Why Paoli’s Pet Owners Trust Our Veterinary Clinic

Welcome to Paoli Vetcare, the most well-reviewed veterinary clinic on the Philadelphia Main Line. For decades, we have served the pets and pet owners of our area, providing exceptional care that you cannot find anywhere else.

When choosing a vet, it’s crucial to consider experience, commitment, and education. Veterinary knowledge doesn’t end at graduation, and the vets at Paoli believe that continuing education, new skills, and improved techniques lead to better care. If a veterinarian decides to let their skills stagnate, this can lead to misdiagnosed conditions, poor treatments, and traumatic therapy.

It’s vital that every member of a veterinary team continues to develop their skills, not just the doctors and surgeons. Veterinary medicine only works when everyone participates, from kennel staff to owners. As techniques change and grow, more vets are showcasing effective communication, top-of-the-line care, and evolving techniques to help pets recover and live happily.

Choosing the right veterinary clinic matters. The community of Paoli is not only selective about care, but we are pet owners ourselves, and we love all of our furry friends. At Paoli, your pet receives more than care, they become part of a larger community that wants them to grow healthy and strong.

Trusted by the Community

Our patients and clients mean the world to us. Kind words encourage us daily, and we strive to create a spectacular experience that’s better every visit.

“Paoli Vetcare always went above and beyond, whether it was an exam or boarding. Dr. Rowan took as much time as needed during appointments, listening to and addressing any concerns. We always felt comfortable with his recommendations and he was always available to answer questions. Both dogs developed chronic conditions later in their lives. Dr. Rowan took the time to contact us regularly to assess the dogs’ status and evaluate their medication dosage. He always clearly explained what to expect, which helped us give the dogs the proper care and attention they needed.”
Mike W.

“We really appreciate that the team is always happy to meet us at the car and even help us sneak out the back when needed, as Maizey tends to get a little anxious in waiting rooms. Every vet we’ve worked with has been thorough and thoughtful, addressing all of her various allergies and tummy issues with care.”
Deeksha P.

“We have been visiting Paoli Vetcare for many years, with several generations of pet cats both as patients and as boarders while we traveled. It’s an absolutely wonderful practice, with a staff that’s caring and skillful. Dr. Rowan has seen us from well-kitten visits through the challenges of caring for older cats with chronic conditions with kindness and first-rate treatment. He has always outlined all the health-care choices with clarity and honesty, and his respect and affection for the animals he treats is unrivaled. We’d give them ten stars if we could!”
S. Scott

Comprehensive Veterinary Care Services

Pet Boarding

Your pet’s home away from home. Paoli Vetcare vet clinic offers pet boarding services that go above and beyond traditional dog-sitting. We can take care of your pet if they are sick or recovering, provide them with necessary treatments, medicine, and specialty meals, all performed by a trusted team that caters to their needs.

Paoli Vetcare’s pet boarding services include general boarding services, medical boarding, and precise treatments by veterinary professionals. Our center includes outdoor fenced-in exercise yards, play areas, comfortable kennels, and more.

Behavior Counseling

Your pet’s behavior impacts your everyday life. A well-behaved pet is a joy for you and your family, while a misbehaving pet can be a frustrating pain that drags down your quality of life. Paoli Vetcare believes in the power of the Human-Animal bond, which is why we provide special behavior counseling services.

It all comes down to proper communication, and if your pet is causing you undo stress, contact us for a behavior counseling session. We’ll help you set up healthy habits and communication protocols that improve every aspect of your pet’s daily life, concentrating on eating, exercise, and play time.

Veterinary Dentistry

Good oral health is necessary for good overall health. Unfortunately, your pets can’t brush and floss, so they need a little help. Periodontal disease affects nearly all cats and dogs at some point in their lives, and it can be difficult to tell if your pet’s oral hygiene is good or bad (and smelling their breath doesn’t help).

Pet dental care is very important. We consider dental care to be a type of preventative medicine, and great dental care keeps your pet from developing problems caused by plaque and bacteria. Mouth infections can lead to worse diseases, and can decay teeth and destroy gums.

