Our Team
Meet Our Veterinary Team in Longmont, CO
Pets come first at A Pet’s Place Animal Hospital, and our experienced veterinary team offers a wide range of veterinary services tailored to your pet’s individual health needs.
Meet Our Veterinary Team
Dr. Joan Primeau
Associate Veterinarian
Originally from South Carolina, I grew up surrounded by animals, which naturally led me into veterinary medicine. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, followed by a veterinary technician degree from Colorado Mountain College. I then spent eight years working as a certified veterinary technician before pursuing vet school, graduating from Colorado State University in 2000. With over 30 years of experience in the field, I still genuinely love what I do—especially the camaraderie within our hospital team.
My special interests include regenerative medicine and surgery, and I’m passionate about helping pets maintain comfort, mobility, and a great quality of life.
At home, I have a laid-back dog named Stewart and a feisty cat named Mitzi, who keep things entertaining.
Outside of work, I enjoy hot yoga, skiing, biking, camping, and river rafting with my husband and two sons.
Fun fact: I love boiled peanuts!
Most importantly, I value the relationships I build with my patients and their people. I strive to provide excellent veterinary care while offering treatment plans that are effective, practical, and supportive of each family’s needs.
Dr. Jenelle Vail
Managing Veterinarian
I’m a proud Colorado native who grew up surrounded by animals of every kind. I spent much of my childhood competing in hunter/jumper shows on my wonderfully chaotic Thoroughbred mare, Dolly. At home, my family raised chickens and the occasional cow or pig—but the most memorable experiences were the wild animals my dad brought home through his work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. I helped care for injured birds of prey, bottle-raised deer, antelope, and elk fawns, and even tended to a whole passel of possums!
I graduated from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and began my career at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. After many years in shelter medicine, I moved into relief work, which eventually led me to a regular schedule at A Pet’s Place Animal Hospital. I’m thrilled to be back full-time with Dr. Joan and the team.
My professional interests include working with new puppy and kitten owners, creating individualized anesthetic protocols, tackling complex internal medicine cases, and supporting senior pets with a multimodal approach to comfort and quality of life. I love learning new techniques and therapies to better serve my patients. Most of all, I treasure the relationships I get to build with my four-legged patients and the people who love them.
When I’m not at work, you can usually find me reading, traveling, cooking, or cuddling with my daughters, Sydney and Lylah, our dog, Lucy, and—when he decides it’s allowed—our cat, Scamper.
Fun fact: I’ve been boxed by a cow elk and rammed by an adult male bighorn sheep… and here I am, still happily working with animals!
Dr. Paxton Russell
Associate Veterinarian
I’m originally from Aurora, Colorado, and although I recently graduated from veterinary school in May 2025, I’ve been working in veterinary medicine for several years, gaining hands-on experience with patients long before earning my DVM. Growing up with a mom who was a nurse, I was surrounded by compassion for medicine from an early age. Combine that with my deep love for animals, veterinary medicine became the place where my heart felt most at home—a way to care for lives that can’t always speak for themselves.
What I enjoy most about working at our hospital is the sense of connection. Our clients and their pets feel like family, and I love being part of a team that values not only top-quality medicine but also the trust and relationships that come with it.
My areas of focus include soft tissue surgery (spays, neuters, mass removals), complex internal medicine cases, and general wellness visits.
At home, I share my life with my miniature dachshund, Andouille (“Dooey”), who is my whole world.
Outside of work, I love cooking and baking—especially trying new recipes—fishing, and going on walks with Dooey.
Fun fact: I’m left-handed!
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this community and look forward to building lifelong relationships, caring for your beloved pets, and growing alongside the Longmont families who trust us with so much.
Kerry
Veterinary Technician
Kerry graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She has worked at A Pet’s Place Animal Hospital since 2005. She brings a vast amount of expertise and compassion for the animals she cares for. In addition to working with animals, she also enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and playing bluegrass music.
Destani
I’m a Colorado native and have lived in and around Loveland my whole life. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a deep passion for animals and a love for caring for them medically. Before becoming a veterinary assistant, I worked at a boarding and daycare facility, where I had the chance to care for all kinds of dogs and cats.
