Meet the Team


Animal Emergency Coordinator Chris

Hello, I’m Chris.

I am co-owner and head the emergency volunteer efforts for The Happy Pet Vet. We are trained in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER).  Our teams have helped with animal evacuations during local wildfires, vetted injured animals, rescued animals from motor vehicle collisions and helped with sheltered animals during evacuations. I work to make others worst days a little better. 

I enjoy taking on hospice dogs and giving them a loving and fulfilling home in their final days and years.  I have also spent much time learning how to train dogs for scent work, tracking, trailing, & personal protection. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.


Practice Manager Jaime

Hi there! My name is Jaime.

I’ve been working with Dr Shaw since 2016 and before that I was doing medical rescue for Poodles only. I’ve also volunteered doing wildlife rescue and assisting in care. I have a special affinity for birds and have worked extensively with pigeons.

My joy is seeing all the different critters from spiders, to lizard, birds, cats and dogs and assisting in creating a good vet experience for them. As Dr Shaw’s Practice Manager, it’s all about managing the chaos and making sure owners feel heard. 


Receptionist Mary

Hi! My name is Mary. 

I am a part time receptionist for The Happy Pet Vet. I have worked with Dr. Shaw, Heather & Jaime for years and years and I consider them family.

I love working with animals and since I’m limited on the amount of pets I can have, getting to loving on your pets, while they are here, is my way of having lots of pet friends.

Thanks for sharing them with me! 


Veterinary Technician Heather

Hello, I’m Heather and it is nice to meet you! 

Officially, my job title is Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). I have been in the world of veterinary medicine almost continuously since 2004, but have been a licensed vet tech since 2010. Over the years I have learned that animals have a unique way of healing us as well as being the best parts of our day.

A couple of years ago, to expand my abilities to help animals and their people in a better way, I became certified as a palliative and hospice care nurse. Along with the daily activities of anesthesia to phlebotomy, I have the honor of supporting and encouraging owners who have special needs pets. Working with pets is an honor, it is a calling and something that I look forward to doing on a daily basis.  

Welcome to The Happy Pet Vet! 


Receptionist Holly

Animals of all kinds have always been a huge part of me, starting when I was very young and adopted every mouse, lizard, baby bird or snake that came along.  I had a big assortment of family pets, cats and dogs throughout my childhood, and exhibited my collie dog at many dog shows, and trained German Shepherd pups through 4H for Michigan School for the Blind.

As an adult, there have been many beloved cats, wolf dogs and working dogs such as border collies and Australian cattle dogs, one Catahoula, and of course my beloved schipperkes.  Years spent cattle ranching gave me the opportunity to raise and show cutting horses and to love donkeys, mules, and more than a few leppy calves. 

Unusual pets include a Bard rock chicken named Dollar, a pigeon that adopted me, that I affectionately called Coo-Coo bird, and assorted wildlife including a beautiful baby fawn that I raised on goat’s milk.

When I met Dr. Shaw 13 years ago, I recognized a kindred spirit and a friend.  I am honored to work for her and all of our amazing staff here at The Happy Pet Vet.


Veterinary Assistant Jon

The veterinary field could be one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs you could ever have.

Hi my name is Jonathan I am one of Dr. Shaw’s assistants and have worked with her at the clinic for 8 years now.

The staff is amazing and all-around joy to be around next to the patient that we get to see.


Veterinary Assistant Caitlin

Hello, my name is Caitlin.

I’ve had a lifelong passion for helping and caring for animals, with a desire to help them live their happiest-healthiest lives.

I’ve spent many years of my life around all sorts of creatures, ranging from cats and dogs to various exotics.

I strongly believe that the relationship between humans and animals is one of the most important in this world.


Veterinary Assistant Allison

Hi, my name is Allison.

I’m one of the veterinary assistants at The Happy Pet Vet. I’ve always had a love for animals and had the privilege to grow up around people who taught me how to care for them.

I’ve kept many pets throughout my life including exotics and special needs animals (like my current cat Birdy who has to wear diapers).

I’m passionate about my work in veterinary medicine because I know the challenges of pet care as well as how much our pets mean to us. I’m happy to have the opportunity to assist you with your pet care needs so that we can continue to keep our pets happy and healthy.


Receptionist Whysper

Hello, my name is Whysper.

I am one of the few receptionists for Dr. Shaw.

I love working with her and everyone else, they are like a second family.

Working with them and the wonderful patients that come in can be highlight of my week


Veterinary Assistant Austin

I am Austin.

A happy pet brings a happy home, and a happy home makes a happy you. I’ve been with The Happy Pet Vet for a couple of years, and I enjoy all the critters that cross my path.

It is a pleasure to help people and their pets have healthy and happy lives.


Veterinary Assistant Kaya

I am Kaya,

I have been working in veterinary medicine since 2021. I have been a Veterinary Assistant at The Happy Pet Vet since September 2024.

I have two dogs (a corgi and a border collie/ aussie mix) and a horse.

I am so excited to meet and work with you and your critters!  


Breed Specific Healthcare Specialist

Hello, I’m Amy, and I work in breed-specific care.

I’ve known Dr. Shaw since I was very young, and she’s the veterinarian that my entire extended family and I love the most. I’m one of The Happy Pet Vet’s newest workers, and while I knew it was a great place to work, I am consistently floored by how loving and caring this environment is.

I grew up around dogs of all breeds and sizes my entire life, and I’ve always had a passion for all kinds of animals, especially those I’m allergic to.

It’s an honor working here and helping people learn the best ways to care for their specific pets. I truly believe that our team will give your best friend the care they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life, all with a smile.