Bring your pet by Paoli Vetcare vet clinic for a dental appointment and ensure they live long, happy lives!

Preventive Medicine

Paoli Vetcare believes that preventative medicine is the best path toward complete pet health. Preventive medicine is an umbrella term that covers dentistry, allergy shots, pet microchipping, diet, exercise, and other medical strategies to ensure that your pet lives a happy, full life.

Pediatric Medicine

Adding a new member to the family is an exciting time, and there’s no better way to set up your puppy or kitty for a happy, healthy life than bringing them in for a New Client Exam at Paoli Vetcare. Their healthy path begins at their first visit, and regular veterinary examinations will ensure they receive holistic wellness.

During a Paoli Vetcare pediatric visit, we schedule vaccinations, deworming, parasite testing, preventative medicine, potty training, when to spay or neuter, dietary advice, proper exercise, and more.

We are happy to answer any questions about new pets, and we believe that it’s vital to a pet’s health to start their lives with good habits.

Laboratory Services

Paoli Vetcare’s in-house lab services provide rapid results for emergent, pre-operative, and routine tests. We obtain next-day results from a professional team of board-certified specialists, and consult for second opinions when a pet’s illness is especially complex.

Lab work is important for your pet and is essential for total comprehensive care. Our pets cannot tell us if they are sick, and regular lab work is an important part of their veterinary health. Lab work allows us to monitor your pet’s total health and maintain their wellbeing.

Diagnostic tests are recommended to help determine if anesthesia is safe to use, if they has congenital conditions, and to measure the baseline of your pet’s health. Through these regular appointments, we can detect health changes for future pet visits.

Emergency Vet & Urgent Care

We offer emergency services during office hours and will see you immediately whenever your pet experiences a life-threatening emergency. Let us know you are on your way and provide us with as much live information as possible so that we can prepare for your visit.

Depending on the nature of the emergency, your pet may need to be treated as soon as possible. We welcome walk-in, same-day appointments, and if our schedule is full, we’ll do a drop-off appointment and keep you apprised of your pet’s condition. Please call us to make arrangements.

Pet Travel Health Certificates

Pets require General Health Certificates and International Health Certificates from a USDA-accredited veterinarian to travel to island states and territories. When taking your pet from one US state to another, airlines commonly require these health certificates as proof of vaccination and health history.

Check with our veterinary office to see if we have veterinary staff and appointment times available to issue pet health certificates. Staff with the proper credentials can issue the type of health certificate your pet needs for your upcoming travel destination.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots and immunotherapy are an important aspect of total pet health. Paoli Vetcare also prescribes desensitization methods that protect against common allergens. Allergy shots, drops, and other medications may be administered to your pet depending on their needs, and we treat environmental allergies with unique, individualized methods that target the culprits of their sensitivities.

Pet Radiology

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with pet radiology services, which are an extremely valuable diagnostic tool for superior testing. This allows us to treat your pet faster when your pet isn’t feeling well, and combined with our treatments and services, veterinary radiology has many benefits.

By using radiographs, we can look inside your pet’s body non-invasively, using radiology to evaluate organs, bones, and see any potential health issues far in advance.

Surgery

Paoli Vetcare is a full-service pet hospital that provides a range of soft tissue, orthopedic, and dental surgeries. Paoli Veterinary Hospital is equipped with a modern surgical suite that includes anesthesia delivery, maintenance, and health monitoring.

Our surgeons can perform pre-surgical blood testing, intravenous catheterization, and administer sedatives & pain medication when appropriate. Paoli Vetcare surgeries are delivered with the utmost care and attention—we can fix broken bones, internal injuries, and address health concerns such as bloated stomachs or tumors. Whatever your pet’s internal issues, our board-certified surgeons can address them with state-of-the-art tools and techniques.

Pet Microchipping

Accidents can happen to the most well-meaning pet owners, and sometimes pets run away. When dogs and cats are microchipped, they have a significantly higher rate of return than pets who are not.

