About Us

Owner/Veterinarian

CHERRI

TRUSHEIM, DVM
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Owner/Veterinarian

CHERRI TRUSHEIM, DVM

Dr. Trusheim is the visionary behind Urban Animal. Since graduating from veterinary school in 1999 and pursuing an internship on the east coast, Cherri has been searching. She has gone to bartending school, carpentry school, taken the realestate course and considered law school. It wasn’t until realizing Urban Animal that she found her passion. Built upon the principles of affordable care provided by individuals who are highly trained and experienced, Urban Animal has created a new model of veterinary care.

In Dr. Trusheim’s own words: “I drive a 1978 Ford truck and occasionally pull a 1973 airstream. (mostly it sits in our driveway and we make fires in front and pretend we are camping) In my spare time I enjoy remodeling our house, spending time with my amazing wife and our three dogs: Betty White an american bulldog/pitbull mix, Floyd, a brindle pitbull, and the newest addition to the family, a chihuahua named Flee.”
Medical Director

LISA

EDWARDS, DVM
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Medical Director

LISA EDWARDS, DVM

Dr. Lisa Edwards was born and raised in Southeast Tennessee. She graduated veterinary school at the University of Tennessee in 2002. She then completed a small animal medical and surgical internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Denver. She decided to continue moving northwest and practiced as an emergency/critical care veterinarian here in Seattle for 12 years. She then moved on to general practice for three years until receiving the great opportunity to joint the Urban Animal Team in February 2017.
Professionally, she thoroughly enjoys emergency/critical medicine and cardiology. She lives in Ballard with her husband, Alan, their feline child, Lunchbox, and their nautical child, a Nordic Tug Boat named Rudolph. Outside of work she loves cooking, sailing/boating (racing and cruising), running, hiking and watching sports – especially college football! GO VOLS!!
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Veterinarian/Operations Director

ANNA

MOORE, DVM
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Veterinarian/Operations Director

ANNA MOORE, DVM

Dr. Anna Moore was born and raised in Alabama, but considers herself a Seattleite at heart.

She obtained her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at Auburn University. She then completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery which is as surprising to her as it is to you. After that, she moved to Seattle and found her passion in emergency & critical care where she spent most of the last 8 years prior to joining the Urban Animal team. She’s excited to be part of a place that’s so much cooler than she is, and loves not having adrenal fatigue.

Anna enjoys all things PNW and has an unhealthy obsession with her French Bulldog, Posey.
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Veterinarian, Internal Medicine

POLLY

PETERSON,DVM,DACVIM
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Veterinarian, Internal Medicine

POLLY PETERSON,DVM,DACVIM

Dr. Polly Peterson, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine) is a Seattle native and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. She received her DVM from Washington State University before completing an internship at North Carolina State University and a residency in Internal Medicine at Texas A&M. She was one of the founders of the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle and practiced there for 17 years prior to joining the team at Urban Animal.
Dr. Peterson is available for consultations on complex medical problems for Urban Animal patients, and also can perform flexible endoscopy for foreign body removal, gastrointestinal biopsies, bronchoscopy, urethroscopy, and rhinoscopy/nasal fungal treatment. She also has an interest in non-surgical bladder stone removal using voiding urohydropropulsion for dogs with recurring bladder stones.
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Veterinarian

JULIE

IRWIN, VMD
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Veterinarian

JULIE IRWIN, VMD

Dr. Julie Irwin attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998. She worked in general practice and also owned her own emergency practice for several years before relocating to the Seattle area. She is an avid early morning rower and in her free time also enjoys sailing and cross-country skiing. She and her husband share their home with several two- and four-legged critters.
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Veterinarian

SARAH

FOSNAUGH, DVM
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Veterinarian

SARAH FOSNAUGH, DVM

Dr. Sarah Fosnaugh, who generally answers to Foz, grew up in Columbus, Ohio. She attended Miami University (of Ohio) for college, played lacrosse and received her BS in Zoology. She then moved to Miami, Florida, to work for Habitat for Humanity for a year followed by New Orleans, Louisiana, where she worked in a small animal veterinary hospital. After this fun break, she returned to Ohio to attend Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating in 2007, Dr. Foz decided to chase the sunshine and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. For 8 years, she worked as an ER vet and then tried independent contracting (aka relief) in general practice, ER and low cost spay/neuter. After relocating to Seattle and working in general practice, she finally found her home at Urban Animal. Her professional interests include emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery and radiology.

