Medical Director

Dr Ashley Lawton’s compassionate and approachable bedside manner helps her patients feel calm and secure during visits. She knows that cats are most comfortable in their carriers and dogs feel best on the floor.

Clients appreciate her education about wellness and illness prevention. She works with each family to match treatment plans with their lifestyle. She encourages questions — during appointments and over the phone.

Dr Lawton feels honored to be part of each pet’s care. As Medical Director, she leads her team to feel the same sense of pride, exude welcoming vibes, and maintain accessibility.

She went to vet school at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Scotland, earning the Governors’ and Mitchell of Cranstonhill Prize. She has extensive experience with emergency medicine.

Dr Lawton and her husband stay busy with their full house. They have 2 daughters, twin boys, a sweet Australian Cattle Dog named Blue, and a Yorkie named Strawberry Pizza.

Veterinarian

Dr Amy Bonnet (she/her) loves getting to know people and pets. She finds joy in educating clients and collaborating with them to create a treatment plan that suits their unique needs. Her bubbly personality and easygoing approach help clients feel comfortable and supported during their appointment.

Dr Bonnet is Fear Free certified. She understands that veterinary visits can be stressful for cats and dogs, so she does everything she can to keep pets comfortable.

Her passion is dental health, as proper oral care keeps animals healthy. She’s always happy to educate on proper dental care and at-home support.

Dr Bonnet grew up with dogs and spent her youth helping her father raise cattle, so it was inevitable she’d pursue veterinary medicine. She received her undergrad degree in Biomedical Science and her DVM from Texas A&M University.

In her free time, she loves bonding with her pets: Momus, a Catahoula leopard dog, and Doom, a black cat. She loves puzzles, Sudoku, and reading mysteries. Dr Bonnet loves hiking Austin’s trails when the weather is nice.

Veterinarian

Dr Chelsea is passionate about providing the best medical care. She knows every pet is unique, therefore she adapts to fit each pet’s individual needs.

Clients appreciate Dr Chelsea’s approachable, enthusiastic, go-getter personality. Collaboration and compassion are trademarks of her healthcare. She ensures clients are kept well informed about all aspects of their pet’s medical care.

Dr Chelsea is Fear Free certified to ensure patients are happy and calm at check-ups. She has a special interest in dermatology, emergency medicine, and surgery.

Born and raised in Grenada, she received her undergraduate degree in Biological Science and her veterinary degree from St George’s University. She was the proud recipient of the coveted full-ride scholarship for both degrees. Dr Chelsea has also practiced as a veterinarian in four different countries.

Dr Chelsea loves Austin’s unique, pet-friendly vibe. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and exploring the outdoors with her silky terrier mix, Buttons.

Veterinarian

Dr Melanie Perez is passionate about partnering with pet families to provide thoughtful, individualized care rooted in prevention and education. She is currently training in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine with a focus on acupuncture through Chi University and has a special interest in rehabilitation modalities and supporting senior pets as they age.

Fear Free–certified, she is dedicated to making veterinary visits as positive and low-stress as possible by taking time to understand each pet’s behavior and adjusting care to meet their individual needs—treats included! What excites her most about veterinary medicine is nurturing the bond between people and their pets and helping families enjoy as many healthy years together as possible.

Dr Perez graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and loves being part of the collaborative, compassionate team at Firehouse. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with her husband and their two pups, Comet and Astro.

Veterinarian

Dr Michelle Taylor is dedicated to providing compassionate, collaborative care for pets and the people who love them. She has extensive experience working with companion exotic pets and a special passion for feline medicine and behavior.

Her approach emphasizes open communication, thoughtful follow-up, and meeting each patient where they are to reduce stress and fear during visits. She prioritizes gentle handling techniques, respects patient boundaries, and tailors care plans to fit each family’s unique needs and circumstances.

Dr Taylor earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. She remains committed to lifelong learning through continuing education, including Exotics Con and advanced feline-focused courses.

She finds the greatest fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of pets and their families. Outside of work, she enjoys reading manga, traveling, spending time on Lake Austin, and caring for her two cats, Theodore and Merlin.

Hospital Manager

Michelle brings heart, energy, and purpose to her role as Hospital Manager. With a lifelong passion for animal welfare, her diverse experience naturally led her into leadership roles, where she enjoys training, mentoring, and guiding her team through collaboration and transparency at the core.

