Veterinary Technicians & Assistants
Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital has assembled a group of Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants who are extraordinarily talented and passionate individuals. Each team member has a unique and individualistic approach to the veterinary care provided at our one of a kind facility. Read more about our incredible Veterinary Technicians and Assistants below!
Robyn,
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Robyn joined the Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital team in July of 1988. She attended Sul Ross State University where she completed the Registered Veterinary Technician program. As a Licensed Veterinary Technician, some of her responsibilities include surgical assisting, monitoring critical care patients, and assisting the doctors with inpatient care.
She is a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), Veterinary Technician Association of Texas (VTAT), National Veterinary Technician Association (NVTA), and the Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians (AVECCT).
When she isn’t working, Robyn cares for several pets of her own. They include three German Shepherds, a Peruvian Inca Orchid (pictured), two cats, a ferret, a Quarter Horse and an African Grey. She spends her free time volunteering with Austin’s Wildlife Rescue (AWR) raising and rehabilitating small mammals, including raccoons and squirrels. One of the highlights of volunteering with AWR is caring for their educational ambassador, Henry the Barn Owl. Robyn also enjoys horseback riding, camping, and spending time with family.
Tracy,
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Tracy is a Licensed Veterinary Technician here at Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital. She joined our staff in January of 2000. Tracy earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Anthropology from Southern Methodist University, and her Associates Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. She is also a Certified Laboratory Animal Technologist.
With 25 years of experience in the animal care field, Tracy refers to Westgate as “the most progressive hospital” that she has ever worked for. She appreciates being a part of a dedicated and caring staff that is always applying new techniques and procedures.
At home, Tracy cares for five dogs, four birds, three cats and a turtle named Olive. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, swimming, traveling and camping. She is also an avid reader and hobbyist bird watcher.
Bonnie, Veterinary Assistant
Bonnie is a full time Veterinary Assistant who joined our team in December 2015. Clients often comment on her friendly personality and her ability to make their pets comfortable during their visits. Bonnie assists in surgery, feeding and medicating patients, processing labwork, dental procedures and more. She's currently enrolled in the Certified Veterinary Assistant Program that our hospital offers to the staff.
Bonnie takes pride in the exceptional patient care offered here at Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital. "I love hearing when the owner or doctor tells us that the patient feels better or is on the road to recovery after receiving treatment.”
At home, Bonnie has three pets, a Chow Mix named Nala, a domestic shorthair named Taco, and a Cockatiel named Luna. While she enjoys being a "homebody," she also likes attending shows at the different music venues throughout Austin.
Jennifer, Veterinary Assistant
Jennifer is soft spoken and diligent with a vast knowledge of avian care and behavior that she readily shares with clients and coworkers. She joined our team in March 2016 as a full-time Veterinary Assistant. Some of her responsibilities include client communication and education, assisting our veterinarians with surgery and dental procedures, taking radiographs and processing lab samples.
With a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and an Associates degree in Science-Zoo Animal Technology, Jennifer has acquired 22 plus years of experience in the animal care field. Some of her roles included a supervisor and senior keeper position in the Bird Department at the San Antonio Zoo, and the Bird Department manager at Gallery of Pets.
Jennifer has 8 birds of her own including an African Grey Parrot named Scarlet, Jade the Eclectus, Mary Ann, a Golden Conure, a Sun Conure by the name of Tequila, a Brown Throated Conure called Shu Shu, Q the Quaker Parrot, Lovey the Lovebird and a Cockatiel named Skipper. When she has free time, she enjoys swimming, reading, cooking, watching “The Office” and camping.
Tom, Veterinary Assistant
Our clients may recognize Tom as a TV celebrity from the National Geographic series Dr K’s Exotic Animal ER. Tom received his Associate of Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver Colorado, “Go Ground Squirrels!”
With 16 years of animal care experience, Tom is a soft-spoken, calming influence who is always willing to lend a hand and share his knowledge with staff and clients. Some of his daily responsibilities include technical support for our veterinarians, anesthetic monitoring of various species, radiography and phlebotomy. He also assists with dental care and the administering of meds and vaccines.
At work, Tom loves playing with the happy dogs and working with large parrots and reptiles. At home, Tom cares for two pets of his own, a 47-year-old Double Yellow Headed Amazon named Sunshine, and a terrier mix named Kupcake. In his free time, he enjoys fly-fishing, fly-tying and collecting antique Halloween decorations and Charles Shultz “Peanuts” books.
Elayna
Bio coming soon!
Brittany
Bio coming soon!
Maggie
Bio coming soon!
Ryan
Bio coming soon!
Katie
Bio coming soon!
Lauren
Bio coming soon!