Dr. Foz has always been an outside kid and spends as much time hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing, running, bicycling, kayaking, SUP etc as possible. She enjoys playing the guitar and writing songs, traveling, reading, and eating really good food. Even though she has always been a bit of a wanderer, she feels at home here. She lives in Fremont with a naughty gray kitty named Piccolo and a stubborn Great Pyrenees mix named Aria.
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Veterinarian

MICHAEL

LIGHT, DVM
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Veterinarian

MICHAEL LIGHT, DVM

Dr. Michael Light is no stranger to our city. He lived here for 16 years prior to leaving for upstate NY, but the desire to be back on the west coast & part of Urban Animal brought him back in 2019. He considers Seattle home, despite growing up in the suburbs of Chicago where he got his start in the field in 1995. After working as a technician around the Puget Sound for years, Michael went back to school & graduated from the veterinary program at WSU in 2008. He worked as an emergency veterinarian before transitioning to general practice & is excited to bring his experience to the Urban Animal family!

Michael enjoys living on Capitol Hill & when he’s not at work, you’ll find him spending time with his senior Beagle, Murphy, exploring the city & making plans to travel & camp. If you see him out & about, say hello!

Fun Fact: If you look at the pictures on the photo booth at our Capitol Hill location, you’ll see a picture of Michael & Murphy taken at the original location when Urban Animal opened in 2012!
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Veterinarian

NICOLE

STAIR, DVM
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Veterinarian

NICOLE STAIR, DVM

Dr. Nicole Stair hails from eastern Washington, where she received an undergraduate degree at Whitman College in Walla Walla before earning her DVM from Washington State University.
She did one year of general practice before completing an internship in emergency and critical care. She worked in emergency medicine for the next 9 years, before starting at Urban Animal. Nicole is really excited to be a part of such a talented group of veterinary professionals who strive to give the best care every day (and to get to work during daylight hours!).

Nicole’s family includes her eternally patient husband TJ (it’s hard to be married to a vet!) and their two adorable little boys Jack and Luke, who have taught her more about dinosaurs and sharks than she ever thought possible. The four legged family members include Landry, the oldest and sweetest lab mix ever, and Stewie, who is a naughty feline – seriously, if you have a saucy cat, feel free to commiserate with her. She enjoys volunteering with her kids’ schools, baking ridiculously decadent cakes and brownies, and reading herself to sleep.
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Veterinarian

SAMANTHA

HMELO, DVM
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Veterinarian

SAMANTHA HMELO, DVM

Dr. Hmelo hails from the east coast, but she is thrilled to be able to call herself a Seattleite! She received her veterinary degree from Ross University and went on to complete a 1 year rotating internship at The Ohio State University. She practiced emergency medicine ever since until her recent jump into general practice. Dr. Hmelo has a special interest in feline medicine and loves cats with a little ‘cat-titude.’

Outside of work, you can find her lifting heavy things at the gym, running the streets of Seattle, and playing guitar to her darling cats, Captain and Toast.
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Veterinarian

TRICIA

HANS, DVM
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Veterinarian

TRICIA HANS, DVM

Dr. Tricia Hans earned both her BBA and DVM degrees from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! Since vet school, she has practiced in the Chicago suburbs, and both northern and southern California, before relocating to Seattle in 2017.

She is currently dog mama to a stubborn chiweenie named “Georgia”, and collects as many cats as possible.

She loves the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking and camping, spending time at the gym, and crossword puzzles.
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Veterinarian

MARY

SCHMID, DVM
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Veterinarian

MARY SCHMID, DVM

Dr. Mary Schmid was born and raised in Nashville, TN before heading off to New Orleans where she earned her undergraduate degree from Tulane University. After graduation an internship at The Elephant Sanctuary In Tennessee led to a full time position as an elephant caregiver. While it was an honor to be able to care for retired elephants, her desire to attend veterinary school could not be ignored. Mary moved to Massachusetts to attend and graduate from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine with the Class of 2014. Tired, of shoveling snow, she jumped to the other side of the country to complete a small animal medical and surgical internship at Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle in Lynnwood WA. Finally finding a part of the country that felt like home, Mary took a position practicing ER medicine in the greater Seattle area. Mary joined the Urban Animal family during the summer of 2019 where she enjoys helping animals from her owner neighborhood.

