Meet our Team
Caring for your pet isn't our profession. It's our calling.
Administrative
Jessica
Practice Manager
Haley grew up in Mauston, WI where she formed her love for animals after spending most of her time taking care of stray cats, dogs, opossums, and bunnies. Haley got her associate’s degree at UW-Baraboo and is currently at UW-La Crosse working towards her bachelor’s in communications. Next year, Haley hopes to start her master’s in journalism in pursuit of a career in wildlife journalism.In her free time Haley enjoys reading, going on runs, and spending time with her cat Berlioz.
Rylie grew up in Green Bay, WI, and relocated to La Crosse to attend the University of La Crosse. She is currently in her undergraduate senior year, working towards finishing her biology degree. Rylie has always had a love for animals and science which is why she is in pursuing higher education and working towards getting into veterinary school. Between her time at the clinic and at school, Rylie enjoys hiking the bluffs with friends, reading a book, or finding new recipes to cook in the kitchen.
Makenna has been a receptionist here since January of 2023. Her favorite part of her job is getting to connect with our regular clients and their pets. When she is not at work she like to go for walks, play board games with her friends, or spend time with her two cats, Bob and Gravy. She looks forward to meeting you and your pets!
Rachel joined Central Animal Hospital as a receptionist in June of 2022. Recently she has become an assistant in May of 2024. Her favorite part about working at Central is interacting with the pets and helping them. She graduated from UW- La Crosse in May of 2024 with a BS Major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Rachel likes to spend time with her family and friends along with watching TV and movies. She also has two dogs at home, Nala (English Springer) and Ganzer (Yellow Lab).
Ericka has worked at Central Animal Hospital since June 2022. Her favorite part of working here is getting to see and interact with all the pets that come in. Unfortunately, her landlord will not allow her to have any pets of her own, but if she could, she would have a Rottweiler. She is currently finishing up her final semester at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, but in her free time you’ll typically find her going on walks, hanging out with friends or online shopping.
Zachary is born and raised in La Crosse, WI. He was raised with three dogs, two cats, and has been around animals his entire life. He is currently studying psychology at UW-La Crosse and is aspiring to be a therapist. He has been working at Central Animal Hospital for 8 years. When not working he enjoys hiking, working out, and gaming.
Madison was born and raised in La Crosse, WI. She has been part of the team at Central Animal Hospital since December 2019 as a kennel assistant and receptionist. Her family has three dogs: A vizsla, named Soca, Welpen, a German Shorthair Pointer, and Nola, an English cocker spaniel. She also has a cat named Salome who she affectionately refers to as Salami. She loves anything and everything outdoors, especially going backpacking with Welpen. Madison is very passionate about animals and healthcare and plans to graduate with a degree in Public Health and Epidemiology and go on to get her Master’s of Public Health and attend veterinary school.
Shailyn has been working at Central Animal Hospital since December of 2023, as a Veterinary Assistant. She has a passion for riding her horse Abby and spending time with her dog Layla. She is currently attending Western Technical College for an Associate of Science degree. She loves animals and is happy to assist the Central Animal Hospital clients.
Jena is a veterinary assistant at Central Animal Hospital. She has an amazing, energetic, 9-year-old son. They enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming and skating. She is the proud owner of a bull terrier/pit bull mix named Snoopy and 2 frisky felines, Steven and Egon. She was that kid that when you asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up, her answer was always to work with animals. Her answer never changed. And as soon as she graduated from high school, she never even applied to jobs that didn’t involve animals. She loves seeing the different personalities each pet has and watching them grow from puppies and kittens to adults. She enjoys how every day is different, that this field is always growing, and that there is always something new to learn.
Wesley has always loved to be around animals and wants to combine that with his interests in STEM. He grew up raising Springer Spaniels with his family. He has two very energetic cats, Peaches and Finn, who love to be involved in whatever you are doing. If he is not at home, he is usually passing his time on the river or trying to get through winter by spending it skiing.
Cami has been working at Central Animal Hospital since January 2022 as a veterinary assistant. She is currently a pre-vet student at UW-LaCrosse and plans to apply to vet school next year. Her favorite part about working at Central Animal Hospital is her ability to help patients in need of care. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, baking, and spending time with friends. She also has two dogs at home, Marley (Golden Retriever) and Harley (Black Labrador).