She believes in meeting pet parents where they are, prioritizing clear communication and ensuring every family feels heard, supported, and confident in their pet’s care. To create calm, positive visits, she matches each patient’s energy, keeps them close to their owners whenever possible, and uses Fear Free techniques like treats, distraction, and gentle positioning.

Driven by the joy of helping families and the fulfillment of living her calling each day, Michelle is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. She shares her home with her five beloved pets: four rescued mixed-breed pups and one senior cat who proudly believes he’s part of the pack.

Outside of the clinic, Michelle loves spending time with family and friends. She’s happiest outdoors- rather it be soaking up the sun, relaxing under the stars, or anywhere near the water. For her, pet snuggles are the very best kind of therapy!

Client Service Coordinator

Kelly is dedicated to making clients’ lives easier by prioritizing clear communication, collaboration, and proactive support throughout every stage of their pet’s care. She believes that when pet parents feel informed, heard, and supported, they can make confident decisions for their companions, creating a more positive and trusting veterinary experience.

With five years of experience in veterinary medicine and 10 years in human medicine as a certified Medical Assistant, Kelly brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to patient care. Her background includes work in multiple medical settings, which, combined with her Business studies at Texas State University, allows her to approach each interaction with both compassion and organization. She values efficiency, follow-through, and making every visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Kelly entered the veterinary field out of a deep passion for animals and a strong desire to advocate for their health and well-being. She finds the greatest fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them. At home, she cherishes time with her 15-year-old Australian Shepherd, Lucy, and enjoys concerts, disc golf, hiking, and long, well-earned naps.

Client Service Coordinator

Courtney brings over 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine to the team, including 13 years as a Veterinary Technician and 2 years as a Client Service Coordinator. Her well-rounded background allows her to understand both the clinical and client-facing sides of veterinary care, creating a seamless and supportive experience for pets and their families. She is known for her calm, compassionate approach, strong attention to detail, and natural ability to help both patients and clients feel at ease.

Originally from Florida and now proud to call Austin home, Courtney enjoys spending her free time exploring local parks and trails with her energetic German Shorthaired Pointer, Woodford. Her love for animals extends beyond the clinic, reflecting her genuine commitment to their health and well-being.

A true animal advocate and dedicated team player, Courtney is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care, fostering clear and open communication, and ensuring every client who walks through the door feels welcomed, supported, and confident in their pet’s care.

Client Service Coordinator

Alyssa is a dedicated Client Service Coordinator who is laser therapy certified and currently pursuing her Veterinary Technician license through Penn Foster, with plans to continue her education and become certified in Chinese medicine acupuncture. She is passionate about open communication, believing that clarity builds trust, strengthens team morale, and helps clients feel confident in their pet’s care.

As a strong team player, she values collaboration and knows a hospital thrives when everyone works together. She is especially committed to Fear Free medicine, using gentle handling and thoughtful techniques to reduce stress and create positive, low-trauma experiences for every patient.

What excites her most is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, whether helping pets stay healthy or supporting families through difficult moments with compassion and care. She takes pride in staying calm in high-stress situations and creating a reassuring presence for both pets and their owners. At home, she cares for a lively group of pets and enjoys concerts, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with her animals.

Client Service Coordinator

Andrea is a compassionate Client Service Coordinator with over 26 years of customer service experience, bringing warmth, empathy, and strong communication skills to every client interaction. She believes that building trust starts with making people feel heard and supported, and she strives to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for both pets and their owners from the moment they walk through the door.

Her love for animals and people led her to the veterinary field, where she combines her passion for organization and client care at the front desk. She enjoys being the first and last point of contact for clients, ensuring each visit feels smooth, reassuring, and positive. She is always eager to learn, ask questions, and grow in her role so she can better support her team and the families they serve.

At home, she cares for four energetic dogs, including her beloved pitbull, Nova, who has epilepsy and has deepened her compassion for pets with medical needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son, family, and friends, going on adventures, and shopping.