When not working, Mary’s favorite activities involve spending time on or near the water – sailing, kayaking, or hiking to hidden lakes fills most of her days off. She recently took up skiing; realizing that snow isn’t all that bad after all. When not outdoors, Mary enjoys spending time with her cat, Will Geronimo Parker. Parker is an obese prone male tuxedo polydactyl cat who loves long naps and eating cheese (when he can convince Mary to share).
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Veterinarian

JENNA

HEFT, DVM
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Veterinarian

JENNA HEFT, DVM

Dr. Jenna Heft grew up in the Midwest but was lured out here by the promise of outdoor adventure, and has been happy to call the Seattle area home since 2012.

Academically, she studied Zoology at Michigan State University, and then went on to veterinary school at University of Illinois. After graduation she spent several years in general practice before landing at Urban Animal. She loves working with all of the fun and highly skilled veterinary professionals at Urban, and enjoys the variety of clients and patients she gets to see everyday.

Outside of clinic hours, she’s usually doing something in the mountains or on the water – snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, camping or boating/kayaking. Her husband, Will, and their two dogs, Diesel and Zucchini, are always up for an adventure. At the end of a long day outside or at work, she enjoys curling up with a good book, a cup of tea (she considers herself a budding connoisseur) and her kitty, Rafiki, in their home in West Seattle. Traveling is also a passion of hers and is always looking for the next itinerary to plan- suggestions in the PNW (or anywhere!) always welcome.
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Veterinarian

DR.ASPEN

DAVIDOFF,BVM&S
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Veterinarian

DR.ASPEN DAVIDOFF,BVM&S

Dr. Aspen Davidoff grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA with degrees in Biochemisty, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) and French. She then headed across the pond to attend veterinary school at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. After graduation, she worked as a veterinarian in Tunbridge Wells England for 2 years before returning to the US to take a position at the clinic she grew up with. In 2021, Dr. Davidoff joined the Urban Animal family and has enjoyed the fit. As a veterinarian, she cares deeply about improving her patients’ quality of life, with a special interest in surgery, particularly orthopedic.

Aspen currently lives in West Seattle with her husband Jarrod, Kir the American Eskimo Dog, Morrigan the Basenji x Min Pin, Khadgar the Yorkie X, and Kestrel the human child. She enjoys baking, knitting, gaming in all forms, and historical reenactment
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Veterinarian

ALLISON

STILIN, DVM
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Veterinarian

ALLISON STILIN, DVM

Dr. Allison Stilin is a true midwesterner who has lived over 20 years in Wisconsin, but recently moved out west to make Seattle her new home. She earned her undergraduate degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and then returned to Wisconsin for vet school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She completed her internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Kirkland, WA before joining on with Urban Animal!

She loves her brilliant coworkers and the mission of the Urban Animal team, and her professional interests include internal medicine, neurology, and helping guide pet parents through difficult quality of life decisions and compassionate hospice care.

Outside of work, Allison has started exploring all that Washington has to offer – including hiking, snowshoeing, and climbing. She has also been involved in the swing dancing scene (lindy hop primarily). At home in Fremont, she spends time with her two adorable bonded rabbits, Roxie and Timmy, who have the run of the house and backyard!
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Veterinarian

SUZANNE

LI, DVM
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Veterinarian

SUZANNE LI, DVM

Dr. Suzanne Li graduated from UT Austin with a bachelor of science degree in biology with a subspecialty in ecology, evolution, and behavior. She spent her free time working in genetics research and rehabilitating wildlife-bottle feeding the baby raccoons was her favorite job! Suzanne graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She volunteered throughout vet school by teaching and promoting science to rural K-12 classrooms.

Suzanne spent the next 3 years practicing in the Phoenix area before calling Seattle home. She and her husband have 3 rowdy dogs at home: Chubbasaurus Rex, Mr. Darcy, and Finnegan; and one perfect cat: Pip Pip. In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys hiking, painting, and volunteering. Suzanne is passionate about caring for her furry patients and helping their families through all the ups and downs that adopting a pet entails.
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General Manager

ROB

OATMAN, LVT
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General Manager

ROB OATMAN, LVT

Rob is the resident veterinary version of a physicians assistant or nurse practitioner. He graduated from State University of New York at Canton in 1999 and has been in the veterinary field impressing the unimpressable ever since. He has extensive training in both dentistry and critical care. Rob is loved by all and Urban Animal is lucky to have him.

