About Us
At Pet Central Animal Hospital, we treat your pets like the valued family members they are.
The welfare of the pet has always come first for the veterinarians at Pet Central. We believe in a common sense approach to Veterinary Medicine. We treat your pet as we would our own.
Dr. Philip Nelson started the practice in 1975 with the philosophy to take care of all pets in the NE community and treat clients fairly. This means being transparent with medical findings and not using unfair pricing.
Our services
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Pet Central Veterinary Clinic offers routine preventive care, vaccinations, exams, flea and tick control, high-quality regular and prescription pet food.
Visit the Veterinary Services page to learn more. -
As an advanced Animal Hospital, we are proud to offer laser surgery as a progressive option for our clients who want the safest and least painful treatment for their pets. Our highly skilled veterinarians perform: Therapy Laser, Spays, Neuters, Tumor, Cyst & Skin Tag Removal, Orthopedic Surgery, Ear Crops, Gingival and Dental Surgery − and much more. With the use of digital x-rays, ultrasound, an in-house lab, and a complete pharmacy, our veterinary hospital is on the leading edge of advanced diagnostic animal care.
Visit the Surgery page to learn more
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Pet Central also offers boarding for your pets. Your pet is cared for by our certified veterinary technicians and vet assistants who have years of experience in this capacity.
Visit the Boarding page to learn more. -
Pet Central is also the home of Dirty Dog and Cat Grooming, a full-service grooming and a self-service pet wash. Our experienced groomers will see to it that your pet enjoys a day "at the spa" and will come home with tail-a-waggin'. Dirty Dog and Cat Grooming uses a state-of-the-art Hydrosurge Bathing System, which provides a soothing and calming bath for your pet. This system is especially good for older pets and/or pets with skin issues. All grooms include ear cleaning, nail clipping, anal gland expressing, and a bandana. You can also combine most vet services at the same time your pet is being groomed.
Visit the Grooming page to learn more.
Meet the Team
Get to know the faces behind the compassionate service we offer every day. From veterinary expertise to a shared love for animals, our team is here to ensure your pets receive the best treatment possible.
Veterinarians
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In December of 1973, Dr. Nelson bought a veterinarian business which was then located in a storefront near 25th street and Central Avenue northeast. In 2006, he moved his veterinary hospital to its current location on Central Avenue Northeast. Dr. Nelson enjoys overseeing a staff of skilled veterinarians and is highly dedicated to his clients. He believes in a practical and common sense approach to Veterinary Medicine and has never talked anyone into spending money that they should not spend. "I believe that if you take care of people, they will take care of you."For Dr. Nelson, The welfare of the pet has always come first. "I try to do the best that I can and treat them as I would my own." This is the Pet Central philosophy.
Dr. Nelson no longer sees patients regularly but can usually be found around the clinic visiting.
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Position: Ringleader/Medical director
Hired date: 2000
Astrological sign: Aries
Personal pets:
Uncle Tim - French Bulldog
Nedward - Fluffy French Bulldog
Piggy Pants - Guinea Pig
Pig Pig - Guinea Pig
Marshmallow - Guinea Pig
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Pug
What is your favorite bad joke?
What did the buffalo say to his son when he went away on a trip? Bison!
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Trapeze artist
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Heck no
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Pluto is a planet and here is why…
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Position: Vet
Hired date: Too long ago
Astrological sign: Libra
Personal pets:
Mochi - husky/pomeranian
Mango - husky/pomeranian
Soba - chihuahua/pomeranian
Ponzu - white-bellied caique
Kruizer - white-bellied caique
Lydia - african grey parrot
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Husky
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a chicken crossing the road? Poultry in motion! Hahaha…
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Lion tamer
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Why you should not pick me to do a presentation.
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Position: Veterinarian
Hired date: May 2016?
Astrological sign: Sagittarius
Personal pets:
Lirael - DSH
Harvey - Chihuahua mix
Johnny - Chihuahua mix
Beatrice - Chihuahua
Dumpster Phil - Dumpster cat
Cecil - DSH
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Mixed breed - probably a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix
What is your favorite bad joke?
I went to the zoo and was disappointed. The only animal in the entire zoo was a dog. It was a Shih Tzu.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Elephant poop scooper
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No, it’s a taco.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
I would give a presentation on my dislike of public speaking.
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Position: Veterinarian
Hired date: April 29, 2024
Astrological sign: Pisces
Personal pet: Uni - Ragdoll <3
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Golden retriever
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Tight rope
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
How to make a pottery mug on a wheel.
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Position: Veterinarian
Hired date: 6/2019
Astrological sign: Sagittarius
Personal pets:
Benjamin - French Bulldog
Penelope - French Bulldog
Elmo - French Bulldog
Paisley - English Bulldog
Lex - Dogo Argentino
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Golden-doodle per my breed quiz
What is your favorite bad joke?
