Our team is committed to educating our clients on how to keep their pets healthy year-round, with good nutrition, parasite prevention, wellness planning, and exercise. We stay on top of the latest advances in veterinary technology and above all, knows that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery.
The Family Pet Clinic Team
Our Veterinarians
While growing up in Whittier, California, Dr. Richard Thompson's love and respect for animals was engrained at an early age. "My parents motivated me to become a vet," he says. "Our own family pets were always referred to by their names; never just 'the cat' or 'the dog.' This instilled a sense of true companionship with the animals that shared our home."
Living close to Los Angeles, Dr. Thompson had the unique opportunity to work with Hollywood animal trainers during his undergraduate training at California Polytechnic University at Pomona. Dr. Thompson says the job consisted of "walking leopards and wolves, handling eagles and monkeys, working with alligators and pythons, and cleaning a whole lot of cages." After earning his bachelor's degree in animal science, Dr. Thompson attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with honors in 1991. While in college, Dr. Thompson was active in the Pre-Veterinary Club and the Poultry Science Club, and was president of the Circle K fraternity.
After practicing at the Avon Lake Animal Clinic, Dr. Thompson purchased The Family Pet Clinic from retiring owner Dr. Harry Bartles in 2000. A few years after joining the practice, Dr. Thompson received an unexpected patient. "An animal trainer was promoting a new TV show," Dr. Thompson explained, "and while traveling through Ohio, his infant chimpanzee's health certificate ran out of date. He called The Family Pet Clinic after having called five others, and was surprised that I was willing and licensed to perform a physical on a baby chimp. Because the anatomy is so similar, I had to think back to the methods our kid's pediatricians used. The chimp was very well behaved and everything went well."
With professional interests in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, geriatric medicine, and small exotic animal medicine, Dr. Thompson says the most satisfying part of being a veterinarian is "when a sick patient recovers from my actions - it makes it all worth it." Dr. Thompson has two golden retrievers named Riley and Jack; a tortoise shell cat named Tilley; a chinchilla named Chico; an African sulcata tortoise named Shelly; and a beta fish named Carl. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Veterinary Information Network.
For Associate Veterinarian, Terri Jean Slezak, it all started with a poodle.
“I have always felt a special connection with animals,” she says, crediting her mother, grandmother, and great-grandfather with motivating her to pursue veterinary medicine. That connection was felt early on when, as a child, she was asked to look after Gigi, her neighbor’s pet poodle. When her neighbors relocated, her family adopted Gigi as their own. Years later, she says her favorite part of her job is “educating clients on how to better care for their pets.”
Dr Slezak joined The Family Pet Clinic team, as an Associate Veterinarian, in 1993. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and then later attained her Master of Science degree from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Slezak earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 1990. Dr. Slezak is a member of The Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio Veterinary Medicine Association, American Veterinary Medicine Association, and the Veterinary Information Network.
Dr Slezak lives with her husband Philip, two sons Stephen and Peter, and their mixed-breed dog Sparky. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking.
Ohio native, Dr. Eric Allie, joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2015. He’s been interested in caring for animals since his early youth when a family veterinarian set an inspiring example. “As a child, I would always go with my parents to take our pets to Dr. Richmond,” Dr Allie explains. “He was always so calm with our animals, and they never seemed scared. I knew I wanted to be just like him.”
Dr Allie earned his Undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University in 2005, majoring in Biology, and went on to earn his doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine.
While Dr. Allie enjoys all elements of the work he does with clients in the community and their pets, he days the most satisfying part of being a veterinarian is seeing people’s happiness when they know their animals are well taken care of. “I know I’ve done a really good job when the tails don’t stop wagging” Dr Allie says.
In his free time, Dr. Allie enjoys camping, hiking, and being in nature with his wife Valerie and their kids, Abram and Miriam.
Our Support Team
Jamie, RVT Practice Manager
Jamie first came to The Family Pet Clinic as a client and later joined us as a full-time employee in September 2011. Prior to obtaining her associate degree in veterinary technology, and her license as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Jamie worked as a veterinary assistant at an emergency clinic in 2003. At The Family Pet Clinic, Jamie specializes in nursing care of very young kittens and can often be found assisting in surgery, training new team members, and working intricately with our veterinary software to help keep things running efficiently.
