Reading Animal Clinic is a full service veterinary clinic that is dedicated to quality pet health care. We provide great personal service, along with modern medical techniques. Our highly trained staff will keep that important member of your family healthy and happy. Our relaxing environment enables pets to feel comfortable and at ease. Our doctors are specialized in treating dogs and cats. Their experience will allow your pet to live a longer and healthier life.
Our Doctors:
Dr. Shurland was born and raised in Reading, MA. She attended Tufts University as an English Major and worked in the publishing industry for 2 years. She attended Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1992, then completed an internship at Angell Animal Medical Center. After working in private practice for a year in North Andover, she moved to Philadelphia where she worked in a small animal practice for 9 years while her husband attended medical school and completed his residency. She returned to Massachusetts in 2003 and started working at Reading Animal Clinic in 2004. She now lives in Reading with her husband, 3 children, 2 cats, 3 dogs, and 1 guinea pig.
Dr. Thistle has been with Reading Animal Clinic since 1997. She graduated from The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 and completed an internal medicine and surgical internship at Angell Memorial in 1993. She has been in private practice since. She lives in the Merrimack Valley with her husband, two sons, one dog and two cats.
Dr. Flynn started working at the Reading Animal Clinic as a veterinary technician after obtaining her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She attended Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in May of 2014. After graduation, she was excited to return to the Reading Animal Clinic as a veterinarian with her husband, daughter, and two cats Little Man and Bonkers. She has interests in exotic small mammals as well as internal medicine and ultrasound.
Dr. Kohler was raised in Mattapoisett, MA and attended the University of Maine at Machias where she received her Bachelor's degree in biology in 2005. She attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2010. After finishing vet school she completed a small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in Weymouth. After her internship she followed her husband to the Midwest and practiced in Wisconsin and Minnesota while her husband (also a veterinarian) finished his internship and residency in small animal surgery. She joined Reading Animal Clinic in the summer of 2016. Her professional interests include pain management, soft tissue surgery, and feline medicine. Dr. Kohler has one lab mix named Kajsa, one maine coon mix named Hal, and a 3-legged domestic shorthair named Timmy. In addition to her fur-babies, Dr. Kohler and her husband welcomed their first child into the world in December 2016.
Our Staff:
Robyn started her veterinary career working as a kennel assistant. She soon realized her love of animals and her new love for medicine could make for an incredible career. She has spent the last 25 years dedicated to the veterinary profession. In addition to getting her certification as a veterinary technician, Robyn has worked in general practice, supervised a large emergency/ICU and worked in many different aspects of specialty medicine. Her career has now come full circle as she takes all her years of experience and brings it to Reading Animal Clinic as the Practice Manager. In her spare time Robyn donates her time working on the Executive Board of the MVTA (Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association) as the Recording Secretary. She shares her life with her 4 legged family, 4 dogs, Kix, Santana, Bindi and Trooper, her cat Finn and any number of foster animals that find their way to her.
Leah has been with RAC since 2000. She has an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology from Becker College. She started her career in general practice but also has experience working at an emergency hospital. She became a veterinary technician because it combines her love of medicine and animals. She owns a Yorkis/Silky mix named Rosie.
Sam F. has been with the clinic since 2002 when she started as a kennel assistant. She quickly learned more skills, went to Mount Ida College, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. She took and passed the Vet Tech National Exam and got her Certified Veterinary Technician credentials in 2008. At RAC her skills include all aspects of small animal practice, ranging from lab work to x-rays, primarily specializing in anesthesia, surgical prep and recovery. Her pets are a lion head rabbit named Lynnie and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Porter
Colleen - Colleen is a Veterinary Technician who has been with us at the Reading Animal Clinic since March of 2014. She graduated with her Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from NSCC. Colleen has a special interest in proper pain management, and plans to further her education in geriatric care.
Tanya has always had a passion for working with animals. After receiving her B.S. in Biology in 2011, she started working in a kennel. Her position quickly changed to helping in the hospital as a Technician Assistant. In 2014, she decided to continue her education at Great Bay Community College, where she received her Associates in Veterinary Technology. She took and passed the VTNE in August of 2016, and started working as a Veterinary Technician at the Reading Animal Clinic in November 2016. Tanya has two cats, Duncan and Mya.
Jenna - I was born and raised in Montana. After high school, I decided I wanted to serve my country by joining the Marine Corps. During my service, I met and married my husband and. In 2011, I was honorably discharged, and decided I need to pursue a college education. Being from Montana, my love for animals became embedded in my life. I actually wanted to be a veterinarian in my younger years, but decided I preferred the responsibility of a technician. In May 2016, I graduated from Mount Ida College with Bachelors of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. In my spare time, I enjoy playing legos with my 6 year old daughter and cooking for my family. I also enjoy watching movies while my Yorkshire terrier, Milli and cat, Spartacus snuggle on my lap.
Debbie - Debbie graduated from Essex Agricultural & Technical Institute with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 1994, took the Vet Tech National Exam and began working as a Certified Veterinary Technician. She also graduated with an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts from Bunker Hill Community College. After a break in her career to be an at home mom, Debbie began working as a receptionist at The Reading Animal Clinic in early 2010. She also helps the doctors and technicians with medical care whenever possible. Debbie also volunteers through the Merrimack River Feline Rescue at the MSPCAs feral cat spay/neuter clinic where she is responsible for surgical prep and monitoring. Debbie enjoys spending her time off with her husband, their 2 sons, their Manchester Terrier Alice and their 2 cats Link and Poe.
Samantha S. (Little Sam) has had a passion for animals her whole life. She has been working at the Reading Animal Clinic for 2 years as a receptionist and is now one of our room technicians. She started working with animals as a dog walker and pet sitter, then becoming a groomer. She is currently a student at North Shore Community College studying to be an Animal Care Specialist and will be graduating next year. Samantha has a cat named Monkey and a one eyed bunny named Lilly.
Devon – I have been a receptionist here since July 2016. I have a beagle mix named Ginny that makes my life a joy. Animals are my passion and my dream is adopting as many animals as I can.
Samantha B - I'm a professional animal lover and I've been working at Reading Animal Clinic as a receptionist since October 2016. I just graduated from Fitchburg State University with a degree in Communications and I have future plans to attend school again to become a Vet Tech as I've always had a passion for animals my whole life. I'm eager to continue learning about animals and getting more involved in this field. I also have two cats, a dog, a mouse, and a fish.