Paul Donovan, VMD

Dr. Donovan is the founder of Alburtis Animal Hospital. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976, and from the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania in 1982. His first veterinary position after graduation brought him to the Lehigh Valley, and he has been practicing small animal medicine here ever since that time. Dr. Donovan is a member of the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and the Americal Veterinary Medical Association. He remains an avid Pittsburgh Panther fan among all the Nittany Lions fans that surround him on a daily basis. He and his wife, Teri are now "empty nesters", their three sons having moved from the Lehigh Valley.

Daniel M. Smith, DVM

Dr. Smith completed both his undergraduate and his veterinary training in Ithaca, NY. His veterinary degree was earned from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1999. He practiced in Chesapeake, Virginia until joining the staff at Alburtis Animal Hospital in June, 2001. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and is the current Vice President of the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association. He has an interest in canine hip dysplasia, and has received advanced training in performing the PennHIP radiographic technique for evaluating dogs for the presence of the disease as early as 16 weeks of age. He also has extensive experience with a range of canine and feline dental diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Dr. Smith has developed quite a following here in Alburtis, and we are proud to call him one of our own. He is married to Michelle, and has a son and two daughters.

John F. Prange, DVM

Dr. Prange joined our staff in June, 2008. He brought with him 39 years of veterinary experience. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1969 from the University of Missouri. He has owned and managed practices in Missouri for 15 years, and has served as the President of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Prange has served as the Technical Services Manager for Hill’s Pet Products, Inc., presenting lectures to veterinarians on nutrition and nutritional-related diseases. He has served an the Director of Veterinary Marketing for the Ralston Purina Company in St Louis, and as the Vice President of Quality Assurance at ALPO Pet Foods, right here in Allentown. Dr. Prange spends his days off volunteering his services for a local non-profit animal rescue association. He is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (past President), the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association. His broad range of expertise and experience makes him a valuable source of knowledge both for our staff and for our clients, and we believe you will find him to be thorough, informative, and easy to understand.

Mary Ellen, Office Manager

Mary Ellen joined our staff in November, 2001. She has a lifetime of experience with animals, both large and small, and even has a veterinarian in her family. Our hospital is fortunate in being able to tap into the organizational and "people skills" that she brings to us from her previous work experience here in the Lehigh Valley. Mary Ellen accepted the position of office manager after just a few months with us, and has performed in exemplary fashion the jobs of maintaining the hospital's inventory, assigning and adjusting staff schedules, and happily filling in wherever she is needed.

Nancy, Reception Coordinator

Chances are, Nancy will be the first person you'll meet at as you enter our reception area. Having worked in the animal medical field locally for several years, she joined our staff in the summer of 2002. She quickly became the anchor-person of our reception area. We think you'll find that her warm, welcoming manner helps you AND your pet feel right at home here.

Jennifer, Veterinary Technician

Jennifer joined our staff in the summer of 2002, having worked for several years as a veterinary assistant in an animal hospital here in the Lehigh Valley. She has a way with pets that we think you'll notice. Your pet's stay with us is made much more comfortable, thanks to Jennifer's caring touch. Her sense of humor helps all of the staff members keep smiling, which is good for us, for you, and for your pets.

Beth, Certified Veterinary Technician

Beth became a member of our staff in 2007. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician with twenty years of experience with the management of medical and surgical care of animals. Her pet buddy is a black Labrador Retriever named Phoebe. Chances are good that you've seen Phoebe hanging out behind our reception desk. It's her favorite playground. Beth enjoys home remodeling, gardening, embroidery, crocheting, and crossword puzzles. We consider ourselves quite fortunate to have her working with us.

Julie, Veterinary Technician

Julie joined our staff in the summer of 2005. She had honed her skills by working as an animal technician in the Lehigh Valley for several years prior to joining us. We are happy to have her working with us, and you and your pet will enjoy interacting with Julie. Her skills will help your pet feel at home while under her care her at the hospital.

Kristin, Veterinary Technician

Kristin became a member of our team in the Fall of 2009. She has lived in the Lehigh Valley area all her life, and enjoys hiking, photography, and movies. She has 10 years of experience working with small animals. She brings insight and perspective, having experienced techniques and protocols that are different from ours. We look forward to blending her knowledge with ours. Kristin has a gentle way of associating with pets, which we are sure your pets will appreciate. Kristin is tho owner of two pit bulls, named Ruby and Luna, along with two snakes and a gecko.

Kathy, Veterinary Assistant

Kathy became a part of our team in 2006. She brought with her many years of experience in the field of small animal medicine. Her team-player spirit has proven to be one of her many useful attributes. She is the proud owner of Princess, a Beagle, and a cat named Scat. You'll enjoy getting to know Kathy, as we have, and your pet will be comforted by her gentle nature. She is married, to Mike.

Jessy, Veterinary Assistant

Jesse and her family returned to the Lehigh Valley in the Summer of 2007. She had been working in a busy small animal practice outside Washington, DC for the previous seven years. We welcome her efficient manner and her skills, both with the pets and with their owners. She has two small children, a mixed Doberman named Lincoln, and a black cat named Toby. Jessy enjoys her role as a stay-at-home mom. You'll see her here a few evenings each week, and on some Saturdays.

Becky, Veterinary Assistant

Becky became a member of our staff in 2007. Her connection to animal medicine includes a family tie- her uncle is a veterinarian. Becky helps out with every aspect of our practice, from answering phones to assisting with X-Rays, labwork, pet restraint, and instrument sterilization. Her cheerful attitude help us all, every day. Our patients like Becky, and you will, too.

Teri, Bookkeeper

Teri wears many hats in her role at the hospital. In fact, when it first opened she wore EVERY hat, as she was the only staff member. Since those days, she has served as the bookkeeper, inventory controller, schedule maker, check signer, hospital design assistant, interior decorator, landscape consultant... you get the idea.

Casper, Paperweight and Friend to All

Casper used to be one of Dr. Donovan's house cats. It was discovered that his strong point was his personality, rather than his ability to get along with the OTHER house cat, so he began his career as a greeter and reception desk loafer in the animal hospital, in 1995. Many of our clients have grown to love (and ask about) Casper. He is indeed one of the world's most likable cats.

Albert, The Real Boss

Albert was born in our facility, along with his eight litter mates, on Dr. Donovan's birthday. Though not as outgoing as Casper, he remains an institution at the hospital, roaming the halls at his leisure. His name was chosen to remind us of the misprint in our very first Yellow Page ad. You can guess what that might have been. Really, this never was his hospital.

MUFA, the Lesser African Jardine

MUFA's first given name was Wyatt, but he didn't like that any better than the rest of us did, so the staff renamed him MUFA. Yes, from the dietary term. He's got a personality that at first reminded of us of our dearly departed Parakeet, named Zazu. He's since shown some of his "cranky" side, so the wiser of us don't attempt to allow him to perch on a finger any more. You'll see and hear him carrying on behind the reception desk, testing his growing repertoire of whistles. He goes "home" every night, but enjoys socializing with us and our clients all day long.