Veterinarian

Dr. Gates was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. He has a passion for exotic animal medicine, surgery, dentistry, preventive care, and teaching. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, going up north, and taking care of his reptiles, fish, and arachnids. He can’t wait to meet you and your furry or scaly friends.

Dr. Alyssa LaSart has been in the veterinary field since 2011, becoming a practicing veterinarian in May 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota Crookston and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2021. Dr. LaSart has a special gift for connecting with her patients—listening without words—and enjoys educating pet owners on their pets’ needs and preventative care. In her free time, she loves sewing, gardening, baking, reading, and exploring hiking trails with her dogs. Her home is shared with a cat, two dogs, five freshwater fish tanks totaling 183 gallons, over 100 houseplants and cacti, and a fiancé (still in training for coffee-fetching, prone to separation anxiety, and not yet fully crate-trained!). Dr. LaSart’s warmth, empathy, and sense of humor make her an invaluable and cherished member of the team!

Jaxon is a skilled CVT with five years of experience, following four years as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. A graduate of Dakota County Technical College, Jaxon has a special passion for working with exotic animals, embracing the unique challenges they bring. Outside of work, he enjoys competing in fishing tournaments and has a love for animals that started early—he proudly showed animals in 4-H. At home, he cares for his pet snake, Ricky Bobby. Jaxon’s diverse background and enthusiasm for animal care make him an invaluable part of the team!

Bianca is a newly certified CVT who began her career after passing her exams earlier this year. A graduate of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), she’s already known for her skill in blood draws and her special care for rabbit patients. At home, Bianca cares for a delightful animal family, including four bunnies—Mai, Theo, Salem, and Duke—two cats, Luna and Venus, and a dwarf hamster. Outside of work, she enjoys watching horror movies with her boyfriend, attending concerts (especially 5 Seconds of Summer), and spending quality time with her furry friends. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a fantastic addition to the veterinary team!

Veterinary Assistant

With two decades of experience in the veterinary field, Lisa brings dedication and compassion to her role as a Veterinary Assistant and a Customer Service Representative. A graduate of Normandale Community College, she excels at connecting with pet parents and providing emotional support during stressful moments. In her free time, Lisa enjoys swimming, yoga, reading, crafting, and thrift shopping. Fun fact: while living in Alaska, she once served as a dog handler for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race! She’s also lived on the beautiful island of Okinawa, Japan, adding a unique depth to her life experiences and passion for animals.

Claudia is a dedicated Veterinary Assistant with two years of experience in the field. She is currently pursuing her Veterinary Technician degree through the Penn Foster program, driven by her passion for continuous growth—both for herself and the patients she cares for.

Outside of work, Claudia enjoys painting, tending to her plants, spending time with animals, and traveling. Her home is filled with a diverse array of pets, including a dog, bunny, leopard gecko, blue-tongue skink, bull snake, gargoyle gecko, and several invertebrates!

Lexi joined the team in 2022, she is currently enrolled in a veterinary technician program. She always had family dogs and cats during her childhood. She currently has a total of 15 pets including 2 dogs, 5 rabbits, 3 gerbils, 2 hamsters, 2 geckos and a Pac-Man frog. She enjoys biking and hiking with her dogs in the summer. She is excited to be working in the veterinary industry and is looking forward to meeting you and your furry companions.

Kyleigh joined us at the beginning of 2024. She has just started school for Veterinary Technology at Dakota County Technical College. She has four beautiful cats, Gaia, Athena, Mooks, and Pepper. She has had animals her whole life, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and rabbits. Now, she loves going out on her electric bike with her husband and spending time with her family. She can’t wait to meet all your furry friends at either of the locations.