Meet Our Veterinary Team in Surprise

Dr. Ann Smith was born in Atlanta Georgia.  Breaking tradition from her family, she decided to attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), earning her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, and a Masters of Science in Wellness.  After earning her master’s, she wanted to work as a Veterinary Technician and did so for five years in Tupelo Mississippi.  In 2003 she was accepted into Mississippi State’s School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2007 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

Before opening Purrfurred Pets, Dr. Ann worked in private practice veterinary clinics, shelter medicine, emergency clinics, as well as private practice spay/neuter clinics.  One of her passions is spay/neuter surgery, which she knows is a key component in controlling pet overpopulation.

Dr. Ann has five dogs and one cat.  Of course, if you ask Dr. Ann’s dog Tina…she only has one dog… Tina, and four pests! And Tina agrees to one cat!

In her off time, Dr. Ann likes to ride her motorcycle, hike, run, and camp when possible.  Her lifelong goal is to travel the world and run a marathon!

Shawna, our Practice Manager, has been with us since we opened our doors in July 2015. Shawna was our Lead Veterinary Technician for 4 years before becoming our Practice Manager. Shawna started her career in 1998 as a veterinary technician. Her experience is extensive, from general practice, specialty, emergency, shelter medicine, as well as disaster relief and rescue for pets. Shawna did disaster relief/pet rescue in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrin in 2005, fire rescue in 2011’s Wallow Fires, and she was also on Animal Planet for 3 years.

Shawna is a coast Guard Veteran wife and Army mom. When she isn’t managing the clinic, she enjoys paddle boarding and trips to San Diego with her husband. Shawna has 4 dogs, Serenity the boxer, Daphne the pit bull, Jelly Bean the beagle, and Katy the teacup Pomeranian.

Paula has been working here at Purrfurred Pets since March 2017. She feels she was hired out of “pure luck” due to her lead vet tech breaking her ankle and being out for 2 months after surgery.

Paula grew up on a farm in Poland. She always wanted to have a career in Veterinary Medicine. As a child, she brought home all the strays and injured pets, which she cared for herself. While working as a veterinary assistant in 2011, she attended Veterinary Technician Institute at Fox College, where she graduated with honors and received her certification for Certified Veterinary Technician in 2012.

In her free time, Paula enjoys hiking, camping, horseback riding as well as spending time with her husband, their 2 sons, Max (black lab) and Tara (Saint Bernard).

Seccily has been a veterinary technician for over 22 years. She can’t imagine doing anything else. She enjoys all aspects of her job, especially when she gets to do and learn new things. She has lived in Arizona most of her life.

Seccily has a son, and 2 dogs (Arthur and Whozie) whom she enjoys spending time with. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with dogs and her boyfriend, usually taking day trips and going to new places around Arizona.

Michele has been a Veterinary Technician for 10 years and loves what she does! She shares her home with a Chihuahua (Turtle), a German Shepherd (Loki), two cats (Sal and JJ Binks) and a bunny (Wickett). When she's not caring for animals, she enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, and indulging in her love for Star Wars. (Michele joined our team in April 2024)

I grew up with dogs, cats and hamsters my entire life. Initially my desire was to be a zoologist, but then decided to become a technician. Presently I am a veterinary customer care receptionist because I love working with the clients and interfacing with their fur babies. I currently have (2) fur babies of my own, Linx & Pixel. In my spare time I like to walk my dogs, hang out with my boyfriend and play video games.

Renee has been in the veterinary field for over 40 years. She started as a receptionist, working her way up to be a veterinary technician, eventually becoming a certified veterinary technician in 2005. She decided to go back to being a veterinary receptionist several years ago. Renee has worked in clinics all over the valley throughout the years. She has 3 adorable little dogs, Opi, Ollie, Olive and a desert tortoise named Frankie. She loves country music, camping, and hanging out at home with her husband and the critters.