In his own words: “I grew up in a small town in upstate New York and have lived in Seattle for 14 years. I have a very sweet cairn terrier, Leonard, a horribly behaved miniature dachshund, Mable, and a handsome, orange tabby named Churchill. I am a huge music fan with a special fondness for country. (dont judge)I also have a weakness for bad reality TV.”
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Manager

JAIME

SYMBOL, LVT
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Manager

JAIME SYMBOL, LVT

In her own words: “Here’s the short story: I grew up in a small rural town in Alaska then moved to the big city “Seattle” in my early 20’s. I worked various desk jobs and decided it just wasn’t for me, so I quit and applied for the Assistant/Reception job at the vet down the street. Obviously they hired me, I spent four years there then seven very educational years at ACCES before finding a spot at Urban Animal. I took the Veterinary Technician exam a few years ago to become licensed.

I have two sometimes-beautiful children, two step-children and a husband. Also occupying the house are two large dogs, two cats and a tortoise; there is never a dull moment.”
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Manager, White Center

ALISON

DEPUTY, LVT
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Manager, White Center

ALISON DEPUTY, LVT

Alison is a Seattle native (ok, she grew up in Bellevue…but we don’t talk about that) and has always cherished animals. She received her Bachelors Degree in Veterinary Technology in…let’s just say it was a while ago…and has never questioned her career choice! She’s worked in general practice, surgery and anesthesia, ER, research, and sales, and has found her forever home at Urban Animal.

“I love our model of making high quality veterinary care available for as many people as possible. I have a passion for medicine and animals, and I love being able to help people.”

Alison is an outdoor enthusiast, a travel and road trip addict, delights in flying with her boyfriend and his family (they’re all pilots!), and she’s quite the bird nerd. She carries her monocular (aka the “spyglass”) with her most of the time she’s outside so she can geek out over feathered beasties. She lives in the sticks with her boyfriend, the two hairy monster felines, Guinness and Eli, and all the deer, bears, squirrels, coyotes, cougars, bobcats, raccoons, possums, rabbits, weasels, and birds that live right outside her door (sometimes literally).
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Assistant Manager, Downtown

RACHEL

KAUSE, LVT
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Assistant Manager, Downtown

RACHEL KAUSE, LVT

Rachel is an animal lover extraordinaire! She grew up in a quaint little town in Downriver Michigan where she discovered her passion for veterinary medicine. She graduated from Michigan State University (Go Green!) in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in science and a major in veterinary technology. Immediately after passing her LVT exam, she moved to Seattle with her now husband and hasn’t looked back! Rachel worked 2.5 years at a specialty hospital as an emergency ICU technician before finding her place at Urban Animal in 2017.

She spends her free time exploring the PNW and going on adventures with her husband, her golden retriever, Barley, and her Pitty Pup, Bonnie. She also enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and tasting new foods and brews.
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Assistant Manager, Capitol Hill

KEN

KUCEY, LVT
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Assistant Manager, Capitol Hill

KEN KUCEY, LVT

Now a Seattleite through and through, Ken moved cross-country to this beautiful city from Georgia 8 years ago in order to study Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at UW. GO HUSKIES!!! After working in the finance industry for a few years, Ken decided there was a lack of puppies and kittens in this line of work so he decided to switch to the Veterinary Medicine field. In his free time, Ken loves to play basketball, soccer, tennis, take his dogs hiking and backpacking through the Cascades and Olympics, and most of all give big ‘ol hugs to every puppy that crosses his path.
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Dental Lead

DANIEL

SNODGRASS, LVT
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Dental Lead

DANIEL SNODGRASS, LVT

Daniel Snodgrass was born in the small town of Payson, Arizona. He started in the veterinary field at 15 years old as a kennel attendant after school and spent the next several years working towards obtaining his Veterinary Technician License, which he did in 2006. After a short stint in Phoenix, AZ and then Topeka, KS, Daniel fulfilled his dream of moving to Seattle in January of 2009. While fortunate to work with multiple fantastic doctors around the area, Daniel finally found a good work home at Urban Animal in June of 2014. During his free time, Daniel likes to relax watching movies, go hiking, paddleboarding, singing karaoke, and spend time with his Husband and friends.
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Licensed Technician

SHANNON

DWYER, LVT
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Licensed Technician

SHANNON DWYER, LVT

Shannon joined the Urban Animal team in 2015 and brings with her a wealth of experience. She became an LVT in 1994 and has worked in the Veterinary field ever since. During her working interview, we realized that she had a big love for geriatric patients. In her spare time, you can find her boxing at the gym; gardening; or at the ocean with her best pal, her dog Chachi. She misses California but Seattle is growing on her.
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Licensed Technician

