Paws and profits: Recognition in the animal care industry

Advancements in careers within the veterinary and animal health industry provide opportunities for individual growth and organizational progress. As individuals step into new leadership roles, they have the opportunity to bring innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and a drive for change, not only benefiting their own practices and organizations but also contributing to the overall evolution of the veterinary sector.

Moreover, notable career achievements can result in recognition and celebration. These awards highlight the contributions and leadership of individuals who create change and progress.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Eric Enderle, MBA, CEO, PetVet Care Centers

In an announcement this March, PetVet Care Centers, a network of veterinary practices in the US, shared Eric Enderle’s, MBA new appointment as CEO of the organization. Enderle has more than 20 years of leadership experience in patient care. In prior roles, Enderle was the COO and, consequently, the CEO of CareSpot Urgent Care.

“Gino [Volpacchio, former PetVet Care CEO,] and the PetVet team have built something truly special, and I am excited and honored to join this incredible team of dedicated professionals that play such a vital role in the health and well-being of pets and their families," said Enderle in a company release.¹ "I see substantial potential for further growth as we build on this strong legacy of empowering our veterinary and support teams to provide compassionate, high-quality care to pets across the nation."

Sarah Dodd, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVN, advisor and formulator, Petaluma

Sarah Dodd, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVN. (Image courtesy of Petaluma)

Sarah Dodd, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVN has joined Petaluma—a sustainable pet nutrition company—as an advisor and formulator. Dodd has created hundreds of therapeutic diets for dogs and cats with specialized nutritional needs in addition to crafting commercial plant-based products for pets. Known for her work in plant-based pet nutrition, Dodd will work with Petaluma to transform pet food for a more eco-conscious future.²

“Dr Dodd brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience as a credentialed veterinary nutritionist, and we're thrilled to have her join Petaluma," said Garrett Wymore, CEO of Petaluma, in a news release.² "Her deep expertise in plant-based nutrition, combined with her commitment to both scientific advancement and animal welfare, makes her the perfect partner as we create a more sustainable and humane future for pet food.

Kristen Lombardi, CVPM, chief operating officer, Small Door Veterinary

The membership-based veterinary care provider, Small Door Veterinary, recently announced Kristen Lombardi, CVPM, is its first chief operating officer (COO). Before her appointment at Small Door, Lombardi was COCO at Veterinary Emergency Group.

According to Small Door, Lombardi, with an expertise in veterinary operations and a track record in high-growth, de novo expansion, will be instrumental in scaling the veterinary’ differentiated model.³ "I’ve spent my career building and scaling veterinary organizations, and I couldn’t be more excited to join Small Door at such a transformational time," said Lombardi in an organizational release.³ "Small Door’s membership model is redefining veterinary care, and the company has done the hard work of proving its model, achieving profitability, and setting new industry standards. I look forward to working with the team to bring this vision to more pet parents, veterinarians, and hospitals nationwide."

Jessica Vogel, BFA, cofounder, chief brand officer, Scenthound

Jessica Vogel, BFA, cofounder and chief brand officer, Scenthound. (Image courtesy of Scenthound)

In recognition of her commitment to challenging the status quo and transforming the pet industry, Jessica Vogel, BFA, cofounder and chief brand officer of Scenthound, was named to the Inc. 2025 Female Founders 500 List. Scenthound, the first dog wellness franchise concept in the US, secured more than 1 million dog appointments under Vogel’s leadership. The organization’s team is predominantly comprised of women, with more than 50% of its franchise system being women. According to a company release, Scenthound’s wellness approach is gaining traction with pet owners, particularly women who represent the majority of its target demographic.⁴

“Female founders know what struggle is, but they're also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year's list exemplify these qualities," Diana Ransom, executive editor of Inc., said in a news release.⁴ "Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V.

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, has joined the team of advocates at Veterinary Ownership Advocates, an educational resource on practice ownership. Marks has more than 20 years of veterinary experience, which includes co-owning and managing Chicago’s largest small animal practice, and a background in veterinary business management, client communication, and media engagement.

“Veterinary practice ownership is one of the most rewarding career paths, but too many veterinarians feel unprepared for the business side of ownership," said Marks in a news release.⁵ “I’m thrilled to join Veterinary Ownership Advocates to help bridge that gap and mentor my colleagues as they build thriving, sustainable practices.”

References

1. PetVet announces appointment of Eric Enderle as CEO. News release. PetVet Care Centers. March 4, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petvet-announces-appointment-of-eric-enderle-as-ceo-302392239.html
2. Petaluma welcomes board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Sarah Dodd as advisor and formulator. News release. Petaluma, Inc. March 5, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petaluma-welcomes-board-certified-veterinary-nutritionist-dr-sarah-dodd-as-advisor-and-formulator-302392496.html
3. Small Door Veterinary appoints first chief operating officer, Kristen Lombardi, to drive expansion amid record growth and profitability. News release. March 5, 2025.
4. Jessica Vogel, co-founder and chief brand officer of Scenthound, named to Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders 500 List. News release. Scenthound. March 11, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jessica-vogel-co-founder-and-chief-brand-officer-of-scenthound-named-to-incs-2025-female-founders-500-list-302398296.html
5. Dr. Natalie Marks joins Veterinary Ownership Advocates to empower future practice owners. News release. Veterinary Ownership Advocates. February 24, 2025.