Losing your pet generates an immense amount of stress and worry. You want your pet to return to you safely, but without proper permanent identification, this can be an issue. One in three pets gets lost at some point in their life, and this statistic can be worrisome for dogs and cats who don’t know how to find their way home.

By getting your pets microchipped at Paoli Vetcare, you can ensure that your pets return to you. It’s an easy, painless procedure that’s over in minutes. Speak with one of our staff members today if you have any questions about pet microchipping.

Hospice, Euthanasia & Pet Cremation

Saying goodbye is hard. Saying goodbye to a pet feels impossible.

Pet hospice is a total philosophy of care that focuses on compassionate pain management, medical care, and end-of-life services for cats and dogs with life-limiting illnesses. Paoli Vetcare is committed to being there when you need us most, and our comprehensive hospice care is the best way to provide a peaceful and intimate transition for you and your family during this difficult time.

Our staff puts you first during this emotional struggle. We can help you with the many challenges that occur during this stage of your pet’s life, including pet cremation options. Grieving the loss of a pet can have a significant impact on the entire family, which is why we provide additional support and resources for those in need.

Learn more about Paoli Vetcare pet services through our Frequently Asked Questions.

Experienced and Compassionate Staff

Jay Rowan, VMD
Medical Director, Veterinarian, and Practice Owner
Dr. Jay Rowan treats all pets as if they were his own. Stop in to check out Dr. R’s collection of veterinary antiques and vintage advertising featuring dogs and cats. Clients appreciate his exceptional “petside” manner. For example, he is happy to get down on the floor to examine the big dogs, so they remain as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Rowan attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating with a BS in Biology, with distinction, in 1985. He graduated from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 as a member of The Society of Phi Zeta, the honor society of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Rowan became the owner of Paoli Vetcare (previously Tredyffrin Animal Hospital) in 1996. Drs. Rowan and Downes are the proud parents of two young men — Conor Rowan, PhD candidate in aerospace engineering at UC Boulder, and Keefer Rowan, PhD candidate in pure mathematics at NYU’s Courant Institute. Dr. Rowan lives on a historic farm (circa 1764) in Chester County, PA, with a myriad of pets and his wife and co-practice owner, Dr. Erin Downes.

Nicknamed “Doc” by his staff, he enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, especially working around his farm, backpacking, and canoeing. Be sure to click the button to read Dr. Rowan’s interview to learn more about him.

Erin Downes, VMD
Practice Owner and Hospital Administrator
Dr. Erin Downes is a compassionate pet enthusiast, enthusiastic educator, and her problem-solving skills are one of Paoli Vetcare’s greatest strengths. Creating a highly skilled, professional, healthy, and joyful workplace for Paoli Vetcare’s staff is her number one priority.

A lifelong lover of all types of animals, Dr. Downes has spent three decades putting both people and pets first. She is a Fear Free® Certified Veterinary Professional because decreasing fear, anxiety, and stress, especially during the veterinary exams, is important to the well-being of all animals. She is also a USDA Accredited Veterinarian, which allows her to issue international health certificates endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

In addition to dogs and cats, Dr. Downes has owned, cared for, and treated a huge variety of animal species, including snakes, iguanas, Komodo dragons, turtles, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, chinchillas, rabbits, chickens, ducks, parrots, finches, crows, emus, ostriches, lemurs, bobcats, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, cattle, miniature horses and zebus, llamas, alpacas, buffalo, and others!

Dr. Downes graduated with a BS in Physics from Pennsylvania State University, summa cum laude in 1986 and as valedictorian of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine class of 1992, summa cum laude. After veterinary school, Dr. Downes obtained additional specialized training in equine and agricultural animal medicine and surgery by obtaining a highly competitive internship position at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Paoli Vetcare has become a cornerstone of the community and a highly-regarded primary care veterinary hospital on the Philadelphia Main Line. That is due to the excellent medical care provided by the veterinarians, the extraordinary customer and patient care provided by the staff, as well as the diligent management and positive work culture championed by Dr. Erin Downes.