Jamie has three furry family members that were once fosters but somehow never managed to leave- a border collie mix named Baker and two special needs kitties- Fiona and Airy. When she’s not working, Jamie spends her time walking and hiking with Baker and doing DIY projects and crafts. She also enjoys farmers markets, house plants, and spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends.
Carrie, Practice Manager
Carrie joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2001 and specializes in providing exceptional, caring service to our pet parents. Carrie moved into the Practice Manager position back in 2016 and is so thankful to be in a position of impact, mentorship, and to be provided the support to utilize her talents in a much larger aspect. She has enjoyed building relationships with our clients so much throughout the years, along with the joy of knowing the incredible care our team provides to their furry family members!
Carrie and her husband, Scott, share 5 amazing children and are the proud pet parents of Gus, their very energetic and incredibly adorable Labrador Retriever. They all are the absolute joys of her life! In her free time, Carrie loves playing golf with her husband, spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and she is just a tad obsessed with the “fun aisle’ at Aldi. Fitness is, and will always be, a passion of hers and sharing this love with others is something near and dear to her heart.
Ashley, Registered Veterinary Technician
Ashley joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2011! She is married and proud mom to 3 children-Anthony, Gianna, and Franco. They are pet parents to a Cane Corso Mastiff, chinchilla, fish, and a few hermit crabs! Ashley has a strong passion for animal nutrition, training, and reproduction. She also runs a side business of all-natural soap and other body products. Her family and friends are the most important thing in her life! Her favorite quote is “One small crack does not mean that you are broken. It means that you were put to the test and did not fall apart.”
Amy, Veterinary Technician
Amy joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 1999! Amy is married to her husband, Matt, and they are the parents to two daughters. They have a pet family of cats, dogs, and chickens too! In her free time, Amy enjoys working in the yard, catching up on TV shows, cleaning, and organizing. Her favorite quote is “When you care about somebody, you do what’s best for them, even if it sucks for you.”- Schmidt
Maureen (Moe), Veterinary Technician
Maureen has been with The Family Pet Clinic since 1992! She has two daughters and four granddaughters! Maureen likes motorcycles and reading. She recently rescued a grey and white cat that used to live outside, and she is an absolute joy in her life! Her favorite quote is “Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day.”
Sabrina, Veterinary Assistant
Sabrina joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2016! She loves her tripod Shih-Tzu Howard, enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching her favorite shows, and relaxing with a cold beer. Sabrina is very passionate about senior animal care and rescue animals! Her favorite quote is “We’re almost there and nowhere near it. All that matters is we’re going.” – Lorelai Gilmore
Anne, Patient Care Assistant
Anne joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2022! She is a recent graduate of The University of Findlay. Her hope is to go to Veterinary school where she wants to specialize in reptile and bird care. In her spare time, Anne enjoys riding her horse and spending time with her furry family members! Her favorite quote is “Your mind is like this water, my friend. When it is agitated it becomes difficult to see, but if you allow it to settle…the answer becomes clear.”
Dee, Client Care Service Representative
Dee joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 1992! She loves spending time with her family and friends, gardening, and enjoys the simple things in life! Her favorite inspiration quote is “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”.
Tammy, Client Care Service Representative
Tammy joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2012! She is married with three children, 6 grandchildren, and two dogs. They are the absolute loves of her life! Her grandchildren inspire her to be healthy and happy!
Diamond, Client Care Service Representative
Diamond joined The Family Pet Clinic team in 2021! She is married and they are the proud pet parents to three cats and a bearded dragon. Diamond enjoys cooking, reading, and she is obsessed with true crime shows and Harry Potter! She is inspired by the strength of the women in her family. They remind her to keep going and to never give up!
Tara, Client Care Service Representative
Tara joined The Family Pet Care team in 2021! She loves her family and all her fuzzy critters. Tara enjoys being in or near water, playing soccer, hiking, and music. The care and conservation of animals, nature, and our oceans is very important to her! Her favorite quote is “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Danielle, Veterinary Assistant- Bio coming soon!
Vanessa, Client Care Representative- Bio coming soon!
Cheyanne, Veterinary Assistant- Bio coming soon!