We take pride in our friendly, knowledgeable staff at Diamond Animal Hospital And Emergency Services. Our veterinarians represent over 70 years of practice experience combined. Our hospital staff of managers, licensed veterinary technicians, technician assistants, receptionists, and kennel attendants are well-trained and eager to meet your pet's needs. Our team is highly trained to handle all routine treatments and surgeries as well as comprehensive procedures and emergencies. Case rounds are conducted every morning and evening allowing each patient to benefit from the wide range of experience of all our doctors and staff.

DOCTORS

Dr. Cara Elton, DVM

Dr. Cara Elton, the new owner of Diamond Animal Hospital, is a lifelong Alaskan. She grew up in Anchorage. Dr. Elton obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama. Dr. Elton has been an associate veterinarian at Diamond Animal Hospital for several years. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Elton as the new owner!

Dr. Ginny Kunch, DVM

Dr. Kunch graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has been practicing in Alaska ever since. Her special interest and training in ultrasound and surgery enhance the quality of services Diamond Animal Hospital offers. Dr. Kunch has lived in Alaska since 1997, both in Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Dr. Michael Riddle, DVM

Dr. Riddle has known since he was a small boy that he wanted to be a Veterinarian. He attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville and graduated in 2000. After an internship in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he honed his skills he started on his Alaskan adventure. Dr. Riddle has been an integral part of our team since 2004. His areas of interest and specialties are: emergency medicine, abdominal ultrasounds, and endoscopy.

Dr. Marion Varman, DVM

Dr. Varman graduated from Colorado State in 1991 and has been a small animal veterinarian in Alaska ever since. She enjoys practicing general medicine and surgery for both cats and dogs.

Dr. Jamie Merrigan, DVM

Dr. Merrigan graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. After graduating, Dr. Merrigan moved with her husband, Dustin, from New York State to Anchorage to pursue a career in small animal and exotic animal medicine. Much of her exotic animal experience is focused on pocket pets (rabbits, rodents, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and ferrets).

Dr. Kathy Doty, DVM

Dr. Doty moved back to Alaska after graduating from Colorado State University. She has many years experience in medicine and surgery of exotic animals, including small mammals, birds and reptiles. She also has advanced training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, incorporating acupuncture, herbal and food therapy, allowing for a more holistic approach to healing.

Dr. Kristen Holmes, DVM

Dr. Holmes is our newest DVM. She graduated from Colorado State University and is proud to have joined this talented and caring team. Dr. Holmes is from Anchorage and is thrilled to be back home serving the community she grew up in. Her areas of interest are: surgery and endoscopy.

Dr. sARAH lAPTHORNE, bvsC

Dr Lapthorne often chuckles when people ask where she is from! She was born in Illinois to Australian parents, moved to Australia when she was 8, went to vet school in New Zealand at Massey University, then moved to Juneau, AK. She met her husband there and after they married they spent some time in Tennessee before deciding that Alaska was where they belonged. Dr Lapthorne, her husband and their dogs enjoy the wide variety of outdoor activities available including skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, camping and scuba diving. Dr Lapthorne enjoys many aspects of veterinary medicine and looks forward to providing valuable healthcare to your furry family.



HOSPITAL STAFF

Diamond Animal Hospital and Emergency Services has developed a team of highly trained support staff, which includes licensed veterinary technicians, vet assistants, kennel assistants, and receptionists to maintain efficient quality patient/client care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff has many years of experience in the veterinary field and their dedication to the profession is reflected in the compassionate care they give to each and every patient and pet owner. Continuing education is a top priority for our entire staff. Employees are encouraged to attend conferences outside the hospital in order to continue the education process. Our team philosophy is to treat each pet as if it were our own, providing quality compassionate care at any time of the day or night.