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The people behind the mural

Three doctors, a certified technician, nurses who are studying for the next step, and a front desk that has seen it all.

The painted sunrise arch on the front wall of Albany Animal Hospital: rays over mountains, a deer and a blue river

Dr. Ken Fletcher

Veterinarian and owner · OSU DVM 1992, owner since 1996

Dr. Ken Fletcher brings a rich and diverse background to Albany Animal Hospital. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania in 1970, he made his way to Oregon with his dog and a spirit for adventure. His career path has included teaching, carpentry, and aquatic toxicology before he pursued his veterinary degree from Oregon State University, graduating in 1992.

In 1996, Dr. Fletcher became the owner of Albany Animal Hospital, where he continues to practice small animal medicine with a special interest in helping animals in need. In recognition of his dedication, he received the Animal Welfare Award from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association in 2004 for his efforts in treating and rehoming over 600 stray animals.

Dr. Fletcher has also contributed to the community as a long-time board member of Safe Haven Humane Society of Linn County and Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Benton County. When he's not at the clinic, he enjoys gardening, cycling, listening to jazz, and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Payton Hunt

Veterinarian · Feline medicine, oncology, cardiology

Dr. Payton Hunt is a recent graduate of the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from UC Davis in 2019 and brings hands-on experience from working in a feline-exclusive hospital.

With a strong passion for oncology, feline medicine, cardiology, and internal medicine, Dr. Hunt is committed to lifelong learning and advancing his skills.

Originally from Los Angeles, Dr. Hunt now calls Corvallis, Oregon home, where he lives with his family and a lively household of animal companions—including one dog, three cats, an anole, and an ever-growing collection of isopods.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Hunt enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, and indulging in all things nerdy—from comics and video games to movies and TV shows. He and his family proudly embrace their love for horror films, making movie nights a thrilling tradition.

Dr. Hunt is excited to build lasting connections with clients and their beloved pets at Albany Animal Hospital.

Dr. J

Veterinarian · Dogs and cats, with a soft spot for exotics

Dr. J is a well-rounded veterinarian with a unique blend of experience and interests that make him a wonderful addition to our team. His veterinary background includes caring for large animals and a hands-on history in horseshoeing, giving him a deep appreciation for the bond between people and animals of all sizes. While his current focus with us is on dogs and cats, he has a genuine enthusiasm for working with exotic pets. He welcomes the opportunity to expand his knowledge in exotic animal care and is excited to learn from each new case he encounters.

Dr. J approaches every patient with patience, compassion, and a dedication to thorough, thoughtful care. He enjoys getting to know each pet’s personality and believes that strong communication with pet owners is just as important as medical expertise when it comes to providing the best possible treatment.

When he’s not in the clinic, Dr. J can often be found enjoying the great outdoors. He has a passion for fishing, biking, and hiking, which allows him to unwind and recharge while appreciating nature. His constant companion is Houdini, his small mixed-breed dog who lives up to his name with a knack for keeping life interesting.

With his diverse skills, eagerness to learn, and genuine love for animals, Dr. J is excited to continue building lasting relationships with clients and their pets. We are proud to have him as part of our veterinary family.

Nurses, technicians and the front desk

Kat

Practice manager

Five years here, from the front desk up

About Kat
Kat is the heart of the team at Albany Animal Hospital, where she has been dedicated to our patients and clients for the past five years. Her journey with animals began on a small family farm, an experience that planted the seeds for her lifelong career. She built her expertise from the ground up, getting her start as a veterinary receptionist and climbing the ranks through various roles in the industry before joining our leadership team.
Outside the clinic, Kat is a prolific creator who loves working with her hands—whether she’s crocheting something cozy or building her own furniture from scratch. When she finally hits "pause" on her projects, she enjoys unwinding with a good book.
Shannon

Office manager

Twenty years with the clinic

About Shannon
Meet Shannon, the dedicated Office Manager at Albany Animal Hospital, whose 20-year journey with the clinic is a testament to her deep-rooted passion for veterinary medicine. Shannon’s career is a true "climb the ladder" success story; she began her tenure handling kennel and janitorial duties before advancing through roles as a Veterinary Assistant, Receptionist, and Assistant Manager. While she initially considered becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician, she ultimately chose the management path for its long-term sustainability. Her lifelong devotion to animals was sparked by volunteering at Safe Haven Humane Society at a young age—an experience that paved the way for her professional start. Outside the office, Shannon stays busy raising an active three-year-old, spending quality time with her family, riding horses, and perfecting her newest hobby: sourdough baking.
Missy