Why does a squirrel swim upside down? To keep his nuts dry.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Balloon animal maker
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
French Bulldogs - The good, bad, and ugly.
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Position: Positive male influence
Hired date: June 2020
Astrological sign: N/A
Personal pets:
Doug - long-coated Columbia Heights Street dog
Doris - short-coated Columbia Heights dumpster cat
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Geriatric Golden Retriever who is owned by a nice family with middle school girls that paint his nails.
What is your favorite bad joke?
N/A
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Human cannonball.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No, they’re called ‘meat missles’ or ‘pork rockets’.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
“The gold wedge & you: An introduction to creative shot making on the golf course”
OR
“A definitive guide & discussion surrounding pizza restaurants in the Twin Cities”
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Position: Call backs on abnormal labwork and medication refiller
Hired date: July 10, 2023
Astrological sign: Capricorn
Personal pet: Clark - American ZigZag dog, est. 2002
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Street dog
What is your favorite bad joke?
My financial situation
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Ticket saleswoman
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
The pros and cons of time shares.
Practice Management
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Position: Practice Manager
Hired date: 4/1/2013
Astrological sign: Leo
Personal pets:
Kitti - DLH - cat
Francisco - DSH - cat
Bowser - DSH - cat
Fireball - Min Pin/Rat Terrier - dog
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Meh dogs - I would be a black cat
What is your favorite bad joke?
Why don’t black panthers play cards? They’re always scared of the cheetahs.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Cat tamer but since that’s not kosher an acrobat.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No it has it’s own identity.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Cat behavior
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Position: Chaos coordinator/practice manager
Hired date: July 2020
Personal pets:
Gadget (the dummy)- Doberman
Letty (the sweet one)- Pit bull
Lorraine (the mean one) - Calico cat
Gremlin (the angel) - Torti cat
PB&J (the one-eyed freak) - Tabby cat
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Yellow lab: down to earth, high energy, just happy to exist. :)
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a fish with two knees? A two-knee fish.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Ringleader
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Absolutely not.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
The importance of self-care and being kind to yourself.
Technicians
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Position: Vet tech
Hire date: Oct. 27th, 2015
Personal pets:
Dottie - DMH - cow cat
Felix - DSH - tabby
Layla - DSH - tabby
Ariel - DSH - torti
Luna - Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
A doberman if I had to pick, but I’d rather be a cat.
What is your favorite bad joke?
I don’t have one.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
I’d work behind the scenes where I didn’t have to perform. Maybe I’d be in charge.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
NO
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
I would pick cats or crystals but I wouldn’t give a presentation because I hate public speaking.
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Position: Vet assistant
Hired date: 6/22/24
Astrological sign: Aquarius
Personal pets:
Pippa - feline - barn cat - torti
Jude - canine - pit/lab mix
Theo - canine - Australian Shepherd
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Boston terrier
What is your favorite bad joke?
When a clock is hungry…it goes back for seconds.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Clown
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No! It’s a hot dog!
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
The pit bull breed being wrongly misunderstood and mistreated.
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: Dec. 2020?
Astrological Sign: Leo
Personal Pet: MuMu - DSH, 16 years old
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Boxer :)
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a vet that only treats one species? A doctor.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Bear trainer
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No because if you take the bun away it’s still a hot dog.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Fish of the Midwest
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Position: Tech
Hired date: Some time ago
Astrological sign: Taurus
Personal pets:
Roxie - my black lab that technically is not my dog
My three fish (neon tetras), one nerite snail (she’s 4!)
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
I would like to be a lab, but personality-wise I would be a Shiba Inu. =/
What is your favorite bad joke?
I don’t know jokes in Spanish and I don’t understand jokes in English. =)
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
The hairy guy
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Depending on how you hold it.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
My topic would be: reasons not to live in Minnesota and move to Hawaii =)
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: 2022?
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
English Setter
What is your favorite bad joke?
What’s a cats favorite cereal? Mice Crispies
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Acrobat
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
I would present about my cats.
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: Spring 2024
Astrological sign: Capricorn (cant you tell?)
Personal pets: None. :(
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
A mutt (probably terrier mix)
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a wiener dog on a bike? Doxycycline.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Running lights.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
I’m vegetarian, but 100% sandwich.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Love is Blind (it’s my guilty pleasure)
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Position: Veterinary Technician
Hired date: 5/2018
Astrological sign: Leo
Personal Pets:
Lola, Miniature Pinscher
Reese’s S;mores, Guinea Pig
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
An old lady dog.
What is your favorite bad joke?
A dung beetle walks into a bar and asks, “Is this stool taken?”