DANICA

KELLEY, LVT
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Licensed Technician

DANICA KELLEY, LVT

“Originally from Arizona, Danica moved to Seattle July of 2015, after living 4 years in Ohio, with only what could fit into her VW Golf and her two dogs, Rock and Sonar. Danica has a history of working in general practice for just over 2 years and about 1 year in emergency. She is currently enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation after finishing school and obtaining her license. Danica enjoys spending time outside with her dogs, photography, and discovering this amazing new city she now calls home. You can follow her dogs on Instagram at sonar_theeyelessdog and rock_boxer – you will not be disappointed!”
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Licensed Technician

MARK

FINK, LVT
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Licensed Technician

MARK FINK, LVT

Mark has been working with animals since 2000 and earned his veterinary technician license after graduating in 2006 from Wilson College, a small private college in Pennsylvania. At Wilson he completed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology. Mark also completed an internship at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colorado where he discovered his foremost interest within anesthesia and surgical assisting. Since then he has participated in more than 5,000 surgical cases involving numerous species of animals. When he isn’t pursuing veterinary medicine, Mark enjoys long- distance hiking, camping, yoga and reading books on anything and everything. He loves living in Seattle with his wife and their always ready to go hiking, Border Collie named Hoppy.
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Licensed Technician

AVIS

ANZELC, LVT
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Licensed Technician

AVIS ANZELC, LVT

Avis joined the veterinary profession in late 2009 after rethinking her career goals not long after obtaining her Master’s degree in biological anthropology from Kent State University. She was licensed as a Veterinary Technician in early 2016 after squeaking in under the grandfather clause right before it ended in Washington state. Her veterinary interests lie in parasitology, zoonotic diseases and clinical pathology.
When Avis is not work, she enjoys traveling, reading outdoor survival stories, hiking, knitting, and spending time in the sun, when and where she can find it. She is an adrenaline junkie and loves speed boats, go-cart racing, roller coasters, and exploring sites that hold a little bit of danger. She has a cute little geriatric kitty at home named Suna and a gigantic, dopey puppy named Eli, that keeps her amused by just being themselves.
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Licensed Technician

JESSICA

YOUNG, LVT
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Licensed Technician

JESSICA YOUNG, LVT

Hi, my name is Jessica! I have been a licensed veterinary technician since 2010, but I’ve been working with animals since I was 11 years old when I began showing horses and working as a ‘gallop girl’ for my families thoroughbred race horses. I am a Pacific Northwest Native who has lived in all of the western states, and have spent the last 10 years living in South Lake Union. I have a passion for senior pets, anything smooshie face, and love all critters with a good spirit. Outside of my work at Urban Animal, I enjoy everything that the city life has to offer, including live music, fantastic restaurants, and craft beer. I am also an outdoor lover who is most happy when snuggling my two rescue dogs by a campfire after a long day in the kayak, or the hiking trail.
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Licensed Veterinary Technician

KATELYN

ANDERSON, LVT
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Licensed Veterinary Technician

KATELYN ANDERSON, LVT

I think I had always known I had wanted to work with animals. after high school, I didn’t want to rush into anything I would regret. When I was 19, I started the assistant program at PIMA and fell in love. I finished the technician program this past year and I have loved learning and building through Urban. I love all animals, but cats are definitely my passion!
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Licensed Veterinary Technician

CHELSEY

LISIEWSKI, LVT
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Licensed Veterinary Technician

CHELSEY LISIEWSKI, LVT

Started in vet med as a kennel attendant at the age of 14
Worked as an assistant for a few years before going to tech school while I was still finishing high school. I actually got my RVT license before I finished high school!
Worked as an RVT in California for several years (10+) where I worked with small animals, exotics and raptors. Found my absolute vet med passion is dentistry and creating great client/patient relationships
Then moved to Oregon to take a job as a CVT at OSU VTH- worked for four years in the Oncology department, teaching students and working with and treating patients with cancer
Then moved here to Seattle to get back into my passion of dentistry as an LVT with UA! Very excited to be here.
I love the cold winter weather, the grayer and stormier it is the better 🙂
I enjoy reading in my spare time, and like true crime and historical documentaries
I have a cat named Squirrel
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Inventory Coordinator, CVA

