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 have worked in the field of veterinary medicine since 1983. I started working for Dr. Durkee in February of 1999. I grew up here in the West Palm Beach area and now live in Ro
Karen
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Hi, my name is Karen and I am a receptionist at the front desk who will greet you with a smile and assist you with your pets’ problems and needs. I developed a love of animals at an early age, so it was only natural to work at an animal hospital. I have been a receptionist at West Palm Animal Clinic since 1989. I live in Royal Palm Beach and share my home with 2 cute Chihuahuas, and 1 Rottweiler.
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 3 dogs, Duke (a Doberman), 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.
Tami
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT
Hi, my name is Tamara Watson but everyone calls me Tami. I am 25 years old, my birthday is September 12. I have 4 animals, 1 dog, and 3 cats. My favorite animal is a Tiger! I’ve always wanted to be a vet assistant. I’m going to school to be a preschool teacher assistant.