Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Katie Fitzpatrick
I grew up in Carroll, Iowa. There’s a running joke that wherever you travel, you’ll meet someone from Carroll—there’s even a t-shirt that says "People from Carroll, We're Everywhere!" Back when each neighborhood had its own grocery store, I spent time at my Grandpa's store, Brenny's Market.
I don't remember choosing to be a veterinarian, but I knew from a young age that I would be a veterinary doctor. I never considered anything else. My goals sheet from 1st grade said “I want to be a veterinarian” at the top. My mother found it and had it framed for my vet school graduation.
I attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa for my undergraduate studies and Iowa State University in Ames for veterinary school.
As a veterinarian, I most enjoy oncology cases. The chance to work with a family and patient from the moment they receive a cancer diagnosis to the end of that pet’s life is a special privilege. I feel honored to be able to explain this particular disease process to clients and to take away some of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the disease. I enjoy helping families in this position feel empowered to make the best decisions for their pets. When the time comes, I think that euthanasia to relieve or prevent pain and suffering is the last and most important gift we can give to a pet who has loved unconditionally throughout their life.
When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening, cycling, and visiting the local farmers market when the weather is nice. During the cold months, you can find me cooking, crocheting, and snuggling with my cats. They love watching football, so we frequently watch throughout the season.
About Dr. Beth Kaiser
I grew up on a farm in northern Iowa. I loved being outdoors, exploring, and using my imagination. I almost always had an animal with me during my adventures, whether it was one of our cats or dogs, or another random critter I found along the way.
While becoming a veterinarian was always in the back of my mind, I decided to enter nursing school instead. I spent eight years as a registered nurse, specializing in cardiac care. While human medicine was fulfilling and challenging, my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian was never far from my heart. I eventually decided to take the leap and make a career change. I attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and 4 years later earned my Doctorate degree.
I have enjoyed helping clients and pets throughout all stages of life during my career as a small animal veterinarian in the Des Moines Metro area. While everyone, including myself, loves new puppy and kitten visits, helping families make some of the hardest decisions of their pet’s life has always held a special place in my heart. For a pet owner to put their pet’s comfort and wellbeing ahead of their own is the essence of true love. Over the last few years, I have had to say goodbye to my cat, Myles, and my dog, Taylor. As a veterinarian, I had the privilege of providing them a gentle and peaceful passing at home where they felt most comfortable and safe, which I will always cherish. Through these personal experiences, I quickly realized that every pet and family should have this option available to them, and I am honored to share that same gift with others.
About Dr. Jess Jenkins
I grew up on a small Iowa farm surrounded by animals, from calves, kittens, and turtles to hamsters, parakeets, and dogs. l enjoyed helping care for them and was always asking for more pets. My love for nature and fascination with animals and their behavior inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University before attending Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
Throughout my time working in animal general practice and shelter medicine, I’ve found that my psychology degree combined with my agricultural background helps me not only care for animals but also understand and empathize with people in a non-judgemental way. I enjoy taking the time to get to know my clients and patients on a deep level to tailor each pet’s care to their unique needs.
The bond between an animal and their owner is like nothing else, and that makes it painful to say goodbye to them. Having lost pets of my own, I know how much it hurts to not have them with us, but I find comfort in knowing we can ensure they don’t suffer. Many people think that end-of-life care is the saddest part of a veterinarian's job, but I have found this unique part of the profession to be a rewarding and meaningful calling. I am honored to be able to provide pets with a compassionate and peaceful end while supporting their families.
Outside of work, I love being in nature and spotting wildlife. I also enjoy playing cards with friends and caring for my menagerie of animals. I am happiest when my loved ones, including my pets, are all well cared for.
About Dr. Katie Fitzpatrick
I grew up in Carroll, Iowa. There’s a running joke that wherever you travel, you’ll meet someone from Carroll—there’s even a t-shirt that says "People from Carroll, We're Everywhere!" Back when each neighborhood had its own grocery store, I spent time at my Grandpa's store, Brenny's Market.
I don't remember choosing to be a veterinarian, but I knew from a young age that I would be a veterinary doctor. I never considered anything else. My goals sheet from 1st grade said “I want to be a veterinarian” at the top. My mother found it and had it framed for my vet school graduation.
I attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa for my undergraduate studies and Iowa State University in Ames for veterinary school.