MATTEO

BISCARDI
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Inventory Coordinator, CVA

MATTEO BISCARDI

Matteo is from Queens, New York. He initially went to college for Human Nursing (CNA,PCT,MA) and worked in Elderly care, Hospice care, respiratory therapy, but after 10 years in the industry he switched to Veterinary Medicine. He earned his Veterinary Assistant degree from PMI and has since worked in hospitals across the country that practiced Eastern to Western medicine. He was taught in many different types of care from Chinese herbs, Acupuncture, laser therapy and Ozone therapy. From a very young age Matteo had a strong passion for the care of animals and is now living his dream.
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Veterinary Assistant

LYNETTE

MARTINEZ
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Veterinary Assistant

LYNETTE MARTINEZ

Lynette Martinez joined the Urban team in September 2015 as a veterinary assistant after working in the field for the past 8 years. Lynette is originally from California but moved to the PNW about 4 years ago before adopting a terrier mix and her self proclaimed soulmate, Daisy. In her free time you can usually find her hiking, backpacking, drawing or eating and drinking her way around Seattle.
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Veterinary Assistant

KAYLA

OSTBY
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Veterinary Assistant

KAYLA OSTBY

I am originally from a little hick town called Sedro-Woolley (HA!) but moved to Seattle as soon as I graduated because of my love for the city life. I started working in the animal field at a boarding facility where I was a supervisor and apprenticed under an amazing trainer for a little over a year. After that I pursued veterinary medicine and have been in the field since 2014. Outside of work, I enjoy my pets, Lila a French Bulldog and two cats Blacky Chan (one in the pic of course and his brother Mr. Meowghi). My boyfriend and I travel a lot. We have been to Italy, Rome, Florence, New Orleans, Canada, Florida, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and many more places to come.
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Veterinary Assistant

GRACE

JACKIE
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Veterinary Assistant

GRACE JACKIE

Grace grew up in Connecticut where she started her career as a kennel assistant. She later spent 3 years in Florida where she worked as a veterinary technician and enjoyed the beach. She made her move to the great, pacific northwest July 2017 with her cute, little family of 2 dogs, Milo and Daisy, a rabbit named Fonzi, and her fiance Alex.
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Veterinary Assistant

APRIL

SCHUMANN
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Veterinary Assistant

APRIL SCHUMANN

April Schumann joined the Urban Animal team in July 2017 as a veterinary assistant after working in veterinary medicine for the last 5 years.

April is originally from Austin, TX but has also lived in Washington D.C where she got her start in animal care and behavior.

She has 3 male orange tabbies (Larry, Lionel and Nelson) that she loves dearly. In her free time she loves traveling, playing video games, and walking around the city.
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Veterinary Assistant

TAYLOR

BURMER
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Veterinary Assistant

TAYLOR BURMER

Hi there! My name is Taylor. I grew up in Arizona but I have called the Seattle area my home for the past 7 years (yes, I do actually like the rain here!) I spent the last several years teaching marine science and outdoor education to kiddos of all ages, but found my true passion to be working with animals. I’m so excited to be a part of the Urban Animal team and to learn as much as I can about helping and healing pets! When I’m not working, you can usually find me either playing on a beach or in the woods somewhere, or reading a book with a cup of coffee at home with my fiancé and our two cats (Levi and Jasper) and our tiny chihuahua (Tasha.)
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Veterinary Assistant

ASHLEY

DORNACK
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Veterinary Assistant

ASHLEY DORNACK

Ashley Rose was born and raised in the bluff country of Minnesota and moved to Seattle in 2017 after a couple of years in Wisconsin. After years of being a custom framer, she joined Urban Animal in pursuit of her dream career with animals and has never been happier! On her days off she enjoys working on her watercolor paintings, strolling through Elliott Bay Book Co., studying mammalogy and botany, or exploring the PNW with her partner.
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Veterinary Assistant

STEPHANIE

HASHIMOTO
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Veterinary Assistant

STEPHANIE HASHIMOTO

Born on Oahu and raised in New York City, Steph finds Seattle to be the perfect midpoint. Steph graduated from PIMA’s Veterinary Assistant program in 2016 and joined Urban Animal. They enjoy the chance to learn from Urban’s talented team and meet and treat Seattle’s cats and dogs.