She has made it her mission to uplift and educate, and her love for all animals is infectious. When she’s not engaging in her passion for animals and practice management, she enjoys vacations exploring the outdoors with her two twentysomething sons and her husband, Dr. Jay Rowan.

Melissa White DVM, MS
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa White graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She she undertook advanced training at Penn State College of Medicine where she achieved a Masters Degree and completed a residency in Comparative Animal Medicine where she and provided veterinary care to small mammals such as mice, rats, and rabbits; farm animals, such as sheep, pigs, and calves; and more exotic species such as rhesus, macaques, African green monkeys, and marmosets.

Dr. White published research papers, taught responsible animal care and welfare, presented her research at national meetings, and has volunteered extensively, providing education to students and veterinary care to a variety of animals, including feral cats and dogs, horses, zoo animals, and birds of prey. She received several awards for scholarly achievement and research. After her residency, she became a Clinical Research Veterinarian at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine Gene Therapy Program, where she worked to find treatments and cures for human diseases.

In 2021, after a couple of years doing research, she realized that her true calling was as a private general practice (GP) veterinarian working with dogs, cats, and small mammal exotics. Dr. White is certified in microvascular surgery, is a Fear Free® Veterinary Professional, and is category II USDA-accredited to write International Health Certificates.

When we asked Dr. White to tell us some interesting personal details, she commented that “My mother is my biggest inspiration because she raised my identical twin sister (also a veterinarian!!), my little sister (a lawyer), and me all by herself. She pushed us to be the best not only professionally but personally.” Dr. White has an extra-special bond with her dog, Nero, a black lab mix, because he saved her life!

“I have Type 1 Diabetes and one time my blood sugar dropped very steeply while I was sleeping. Nero started barking at my husband and led him to the bedside so my husband could help to raise my blood sugar.” She also loves her pitfall mix, Oreo, despite the fact that both are occasionally poorly-behaved monsters 😉 Away from work she enjoys spending time outdoors — especially hiking and kayaking.

Dr. Jordan Stephenson VMD
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Stephenson is a 2001 graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He has extensive experience in both general practice (GP) and emergency medicine. He even worked at a feline-only practice, developing an advanced skillset in the veterinary care of cats.

Chelsie Reeves
Practice Manager
Chelsie, our Fear Free® Certified practice manager, has been a catalyst for positive change at Paoli Vetcare since her promotion from ClientPatient Care Coordinator in 2021. Her mission includes providing exceptional care for both clients and patients; fostering a healthy and happy work environment; and ensuring the long-term viability of the practice. Chelsie manages the staff and the day-to-day functions of the hospital; assists the technicians and the doctors; manages and purchases inventory; and troubleshoots any issues that arise in a professional and empathetic manner.

Chelsie graduated summa cum laude from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her passion for helping people evolved to include a passion for helping animals. Chelsie is a huge foodie so you can usually find her cooking or trying a new restaurant. She also enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and rooting for the Phillies and the Eagles. She has a St. Bernard/Bernese Mountain Dog/Golden Retriever mixed-breed dog named Casey.

Sydney Lloyd, CVT
Certified Veterinary Technician
Sydney earned her associate’s degree from Manor College in their Veterinary Technology program. She passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination in December 2023 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Sydney’s favorite part of veterinary medicine is watching her patients grow up and helping to keep them healthy through each and every stage of their lives.

Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, cleaning, and spending time with her Rottweiler dog, Diesel, who is a calm and confident companion.

Nancy Malsbary-Denbow
Veterinary Assistant
Nancy started working at Paoli Vetcare many years ago as a Kennel Assistant and with on-the-job training, acquired the skills to become a Veterinary Assistant. Her talents are diverse and she is an integral part of our hospital. Nancy assists technicians and doctors; draws blood and places catheters; preps patients for surgery; monitors anesthesia; performs dental prophylaxes; oversees the health and well-being of boarders; and even occasionally helps out in reception — Nancy can truly do it all!

