About Us
At Shady Grove Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to providing top-notch veterinary care tailored to your pet's specific needs. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Jim DeBell and Dr. Lori Elliott, our clinic has continued to thrive as a family-oriented, privately owned practice. Today, we are owned by three of our veterinarians: Dr. Jim DeBell, Dr. Kenny Lucas, and Dr. Emily Fant. In 2025, we welcomed Dr. Kelley Crater to our team, bringing our total number of veterinarians to six: four full-time veterinarians (Dr. DeBell, Dr. Lucas, Dr. Fant, and Dr. Crater) and two part-time veterinarians (Dr. Elliott and Dr. Leopold).
Our team of licensed veterinary technicians has specialized training that allows them to administer medications, obtain laboratory samples, monitor anesthesia, and assist in almost every procedure that the doctors perform. Our clinic is committed to ensuring that your animal's health needs are met with compassion and expertise.
We offer a wide range of services designed to optimize your pet's health. Our services include examinations, dentistry, surgery, and K-Laser therapy for conditions such as degenerative joint disease. We also provide technician appointments and microchip implantation services to ensure your pet's safety and well-being. Our mission is to provide quality medical care for the animals of our community, benefiting the lives of pets and their families.
At Shady Grove Animal Clinic, we pride ourselves on our patient-focused approach. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that every visit is as pleasant as possible for both you and your pet. From our friendly reception staff to our skilled veterinary technicians, we strive to create a welcoming environment where you can trust us to care for your beloved pets.
We are proud to have Larry, our resident therapist and clinic cat, who provides emotional support to our team, clients, and patients. His presence adds a touch of warmth and comfort to our clinic, making every visit a little more special.
We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and therapies to provide the best possible care for your pets. Whether it's learning new diagnostics or therapies for diseases, or working with ways to acclimate new pets into the household, we are always looking for ways to improve our services.
We invite you to experience the difference at Shady Grove Animal Clinic. Our dedication to your pet's health and well-being is evident in everything we do. We look forward to serving you and your furry friends.
Our Team
- Dr. Jim DeBell: Graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Special interests include cardiology, orthopedics, and primates. He enjoys woodworking and working with stained glass in his spare time.
- Dr. Kenny Lucas: A Richmond native who graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Special interests include endocrinology and neurology. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and following UVA athletics.
- Dr. Emily Fant: From Northern Virginia, she graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Professional interests include dermatology, diagnostic imaging, and surgery. She enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and volleyball, but her absolute favorite thing to do on the weekend is snuggling with her pups on the couch.
- Dr. Kelley Crater: Originally from the Pittsburgh, PA area, she graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She is passionate about feline and canine dentistry, especially in preventing and treating severe dental disease in geriatric pets. She also utilizes fear-free medicine and handling to make every pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.
- Dr. Lori Elliott: An Indiana native who graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. Special interests include learning new therapies/diagnostics for diseases, keeping geriatric pets comfortable and happy, and working with ways to acclimate new pets into the household. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, cooking, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.
- Dr. Tamara Leopold: Born and raised in Virginia Beach, she earned her doctorate from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in 1999. Her special interests are in strengthening the bond between pets and their people and learning new diagnostics and therapies. When not working, she is currently caring for her daughter and son. She enjoys reading, working outside in the yard, going to movies, and visiting with friends.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide quality medical care for the animals of our community in order to benefit the lives of the pets and their families. We strive to create a welcoming environment where you can trust us to care for your beloved pets.
Contact Us
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at frontdesk@shadygroveanimalclinic.com. We look forward to serving you and your furry friends