I’m currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology through Penn Foster College, with the goal of working with exotic and marine animals in the future.
At home, I have a nutty but sweet cat named Bellatrix, who loves to play all the time. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, journaling, traveling, hiking, paddleboarding, and just about any outdoor adventure I can get my hands on.
Aubrey
I was born in Fairfield, California, but moved to Colorado when I was four—and I’ve considered it home ever since. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work in the veterinary field. I’ve always loved being around all kinds of animals and have a natural curiosity for the science behind their care.
I started my career as a client services representative and soon began training as a veterinary assistant, always eager to learn more. I’m currently pursuing my degree to become a Certified Veterinary Technician so I can deepen my knowledge and play an even bigger role in caring for our patients.
In my free time, I love getting outdoors—hiking, fishing, camping, and taking photos of this beautiful state. I also enjoy quieter days at home, spending time with my two wonderful nephews, watching movies, and gaming.
My furry family includes Pirate, a Dachshund mix; Apollo, a miniature Dachshund; and Nova, my sweet kitty.
Amanda
A proud Colorado native, I found my way into veterinary medicine during a career change when I accepted a front-desk position at a local clinic. What started as an opportunity quickly became a passion. From the reception desk, I had a front-row seat to the deep relationships people share with their pets—the joy, the worry, the laughter, and the love. I realized I wasn’t just checking clients in; I was supporting families, celebrating milestones, and helping guide people through some of their most meaningful moments. That experience showed me exactly where I belonged.
What hat I enjoy most about working at our hospital is the unique blend of personalities on our team. Everyone brings something different—different strengths, different perspectives, and different ways of connecting with clients and patients. That variety creates an incredibly supportive environment where I’m learning from my coworkers every single day.
My special interest is animal behavior, which helps me better understand how to support patients from the moment they walk through the door.
At home, life is full—just how I like it! We have five dogs (Leelou, Styx, Noreo, Jade, and Phoenix), four ball pythons (Snout, Cupcake, Whitey, and Minion), a bearded dragon named Unsub, and a lively 75-gallon fish tank.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, devouring books, and working on diamond art projects.
Fun fact: I collect elephant figurines—over 200 of them and counting!
Claire
I’ve been in the veterinary field for only a few years, but my love for animal care started well before that. After moving from NYC to Colorado seven years ago, I began working in grooming and at a doggie daycare/boarding facility. From there, I transitioned into veterinary care, where I found my calling in client and patient support.
I graduated from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and I take great pride in helping ensure every patient—and their person—has a stress-free, fear-free experience. Creating a warm, calm, and welcoming environment at the front desk is incredibly important to me.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my Cocker Spaniel, Blue(berry), and my Siamese cat, Sushi. I also enjoy cooking, trying new local restaurants, and getting out into the mountains whenever I can.
I’m grateful to be part of the team at A Pet’s Place and to play a role in helping both pets and their people feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.
Dr. Joan Primeau
Dr. Jenelle Vail
Dr. Paxton Russell
Associate Veterinarian
Kerry
Veterinary Technician
Destani
Veterinary Assistant
Aubrey
Amanda
Claire
Client Care Representative
Dr. Joan Primeau
Associate Veterinarian
Originally from South Carolina, I grew up surrounded by animals, which naturally led me into veterinary medicine. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, followed by a veterinary technician degree from Colorado Mountain College. I then spent eight years working as a certified veterinary technician before pursuing vet school, graduating from Colorado State University in 2000. With over 30 years of experience in the field, I still genuinely love what I do—especially the camaraderie within our hospital team.
My special interests include regenerative medicine and surgery, and I’m passionate about helping pets maintain comfort, mobility, and a great quality of life.
At home, I have a laid-back dog named Stewart and a feisty cat named Mitzi, who keep things entertaining.
Outside of work, I enjoy hot yoga, skiing, biking, camping, and river rafting with my husband and two sons.
Fun fact: I love boiled peanuts!
Most importantly, I value the relationships I build with my patients and their people. I strive to provide excellent veterinary care while offering treatment plans that are effective, practical, and supportive of each family’s needs.
