At Allendale Veterinary, we look forward to building a long and healthy relationship wth you and your pet. This page highlights our staff - their training, experience, and dedication to veterinary meidicine.

Susan T. Welsch, D.V.M.
Veterinarian, Hospital Director

Dr. Welsch established Allendale Veterinary Hospital in 2004. She earned her BS degree from Rutgers University in 1986, summa cum laude. She was accepted at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her DVM in 1991. Dr. Welsch was selected for an externship at the renowned Animal Medical Center in NYC and completed rotations in ophthalmology and surgery.

In addition to general medicine, some of Dr. Welsch's professional interests include ophthalmology and dentistry.

Dr. Welsch and her husband John live in Rockland County with their two German wirehaired pointers, Abby and EmmyLou. When not at the hospital, you can find them hiking the Appalachian Trail and boating on the Hudson River.

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Laurel S. Gess, D.V.M.
Veterinarian

Bio Coming Soon

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Jennifer Dino
Registered Veterinary Technician, Hospital Manager

Jennifer, a native of Clifton, New Jersey, has been a full time staff member of Allendale Veterinary since 2005. She has been refining her veterinary nursing skills since 1992 , at Antelmans Animal Hospital, as well as in Park Ridge and Ramsey NJ. Jenn has volunteered her services to the Bergen County Zoo ( Van Saun Park) for 2 years. She has extensive knowledge and skills treating many exotic species, both domestic and foreign.

Jennifer also has been professionally trained in animal dental hygiene, and is the head technician in charge of dentistry. She is also available for consultations in dog training, both in-hospital and in your home.

Outside the hospital, Jenn enjoys, hiking, horseback riding, and long walks with her Chihuahua Gino. Three cats - Rex, Isabel, and Mrs. Beasley also share her home.

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Susan Cardenas
Veterinary Assistant

Susan joined Allendale Vet in February of 2007. She has had previous experience with Emerson Animal hospital, and at The University of Delaware in animal nursing.

Susan has earned her BS in animal science from The University of Delaware and is currently working on a master's degree in biology. She spent July-August of 2007 as a volunteer in a wildlife research program in South Africa, focusing on lions, rhinos, and elephants.

It is Susan's goal to proceed to vet school and go into veterinary practice.

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Michela Backman
Client Relations Manager

Originally from London, England, Michela has been a member of the Allendale Veterinary Hospital staff since 2005. Active in the animal care field for over 15 years, she brings valuable experience to the hospital.

Michela is busy raising her two boys - Luke and Andrew with her husband Bob. She enjoys family outings to soccer and baseball games and looks forward to traveling back to Europe to visit family. The personal attention and focus on pet's individual needs is why Michela enjoys working At Allendale Veterinary Hospital.

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Kate Yogis
Veterinary Technician

Kate is a native of New Jersey, who brings over 20 years of animal nursing experience to the hospital. She earned her bachelors Degree in biology from Jersey City State College in 1996. Kate has also been employed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, helping to protect the well-being of the monkeys who resided there.

Kate is an accomplished professional musician who plays the trombone and euphonium. She can often be found in the orchestra pit at many a musical show throughout the tristate area.

Kate shares her home with her rescued cat Muffy, and her two gerbils.

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Tracy Brauch
Veterinary Technician

Tracy brings over 25 years experience in the animal care field to Allendale Veterinary. She had been involved in breeding, training, and showing quarter horses, as well as American Morgan horses, since 1980. More recently, since 2000, she has turned her focus to the small animal world. Tracy had gained 7 years experience in small animal nursing in Ridgewood, New Jersey before joining Allendale Veterinary in 2006.

As an outspoken proponent of animal welfare, she shares her life with three rescued greyhounds - Shannon, Kate and Poots. Her parrot Buddy is a constant source of entertainment. Tracey is a compassionate, highly skilled, invaluable member of our medical team.

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Dayna VanHook
Veterinary Assistant

Dayna joined Allendale Veterinary in 2007. She began her career in the animal care field directly after graduating high school. Dayna brings 6 years of animal assisting and nursing to Allendale Veterinary and is currently working on earning her licensure in veterinary technology.

Outside the hospital, Dayna enjoys camping, hiking and fishing. She cares for a menagerie of pets at home, including her two cats Cheddar and Carlie, her springer spaniel Maggie, her cocker spaniel Copper, and nine reptiles!

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