Meet Our Team

Our doctors: 

Daniel M. Smith, DVM: Dr. Smith is the owner and director of Alburtis Animal Hospital.  He completed both undergraduate and veterinary training at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.  His veterinary degree was earned from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in 1999.  He practiced veterinary medicine in Chesapeake, VA, upon graduation until moving to the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania in 2001.  In June, 2001, he joined as an associate veterinarian at the Alburtis Animal Hospital where he has practiced through the current time.  He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Asssociation, and is the current Vice President of the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association.  Dr. Smith has an interest in canine hip dysplasia, and has received advanced training in performing the PennHIP radiographic technique for evaluating dogs for the presence of hip dysplasia as early as 16 weeks of age.  He also has extensive experience with a range of canine and feline dental diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.  He has training in ultrasound techniques and performs various ultrasonographic diagnostic techniques.  Dr. Smith is also the current chair of the Academic Committee of the school board for Faith Christian Academy in Sellersville, PA.  He is married to Michelle and has a son and two daughters. 

Paul W. Donovan, VMD:  Having founded Alburtis Animal Hospital in 1989, Dr. Donovan transferred its ownership and management to Dr. Smith in January, 2011.  Dr. Donovan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976, and from the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania in 1982.  His first veterinary position after graduation brought him to the Lehigh Valley, and he has been practicing small animal medicine here ever since that time.  Dr. Donovan is a member of the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.  He remains an avid Pittsburgh Panther fan among all the Nittany Lions fans that surround him on a daily basis.  He and his wife, Teri, are "empty nesters," their three sons having moved from the Lehigh Valley.

Ashley D. Walker, DVM:  Dr. Walker is the newest addition to the veterinary team at Alburtis Animal Hospital. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and has returned to Alburtis Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian. Her face may be familiar to you from her previous work here as a veterinary assistant while she completed her undergraduate degree at Cedar Crest College. During veterinary school, Dr. Walker was a board member of her school's chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and was an active member of her local community. She pursued additional training in her interests of ultrasound, internal medicine, and dentistry while in school. She is very excited to return to the Alburtis Animal Hospital team and continue to be a part of your pet's care.  

Nancy: Chances are, Nancy will be the first person you'll meet at as you enter our reception area. Having worked in the animal medical field locally for several years, she joined our staff in the summer of 2002. She quickly became the anchor-person of our reception area. We think you'll find that her warm, welcoming manner helps you AND your pet feel right at home here.

Becky: Becky became a member of our staff in 2007. Her connection to animal medicine includes a family tie- her uncle is a veterinarian. Becky helps out with every aspect of our practice.  While her main duties are in client reception, you may find Becky assisting with X-Rays, labwork, pet restraint, and instrument sterilization. Her cheerful attitude helps us all, every day. Our patients like Becky, and you will, too.

Kathie: Kathie became a part of our team in 2006. She brought with her many years of experience in the field of small animal medicine. Her team-player spirit has proven to be one of her many useful attributes as she fills roles in many parts of our animal hospital ranging from reception to technical roles.

Our Technicians:

Beth: Beth became a member of our staff in 2007. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician with twenty years of experience with the management of medical and surgical care of animals. Her pet buddy is a black Labrador Retriever named Phoebe. Chances are good that you've seen Phoebe hanging out behind our reception desk. It's her favorite playground. Beth enjoys home remodeling, gardening, embroidery, crocheting, and crossword puzzles. We consider ourselves quite fortunate to have her working with us.

Jennifer: Jennifer joined our staff in the summer of 2002, having worked for several years as a veterinary assistant in an animal hospital here in the Lehigh Valley. She has a way with pets that we think you'll notice. Your pet's stay with us is made much more comfortable, thanks to Jennifer's caring touch. Her sense of humor helps all of the staff members keep smiling, which is good for us, for you, and for your pets.

Julie: Julie joined our staff in the summer of 2005. She had honed her skills by working as an animal technician in the Lehigh Valley for several years prior to joining us. We are happy to have her working with us, and you and your pet will enjoy interacting with Julie. Her skills will help your pet feel at home while under her care her at the hospital.

Our Office Staff:

MaryEllen - Office Manager: Mary Ellen joined our staff in November, 2001. She has a lifetime of experience with animals, both large and small, and even has a veterinarian in her family. Our hospital is fortunate in being able to tap into the organizational and "people skills" that she brings to us from her previous work experience here in the Lehigh Valley. Mary Ellen accepted the position of office manager after just a few months with us, and has performed in exemplary fashion the jobs of maintaining the hospital's inventory, assigning and adjusting staff schedules, and happily filling in wherever she is needed. "

Michelle - Bookkeeper: Michelle joined us in January, 2011, to fill the role of bookkeeper.  She also stays busy at home and all around the Valley with 3 school age children who are highly involved in school activities along with community and school sports programs.

Our Client Service Coordinators: 

Cinnamon: Cinnamon was once owned by a client of Alburtis Animal Hospital.  She was adopted by Dr. Donovan and became a member of our hospital team of feline greeters.  She has a variety of medical ailments, but loves any attention that comes her way!

MUFA, the Lesser African Jardine Parrot: MUFA's first given name was Wyatt, but he didn't like that any better than the rest of us did, so the staff renamed him MUFA. Yes, from the dietary term. He's got a personality that at first reminded of us of our dearly departed Parakeet, named Zazu. He's since shown some of his "cranky" side, so the wiser of us don't attempt to allow him to perch on a finger any more. You'll see and hear him carrying on behind the reception desk, testing his growing repertoire of whistles. He goes "home" every night, but enjoys socializing with us and our clients all day long.

 Mai-Ling's Birthday Party - One of our beloved Pekingese patients, Mai-ling, celebrates her birthday every year with us.  She brings lunch for the staff and doctors and we have a great time celebrating her life!