As a veterinarian, I most enjoy oncology cases. The chance to work with a family and patient from the moment they receive a cancer diagnosis to the end of that pet’s life is a special privilege. I feel honored to be able to explain this particular disease process to clients and to take away some of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the disease. I enjoy helping families in this position feel empowered to make the best decisions for their pets. When the time comes, I think that euthanasia to relieve or prevent pain and suffering is the last and most important gift we can give to a pet who has loved unconditionally throughout their life.
When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening, cycling, and visiting the local farmers market when the weather is nice. During the cold months, you can find me cooking, crocheting, and snuggling with my cats. They love watching football, so we frequently watch throughout the season.
About Dr. Beth Kaiser
I grew up on a farm in northern Iowa. I loved being outdoors, exploring, and using my imagination. I almost always had an animal with me during my adventures, whether it was one of our cats or dogs, or another random critter I found along the way.
While becoming a veterinarian was always in the back of my mind, I decided to enter nursing school instead. I spent eight years as a registered nurse, specializing in cardiac care. While human medicine was fulfilling and challenging, my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian was never far from my heart. I eventually decided to take the leap and make a career change. I attended Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and 4 years later earned my Doctorate degree.
I have enjoyed helping clients and pets throughout all stages of life during my career as a small animal veterinarian in the Des Moines Metro area. While everyone, including myself, loves new puppy and kitten visits, helping families make some of the hardest decisions of their pet’s life has always held a special place in my heart. For a pet owner to put their pet’s comfort and wellbeing ahead of their own is the essence of true love. Over the last few years, I have had to say goodbye to my cat, Myles, and my dog, Taylor. As a veterinarian, I had the privilege of providing them a gentle and peaceful passing at home where they felt most comfortable and safe, which I will always cherish. Through these personal experiences, I quickly realized that every pet and family should have this option available to them, and I am honored to share that same gift with others.
About Dr. Jess Jenkins
I grew up on a small Iowa farm surrounded by animals, from calves, kittens, and turtles to hamsters, parakeets, and dogs. l enjoyed helping care for them and was always asking for more pets. My love for nature and fascination with animals and their behavior inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University before attending Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
Throughout my time working in animal general practice and shelter medicine, I’ve found that my psychology degree combined with my agricultural background helps me not only care for animals but also understand and empathize with people in a non-judgemental way. I enjoy taking the time to get to know my clients and patients on a deep level to tailor each pet’s care to their unique needs.
The bond between an animal and their owner is like nothing else, and that makes it painful to say goodbye to them. Having lost pets of my own, I know how much it hurts to not have them with us, but I find comfort in knowing we can ensure they don’t suffer. Many people think that end-of-life care is the saddest part of a veterinarian's job, but I have found this unique part of the profession to be a rewarding and meaningful calling. I am honored to be able to provide pets with a compassionate and peaceful end while supporting their families.
Outside of work, I love being in nature and spotting wildlife. I also enjoy playing cards with friends and caring for my menagerie of animals. I am happiest when my loved ones, including my pets, are all well cared for.
About Dr. Katie Fitzpatrick
I grew up in Carroll, Iowa. There’s a running joke that wherever you travel, you’ll meet someone from Carroll—there’s even a t-shirt that says "People from Carroll, We're Everywhere!" Back when each neighborhood had its own grocery store, I spent time at my Grandpa's store, Brenny's Market.
I don't remember choosing to be a veterinarian, but I knew from a young age that I would be a veterinary doctor. I never considered anything else. My goals sheet from 1st grade said “I want to be a veterinarian” at the top. My mother found it and had it framed for my vet school graduation.
I attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa for my undergraduate studies and Iowa State University in Ames for veterinary school.
As a veterinarian, I most enjoy oncology cases. The chance to work with a family and patient from the moment they receive a cancer diagnosis to the end of that pet’s life is a special privilege. I feel honored to be able to explain this particular disease process to clients and to take away some of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the disease. I enjoy helping families in this position feel empowered to make the best decisions for their pets. When the time comes, I think that euthanasia to relieve or prevent pain and suffering is the last and most important gift we can give to a pet who has loved unconditionally throughout their life.
When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening, cycling, and visiting the local farmers market when the weather is nice. During the cold months, you can find me cooking, crocheting, and snuggling with my cats. They love watching football, so we frequently watch throughout the season.