Our Story
Our mission statement – compassionate care for pets and their pals — says it all. At South Branch Veterinary Services, we are dedicated to communicating a care plan made specifically for your pet’s needs and providing your pet with advanced medical preventative care, diagnostics, and treatment specifically tailored to their needs.
In addition to our AAHA Accreditation, we are also one of the first Fear Free Certified facilities in our area and are designated as a Cat Friendly Practice by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Our entire team is trained in Fear Free communication and handling and works to make every pet’s visit to our facility free of stress and anxiety.
Services
Wellness Care
Dentistry & Oral Surgery
Surgical Services & Anesthesia
Vaccinations
Emergency Care
Health Certificates For Travel
Diagnostics
House Calls & More
Our Team
Dr. Elizabeth Pope, Fear Free Elite Certified
Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Pope grew up in NJ with the dream of becoming a veterinarian from a young age, she graduated from Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences where she met her husband, Nick, a fellow veterinarian. After graduation, they returned to the Garden State. Dr. Pope resides…
Dr. Emily Denning, Fear Free Certified
Veterinarian Dr. Denning was born and raised in New Jersey, where she was an avid equestrian and surrounded by animals, fueling her drive to become a veterinarian. She received her bachelor of science degree from Penn State University and went on to receive her DVM from Midwestern University in Glendale,…
Dr. Nick Pope
Veterinarian Dr. Nicholas Pope grew up on a farm in Oklahoma knowing he wanted to be a veterinarian from day one, and earned his DVM from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Pope’s grandmother was the office manager of a multidoctor clinic in his hometown, inspiring his desire for owning and operating…
Dr. Jamie Ulassin, Fear Free Certified
Veterinarian Dr. Jamie Ulassin was born and raised in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She grew up riding horses, which is where her love for animals initially began. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she obtained her bachelors in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She then went on to…
Dr. Victoria Blake, Fear Free Elite Certified
Veterinarian Dr. Victoria Blake was raised in South Jersey, where she enjoyed working with therapy horses from a young age. She attended Michigan State University for her undergraduate studies and was a member of the university’s animal welfare judging team. During her time there, she had the opportunity to embark…
Diana Wahl, Fear Free Elite Certified
Certified Veterinary Technician Head Veterinary Technician/Technician Manager Diana, a graduate certified veterinary technician, has been with South Branch since 2007 and is our Head Veterinary Technician. She is a graduate of the Veterinary Technical Institute in Pennsylvania and holds a B.A. from Boston University. Diana has over ten years experience…
Matthew Klitsch, Fear Free Elite Certified, Human Animal Bond Certified
Office Manager Certified Veterinary Technician Matt joined our team in 2013 and comes from a diverse background of working with animals. He spent six years as a lead-volunteer with a local wildlife rehabilitator. Matt also worked in a local animal shelter as an animal care technician and is an NJ…
Samantha Whitmore, Fear Free Elite Certified
Veterinary Assistant Samantha is one of our veterinary assistants and has been a member of our team since 2011. She has experience working with a wide variety of exotics; including lizards, frogs, rodents, ferrets, and chinchillas. She has previously volunteered in a local animal shelter and spent a summer working…
Helan Thomas, Fear Free Certified
Veterinary Assistant Helan received her BS in Biology and a BA in Environmental Studies from Seton Hall University. In her free time she volunteers at a local avian rehabilitation center, does bird banding, and enjoys playing with her cats, Moon and Orio.
Rebecca Wolf, Fear Free Certified
Veterinary Assistant Rebecca joined the South Branch team with six years of experience at a local feline sanctuary. She obtained a B.A. in Communication, but had always wanted to be involved with veterinary medicine since the age of 8. Growing up, Rebecca had 13 guinea pigs over many years. She…
Brooke Maziarz, Fear Free Certified
Veterinary Assistant Brooke grew up in Hunterdon County surrounded by cats and dogs. She spends her free time spoiling her dog Lilybelle and volunteering at a local wildlife center. Brooke is currently working towards her certification to a certified veterinary technician.
Alyssa Homeier, Fear Free Certified
Client Service Representative Alyssa grew up in Tennessee and earned a BS in psychology at UT Chattanooga before moving to New Jersey in 2018. She worked as a home healthcare aide for seniors before joining the South Branch team. Growing up, she had a variety of pets ranging from cats…
Amy Shivers, Fear Free Certified
Veterinary Assistant Amy grew up in Bound Brook and has loved animals and nature her whole life. She spent 7 years working in the field of wildlife rehabilitation before joining the South Branch team and enjoys using her knowledge and spending her time to help animals in any way she…
Amanda Calello, Fear Free Certified
Customer Service Representative Amanda grew up in New Jersey and now calls Washington Township home. She and her husband have two very spoiled Great Danes, Finn and Rosie, whom they love taking on all kinds of adventures. Amanda looks forward to saying hello to all the patients coming through the…
Kristine Gers, Fear Free Certified
Customer Service Representative Kristine grew up in Central NJ and graduated Rutgers University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Communication and Environmental Policy. After spending over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Kristine decided to pursue her passion for animals. She started volunteering at a wildlife rehab and eventually became…
Tracy Souders, Fear Free Certified
Customer Service Representative Tracy was born and raised in New Jersey and holds a B.A. from Monmouth University in Elementary Education and Psychology. Tracy teaches kindergarten full-time in Warren County and has enjoyed a long career supporting families, their children, and their pets with over 10 years of experience in…
Leeyong Wong, Fear Free Certified
Veterinary Assistant LeeYong was born in Hong Kong and raised in NYC. She received her AOS degree in Graphic Design from Pratt. Her equestrian pursuits led her to New Jersey where she worked as a Pastry Chef for 15 years. In 2021, her love of her animals (two Norfolk Terriers…
Johanna Frank DVM, DVSc, Certified Fear Free Professional
Diplomate ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) Dr. Frank is originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She graduated with high honors from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in 1994. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery from North Carolina State University in 1995 and then returned…
Dr. Hamilton, DVM, DACVIM(O)
Dr. Hamilton has worked in veterinary medicine his entire life, starting as kennel help at 14. After completing his undergraduate degree in psychology, he stayed at Colorado State University to complete his doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Hamilton spent two years in general practice in Las Vegas, then went on…