helping animals in need and that is what created her spark to become a vet assistant.
Vayda currently lives at home with her family, 2 cats and a dog. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her horse, time outdoors and time with friends.
Sassafras
Groomer
Sassafras has been grooming for 2 years. Sassafras graduated as a dog groomer from Paragon School of Grooming in January of 2021, followed by a year of apprenticeship with a master groomer. Specializing in curly coat, but also comfortable working with all shapes and sizes!
Sassafras’ free time includes hanging out with their cats, reading, and playing TTRPG’s with friends, they also love cooking and playing board games.
Sarah
Boarding Assistant
Sarah is currently a student at Western Michigan University for Elementary Education. She loves working with children, but also loves working with animals. She has grown up with multiple different animals from dogs to goats to lizards and she has loved caring and learning about each one.
Her hobbies include reading, walking her dog, Arlo, and playing board games with family and friends.
