Our skilled team of specialists and professionals are dedicated to the compassionate care of your beloved pet. At West Palm Animal Clinic, your pet receives compassionate care from specialists assembled from throughout the country. We invite you to read more about the team dedicated to your pet’s well being:
Dr. Michelle Durkee
OWNER / VETERINARIAN
Hi, I’m Dr. Michelle Durkee, the sole veterinarian and owner of West Palm Animal Clinic & Boarding. My interest in animals began at an early age. Sometimes I believe that I was born to be a veterinarian. Besides having dogs and cats as many children do, I also cared for many other species including ducks, squirrels, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, snakes, hamsters, fish, etc. This early fascination with animals formed the basis of my desire to become a veterinarian. When I was young, I used to volunteer at animal hospitals. Then, in my teens, I worked as a kennel helper for veterinarians in my neighborhood. Following high school, I attended the University of Florida, graduating with a B.S. in Microbiology. I attended a four-year veterinary medicine program at Ross University and completed my final year in a residency program at Oklahoma State University. I graduated with a DVM degree in 1989.
From 1989 to 1994, I was an associate veterinarian at a small, busy animal practice in Miami, Florida. I then ventured out on my own doing relief work for many small animal practices in the south Florida area as well as working nights in an emergency clinic. In May 1997, the opportunity arose to acquire West Palm Animal Clinic.
My husband, staff and I have made this clinic a modern veterinary practice dedicated to quality animal care with an emphasis on customer service. Despite the amount of time required to run a busy practice, I still find time to perform low-cost veterinary services to a few local animal welfare groups. I help Animal Care and Control with their “hopeless” cases and “Op around the Clock.” I live in West Palm Beach with my husband Michael. I have two sons, (Devin & Trevor), three step-children, (Emily, Austin & Megan), five grandchildren & 15 dogs.
Christine Strickland
OFFICE MANAGER, CVT
Hi, my name is Christine Strickland. I have always had a love for animals. That’s why when I graduated from high school, I decided to go to college to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. I graduated from technician school in 1989. I started working for Dr. Durkee in February of 1999. I grew up here in the West Pam Beach area and now live in Royal Palm Beach. I live with my husband, daughter and 2 rescued Frenchies Archie and Penelope and 1 rescued cat Oliver.
Karen
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
I have been in the veterinary field since 1988. I live in Royal Palm Beach and share my home with 4 dogs, Ciro a long haired Chihuahua, Lolly a French bulldog, Maggie a smooth coat Chihuahua and Pixie a Yorkie. I have a background in customer service, and child care. Combined with my love and appreciation for animals, my previous work experiences have provided me the foundation on which to build new experiences in the field of animal care as a veterinary receptionist. I enjoy connecting with clients and their pets and value being part of the dynamic team at West Palm Animal Clinic.
Robin
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Hi! I’m Robin. I have a PhD in Nursing & Education, but after nearly 5 decades of human healthcare in emergency & trauma, I decided to switch to animals. It’s less stressful and more fun helping 4-legged patients and their families to get the care they need. 😊
Holly
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Hi there!
I was born and raised in Colorado; but having lived in Florida since 1995, as well as going through 4 hurricanes, I feel I’ve earned the right to be called a Floridian.
I’ve been known as a dog whisperer and an animal empath. I can read animal body language and sense their energy to the point where I practically know what an animal will do before they actually do it. My heart belongs to the dogs; however, cats run a close second and I’ve owned everything from llamas to tropical fish to chinchillas.
I’ve been in the pet business for 20+ years; including building and owning a successful boarding, training and daycare business. I’m also a certified, professional dog trainer, and hold a certified pet and house sitter license which I keep active should I choose do it again in the future.
Working in a veterinarian’s office has always been something I’ve wanted to do. I was looking to work at a place that had an employer who listened, managers who were kind, and a team whose greatest desire was the welfare of pets and compassion for pet parents. I found all of this and more at West Palm Animal Clinic.
If you haven’t met Dr. Durkee and her staff before, you’re in for a treat! Hopefully we’ll see you soon. 😊
Ashleigh
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Hello! My name is Ashleigh and I have been a veterinary technician here at West Palm Animal Clinic since April of 2008. My husband and I moved from Connecticut to Florida in September 2007. We have two young daughters, who keep me on my toes. I have had a true love for animals since I was little. Now I have 2 dogs, Dolly (a rescue Pitbull), and Rider (rescue Pitbull). It is a great feeling when I can enjoy going to work and make a difference in the life of a pet.
Bianca
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
My name is Bianca and I have been working as a Veterinary Technician since 2012. My love for animals led me to choose a career that is dedicated to caring for them and their owners. I was born in Florida but also lived in New Jersey for 18 years. I moved back to Florida and began working for West Palm Animal Clinic in 2022. I love to read, play video games and relax at the beach. I am a huge Star Wars nerd. I own a beautiful abandoned old cat named Atilla and a very handsome rescued dog named Eli.
Daniella
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
My name is Daniella and I have bbeen a Veterinary Technician since 2018. I recently moved from NYC to Florida to be closer to family. I used to work with exotic and lab animals, but it is very rewarding to now mainly work with dogs and cats. I enjoy spending time with family, reading and star gazing. I own two rescued cats named Wilson andChloe.
Tami
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT
Hey my name is Tami. My birthday is September 12. I live in Royal Palm Beach and I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve always wanted to work with animals ever since i was young. I’m a vet tech assistant trying to move up to be a vet tech. I’m currently going to school to be a vet tech. I have 4 animals. 1 dog and 3 cats. My dogs name is Buddy and my 3 cats are Stormy, Shiloh (i call him Shi Shi) and Dex. I have a Jack Russell mix and he has alot of energy and I love to take him to the dog park and beach with my boyfriend.
Aaliyah
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT
Hi, my name is Aaliyah, and I’m a Veterinary Assistant. I also aspire to become a veterinarian one day. I’m super passionate about animals and their well-being. I have a dog named Jaxx and a cat named Sapphire that I’ve adopted from the clinic since being here. Outside of work I enjoy going to the beach, playing video games, or hanging out with some friends.
Vanessa
BOARDING KENNEL MANAGER/VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT
Hi There! My name is Vanessa, but my friends and family call me Nesa, I’m 25 years old. I was born and raised in Miami. Both of my parents are both Cuban. I worked in an animal hospital for about 2-3 years, then I went to work at preschools for 2 years, those two different experiences made me realize that I love animals and I rather work with them , everyone in my household loves any kind of animals, I actually I have 4 dogs and 2 Ferrets, but in my house there’s about 9 dogs, 2 Ferrets, a parrot, and 4 cats.