COMPANION ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Key Persons
It's of little surprise to Dr. Kelly's childhood friends and family that she became a veterinarian. Long before a career with animals was a consideration, she found comfort and loving companionship spending her days with animals. As an avid equestrian, most of her time was spent at the barn riding and caring for the horses and barn cats. Home life was also filled with critters to love and care for. One of her greatest inspirations and motivators to this day is the cherished relationship she shared with her toy poodle, Peanut. She was blessed to have had Peanut by her side throughout her childhood. Dr. Kelly's parents and brother also had a love for all animals, so family pets included: snakes, birds, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and breeding Irish Setters. Growing up on Long Island, NY, this suburban mini-farm became the educational attraction for the neighborhood. Her unique upbringing also afforded her ample opportunity to see veterinarians at work.
It wasn't until she started working at an emergency veterinary hospital in Buffalo, NY that she realized her passion and purpose was veterinary medicine and surgery. Dr. Kelly attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine after a SUNY Buffalo undergraduate degree. Dr Kelly moved to the Northern Virginia area after graduating veterinary school in 1998 and began her career in exotics. She transitioned to exclusively dog and cat medicine and surgery in January 2000 when she joined the exceptional team at Companion Animal Hospital. This is where she found her home and is now the proud owner.
Her love and enthusiasm for helping her patients continues to grow decades later. Most of her clients consider her part of the family, having cared for generations of pets, some traveling many miles for wellness exams and treatment. Her patients seem to sense her calm energy, making exam time much less stressful. She appreciates and enjoys the opportunity to bond with her pet families long term, while working resourcefully with them for the best possible outcome. Dr. Kelly is an established integral member of the veterinary community. Her longevity and vast experience afford her the comradery of colleagues on complex cases. She enjoys all aspects of caring for animals but has an affinity for dermatology/allergies, internal medicine/endocrinology, and soft tissue surgery. Now that Dr. Kelly and her husband are empty nesters, they enjoy motorcycle riding, musical theatre, concerts, and boating. Dr. Kelly also moonlights as a Roadie for her husband's band: Rusty Bones.