Veterinary Technician

Haidy creates powerful bonds with clients and pets. She discusses each pet’s individual needs with the client to ensure that the pet receives the best care. She wants the hospital to feel safe and calm for all animals. She makes clients’ lives easier by using thorough, detailed communication. Haidy wants each pet to receive appropriate care and lots of love during their visit.

Since keeping pets safe and happy is the priority at the hospital, Haidy always looks for ways to help pets stay comfortable. She uses Fear Free techniques and proper handling for all pets.

Currently, Haidy is working on her Pre-Med degree. Her goal is to transfer to Texas A&M to earn her DVM and become a veterinarian. She brings the new skills she learns in class to the hospital to help further develop her level of care.

Veterinary Technician

Jaylie works with clients and pets to make veterinary visits clear and stress-free. She explains the appointment process, answers clients’ questions, and collaborates with them to find the perfect option for their pet. Her respectful, individualized approach helps people and pets feel comfortable. Jaylie uses Fear Free techniques to keep pets safe. She loves on pets and treats them like her own; her goal is to keep them happy and healthy.

Jaylie attended Louisiana Tech University, where she received a degree in Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She has experience working with a variety of animals, including exotic pets. She has a soft spot for cats thanks to her longhair tabby, Dufresne. Since she is new to Austin, Jaylie spends her free time exploring the area.

Veterinary Technician

Alex is a dedicated Veterinary Technician who has been passionate about helping animals for as long as she can remember. From a young age, she knew she wanted to build a career centered around animal care and advocacy. That lifelong dream led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science Pre-Vet from Texas State University, where she laid the foundation for her future goal of becoming a veterinarian.

In her role, she is committed to providing compassionate, attentive care to every patient while ensuring clients feel informed and supported. She believes that trust, education, and empathy are essential parts of the veterinary experience.

At home, her love for animals continues with her four beloved “fur babies”: two Huskies, Sky and Toto, and two cats, Oriole and Raven. Caring for her own pets deepens her appreciation of the human–animal bond and further fuels her dedication to veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Technician

As a devoted Veterinary Technician, Gracyn is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to every pet who walks through our doors. She is currently pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation, which deepens her understanding of animal health, behavior, and the important role we play in protecting both domestic and wild species.

Gracyn believes that exceptional veterinary care begins with trust. She strives to make every client feel supported, informed, and genuinely welcomed by maintaining clear communication and approaching each visit with empathy and transparency. Using Fear Free techniques, Gracyn focuses on minimizing stress and creating a calm, positive experience for both pets and their owners.

Outside of the clinic, Gracyn enjoys staying active through workouts and hiking, as well as expressing her creativity through art projects. Her love for animals, learning, and connection fuels the care she provides each day!

Veterinary Technician

Fabio is a passionate Veterinary Technician and a licensed Veterinarian in Brazil, bringing a diverse background and strong surgical foundation to the team. His greatest passion in veterinary medicine is surgery. He enjoys performing procedures of all types and values the precision, focus, and positive impact surgery can have on a pet’s quality of life.

Fabio is committed to building meaningful relationships with clients, believing that trust, clear communication, and compassion are essential components of excellent veterinary care. He takes pride in ensuring pet owners feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

His favorite dog breed is the Beagle, as he admires their intelligence and independent spirit. Dedicated to professional growth, he embraces every opportunity to continue learning and expanding his skills in this ever-evolving field.

Outside of the clinic, he enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, especially playing beach volleyball. His energy, warmth, and dedication to both pets and their families make him a valued and compassionate member of the veterinary team.

Veterinary Technician

Miranda is a focused Veterinary Technician with experience spanning shelter medicine for domestic animals and rehabilitation work with wildlife. While she does not hold a formal specialty, her diverse background includes hands-on snake handling with training in safe restraint techniques, species-specific behavior, and risk mitigation for both venomous and non-venomous species. She also brings strong laboratory skills, including sample collection and basic diagnostic testing, supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care across a variety of clinical environments.

She focuses on creating a calm, low-stress experience for every pet by using gentle handling, minimizing restraint when possible, and adjusting her approach based on each animal’s body language and comfort level. Clear communication with pet owners helps make visits positive and relaxed.

Passionate about making a meaningful difference, Miranda finds daily motivation in improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. She values Firehouse Animal Health Center’s commitment to compassionate, individualized care. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, painting, hiking, and spending time in nature.