Our Team

Meet the dedicated veterinary professionals and support staff who help make Bethalto Animal Clinic a trusted part of the Madison County community.

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Dr. Donald “Doc” Buller

Founder

Dr. Donald “Doc” Buller founded Bethalto Animal Clinic in 1976 and dedicated 30 years to caring for animals before retiring from full-time practice in 2006. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, alongside his two sisters, Doc built a career centered on compassionate care for dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, and horses.

Outside of veterinary medicine, he enjoys duck and goose hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He also treasures spending time with his three grandchildren and four step-grandchildren, who continue to bring him great joy.

Doc’s dedication, hard work, and vision established the foundation for Bethalto Animal Clinic, and his legacy continues to inspire the team and community he helped build.

A man in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around his neck stands indoors, smiling at the camera.

Dr. Daniel Buller

Veterinarian

Dr. Daniel Buller joined Bethalto Animal Clinic in 2000 after earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Before veterinary school, he completed his undergraduate studies at Lewis and Clark Community College and Eastern Illinois University. As a proud Mizzou graduate, he’s always happy to say, “Go Mizzou!”

Dr. Buller has a special interest in internal medicine and anesthesia for cats and dogs. He enjoys the challenge of diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions while ensuring patients receive safe, compassionate care throughout every stage of treatment.

Over the years, Dr. Buller has built lasting relationships with generations of pets and their families. His experience, dedication, and commitment to high-quality veterinary medicine continue to make him a trusted member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A person wearing a gray sweatshirt holds a calico cat in their arms, standing in front of a wall decorated with black paw prints.

Dori, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician, Lead Technician

Dori has been a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team since 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Science with a focus in Animal Health Technology from Murray State University in 2009 and has dedicated her career to providing compassionate care for animals.

Outside of the clinic, Dori enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Andrew, and their daughters, Juliette and Evelyn. They live in Brighton with their two dogs, Walter and Loki, and their cat, Gracie.

An avid gardener and plant enthusiast, Dori believes she was meant to care for living things, whether they have paws or leaves. Her compassion, knowledge, and nurturing nature make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A woman in glasses and blue scrubs kneels next to a black dog wearing a colorful bandana. The woman is smiling, and they are indoors against a plain wall.

Melissa, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician and Inventory Manager

Melissa has been a Certified Veterinary Technician and veterinary nurse since graduating from Hickey College in 2013. As the clinic’s Inventory Manager, she plays an important role in keeping the hospital running smoothly while also helping provide exceptional care to patients.

Melissa lives in Hamel with her husband, their three sons, and their beloved dog, Teddy. She enjoys getting to know clients and their pets and loves being part of their healthcare journey.

Melissa’s experience, friendly personality, and dedication to both her patients and their families make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A woman with long dark hair holds an orange tabby cat in front of a wall decorated with black paw prints.

Heather, CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Heather has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2009 after graduating from the Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College. She joined the Bethalto Animal Clinic team in 2023 and enjoys being part of a compassionate group dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets.

Heather lives in Alton with her husband, Cody, their daughter, Madisyn, and their two cats, Mojo Jojo and Salmin. Outside of work, she enjoys playing bass guitar, video games, and spending quality time with her family.

Heather’s experience, compassion, and positive attitude make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

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Shelby

Veterinary Assistant

Shelby began her career in veterinary medicine in 2014. She stepped away from the field from 2016 to 2019 to serve in the military, but her passion for animal care led her back to veterinary medicine. She loves helping pets and their families while continuing to grow in a career that has always been close to her heart.

At home, Shelby has two dogs, Scout and Cyrus, and a cat named Sullivan, who definitely have her wrapped around their paws. When she’s not at the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her pets, family, and friends, and is always ready for her next adventure.

Shelby’s dedication, compassion, and love for animals make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A woman in a mauve shirt holds a French Bulldog with a plaid harness, standing in front of a wall decorated with black paw prints.

Bailey

Veterinary Assistant

Bailey has been working in the veterinary field since 2021 and has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in 2020 and is currently enrolled in an online veterinary technician program as she works toward becoming a licensed veterinary technician.

Outside of the clinic, Bailey teaches and choreographs for Dazzler Dance Company, a local competitive dance team. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family and relaxing at home with her husband, their daughter, and their three dogs, Ricca, Wilbur, and Franklin.

Bailey loves meeting the pets who come through the clinic doors and looks forward to sharing her compassion and enthusiasm with every patient she cares for. Her dedication to learning and genuine love for animals make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

Woman with curly hair wearing a blue shirt crouches and smiles at the camera while holding a brown and white dog sitting beside her indoors on a carpeted floor.

Rosa

Veterinary Assistant

Rosa has worked in both human and veterinary medicine since 2012 and is proud to have found her home at Bethalto Animal Clinic. She is passionate about caring for pets and believes every animal deserves to be treated with the same love and compassion she would give her own. Helping patients feel better and supporting their families throughout their care is what she enjoys most about veterinary medicine.

