Our Veterinarian
Dr. Tracy Sands
VETERINARIAN AND PRACTICE OWNER
Veterinary Superpowers:
Feline Care: Our “cat whisperer,” Dr. Sands truly gets cats–physically and emotionally!
Senior Pet Care: Senior pets have changing needs and Dr. Sands is passionate about helping them stay comfortable and live longer.
Healing Paws Core Value Champion: Effort and Integrity
Interesting Fact: Dr. Sands got her first tattoo in 2023!
Our Support Staff
Jessica
OFFICE MANAGER, CLIENT EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR, CERTIFIED AAHA DIABETES EDUCATOR
Veterinary Superpowers:
Pet Lover Advocate: Jess is always going the extra mile to make sure both pet owners and our staff feel respected, understood, and loved.
Memory Maker: Jess is phenomenal at seeing special moments in the clinic and capturing those as beautiful photos for pet owners and team members to enjoy.
Healing Paws Core Value Champion: Integrity and Positivity
Interesting Fact: Jessica has her own two children but was also a surrogate so that another couple could have a child!
Illona
VETERINARY ASSISTANT, PATIENT CARE ADVOCATE
Veterinary Superpowers:
Pet Soother: Illona has a quiet nature and is often found telling children’s stories to pets while they wait for care or even to calm them during minor procedures and hospitalization.
Curiosity: Even after decades in the veterinary profession, Illona is still always asking questions to learn more and make us better!
Healing Paws Core Value Champion: Responsibility and Effort
Interesting Fact: Illona has a beautiful pink trike (3-wheeled motorcycle) that she rides to work!
Jess
CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Veterinary Superpowers:
Observer: Jess pays close attention to what our patients need to make them feel safe during visits. Her quiet, calm nature makes her a natural fit for Healing Paws.
Senior dog lover: Helping senior dogs live their best lives holds a special place in Jess’s heart.
Healing Paws Core Value Champion: Effort and Teamwork
Interesting Fact: Jess spent 6 months in Alaska caring for ~1200 sled dogs!
Laura
SOCIAL MEDIA AND GRAPHIC DESIGN, VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Veterinary Superpowers:
Storytelling: Laura, a poet and fantasy fiction writer, does a great job of sharing the Healing Paws experience through our social media outlets!
Willingness to Help: Laura assists our team after school and during the summers. She comes in with a calm but energetic nature that really helps us get things done efficiently yet in a way that remains peaceful for our patients.
Healing Paws Core Value Champion: Positivity and Initiative
Interesting Fact: Laura has been playing the violin since she was 3 and performs classical, pop, and fiddles!
Claire
VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Veterinary Superpowers:
Stealthy supporter: Claire helps us in many areas of the clinic after school. She has a knack for knowing what her teammates need, sometimes before we even do.
Inquisitive: She always wants to learn something new to better serve our patients, clients, and help her teammates.
Healing Paws Core Value Champion: Teamwork and Responsibility
Interesting Fact: Claire volunteered at an animal sanctuary in Zimbabwe and fostered cats in Rome!