Certified veterinary technician

32 years in veterinary medicine

About Missy
Missy is a cornerstone of the team at Albany Animal Hospital, bringing a remarkable 32 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our practice. A dedicated professional, she earned her CVT license in 2009 and has spent the last four years providing exceptional care to our patients. Missy’s passion for animals isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong calling that began in her childhood, where she was already known for rescuing any creature in need. While she has a soft spot for all animals, she is particularly fond of Rottweilers and Dobermans. When she isn't at the clinic or supporting animal rescue efforts, Missy cherishes her time with her grandchildren, sharing the same love and kindness she gives to every pet she meets.
Madeline

Veterinary nurse

Joined in 2024 from Safe Haven

About Madeline
Madeline joined our team in 2024 after gaining valuable experience working at Safe Haven, and she has been a vital part of our clinic family ever since. She is currently advancing her skills through the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program, with the immediate goal of finishing tech school and the long-term dream of potentially attending veterinary school. When she isn't caring for our patients or studying, Madeline loves hanging out with her dog and two cats. To recharge, she’s usually found diving into her favorite video games.
Mason

Veterinary nurse

A decade showing hogs, sheep and goats

About Mason
Mason is a dedicated veterinary assistant at Albany Animal Hospital who brought a lifetime of animal experience to the team when he joined over a year ago. Having spent a decade raising and showing hogs, sheep, and goats, his deep-rooted passion for animal care began long before entering his first professional clinic setting. Since starting his career here, Mason has hit the ground running by enrolling in the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program to further his expertise. He has his sights set on specializing in veterinary ultrasonography, with the goal of providing high-quality diagnostic care to a diverse range of patients, including small animals, livestock, and exotics. Outside of the clinic, Mason remains deeply connected to his roots by staying active with youth and agriculture programs, sharing his knowledge and passion with the next generation of animal lovers.
Lauren

Veterinary nurse

In CVT school, aiming for sonography

About Lauren
Lauren joined our team ten months ago and has quickly become an indispensable part of our clinic. Her journey in animal care began with a nine-month stint as a kennel assistant at Safe Haven, fueled by a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine. Demonstrating incredible drive, Lauren started with us as a kennel assistant and worked her way up to her current role as a Veterinary Nurse.
She is currently pursuing her dreams in CVT school, with a long-term career goal of specializing in veterinary sonography. When she isn't studying or caring for our patients, you can find her outdoors—likely hiking, boating, or spending quality time with her beloved Golden Retrievers.
Robyn

Receptionist, front office lead

Five years here, five at an ER before

About Robyn
We are so fortunate to have had Robyn leading our front office team for the past five years. She joined us with a wealth of expertise, including five years spent navigating the fast-paced environment of an ER vet in Washington. That decade of experience shines through in her ability to handle any situation with grace and animal-first care.
Renee

Receptionist

Twenty years in the industry

About Renee
We are thrilled to have Renee on our team, where she has been a vital part of our front desk for almost two years. Renee is a true veteran of the industry, bringing an incredible 20 years of experience to the field. Her career began with a spark of curiosity when she walked into her local clinic simply to ask how to get started; they asked for a resume, and as they say, the rest is history!
When she’s not assisting our clients and patients, Renee finds joy in the quieter side of life. She is an avid gardener and cook, and she loves staying active with long walks. Her deep-rooted knowledge and passion for veterinary medicine make her an invaluable asset to our clinic family.
Jessica

Receptionist

A background in human medicine

About Jessica
Jessica has been a welcoming face at Albany Animal Hospital for the past three and a half years. After spending eight years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom, she decided to bring her background in human medicine to the veterinary world, fueled by her lifelong love for animals. While she thrives in our clinic environment, her ultimate career goal is to transition back into human healthcare, with her sights set on nursing or phlebotomy.
When she isn't busy assisting our clients and their furry friends, Jess is a true outdoors enthusiast. You can usually find her riding her quad, camping, or fishing. Above all, she treasures every moment spent with her family. We are so lucky to have her energy and experience on our front-desk team!
Alessandra

Kennel assistant

Pre-vet at OSU

About Alessandra
We are thrilled to have Alessandra on our team! Since joining us a few months ago, she has brought a wealth of experience rooted in her lifelong connection to animals. Growing up with horses, Alessandra’s interest in veterinary medicine truly began when her first horse developed back issues that required veterinary intervention and eventual retirement. She found herself fascinated by the clinical process, eagerly participating in every vet appointment and learning all she could about the road to recovery. This passion grew even stronger while she was volunteering at a sheep center, which is when she officially decided to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian. Currently, she is working toward that dream as a pre-vet student at OSU. In her free time, Alessandra stays busy showing hunter/jumper horses, attending concerts, and enjoying just about any outdoor activity. When it’s time to head home, she loves nothing more than relaxing and hanging out with her cat.