Meet the Team at Pet Dominion

Dr. Brody began his veterinary career at Pet Dominion in June 2019.  He attended The University of Maryland where he earned his B.S. in Animal Science then went to veterinary school at The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Brody enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine but is particularly passionate about surgery, dentistry, preventative medicine, and working with new pet owners. As a firm believer in the importance of the human-animal bond, Dr. Brody is dedicated to providing high-quality and individualized care. He believes that good client communication is necessary to provide patients with the best care. He lives in Laytonsville with his wife, two daughters, and kitty. In his free time he enjoys playing hockey, basketball, and paintball.

Dr. Houston was born and raised in Brighton, Michigan. Growing up she spent most of her time riding and showing horses in hunter/jumpers. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of Michigan and went on to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Houston is a certified Fear Free Professional and fosters a comfortable and stress-free environment for all patients during their visit. She has special interests in dermatology, behavior medicine, and soft tissue surgery. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Houston enjoys riding horses, golf, traveling, and attending baseball games with her wife, Jen. She has a mixed breed dog named Izzy and a cat named Mimz.

Dr. Franco was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. From a young age she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian and in high school she started shadowing at various animal hospitals. She obtained her B.S. in biology from the Catholic University of America and her DVM from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean island Grenada. She has a special interest in internal medicine, cardiology, and preventative health. Dr. Franco is a self proclaimed cat lady and lives with her two island cats, Nina and Peppi, who she adopted in Grenada, her one-eyed cat Mickey, and Lola her golden retriever.

Retired veterinarian, Dr. Bassett was born and raised in Ocean City, MD.  He received his BS and MS in Animal Science at Virginia Tech, and his DVM at Tuskegee University. His special interests include canine rehab, senior pets, preventive health care, and improving the quality of life for patients and their owners.  He has served as president of both the Northern Virginia and Montgomery County Veterinary Associations.  His son, Justin, also works at Pet Dominion as a canine rehab assistant.  He and his wife Lynda are proud owners of Jameson, a fun-loving Golden Retriever.

Anthoni joined the Pet Dominion team in 2011. He is our hospital manager, and highly knowledgeable in all aspects of veterinary medicine especially surgery, in-patient care, and wellness. He has always had a passion for caring for animals, even as a young man growing up in rural VA. with many different animals. Anthoni is a “Cuisine Expert” and enjoys fishing, outdoor activities and hiking with his dog Kai in his free time.

As the Hospital Administrator at Pet Dominion, Kim is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of care for pets and their families while supporting a team of skilled veterinary professionals.  With a strong background in veterinary administration and a passion for animal welfare, Kim oversees daily operations, client relations, and team management to create a welcoming and efficient environment for both staff and clients. Her leadership ensures that every pet receives compassionate high-quality care. Outside of work, Kim enjoys traveling, and anything outdoors.  She shares her home with two dogs, four cats, and chickens and ducks.

Kelsey joined the team in 2019. She grew up in Gaithersburg MD, attended Montgomery County schools and went on to Salisbury University to achieve her bachelors degree in English and Biology. She has worked with a variety of animals ranging from large raptors to tiny insects and has a deep appreciation for all creatures. She lives at home with her husband Dustin, their pug Xander and cat Vincent.

Paola joined our team in 2013 as a lodging technician and became a veterinary technician in 2017. She was born and raised in Maryland. She grew up with a pit bull and a German shepherd. She always knew she wanted to help animals. Paola is dedicated to ensuring pets feel safe and comfortable. Paola is a cat mom to her 2 boys, Pepe and Pico. In her free time, she enjoys taking her cats on stroller rides.

Rachel C. has been a dedicated member of the team since August 2012, expertly managing the front desk and keeping things running smoothly. Outside of work, she is a proud spouse and parent to two children, and shares her home with a lively mix of pets: a dachshund named Henry, a pit mix named Dani, a mastiff named Tully, and two cats. When not balancing work and family life, Rachel enjoys ghost hunts and indulging in a good book.

Princess has been in the veterinary care field for over 15 years. She joined the Pet Dominion team in 2019 as a part time veterinary technician. Princess has always had a strong affinity for animals. Princess has 5 fur babies of her own. Princess has 2 dogs and 3 cats. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hikes and any outdoor outings with her fur babies and daughter.

Alexis has always loved animals and got to grow up taking care of all kinds of animals big and small. She began her career in veterinary medicine working at an emergency clinic where she gained a wealth of knowledge in surgical and urgent care. Alexis joined Pet Dominion in 2023 as a veterinary technician. She currently has multiple fur babies at home and enjoys pampering them in her spare time.

Justin began his career in human physical therapy before transitioning to canine rehabilitation in 2013. He earned his certification through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and, in 2014, launched the rehabilitation program at Pet Dominion. With a passion for neurorehabilitation and orthopedics, Justin is dedicated to improving mobility and quality of life for his patients—especially geriatric dogs.

Emma is a dedicated Canine Rehab Specialist passionate about helping dogs recover and thrive. Currently pursuing her Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT) certification through the University of Tennessee while attending Howard University, she blends hands-on experience with advanced education to deliver top-quality care. With a deep understanding of canine movement and rehabilitation techniques, Emma is committed to enhancing the health, mobility, and overall well-being of every dog she works with.

Racheal has been a dedicated member of our CSR team since 2023, bringing her strong passion for animals to work every day. With a deep love for all pets, Racheal especially enjoys spending time with the cats, always eager to greet them with a smile. She often jokes that she would take all the cats home if she could! Racheal’s commitment to providing exceptional care and her genuine affection for the animals she works with make her an invaluable part of our team. Her enthusiasm and love for animals shine through in everything she does.

Ashley has been a dedicated CSR team member at Pet Dominion since 2011, bringing her passion and love for animals to every aspect of her work. Her heart truly belongs to dogs, and she finds immense joy in seeing how these wonderful creatures light up the lives of others. Ashley's commitment to the well-being and happiness of pets is evident in everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the Pet Dominion family.

Keith is a passionate Kennel Technician and Dog Behaviorist born and raised in the DMV. He spends time after work dedicated to training dogs and working as a behaviorist with at risk dogs. He’s been at Pet Dominion since 2023 and loves every second of it. In his spare time you can find him camped out at the computer gaming the night away, and running miles throughout the week with his companion Bigs, a 140lb Presa Canario.

Cody began his career at Pet Dominion in 2022.  Prior to being a animal care technician and shift supervisor, Cody worked retail, specializing in exotic animals. Devoted to animal welfare, Cody strives to create positive experiences for all of our guests and their families. His time outside of work is spent with his wife, Jaz and their dog, Violet.

Jerel joined the Pet Dominion team in 2019.  He is a dedicated leader, with a deep love for animals and a passion for music.  When not caring for playful pups and kitties, he spends his free time creating and performing music. Whether he's engaging with energetic dogs or crafting new sounds, his enthusiasm and dedication shine through in everything he does.