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
I wouldnt. Pyrotechnics.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No, it’s a taco.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Proper posture for riding in a western saddle? I honestly don’t know.
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Position: Tech
Hired date: 12/27/21
Astrological sign: Scorpio
Personal Pets:
Jax - dog - Mutt
Athena - dog - Pit mix
Scraps - dog - Dachshund
Aesop - cat - Snowshoe (Old man fluff)
Jupiter - barn cat - DSH
Artemis - DSH
Neptune - garbage cat - DSH
Salem - cat - DSH <3
Medusa <3 - feral flower cat - DSH
Venus - lizard - Dalmatian flame crested gecko
Zira - lizard - Albino blitz leopard gecko
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
I’d be a cat. Like Medusa, sweet and spicy. <3
What is your favorite bad joke?
If cats could text you back. They wouldn’t.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
It would have to be a circus without animals…I like fire. :)
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
With bread - yes. Without bread - no.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Adopt don’t shop. Why you should support rescues and not breeders.
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Position: Veterinary Technician
Hired date:
July 2021 - September 2022
January 2023 - February 2023
August 2023 - September 2023
December 2024 - January 2024
September 2024 - present
Astrological sign: Cancer
Personal pet: Risotto (Rizzo) - DLH tabby
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Pit bull - intimidating at first, but really loving and friendly when you get to know me. Often misunderstood.
What is your favorite bad joke?
How do you make a cat vomit? Pull out your favorite, most expensive rug.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
I’d be a janitor working undercover to release all the animals.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
The importance of fear free animal handling techniques.
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: 7/21/25
Astrological sign: Leo
Personal pets:
Cricket - Tuxedo cat
Cupcake - Abyssinian Guinea Pig
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Pug (one that may or not have bones)
What is your favorite bad joke?
How do squirrels communicate?
…through nut-working!
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Mime
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Definitely - without bread it’s just a glizzy
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Edward Bernays impact on marketing tactics and how it affected womens health.
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Position: Tech
Hired date: 2020
Astrological sign: Sun=Virgo, Rising=Aries, Moon=Scorpio, Zodiac=Dog
Personal Pets:
Winston: husky/shepherd/cattle dog/poodle
Togo: shepherd/husky/collie/chowchow
Merlin: husky?
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Shiba Inu?
What is your favorite bad joke?
How do you organize a space party? You planet.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Trapeze artist understudy
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
How much I hate presentations (crossed out)
How much I can’t think of anything if asked a question (crossed out)
Hagfish
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: Sometime 2021
Astrological sign: Sagittarius
Personal pets:
Apollo - Great Dane
Lavender - Cat
Thalia - Cat
Chester - Cat
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Briard, or a well-trained working dog, or a blood/coon hound.
What is your favorite bad joke?
If a cat loses it’s tail, where does it go? The retail store.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Animal trainer
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Not unless you rip the bun in half.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Harry Potter
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Position: Technician
Hired: 4/28/2020 @ 12:43PM
Sign: Gemini
Personal pets:
Charlie (shown in photo). He’s your typical golden retriever :)
Benjamin, (a.k.a. Benny, Ben, or ”Bennis” the Menace). He’s your typical orange DSH cat.
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Golden Retriever
What is your favorite bad joke?
What’s brown & sticky? A stick.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Animal care or the “Ta-dah” person.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
IDK, if you want it to be a sandwich then it’s a sandwich.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Vocal nodules since I previously had them.
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Position: CVT
Hired date: 5/2024
Astrological sign: Capricorn
Personal Pet: Dottie - Lab mix
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Mastiff
What is your favorite bad joke?
I asked a librarian for a book on Pavlov’s dog and Schrödinger’s cat. She said it rings a bell, but wasn’t sure if it was there or not.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Roman Rider (standing on horses)
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Technically yes, in reality no.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Dog training or ethical breeding or fantasy books.
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Position: Tech
Hired date: 8/23/2022
Astrological sign: Aries
Personal pets:
Stan (bearded dragon)
Taz (bearded dragon)
Benji (leopard gecko)
Geo (leopard gecko)
Ziggy (leopard gecko)
Cinder (harlequin dalmatian crested gecko)
Chett (pixie frog)
Daloros (green bottle blue tarantula)
El (ferret)
Rj (ferret)
Eugene (mojave ball python)
Eden (long-haired tortoiseshell cat)
Suni (husky)
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
A cat, long-haired tortoiseshell
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a reptile that always starts a ruckus? An instagator. :D
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Snake handler
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes, until someone convinces me otherwise.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Anything about reptiles.
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Position: Veterinary Technician
Hired date: 8-14-23
Astrological sign: Capricorn
Personal pets:
Agnes - Great Dane
Louise - Weimaraner
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Schnoodle
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a cow that just gave birth? De-calf-inated!
