Dr. Jil Hennessey
Dr. Jil Hennessey is our President and Medical Director. She received her DVM from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Dr. Hennessey treats cats, dogs, and both warm- and cold-blooded exotics. She is a member of the AVMA, CVMA, AARV, and AAHA, and is a past president of the DAVMS. From Dr. Hennessey, on veterinary medicine and being a vet:
"I do not know if being a veterinarian was ever a choice; I just always knew I would be one. I love all the species I work with, but I truly enjoy my "odd critters" for all their uniqueness.
The success of good veterinary care relies on good home care. An involved and aware family can provide so much information that is crucial to the care of the family's pets. Please, please do not be afraid to bring a list of concerns and questions to your appointment. As it's been said, the only stupid question is the one you were afraid to ask.
I believe the day you stop learning is the day you start dying. I attend several educational events every year to bring the most current techniques back to share with our clients at Pets Vet.
I want Pets Vet of Arvada to be the family practice that takes great joy in caring for the creatures of your family."
Dr. Tracy Duerksen
Dr. Tracy Duerksen (pronounced "DIRK-sen") is an Associate Veterinarian. She received her DVM from Tufts University in 1990. Dr. Duerksen treats cats, dogs, and small mammals. She is a member of the AAFP, AVMA, DAVMS, and the Cornell Feline Health Center. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, music, and spending time with her pets (cats, dog, and cockatoo).
From Dr. Duerksen, on veterinary medicine and being a vet:
"Since I was very young, I have wanted to care for animals. I found the scientific challenge of veterinary medicine to be very interesting, and I feel I have a gift for solving animals' health problems. I believe it is what I was put on this earth to do. I am passionate about educating clients on how to improve the health of their pets, making it possible for them to spend more years together. I love all animals, and cats hold a special place in my heart.
I approach each case as if the pet was my own. I want to provide the best care that I can, and I strongly believe in preventative labwork as a way to help extend our pets' lives. I want our clients to know that our recommendations are always made in the best interests of the pet. We have a wonderful team here that cares deeply about giving the best care to every client and pet. We will try to do all we can to help – both in happy and in sad situations."
Dr. Janele Kubacki
Dr. Janele Kubacki (pronounced "ku-BAHK-ee") is an Associate Veterinarian. She received her DVM from Colorado State University in 1997. Dr. Kubacki treats cats and dogs. She is a member of the AVMA and the CVMA. Outside of work, she is a member of HOG (Harley Owners Group), with which she has done runs for charity such as pet shelters and animal welfare benefits. She also enjoys Texas Hold 'Em poker games, home improvement projects, roller blading and snow skiing.
From Dr. Kubacki, on veterinary medicine and being a vet:
"By nature, I am a very sensitive person and feel so much empathy for animals. As a kid, I bawled at the Disney movies Bambi and Dumbo and Charlotte's Web, and then the movie Old Yeller spurned more empathy for live animals. I pretended to be a vet at a very young age and recall pretending to do surgery on a rubber lizard. I always knew that I would work with animals but was unsure about my career path until the first day I observed a veterinarian performing a spay surgery.
Most of my elective coursework in vet school was in surgery, which is my passion. I enjoy soft tissue surgery and medically necessary cosmetic surgery. I find it is very rewarding to alleviate an animal's pain. Beyond surgery, I enjoy dermatology.
I approach each case being mindful of how I would want to be cared for if I were in my client's position. I would want someone who is friendly and genuinely concerned about my pet, and who would handle my pet gently. I'd want someone who cares enough to ask the right questions and listens to my concerns to figure out what my pet needs to help me make the best decisions for my pet.
Why should people choose Pets Vet?
Pets Vet is the best practice I have worked for. It is an AAHA-accredited practice, which means we are held to high standards. The structure of appointments and office hours enables me to spend valuable time with each patient. I have great technical support, I work with other great doctors who enjoy conferring on cases, our equipment allows me to offer the best medicine, and the continuing education we get is invaluable. Everyone is friendly yet professional. It's not just a job, it's a family."