Nancy’s love of animals began when she took horseback riding lessons when she was just 8 years old. She has passed down her love of animals to her son, Chris, who works at Paoli Vetcare as a Kennel Assistant. In her spare time, Nancy loves to work out at her gym, go running with friends, and participate in organized road & obstacle races. She shares her home with her children and her Shih Tzu, Missy.

Brandon Gooden
Clinical Care and Operations Manager
Brandon brings a wealth of experience to our team, with years of dedicated service in the field. He is an experienced veterinary assistant and served as practice manager of the Brandywine Valley SPCA. He graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in political science in 2011.

A cherished moment in his career was the unexpected twist of becoming a “foster failure” when he couldn’t resist adopting his beloved German Shepherds, Saint and Magic, after attempting to foster them. Beyond his professional pursuits, Brandon finds joy in following Philly sports, delving into literature, and exploring the art of screen printing. He holds his grandmother dear as his hero, whose lessons in kindness and passion for reading ignited his lifelong love for both.

Varinder “Vin” Singh
Veterinary Assistant
Vin earned his degree in Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences from Penn State University in 2023. He holds certifications as a Fear Free® Veterinary Professional and in Veterinary CPR through Cornell University’s RECOVER Basic and Advance Life Support program.

With his passionate ambition to become a veterinarian, Vin dedicates himself to this noble pursuit. In his leisure time, he cheers for his alma mater’s Nittany Lions football team. Alongside his academic and professional endeavors, Vin finds joy in watching horror movies, developing culinary skills, and cherishing moments with his beloved companions: Romii, a lively Pomeranian mix, and Lilly, an elegant white Siberian Husky.

Vin Earned the Elite Fear Free Certified Professional Designation

Becoming an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional is for veterinary members who go above and beyond in their commitment to Fear Free®.

Elite Fear Free Certified Professionals are individuals who are continually committed to a higher level of education, setting themselves apart from the rest.

Courtney Price
Patient Client Care Coordinator
As you step through our front doors, you’ll be met with the vibrant energy of Courtney, whose bubbly personality radiates warmth and enthusiasm. Certified in CPR and First Aid Training, Courtney finds immense joy in her work within veterinary medicine, particularly in witnessing the growth and development of puppies under our care, mirroring the journey she’s shared with her beloved Chihuahua, Gator.

Her goal is to channel her exceptional communication skills and dedication to animal welfare into a dynamic role within the veterinary industry, always aiming to deliver outstanding experiences for both pets and their owners.

Beyond her professional commitments, Courtney enjoys outdoor pursuits like hiking and embarking on adventures with Gator by her side. Her father serves as a profound source of inspiration; despite facing adversities, he exemplifies a spirit of gratitude and unwavering happiness. Reflecting her outlook on life, Courtney embraces the mantra, “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours,” as her favorite guiding quote.

Katelyn Lardon
Client-Patient Care Coordinator
Katelyn is pictured above with her three-year-old German shepherd dog, Kai, who inspires her to do better every day. She says working with Kai encourages her to be more active and compassionate.

Katelyn is currently in dog training school, and her favorite quote is, “Just do it!”

If she could be any animal, Katelyn would be a wolf because they are both elegant and always on the move.

Chris Malsbary
Kennel Assistant
Chris is our Veterinary Assistant Nancy’s son, and he too has worked at Paoli Vetcare for many years. He feeds, cleans, and takes the dogs out to play. One of his favorite memories is when Dr. Rowan’s dog, Greta, had her five male puppies, and they all lived at the hospital until they were old enough to go home.

#happylife is how Chris would describe his job. Morgan Freeman is his hero because his selflessness, dedication to work, and will to follow his dreams are inspirational. Chris’s hobbies include building computers, drawing, and doing impressions. If he could be any animal, he would be a lizard.

Samantha Resendiz
Kennel Assistant
We are excited that Sam is the first staff member to take advantage of our Paoli Vetcare Penn Foster Partner Program tuition-reimbursement benefit — she is working now to attain a NAVTA-Approved Veterinary Assistant Diploma.

