Donna Rizzo, DVM

Cell: (515) 231-4707 (No emergencies please!)
I am going to tell you a little about myself. My name is Donna Rizzo. I own the clinic. I graduated from ISU in 1989, and started as the owning Vet here two weeks later. I love all the kids here, and most of them love me, or at least know I’m here for them. If you have been here, you can ask me anything about your pets, and I will answer. Sometimes people are sorry they asked, but I will not lie.

I worked at the clinic for 6 years throughout school prior to being a doctor. Any of you that recall Dr. Jensen know that I learned a tremendous amount of what I do from him. Some days I feel school was secondary to that education!

I am the current owner of three dogs. Two are Golden Retrievers, Bella and Ditto, and one Jack Russell Terrier named Pica. I have three cats named Seali, Tate, and Chase. I live on an acreage in Huxley, just south of the clinic. Although my dogs visit the clinic daily sometimes they seem to wish they could live there. They live with me at my house along with two of the cats. I only practice small animal medicine, but I did initially work on a friend’s goat, sheep, and pigs. I leave these to the real large animal vets now. I have also studied chiropractic care of animals. Again, I only do this on small animals.

As a vet we’re in a profession in which we are always learning. That is honestly why I love it and can never see myself not doing it. Even my car accident couldn’t keep me away for very long.

Melissa

Melissa is a Veterinary Technician. She graduated in 2010 from the DMACC Technician program in Ankeny and is currently attending ISU for Animal Ecology. She practices at the clinic. She is a receptionist, animal caretaker, and technician for surgeries and outpatients. She takes good care of her own pets and you may get lucky to meet one behind the desk. She has an interest in Ferrets, so ask her any questions you have about them. She actually worked while she was going to school so we knew she was going to be a good one. She is very easy to talk to, ask her any questions you have.

Darcy

Darcy has been here for 12 years. She is the mother of two children and has a poodle named Billy and a cat named Elvis. Darcy started out as a Technician but took a break to raise her family. Now she is back as a Technician and Receptionist. She is very easy to talk to and will answer any questions you have.

Jarod

Jarod is the one and only man you will see working inside the clinic, and he is good at caring for your pets. He started as a Vet student at ISU in 2010. He won’t be around much during the school year but you may see him around. He owns a cat named Keyser Soze a turtle named Malachi and a Snake with no name yet.

Cindy

Cindy is a receptionist and animal caretaker here. She started vet school this year. You will not see her around much because she will be studying hard. During school she will be here one weekend a month to take care of your creatures. She owns a hedgehog named Hobbs.

Liz

Liz is a receptionist and animal caretaker. She is in Animal Ecology studies at ISU. She is very good with animals. She owns two creatures, a dog named Apollo (which you might have met behind the desk), and a bearded dragon named Falcor. She will be working full time at the clinic. 

Jess

Jess is in Animal Ecology studies at ISU. She has two dogs- a husky and a golden retriever. Her career goal is to work with and train dolphins. She is a senior at ISU and will be graduating in May. She is leaving us soon, so you best say goodbye.

Katie

Katie is a new animal caretaker after shadowing here this summer. She is a junior at ISU studying towards and animal science major (Pre-Vet) and a Spanish minor.