When they aren’t working, Steph enjoys honing their homemade bagel-making skills (gotta make up for that NY bagel deficit!) enjoying a wide variety of cured meats, teaching their cats to jump through hoops and spending quality time with their lovely wife Olivia. They actively restrain themselves from adopting all the animals, but would someday love to have a small menagerie.
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Veterinary Assistant

MICHAEL

RUGGIERO
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Veterinary Assistant

MICHAEL RUGGIERO

Hello, I’m a new Seattle Resident, I just moved to here in October 2019 from San Francisco.

I’ve been in the Veterinary Field for 14 years now and I’ve been an assistant/technician for the past 9 years.

I love traveling and my top favorite places so far are Japan, Turkey, and Italy.
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Veterinary Assistant

MEGAN

VAUGHAN
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Veterinary Assistant

MEGAN VAUGHAN

I started my work with animals 14 years ago at an animal shelter in Lake Tahoe. From there I worked as a surgical assistant for the last 8 years. I started at Urban Animal in April of this year and I am so happy! I’m excited to become an LVT and continue learning! I have two cats. An orange tabby named Paul and a black shorthair named Edgar.
I love music and dancing, knitting, crocheting, hiking and anything that involves the water.
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Veterinary Assistant

NIKITA

SOWARDS
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Veterinary Assistant

NIKITA SOWARDS

Nikita is from the east coast- New Hampshire, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to be exact. She landed in Seattle in 2013 and found Urban Animal in Spring of 2018. She is currently in school for veterinary technology. On her days off she enjoys exploring the city with her two pugs Admiral Adama and President Roslin (Rosie) and her husband Joshua.
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Front Of House Manager

CALVIN

SPIVEY
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Front Of House Manager

CALVIN SPIVEY

“The Texas born, military brat, that calls Seattle home.

Calvin, his wife, and two daughters have spent the last 10 years living in San Diego. Where he was known for bringing a positive attitude, welcoming smile, and wonderful customer service to all those he encountered. After making the painstaking decision to leave the sun and return home, he decided to join the Urban Animal crew. Which was an easy decision, the companies motto, the atmosphere they created and the philosophy behind affordable option-based healthcare was something he could stand behind.

In his spare time you can usually find Calvin hanging with his family and close friends, but most likely out playing golf somewhere. He doesn’t currently have a pet, but talks about a new dog joining their family soon.”
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Client Liaison

MOLLYROSE

DUMM
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Client Liaison

MOLLYROSE DUMM

Mollyrose spent the last 8 years in emergency veterinary medicine and is excited to begin her next chapter with Urban Animal! Prior to vet med, Mollyrose worked for 6 years within the Washington Correction’s Center for Women at their prison dog rescue and training program. While she misses the pace of emergency medicine, she is ready for this new experience. Mostly a full time mom (to two humans), she spends what little free time she has with her 14 year old shepherd mix heart dog, Izzy and her 2 year old English shepherd, Ludo. She would love to have a cat again someday but not while the two naughty dogs are around.
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Front Of House

ALEX

NAUGHTON
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Front Of House

ALEX NAUGHTON

Hay y’all!! My name’s Alex, and I grew up in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. I’ve always loved caring for pets, and I believe that they have wonderful healing qualities. As a youngster I had a hamster named Mac, and my parents still live with our family dog, Buster. After getting a degree in psychology at the University of North Texas I moved to Seattle, and I’ve loved it ever since. In my leisure I like to play music, read, and spend time with my partner Joy and our cat, Jeans.
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Front Of House

TAMMY

DADISMAN
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Front Of House

TAMMY DADISMAN

Tammy was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Seattle in August 2018. Tammy comes to Urban with 7 years of experience in veterinary medicine. In her free time she enjoys exploring the PNW with her spouse, Paul, traveling internationally, conversing with her cats Hazel and Bert, and binging an uncomfortable amount of true crime podcasts and documentaries.
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Front of House

HANNAH

RENBARGER
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Front of House

HANNAH RENBARGER

Hannah hails from the Sunshine State and has been in the veterinary industry since 2004. This Certified Cat Lady and her husband, Jacob, are rabid Sounders fans and the household servants to 3 lovely lady cats – Domino, Lyra, and Sparta. Outside of work she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, baking, and naps. Go Sounders!
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Our Lady of the Office Coordinator

LIZ

LAVIGNE WEBER
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Our Lady of the Office Coordinator

LIZ LAVIGNE WEBER

Hi There! I have always lived in a home with at least a dog and cat but my first experience working with animals was as a kid, back in the day when you could get a job at 12 years old, I landed my first job at a veterinary clinic in a small town in Minnesota. That Summer I was given a dog and a cat in lieu of wages and received lots of advice from “Doc” Pedersen.

