Community Involvement

Valentina Trivino

Valentina is currently in the Class of 2028 at St. George's University. Originally from Florida and Colombia, her passion for veterinary medicine began in college after helping bottle-feed and care for a three-day-old kitten. That experience sparked her desire to dedicate her career to helping animals of all kinds.

She has a strong interest in exotic and zoo animal medicine, with a particular passion for reptiles, pocket pets, and wildlife. One of her favorite learning experiences so far has been assisting with rat procedures, including learning how to safely collect blood samples.

At home, Valentina has a gray and white American Shorthair tabby who loves watching the world from the window and rolling around on rocks and concrete outside.

While she's here with us, Valentina is excited to gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of patients, especially exotic species. If she could spend a day working with any animal, it would be a raccoon - she loves their curious personalities and tiny hands!

We're so excited to have Valentina on the team and look forward to being part of her veterinary journey. Welcome, Valentina!

Michael Lira

Dr. Lira is currently in the Class of 2027 at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Growing up in San Antonio, he realized early on that veterinary medicine perfectly combined three of his biggest passions: a lifelong love for animals, connecting with people, and the thrill of hands-on problem-solving.

He has a huge interest in exotic animal medicine - especially avian surgery and large exotic herbivores. His passion for wildlife has already taken him on some amazing adventures, including a trip to South Africa where he helped immobilize a lioness and assist with her spay surgery!

At home, Dr. Lira cares for a wonderful crew of his own: Wolfgang, a tripod Miniature Schnauzer mix; Basil, a Quaker parrot with a crippled foot; and Caraxes, a Mexican Black Kingsnake.

While he’s here with us, Dr. Lira is eager to sharpen his surgical skills and experience with exotic pets. And if he could work with any animal for a day? It would be the white rhino, a species he deeply admires.

We are so excited to have Michael on the team and can’t wait to watch him thrive. Welcome, Dr. Lira!

Shaeleigh Wuolet

Dr. Woulet is currently studying at St. George’s University and is on track to graduate in May 2030. Having lived in both Utah and Texas, she brings a great perspective and a deep passion for serving pets and the people who love them.

For Dr. Woulet, nothing beats the reward of improving the lives of animals and their families. She is particularly fascinated by radiology, community medicine, and "One Health" - the incredible connection between human health, animal health, and our shared environment.

At home, she shares her life with Cookie, a sweet 7-year-old Chihuahua-Rat Terrier mix who loves nothing more than curling up on a cozy lap.

During her time at BeeVet, Dr. Woulet is eager to gain more hands-on experience with exotic species, surgery, dentistry, and imaging. And if she could spend a day working alongside any animal in the world? She would choose a polar bear (though dolphins and big cats are a very close second!).

When she isn't studying, you can usually find Dr. Woulet hiking, baking, reading, or enjoying photography. We are so thrilled to have her with us for this chapter of her journey!

We’re proud to officially partner with Doodle Dandy Rescue, a Texas-based nonprofit organization devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming doodle breeds in crisis so they can thrive in safe, loving homes.

Doodle Dandy Rescue works with a wide network of volunteers and foster families across Texas, including Austin, to bring dogs out of high-risk situations and into foster care. Once in a foster home, each dog receives medical assessment, care, behavioral support, and time to settle in before adoption.

As part of this collaboration, our veterinary team will be providing care and support for rescue dogs in the Austin area as they prepare for their forever families.

Lucky Penny was the first foster pup we’ve had the joy of seeing through this partnership — a 3-year-old spayed mini poodle mix whose visit reminded us why rescue work matters so much.

Together, we’re helping Doodle Dandy Rescue give more dogs a healthier start toward their next chapter.

To learn more about the rescue or see adoptable dogs, visit Doodle Dandy Rescue’s website.

We recently welcomed another sweet foster pup from Doodle Dandy Rescue to the clinic - Marshmallow!

True to her name, she was gentle, affectionate, and an absolute joy to care for. During her visit, our team completed her exam and provided the medical support she needs as she continues preparing for her forever home.

Each foster we see through this partnership is a reminder of how meaningful this work is. We’re grateful to play a small part in helping these dogs start their next chapter healthy and ready for adoption.

Will is a senior in high school who recently spent time shadowing our team. With a lifelong love of animals, he is exploring veterinary medicine as a potential career path and gaining firsthand experience with us! Our team enjoyed showing Will many aspects of veterinary care, including dental cleanings, surgeries, exotic pet appointments, and general health exams. When asked what he found most interesting during his time with us, Will shared that learning about the wide variety of skin conditions dogs can experience stood out to him.

Our 4th Year Veterinary Student Extern, Mercedes Smith, from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine assisting with a leopard gecko. 

Recently, BEEVET Animal Hospital met with Girl Scout troop 43114 to help them achieve their Animal Helper Badge! To earn the Animal Helpers Badge, the Girl Scouts must explore the connection between humans and animals, find out how animals help keep people safe, know how animals help people emotionally, check out how animals help people with disabilities, and look at how animals might help us in the future. One of our spectacular veterinarians, Dr. Catherine Caprio, led the discussion and activities to explore these issues, with a little help from her dog, Zola, and our resident African Grey Parrot, Potter!

Our team is committed to serving our neighbors through learning events like this one with Troop 43114 because as a locally-owned, small business, we understand the importance of giving back to our community. If you are interested in one of our learning programs, please call our office at (512) 263-9292, or shoot us an email at info@mybeevet.com today!

Vet for a Day provides an opportunity for children to spend the day in our clinic, and learn about veterinary medicine and observe surgeries, intake exams, and more!

Vet for a Day: Meet Faith!

Faith is 13 years old and she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Faith loves helping animals and she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. 

Vet for a Day: Meet Gabby!

Gabby is 13 years old and she is in the 8th grade. She enjoys spending time outdoors and loves her dog. Gabby wants to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine.

Vet for a Day: Meet Walter!

Walter is 18 years old and he is in the 12th grade. He loves reading, playing archery, and taking care of his animals. Walter wants to attend the University of Massachusetts, so he can pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. 

Vet for a Day: Meet Savannah! 

Savannah is 13 years old and will be starting 9th grade this fall. She loves animals, art, and reading. Savannah wants to attend Cornell University. She wants to be a vet when she grows up and her dream is to one day own a Veterinarian Clinic or Animal Hospital!

After ten years of living in a home, Punch was owner surrendered because of a leg issue. Unsure of what originally caused his injury, Punch was examined by several vets including a specialist. They concluded that his leg lost range of motion and was painful due to a suspected trauma.

Fortunately, BEEVET Animal Hospital was able to perform the amputation surgery for Punch and he is now recovered and doing well in his foster home. His coat has thickened and grown in, he has gained weight and he is an all around happy pup enjoying his senior years.

Read Punch's story at Austin Pets Alive!

BEEVET Animal Hospital provides quality healthcare and exceptional customer service by building and maintaining relationships using our core values of trust, respect, and communication. One of the many ways we maintain relationships is by giving back to the community through our Christina Ho Good Samaritan Fund.

Christina Ho was Dr. Chow’s aunt who passed away in 2011 from lymphoma of the brain. Unable to have children, part of her legacy was invested in what is now BEEVET Animal Hospital. Christina loved animals, and we have created a fund in her honor to provide cost-prohibitive veterinary care to those pets with curable illnesses who need it the most. If you would like to donate to our fund, you can make a direct donation during your visit or online through GoFundMe.com.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jackie Chow
Dr. Dustin Zimmer
BEEVET Animal Hospital Staff