MERCED ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER - Key Persons

Dr. Avneet Hayer is a recent veterinary graduate and the newest addition to our team. Dr. Hayer grew up here in Merced where she knew from a young age that she had a passion for helping animals. She left Merced to attend UC Davis, then Ross University for veterinary school, and Oklahoma State University for clinical training. During her summers in college, she worked next door at the University Pet Resort and later as a receptionist with us here at MAMC. She is excited to return to MAMC to provide quality care to her patients, their owners, and the community. She has a special interest in animal behavior, preventative care, and internal medicine. Outside of her professional life, she has a 2-year-old island dog, Billie Island, and a 6-year-old gray cat, Hugo Boss. Through her time at Davis and Oklahoma, she found a new love for large animals and hopes to own her own herd of cows and goats one day. In her spare time, she loves gardening, spending time with family, and building Lego sets!

Dr. Carey Hannigan received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic State University. In 1998 she graduated from UC Davis with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Her very first position in the veterinary field was right here at Merced Animal Medical Center. Prior to returning here full time in the fall of 2016, she practiced at clinics all around the State of California, from Auburn to Central Coast to San Diego. Her practice has included small animal and equine animal, but at this time she only sees horses recreationally. Dr. Hannigan has 16 horses, some of whom live right behind our hospital in Merced. She does most of her riding in Atwater. Dr. Hannigan has a busy life outside of work with twin sons, 4 cats and 1 dog. Plus those 16 horses!

Shannon Lowe has been part of the AMC staff since 2008. She initially worked at our reception desk, but has shown extreme growth by taking on many new roles: first the pharmacy assistant position, then as a technician assistant, Tech Supervisor, Treatment Manager and most recently Hospital Manager. Her wide range of knowledge within the hospital is impressive, but Shannon has found a particular love for Urgent Care medicine and the unexpected challenges it brings with each day!