OUR VETERINARIANS
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Bret Peterson, DVM
Owner and Veterinarian
Dr. Bret Peterson grew up near Chicago, which is when he developed his love for the Chicago Cubs. He earned his Bachelor’s in Biology from Knox College and his doctorate of veterinary medicine from Iowa State University. Dr. Peterson worked as a veterinarian in Wisconsin before relocating to Springfield where he was hired as a relief vet for Laketown Animal Hospital. Dr. Peterson’s special interest in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, along with Laketown’s state of the art surgical suite made for a great partnership and he decided to become full time shortly thereafter. During his free time he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife and daughter. They especially enjoy beach days where they can rediscover the simple pleasures through their daughter’s eyes such as building sandcastles and playing in the waves. They recently adopted a kitten, named Meowy.
Aaron Felgenhauer, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Aaron Felgenhauer is the most recent addition to the Laketown veterinary staff. Originally from central Illinois, Dr. Felgenhauer earned his BS and DVM degrees from the University of Illinois. He has a special interest in internal medicine and nutrition. When he isn't working, Dr. Felgenhauer enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter. He also loves traveling, playing sports and watching sports. A few of his favorite teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and the Fighting Illini.
Susan Fisherkeller, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Susan Fisherkeller was born and raised in Springfield and is proud to have spent her life getting to know the ins and outs of the capital of Illinois. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Biology and her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois. Dr. Fisherkeller loves kayaking, traveling (especially to Europe), and has a special interest in pairing wines with different cuisines. She is extremely close with her friends and as she likes to say, the “young-ins” who work with her. Dr. Fisherkeller has opened her home to many rescue dogs in the past, with Wally being the most recent.
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Jessica Carie, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Jessica Carie hails from New Orleans, LA, and graduated from the University of Miami in Florida with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She had always loved animals, particularly wildlife and exotics, and after graduating she ventured up to Alaska to work with US Fish & Wildlife Service. What was supposed to be one summer turned into five years of living in Alaska, doing research with walrus, sea otters, sea lions, fisheries, and polar bears!
Dr. Carie finally pulled herself away from adventure in Alaska to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian by attending Colorado State University. She worked in small animal general practice and emergency medicine in Colorado for 5 years.
Dr. Carie and her family recently moved to the Springfield area to be closer to family. She has worked at the Animal Emergency Clinic for the past year, and she is thrilled to join the team at Laketown Animal Hospital. She is passionate about delivering high quality care to your furry family member and has special interest in emergency medicine, dentistry, and surgery.
When Dr. Carie is not at the hospital, she enjoys time with her husband, 2 little boys, and 3 dogs. She loves gardening, cooking and most anything outdoors.