After moving to Seattle in 1999, I rekindled my veterinary experience and worked as a veterinary assistant and now here at Urban Animal, combining my other life of product development, merchandising and marketing.

When not working I’m hanging out with my family or enjoying a moody morning listening to music and dreaming of new places to travel, as well as adventuring the great PNW outdoors and maybe an art project or two.
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Interior Designer

SARAH

LITTLEFIELD
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Interior Designer

SARAH LITTLEFIELD

Sarah Littlefield, proprietor of Seattle Junk Love, is a dyed-in-the-wool Midwesterner. Born and raised in Fargo, ND to parents with an appreciation for travel & adventure, she’d seen more than a few places before landing in Seattle in 2001. A fascination with the amalgamation of style and culture she experienced in her youth now provide her a sense of what’s out there to be discovered as an adult. Simple solutions, comfortable surroundings, an honest appreciation for nostalgia, and a healthy sense of humor often have prominent roles in influencing the interiors she creates.

Sarah’s a friend to both commercial and residential clients, offering services that range from simple to complex. If you need her to find that singular, perfect piece to complete your mountain cabin interior, or design an interior space from the ground up, she’s ready for the challenge.

While she’s most happy behind the wheel of her Chevy van in search of the next greatest thing to complete a project and thrill a client, she’s equally pleased to be home on the couch listening to records. Sarah counts her greatest finds to be a haul of vintage industrial factory lights, the original form that was used to cast the plastic “in/out of service” signs that sit atop today’s taxi cabs, and several old signs from a now-demolished Masonic Hall.

Sarah loves her Red Wing boots, old Ford trucks, even older country and western records, and being first in line at estate sales. You can reach her at seattlejunklovesjl@gmail.com
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Top Dog

BETTY

WHITE
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Top Dog

BETTY WHITE

Betty White found Dr. Trusheim and Taya after presenting to Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services (ACCES) by a good samaritan. She was found caught under a fence while being attacked by other dogs. She had many bite wounds and a severely broken left front leg. Dr. Trusheim was working at ACCES at the time and when Betty came through the door wagging her tail, it was love at first site. Her leg was repaired and after no one came forward to claim the sweet girl….she became a permanent resident in the Trusheim household.
Betty White passed away in 2018 but her very quiet and charming personality lives on at Urban Animal! She may be one of the prettiest girls we’ve known.

We love you Betty, you’re in our hearts forever-
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About Us

Owner/Veterinarian

CHERRI

TRUSHEIM, DVM

Owner/Veterinarian

CHERRI TRUSHEIM, DVM

Medical Director

LISA

EDWARDS, DVM

Medical Director

LISA EDWARDS, DVM

Veterinarian/Operations Director

ANNA

MOORE, DVM

Veterinarian/Operations Director

ANNA MOORE, DVM

Veterinarian, Internal Medicine

POLLY

PETERSON,DVM,DACVIM

Veterinarian, Internal Medicine

POLLY PETERSON,DVM,DACVIM

Veterinarian

JULIE

IRWIN, VMD

Veterinarian

JULIE IRWIN, VMD

Veterinarian

SARAH

FOSNAUGH, DVM

Veterinarian

SARAH FOSNAUGH, DVM

Veterinarian

MICHAEL

LIGHT, DVM

Veterinarian

MICHAEL LIGHT, DVM

Veterinarian

NICOLE

STAIR, DVM

Veterinarian

NICOLE STAIR, DVM

Veterinarian

SAMANTHA

HMELO, DVM

Veterinarian

SAMANTHA HMELO, DVM

Veterinarian

TRICIA

HANS, DVM

Veterinarian

TRICIA HANS, DVM

Veterinarian

MARY

SCHMID, DVM

Veterinarian

MARY SCHMID, DVM

Veterinarian

JENNA

HEFT, DVM

Veterinarian

JENNA HEFT, DVM

Veterinarian

DR.ASPEN

DAVIDOFF,BVM&S

Veterinarian

DR.ASPEN DAVIDOFF,BVM&S

Veterinarian

ALLISON

STILIN, DVM

Veterinarian

ALLISON STILIN, DVM

Veterinarian

SUZANNE

LI, DVM

Veterinarian

SUZANNE LI, DVM

General Manager

ROB

OATMAN, LVT

General Manager