Jennifer D. Hale, DVM

Veterinarian and Owner

Dr. Jennifer Hale was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota.

When asked in first grade what she wanted to be when she grew up, she answered, “Veterinarian!”

She has worked as a general practitioner, emergency medicine clinician and relief veterinarian (at more than 150 different hospitals).

She has 23+ years of experience in preventive care, emergency and internal medicine, surgery and dentistry. Dr. Hale loves animals and has dedicated her life to caring for pets and the people who love them.

If you are looking for a new vet or would like a second opinion, Dr. Hale would love to help.

When Dr. Hale is not at the hospital, she loves to spend time with her husband, daughter and pets.  Hobbies include traveling, gardening, biking and running (she ran track at Augustana College). 

Education:

Bachelor of Arts (Biology), magna cum laude, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD  1996

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), University of Minnesota  2000

Will Howes, DVM 

Associate Veterinarian 

Born in Canada and raised in New England, Dr. Howes completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Northeastern University in Boston in 2001.

He worked in academia for the better part of a decade, most notably researching Lou Gehrig’s disease at Massachusetts General Hospital. While he loved the work, the solitude of research weighed on him, and he missed being around and working with people. Then, in 2004, Dr. Howes fractured his neck in a snowboarding accident. During his many months of recovery, he decided he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Dr. Howes moved to the Twin Cities and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2012. He liked it so much here, he stayed!

Dr. Howes is dedicated to offering professional and compassionate care. A true animal lover, he is interested in all facets of his profession and enjoys keeping up to date on the ever-changing world of veterinary medicine. Dr. Howes’ areas of focus include internal medicine, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery.

When not in the clinic, Dr. Howes enjoys, bird watching, fly fishing, mountain biking, playing board games with his wife, and spending time with his family, which includes four rambunctious cats and a spoiled dog.

Education:

Bachelor of Science (Biology), Northeastern University, Boston, MA 2001

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), University of Minnesota 2012

Melinda, Client Service

Melinda has been working in the animal care field for over 44 years. She first started as a Veterinary Technician in general practice and then at a veterinary ophthalmology practice. She also worked in the emergency veterinary field for almost 25 years at this location in Coon Rapids that is now River Rapids Pet Hospital + Clinic.

Melinda is honored to be back at this very building with Dr. Hale and her amazing staff!

Melinda believes that everyone in the veterinary field was born with a special love for animals.  Melinda’s love of helping pets and the owners that love them has never wavered.

Melinda was born and raised in Coon Rapids and graduated as a veterinary technician from the Medical Institute of Minnesota.

Tanya, Veterinary Technician

Tanya graduated from Globe College in 1998 with her A.A.S degree. She joined River Rapids Pet Hospital + Clinic in 2023. Tanya lives in Fridley with her husband, Jon; two sons, Zach and Jake; three cats, Frankie, Gracie and Halo, and their dogs, Sully and Evie. 

In her spare time, Tanya enjoys softball, watching movies, and playing outside with her boys. Tanya is a Level III Certified Fear Free Professional.

Education:

Associate of Applied Science, Globe College, Minneapolis, MN 1998

Danielle, Veterinary Technician

Nicole, Certified Veterinary Technician

Kayla, Veterinary Receptionist

Kayla has a true passion for animals and collaborates closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and clinic staff as a veterinary receptionist to ensure pets receive top-notch care while providing exceptional customer service.

Prior to pursuing a career in the animal care field, she earned a degree in Human Development and Family Science in 2010. After several years in childcare, Kayla decided to make a career change.

With more than 12 years of experience as a veterinary receptionist, Kayla joined River Rapids Pet Hospital and Clinic in the fall of 2024. Outside of her work at the clinic, she is dedicated to the cat and kitten foster community, having fostered hundreds of felines over the years.

Kayla lives in Blaine with her husband, son, and six cats.

Education:

Bachelor of Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 2010

Taylor, Veterinary student