Our Staff

Village Animal Clinic Staff Members and Biographies

Thomas Kavanagh; DVM, AVD, Dipl. AVDC

Dr. Kavanagh is a native of Southeastern Michigan, having attended Our Lady of Loretto and Redford Union Schools. He then attended Ferris State, Wayne State and Michigan State Universities, receiving a Bachelor of Science and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1974 from Michigan State University.

As a student, Dr. Kavanagh served on student council and chaired the Honors and Ethics Board at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After years of advanced study, Dr. Kavanagh became a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry in 1988 and was board certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1993 as a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. He has also chaired the credentials committee for the college and is the chairman of the grant, and a member of the appeals committees for the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. Dr. Kavanagh has specialized in dental procedures, oral surgery and oral medicine since 1988.

Dr. Kavanagh has also been an assistant adjunct professor in the MSU department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences since 1993, where he teaches the art and science of Veterinary Dental Practice. Dr. Kavanagh has authored scientific articles and text book chapters related to veterinary dentistry and completed the Practice Management Certificate program at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business.

After graduation, Dr. Kavanagh worked in Alaska and in Schoolcraft, Michigan, before moving back to Southeast Michigan. After five years working at an excellent practice in Macomb County, Dr. Kavanagh purchased Village Animal Clinic, where he serves as the medical director.

Dr. Kavanagh is a member of the Southeast Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (former board member), the Oakland County Veterinary Medical Association (former director), the Livingston County Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.

Community Activities have included rotary and planning commission, parks and recreation needs and assessment committees, environmental committee, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts and a hockey coach. Dr. Kavanagh has done presentations for career day at several local schools and also participated in several radio and television shows.

Dr. Kavanagh has been married to Sandy for over thirty years and has two adult children, Sean and Tom. They both attended Michigan State University. Oh, we can’t forget the dogs, Maya and Apache as well as the family cat, Phoebe.

Alanna Thompson; DVM

Dr. Alanna Thompson is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba but grew up in Ontario. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Guelph and then went on to attend the Ontario Veterinary College, obtaining her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2010. Dr. Thompson then made a move to Rochester Hills, Michigan and joined Village Animal Clinic’s team in July 2010.

During her time at in veterinary school, Dr. Thompson immersed herself in pursuing her passion for animal care. She worked and volunteered at several animal veterinary practices around her university and gained first-hand experience in clinical research for the Ontario Veterinary College. She was also an active member of various student organizations and clubs such as class council, Small Animal Club, ACVIM Student Chapter, Equine Club and was Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Central Veterinary Student Association. Though she has a great amount of knowledge on veterinary care, Dr. Thompson strives to continue her education in various topics and her main professional interests are internal medicine and surgery. Dr. Thompson is enjoying her work with Village Animal Clinic because she has the opportunity to work with and learn from her amazing team members and also loves meeting clients and their pets each day.

When Dr. Thompson is not working at Village Animal Clinic, she loves to spend quality time with her dog, Aero. She is also discovering the beauty and adventure in Michigan by attending sports events, musical concerts and exploring what the city of Farmington has to offer.

Danielle; LVT

Danielle is a 2002 graduate of Michigan State University’s Veterinary Technology Program. She also received a bachelor of science majoring in veterinary technology from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked in Ann Arbor for a couple of years and then joined the Village Animal Clinic team in 2004. She is a member of the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technologists and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America. Danielle shares her loving home with her family and an animated beagle named Diezel.

Casey; LVT

Casey joined the Village Animal Clinic team in 2005, beginning as an assistant and providing kennel help. In May 2009, she graduated from Macomb Community College’s Veterinary Technician program and is now proud to be a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She is a member of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians. Casey lives with her energetic Jack Russell Terrier, Loki.

Amy; Veterinary Assistant

As a member of our staff since 1995, Amy appreciates the close relationship Village Animal Clinic has with its patients. A lover of animals, she has a diverse range of experience with animal care, having done relief work across the country at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island, the Animal Hospital Highway 6 in Texas and Farmington Animal Hospital in Connecticut. Amy is also a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Eager to continue her education, she is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at Oakland University. She loves to spend time with her family which includes Petunia, a Chihuahua rescued from Texas and Tonka, a lovable Rottweiler.

Natalie; LVT

Natalie has always loved all types of animals! She graduated from Macomb Community College’s Veterinary Technician program in 2011 and also graduated with an associate’s degree in general studies. She joined us in August 2011 as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She enjoys taking care of dogs and cats, as well as exotic pets including reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. She has a pug dog, a 40 year old Reeve’s turtle, rats, mice and a fish tank! She is also fluent in sign language, enjoys playing the violin, and enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves dedicating her time and energy to the well-being of animals.

Amanda; Veterinary Assistant

Amanda has been a part of the Village Animal Clinic team as a Veterinary Assistant since 2011. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2011 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Science and will be returning to Oakland Community College in the fall of 2012 to pursue more classes within the scientific field. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys running, being involved as a co-manager in a Detroit-based photography community, traveling, discovering new music and spending time with her five cats — Bonita, Alewca, Axel, Azazel and Azalea!