Dr. Paxton Russell
Associate Veterinarian
I’m originally from Aurora, Colorado, and although I recently graduated from veterinary school in May 2025, I’ve been working in veterinary medicine for several years, gaining hands-on experience with patients long before earning my DVM. Growing up with a mom who was a nurse, I was surrounded by compassion for medicine from an early age. Combine that with my deep love for animals, veterinary medicine became the place where my heart felt most at home—a way to care for lives that can’t always speak for themselves.
What I enjoy most about working at our hospital is the sense of connection. Our clients and their pets feel like family, and I love being part of a team that values not only top-quality medicine but also the trust and relationships that come with it.
My areas of focus include soft tissue surgery (spays, neuters, mass removals), complex internal medicine cases, and general wellness visits.
At home, I share my life with my miniature dachshund, Andouille (“Dooey”), who is my whole world.
Outside of work, I love cooking and baking—especially trying new recipes—fishing, and going on walks with Dooey.
Fun fact: I’m left-handed!
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this community and look forward to building lifelong relationships, caring for your beloved pets, and growing alongside the Longmont families who trust us with so much.
Dr. Shannon Jones
DVM
Dr. Jones has been passionate about veterinary medicine from an early age, having grown up helping her father at his veterinary clinic. This early exposure instilled in her a deep love for animals and a commitment to their well-being. Dr. Jones pursued her education at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, where she graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Agricultural Science. 🎓
Dr. Jones takes great pride in providing lifelong family medicine to animals and their owners. Her approach focuses on offering comprehensive care from the moment a new pet is brought home throughout its life and into its senior years. She is dedicated to improving patient health at every stage of life and enjoys building meaningful relationships with pet owners. 🐶🐱💓
🥾⛺ Outside of her professional life, Dr. Jones loves spending time outdoors with her boyfriend and their dogs. They enjoy paddle boarding, hiking, and camping together. When she has some downtime, Dr. Jones can often be found curled up with her cats and a good book. 📖
Dr. Jenelle Vail
Managing Veterinarian
I’m a proud Colorado native who grew up surrounded by animals of every kind. I spent much of my childhood competing in hunter/jumper shows on my wonderfully chaotic Thoroughbred mare, Dolly. At home, my family raised chickens and the occasional cow or pig—but the most memorable experiences were the wild animals my dad brought home through his work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. I helped care for injured birds of prey, bottle-raised deer, antelope, and elk fawns, and even tended to a whole passel of possums!
I graduated from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and began my career at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. After many years in shelter medicine, I moved into relief work, which eventually led me to a regular schedule at A Pet’s Place Animal Hospital. I’m thrilled to be back full-time with Dr. Joan and the team.
My professional interests include working with new puppy and kitten owners, creating individualized anesthetic protocols, tackling complex internal medicine cases, and supporting senior pets with a multimodal approach to comfort and quality of life. I love learning new techniques and therapies to better serve my patients. Most of all, I treasure the relationships I get to build with my four-legged patients and the people who love them.
When I’m not at work, you can usually find me reading, traveling, cooking, or cuddling with my daughters, Sydney and Lylah, our dog, Lucy, and—when he decides it’s allowed—our cat, Scamper.
Fun fact: I’ve been boxed by a cow elk and rammed by an adult male bighorn sheep… and here I am, still happily working with animals!
Marcia
Client Service Representative
I’m originally from Sacramento, California, but I’ve been calling Colorado home since 2018. After recently graduating from CU Denver, I wanted a job I would truly enjoy before continuing my education. I’ve always loved animals—I grew up riding horses—and I knew I wanted to work in a positive environment. Being around animals every day definitely fits the bill.
I’m still new to the veterinary field, having started just a few months ago, but I’ve already learned so much. My favorite part of working at A Pet’s Place is getting to see all the adorable cats that come through the door—I’m a huge cat lover!
Since I don’t plan on a long-term career in veterinary medicine, my main interests focus on spending time with the animals and observing how our veterinarians and technicians care for their patients. Understanding their roles helps me better support our clients and answer their questions with confidence.
At home, I have a sweet dog named Olen. He’s a Golden Retriever–Chow mix, incredibly cute, and has been with me since middle school.