Previously, Sam attended Harcum College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Animal Center Management. She loves to see dogs joyously leap over the car seat when they spot her coming out to get them for daycare! Sam enjoys rooting for the Washington Commanders, watching Disney movies, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Sam’s dog is a cross between a Beagle and an English Bulldog or Beabull named Maisey, who loves looking for rabbits in the backyard. If Sam could be any animal, she would be a Rottweiler because they are kind, hard working, and lovable (just like Sam!).

Alex Stein
Kennel Assistant
Alex graduated in 2023 from Susquehanna University with a B.S. in psychology, where he was the ice hockey team captain. He consistently infuses our team with his infectious positivity, readily lending a helping hand wherever needed. A true animal lover, he shares his home with an array of furry and aquatic companions: Bauer, a silver lab; Nikki, his Siberian husky; Kentucky, a Labrador mix; Mommy, the love bird; and Meek and Toby, African clawed frogs.

When not tending to his beloved pets, Alex finds solace and excitement in cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies, along with the Washington Commanders—a shared passion cultivated through cherished family moments.

He holds his parents in the highest esteem, recognizing their unwavering support and countless sacrifices that have shaped his journey, making them his ultimate heroes.

Meghan Meyer
Kennel Assistant
Meghan is one of our dedicated kennel assistants. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, later transferring to West Chester University to finish her last two years in earning a B.S. in Psychology. It has helped her tremendously as she has always been passionate about helping and understanding others. She loves getting to know and making new connections with everyone!

Meghan grew up in a very pet-friendly environment. A true through & through animal lover. She currently lives with her family dog, Charlie, a King Charles/Cocker Spaniel mix, and her adopted cat whom she named Leonardo DiCatrio 😹

Meghan enjoys spending her free time either at the gym or with family and loved ones. Her mom is her hero and biggest inspiration due to her unconditional support, love, & strength.

Meghan is eager to become a Veterinary Technician one day and finds the most rewarding moments in her job when she earns the trust and affection of timid animals.

Personalized Attention & Tailored Treatment

As veterinary services change, one of the biggest shifts has been toward early preventative care that’s tailored toward pet nutrition. Diets are recognized as the cornerstone of overall pet health, and with proper nutrition, pets can do more than meet their dietary needs.

Nutrient-dense diets, personalized attention, and specialized care can address particular health concerns early on. With unique, tailored diets, dog and cat food products can address particular health concerns. Plus, with behavioral guidance and veterinary care that’s personalized to individual pets, our furry friends can live happier, fuller lives.

This growing awareness is emboldening pet owners to seek professional guidance for their pets’ diet and exercise. Pet owners now consult pet dietitians and are looking for information-dense preventative care that’s specific to their pet’s breed, age, and size.

Paoli Vetcare outlines a blueprint for your pet’s future by providing lifelong preventative care and wholesome treatments. Speak with our staff today or consult your pet’s veterinarian during their next appointment to learn more about our unique, specialized care.

Modern Facility and Pet-Friendly Environment

Paoli Vetcare Veterinary Clinic & Animal Hospital has been an AAHA-accredited institution since 1960. We hold ourselves to high standards, and it’s obvious that pets are our passion. We strive to deliver excellent care for pets in a cozy, clinical atmosphere with a focus on concierge medicine. Your pets deserve nothing less.

Our modern facilities and pet-friendly environment put your pet’s needs first, and are comfortable for both pets and owners. Paired with our Fear Free standard that reduces triggers and anxiety, Paoli Vetcare is dedicated to the continuing health of every pet that comes through our doors. We can ensure that each pet receives the quality of care they need, and we consistently strive to educate ourselves, our clients, and our community on how to be better pet owners.

Why Choose Our Paoli Veterinary Clinic?

Paoli Vetcare is built upon the standards of expertise, compassion, comprehensive care, and community trust. We know that entrusting us with the health of your pet comes with a great degree of vulnerability and love, which is why we always put your pets first.

For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to the health of our community’s pets, and we continue to elevate our care through new technology, further education, and advanced skills and resources. We provide the best pet medical care on the Philadelphia Main Line through unique and personalized care that’s curated to the needs of your pets. Schedule a visit now.