Outside of the clinic, Rosa loves spending time with her wonderful husband, their two daughters, and all of their pets at home. She also enjoys being with family and friends, riding her horse, and making the most of every moment together.

Rosa’s warm heart, dedication, and genuine love for animals make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

Woman with long brown hair wearing a dark sweatshirt holds a small black and gray dog in front of a plain light-colored wall.

Kathleen

Veterinary Assistant

Kathleen grew up in Wood River and is passionate about pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Animal Science from Illinois State University and will be attending Lincoln Memorial University to begin veterinary school as she works toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Outside of the clinic, Kathleen enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active at the gym, and trying new restaurants.

Kathleen’s dedication to learning, compassionate nature, and love for animals make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

Smiling woman with blonde hair wears a purple Bethalto Animal Clinic t-shirt, standing in front of a light wall with black paw prints.

Christy

Lead Receptionist

Christy has been part of the veterinary profession since 1992 and has worked alongside Dr. Buller for more than 25 years. After spending approximately 24 years as a veterinary nurse, she now primarily serves as a receptionist, though clients may still see her lending a hand in exam rooms from time to time.

She lives in Wood River and enjoys spending time with her two grown daughters, her grandson, and her pets, including her dog, Yeti, and four cats, among them her two hairless Sphynx cats, Pearl and Elmer.

When she’s away from the clinic, Christy loves soaking up the summer sunshine, relaxing by the pool, and listening to music. Her decades of experience and welcoming personality make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A person wearing glasses and a pink hoodie is smiling and holding a white and brown bulldog against a plain gray background.

Kim (“Kimmie”)

Receptionist

Kim, affectionately known as “Kimmie” by her coworkers, has been welcoming clients and their pets to Bethalto Animal Clinic since 1988. She loves the relationships she has built over the years with both clients and her fellow team members, making the clinic feel like a second family.

A lifelong resident of the area, Kim is happily married to her husband, Larry, and is the proud mother of Carmen and Cole. At home, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Noel and Rosie, reading, relaxing, and making memories with her family.

After decades of caring for clients and their pets with warmth and kindness, Kim remains a cherished member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A woman in a gray sweatshirt stands indoors near a wall decorated with black paw print decals and a green plant in the corner.

Sherri M.

Receptionist

Sherri joined Bethalto Animal Clinic in 2022 and has been working in the veterinary field since 1997. She enjoys educating pet owners and helping them provide the very best care for their furry family members, making every client interaction both meaningful and rewarding.

Sherri is happily married and is the proud mother of three grown children and grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren. She shares her home with two dogs, Jack and Gus, and two cats, Zip and Bart.

Outside of work, Sherri loves traveling, reading, photography, and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs. One of her favorite adventures was checking off a lifelong bucket list trip to Alaska, where she had the unforgettable experience of seeing Coastal Brown Bears up close.

Sherri’s years of experience, welcoming personality, and passion for client education make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A woman with short brown hair, wearing glasses and a gray T-shirt with a logo and paw prints, stands against a plain background.

Sherry C.

Receptionist

Sherry has been welcoming clients and their pets to Bethalto Animal Clinic since 2017. She enjoys getting to know the families who visit the clinic and helping create a warm, friendly experience from the moment they walk through the door.

She and her husband live in Rosewood Heights and are proud parents of two daughters. They also enjoy spending time with their son-in-law, two grandsons, and granddaughter, who keep family life fun and full of special memories.

Outside of work, Sherry loves being with her family, playing with her grandchildren, and spending time outdoors working in the yard. Her caring personality and welcoming smile make her a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

A person kneels indoors, smiling at the camera, with one small black-and-white dog on the left and one larger black-gray dog on the right.

Alex

Receptionist and Veterinary Assistant

Alex has been part of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team since 2022, where he enjoys welcoming clients and helping create a positive experience for pets and their families.

He lives in Moro with his family and his three Mini Australian Shepherds. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors with his dogs and tackling projects around the yard.

Alex’s friendly personality and dedication to client care make him a valued member of the Bethalto Animal Clinic team.

• FAQs

Helpful Information for Pet Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful articles, seasonal pet care tips, and veterinary guidance from the team at Bethalto Animal Clinic. Stay informed with resources designed to support your pet’s health and well-being.

Yes. We see patients by appointment to help provide timely, tailored care. Limited same-day urgent visits may be available depending on scheduling and case severity. Please call ahead for availability.

At this time, Bethalto Animal Clinic is currently at capacity and not accepting new clients. We appreciate your understanding as we continue expanding our facility to better serve the community.

Yes. We offer routine spay and neuter procedures for both dogs and cats.

Many pets hide signs of illness very well. Routine wellness exams help us monitor your pet’s overall health and identify concerns early. Annual visits are also required to maintain a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship for prescription medications.

During business hours, we may be able to accommodate urgent cases depending on availability and severity. Please call the clinic first.