Outside of work, you can usually find me at the gym. I love lifting weights and tracking my nutrition as I work toward my fitness goals.
A fun fact about me: I hope to attend law school and specialize in criminal prosecution. Studying crime fascinates me, and my long-term goal is to work in federal law enforcement.
Aubrey
Veterinary Assistant
I was born in Fairfield, California, but moved to Colorado when I was four—and I’ve considered it home ever since. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work in the veterinary field. I’ve always loved being around all kinds of animals and have a natural curiosity for the science behind their care.
I started my career as a client services representative and soon began training as a veterinary assistant, always eager to learn more. I’m currently pursuing my degree to become a Certified Veterinary Technician so I can deepen my knowledge and play an even bigger role in caring for our patients.
In my free time, I love getting outdoors—hiking, fishing, camping, and taking photos of this beautiful state. I also enjoy quieter days at home, spending time with my two wonderful nephews, watching movies, and gaming.
My furry family includes Pirate, a Dachshund mix; Apollo, a miniature Dachshund; and Nova, my sweet kitty.
Kerry
Veterinary Technician
Kerry graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She has worked at A Pet’s Place Animal Hospital since 2005. She brings a vast amount of expertise and compassion for the animals she cares for. In addition to working with animals, she also enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and playing bluegrass music.
Destani
Veterinary Assistant
I’m a Colorado native and have lived in and around Loveland my whole life. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a deep passion for animals and a love for caring for them medically. Before becoming a veterinary assistant, I worked at a boarding and daycare facility, where I had the chance to care for all kinds of dogs and cats.
I’m currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology through Penn Foster College, with the goal of working with exotic and marine animals in the future.
At home, I have a nutty but sweet cat named Bellatrix, who loves to play all the time. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, journaling, traveling, hiking, paddleboarding, and just about any outdoor adventure I can get my hands on.
Amanda
Client Care Representative
A proud Colorado native, I found my way into veterinary medicine during a career change when I accepted a front-desk position at a local clinic. What started as an opportunity quickly became a passion. From the reception desk, I had a front-row seat to the deep relationships people share with their pets—the joy, the worry, the laughter, and the love. I realized I wasn’t just checking clients in; I was supporting families, celebrating milestones, and helping guide people through some of their most meaningful moments. That experience showed me exactly where I belonged.
What I enjoy most about working at our hospital is the unique blend of personalities on our team. Everyone brings something different—different strengths, different perspectives, and different ways of connecting with clients and patients. That variety creates an incredibly supportive environment where I’m learning from my coworkers every single day.
My special interest is animal behavior, which helps me better understand how to support patients from the moment they walk through the door.
At home, life is full—just how I like it! We have five dogs (Leelou, Styx, Noreo, Jade, and Phoenix), four ball pythons (Snout, Cupcake, Whitey, and Minion), and a lively 75-gallon fish tank.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, devouring books, and working on diamond art projects.
Fun fact: I collect elephant figurines—over 200 of them and counting!
Katie
Client Care Specialist
Katie grew up in Arkansas and Oklahoma and has always loved volunteering and spending time with animals. She moved to Colorado in August with her partner and their dogs, Chip and Sasquatch. Aside from spending time outdoors with her pups and horseback riding, Katie has also been playing the violin for ten years. She enjoys performing with string quartets at weddings, musicals, and other events.
Claire
Client Care Representative
I’ve been in the veterinary field for only a few years, but my love for animal care started well before that. After moving from NYC to Colorado seven years ago, I began working in grooming and at a doggie daycare/boarding facility. From there, I transitioned into veterinary care, where I found my calling in client and patient support.
I graduated from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and I take great pride in helping ensure every patient—and their person—has a stress-free, fear-free experience. Creating a warm, calm, and welcoming environment at the front desk is incredibly important to me.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my Cocker Spaniel, Blue(berry), and my Siamese cat, Sushi. I also enjoy cooking, trying new local restaurants, and getting out into the mountains whenever I can.
I’m grateful to be part of the team at A Pet’s Place and to play a role in helping both pets and their people feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.