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
An acrobat
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Nope
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
The joys of working in vet med!
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: Nov. 2022
Astrological sign: Aquarius
Personal pet: Hardy - American Pit Bull Terrier/Australian Kelpie
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Pit Bull
What is your favorite bad joke?
If there is H2O on the inside of a fire hydrant, what is on the outside? K9P
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Honestly, I’d probably be working at the snow cone salon.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No. :)
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Adopt don’t shop.
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: 8/19/2025
Astrological sign: Taurus
Personal pets:
Mr. Oliver Blobaver Chubby Checker Handsome Smith - Domestic long-hair
Whisky - Domestic short-hair
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
A black cat
What is your favorite bad joke?
Do you want to hear a construction joke? Sorry, I’m still working on it.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Clown
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
The Navy’s Aviation Machinist Mate rating.
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Position: Vet tech
Hired date: 2/15/23
Astrological sign: Libra
Personal pet: Roxanne (Roxi) - Pit Bull mix
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Probably a pit bull
What is your favorite bad joke?
What types of markets do dogs avoid? Flea markets!
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Tight rope walker
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
To me, it’s meat in bread, so yes.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Why “The Pitt” is such a good show.
Receptionists
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Position: Receptionist
Hired date: 9/8/2025
Astrological sign: Leo
Personal pets:
Spring - Golden Retriever
Biggy - Pomsky
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Golden retriever
What is your favorite bad joke?
Why did the dog chase his tail? To make ends meet.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Fire juggler
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No its a weiner. :)
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
How to express a dogs glands
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Position: Receptionist (queen)
Hired date: 9-3-04
Astrological sign: Taurus
Personal pets: None as of now
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
What is your favorite bad joke?
Knock knock. Who’s there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who’s there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Clown
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Cats
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Position: Receptionist, CSR, Room Coordinator
Hired date: April 2023
Astrological sign: Capricorn
Personal pets:
I have a blue Great Dane named Aspen. I also have a cow kitty named Birch
What is your favorite bad joke?
How does a dog stop a video? He presses the paws button.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Juggler! Gimme all the tasks, and all the stress that comes with them. I’ll still find a way to laugh!
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes! It’s still a hot dog without the bread.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Succulent care tips and tricks, this presentation would have all the pictures. :)
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Position: Reception/Social media and marketing manager, holiday enthusiant
Hired date: July 2019
Astrological sign: Scorpio
Personal Pets:
Maui - Mastiff mix dog
Harry Styles - dwarf frog
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Salukis mix, with a rainbow dyed tail.
What is your favorite bad joke?
What do you call a pile of kittens? A meowntain!
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Side show tattooed lady.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Scientifically yes.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
TAYLOR SWIFT!
Groomers
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Position: Pet stylist
Hired date: May 2016
Astrological sign: Pisces
Personal pets:
Lyra - Standard Poodle
Bella - Shih Tzu
Obi-Wan - Golden Retriever
Nugget - Chinese Crested Powder-Puff
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Mixed breed
What is your favorite bad joke?
What dog loves to take bubble baths? A shampoodle…hahaha
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Clown
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
By definition of Google, yes it is! :)
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Comfort grooming vs. vanity grooming.
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Position: Pet stylist
Hired date: April 2022
Astrological sign: Scorpio
Personal pets:
Nena - Bichon mix
Lilith - Boxer mix
2D - Tuxedo cat
Viktor II - Domestic Mediumhair
If you were a dog, what breed would you be?
Shih Tzu
What is your favorite bad joke?
Why does a baker work so hard? Because he kneads dough.
If you worked at a circus, what would your job be?
Clown
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes, by definition.
If you had to give a presentation on the spot, what topic would you choose?
Humane methods of dematting dogs.
Lydia
Lydia is Pet Central's African Grey Parrot, also known as our hospital's greeter and noise maker. Lydia recently celebrated her 25th birthday and is always excited to welcome our patients in the lobby! And while she takes her job very seriously, she can sometimes be found in time out in our breakroom or relaxing on her perch in the lobby chewing paper and making a mess.
Special talents include making smoke detector noises, pulling keys off keyboards, mocking people with allergies by pretending to sniffle and cough, and supervising our reception team by sitting on the backs of their chairs.
African grey parrots have been kept as pets for thousands of years. The Egyptians, known for their belief that the cat was sacred, are thought to be the first to keep African grey parrots and are said to have depicted them in their hieroglyphics. The Greeks also valued the African grey parrot as did the Romans who kept them in ornate cages. Lydia must remember this time period, as she is quite the special diva!
Favorite quote: "Want a peanut?"
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