Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Alina McClain
I grew up on a lake in the small town of Denver, North Carolina. Our summers were filled with boating, skiing, and swimming, and we always had dogs and cats—we even had a swimming cat named Snowball! I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. I would make pretend casts out of damp paper towels and wrap up our cat's leg or tail. Princess didn't enjoy it much, but she always let me doctor her. I enjoyed helping my dad bring our family pets to the veterinarian, and I started working in the kennel of our family vet when I was 15. I worked there every summer until I went to veterinary school myself.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. I played baritone in the Notre Dame band, and that's how I met my husband, who played trombone. After graduating, I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts, which was an amazing experience. I completed my clinical year at Ohio State University—a big transition from the Caribbean beaches I was used to—before beginning my career as a small animal general practitioner.
I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, especially client education, pain management, and ultrasound. I became a vet to speak for those who have no voice—animals cannot advocate for themselves, so it's up to us to do it for them. I also love seeing how much families love their pets.
When my dog Payton began having breathing trouble we took him to a specialist that unfortunately found an inoperable lung tumor. He was struggling and we made the decision to let him go that evening, at home. It was so special to know he was on his favorite bed and was surrounded by family that loved him. I feel honored to be able to provide that same comfort to loving pet parents.
When I’m not working, I enjoy reading fantasy and science fiction books—the more dragons or magic, the better. I also enjoy snow and water skiing with my family, hiking, cooking, and baking—we are building a new house and I'm excited about my new kitchen and double ovens!
About Dr. Shanna Whelan
Despite growing up in the small coastal town of Seminole, Florida, I have always been a farm girl at heart. While I lived near the beach, I preferred the local horse farms and riding trails to the sand and surf. I loved spending time with a local equine veterinarian, and I raised a heifer calf for Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school. My love for animals extended far beyond horses—my childhood home was filled with cats, dogs, birds, and even a rabbit at one point. I don’t think I ever considered a career other than veterinary medicine. It always seemed like the natural way to use my interest in the health and wellbeing of all kinds of animals to make a difference.
I received my undergraduate degree in animal science at the University of Florida, where I was a member of the equestrian team and competed in regional and national shows through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). In addition to my veterinary degree from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, I also earned a master’s degree in public health. This has given me an interesting perspective on the similarities and differences of how we approach end-of-life care for humans and pets in the United States.
During my career, I have worked as an equine ambulatory veterinarian and a small animal general practitioner. I have a great deal of experience in-end-of life care and euthanasia, and I am comitted to making the entire process as comfortable and dignified as possible for the beloved pet and their owner. My role with Lap of Love allows me to give pets and owners my undivided attention and provide a peaceful environment during those last moments.
In my free time, I enjoy surrounding myself with horses. While I haven’t ridden in a long time, I watch my daughter ride hunt seat (like her mom did in college) and compete in equestrian vaulting—think gymnastics on horseback. I dutifully shuttle her to and from the barn, help out with horse care, and volunteer as a lunger for her vaulting team at practices and competitions.
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Alina McClain
I grew up on a lake in the small town of Denver, North Carolina. Our summers were filled with boating, skiing, and swimming, and we always had dogs and cats—we even had a swimming cat named Snowball! I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. I would make pretend casts out of damp paper towels and wrap up our cat's leg or tail. Princess didn't enjoy it much, but she always let me doctor her. I enjoyed helping my dad bring our family pets to the veterinarian, and I started working in the kennel of our family vet when I was 15. I worked there every summer until I went to veterinary school myself.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. I played baritone in the Notre Dame band, and that's how I met my husband, who played trombone. After graduating, I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts, which was an amazing experience. I completed my clinical year at Ohio State University—a big transition from the Caribbean beaches I was used to—before beginning my career as a small animal general practitioner.
I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, especially client education, pain management, and ultrasound. I became a vet to speak for those who have no voice—animals cannot advocate for themselves, so it's up to us to do it for them. I also love seeing how much families love their pets.
When my dog Payton began having breathing trouble we took him to a specialist that unfortunately found an inoperable lung tumor. He was struggling and we made the decision to let him go that evening, at home. It was so special to know he was on his favorite bed and was surrounded by family that loved him. I feel honored to be able to provide that same comfort to loving pet parents.
When I’m not working, I enjoy reading fantasy and science fiction books—the more dragons or magic, the better. I also enjoy snow and water skiing with my family, hiking, cooking, and baking—we are building a new house and I'm excited about my new kitchen and double ovens!
About Dr. Shanna Whelan
Despite growing up in the small coastal town of Seminole, Florida, I have always been a farm girl at heart. While I lived near the beach, I preferred the local horse farms and riding trails to the sand and surf. I loved spending time with a local equine veterinarian, and I raised a heifer calf for Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school. My love for animals extended far beyond horses—my childhood home was filled with cats, dogs, birds, and even a rabbit at one point. I don’t think I ever considered a career other than veterinary medicine. It always seemed like the natural way to use my interest in the health and wellbeing of all kinds of animals to make a difference.
I received my undergraduate degree in animal science at the University of Florida, where I was a member of the equestrian team and competed in regional and national shows through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). In addition to my veterinary degree from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, I also earned a master’s degree in public health. This has given me an interesting perspective on the similarities and differences of how we approach end-of-life care for humans and pets in the United States.
During my career, I have worked as an equine ambulatory veterinarian and a small animal general practitioner. I have a great deal of experience in-end-of life care and euthanasia, and I am comitted to making the entire process as comfortable and dignified as possible for the beloved pet and their owner. My role with Lap of Love allows me to give pets and owners my undivided attention and provide a peaceful environment during those last moments.
In my free time, I enjoy surrounding myself with horses. While I haven’t ridden in a long time, I watch my daughter ride hunt seat (like her mom did in college) and compete in equestrian vaulting—think gymnastics on horseback. I dutifully shuttle her to and from the barn, help out with horse care, and volunteer as a lunger for her vaulting team at practices and competitions.
Pronouns: She/HerAbout Dr. Alina McClain
I grew up on a lake in the small town of Denver, North Carolina. Our summers were filled with boating, skiing, and swimming, and we always had dogs and cats—we even had a swimming cat named Snowball! I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. I would make pretend casts out of damp paper towels and wrap up our cat's leg or tail. Princess didn't enjoy it much, but she always let me doctor her. I enjoyed helping my dad bring our family pets to the veterinarian, and I started working in the kennel of our family vet when I was 15. I worked there every summer until I went to veterinary school myself.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. I played baritone in the Notre Dame band, and that's how I met my husband, who played trombone. After graduating, I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts, which was an amazing experience. I completed my clinical year at Ohio State University—a big transition from the Caribbean beaches I was used to—before beginning my career as a small animal general practitioner.
I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, especially client education, pain management, and ultrasound. I became a vet to speak for those who have no voice—animals cannot advocate for themselves, so it's up to us to do it for them. I also love seeing how much families love their pets.
When my dog Payton began having breathing trouble we took him to a specialist that unfortunately found an inoperable lung tumor. He was struggling and we made the decision to let him go that evening, at home. It was so special to know he was on his favorite bed and was surrounded by family that loved him. I feel honored to be able to provide that same comfort to loving pet parents.
When I’m not working, I enjoy reading fantasy and science fiction books—the more dragons or magic, the better. I also enjoy snow and water skiing with my family, hiking, cooking, and baking—we are building a new house and I'm excited about my new kitchen and double ovens!