Linda graduated from Madison Area Technical Collage in 2009 with both the Veterinary Technician degree and Laboratory Animal Degree. She is also a graduate from UW-Eau Claire with a 4-year biology degree and pre-vet minor. Linda has been at Central Animal Hospital since graduating from college. Her passion is helping all patients, big or small, and teaching the next generation of veterinary technicians and assistants. She has one cat, Baxter, who is 20 years young and still full of energy, keeping a watchful eye on his kingdom.
Kristina grew up in Central Wisconsin, where her family encouraged her love of animals (except for when she would bring home garter snakes and frogs). Initially wanting to work in conservation, she got her Ecology degree at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, then went on to receive her Veterinary Technology degree at North Dakota State University. She has been working with the team at Central Animal Hospital for 8 years, and has enjoyed creating relationships with her coworkers, our clients, and their pets. At home she cares for three guinea pigs and two cats, and enjoys being outdoors fishing or hiking, reading, and crafts.
Jessica has always had a love for animals her entire life, but the passion for the veterinary field started in college. She grew up in Galesville, WI and attended Madison Area Technical College where she received her Associate of Applied Science-Veterinary Technology.
Jessica started at Central Animal Hospital in 2006 as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). She believes that Central Animal Hospital created and inspired her to become a skilled CVT through its culture of excellent medicine, compassion and mentorship.
Jessica stayed in her role as a CVT for 11 years before becoming the Practice Manager in 2017. She attributes her success and advancement within this role to the relationships she has with clients, their pets, and the support she has at Central Animal Hospital. She appreciates that this position allows her to make a difference in people’s lives. She also loves the versatility of her career; every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
Outside of work Jessica loves to spend time with her husband and two daughters. She is proud to be from a small town with a strong sense of community. She and her husband help organize the demolition derbies at the Trempealeau County Fair and Jackson County Fair. Her family shares their home with a loving labrador Loretta and two beloved cats, Chase and Marv.
Jessica invites clients to contact her if they have any questions or concerns. Ensuring clients feel heard and that their pets get the best care are her top priorities at Central Animal Hospital.
Kim is a small animal veterinarian in Onalaska, WI. She was born and raised in La Crosse, attending UW-La Crosse and then the University of Wisconsin – Madison before returning home to practice in Onalaska. She joined her husband, Doug, at Central Animal Hospital in 2000, where they both still practice serving the pets of the Coulee Region today.
Kim has a keen interest in dentistry and oral surgery, but her passion is ultrasonography. She performs ultrasound procedures to help guide the diagnosis and treatment of her patients as well as those of surrounding clinics. She has taken this one step farther, though, by teaching ultrasound techniques to other veterinarians and veterinary staff members. She has worked for Universal Imaging, Inc. since 2008, and she finds great joy in ensuring her colleagues are able to use ultrasonography in their daily practices. Teaching has allowed her to hone her skills even further and ensure her patients continue to get top-notch care – this is vital to our area as advanced ultrasound procedures are frequently not available in private practice.
Also important to Kim is continuing to serve her community and give back to the organizations that helped her grow – she is the current President-elect of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and she served the AVMA’s CVTEA (Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities) for the last decade, helping to improve the training of our Certified Veterinary Technicians. She also serves on the Board of Visitors for the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.
Other than in scrubs at Central Animal Hospital, the place you are most likely to see Kim is around town in German attire representing the Oktoberfest organization with her husband and 2022 Festmaster Doug. Whether dancing in parades, visiting schools and nursing homes, or singing German songs, their enjoyment in being ambassadors of our community and bringing joy to those young and old is clear to see.
Dr. Douglas Kratt is a veterinarian known for his service to veterinary medicine as a hospital owner and servant leader to many veterinary and community organizations. With over two decades of experience, he has earned a reputation for his expertise in veterinary medicine, particularly in small animal care. His interests include nutrition, surgery, animal health, and welfare. Dr. Kratt received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he developed a strong foundation in veterinary sciences and a passion for improving the lives of animals and their human companions.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kratt has advocated for the veterinary profession, actively participating in various professional organizations(AVMA, WVMA, Viticus). He served as the President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA), where he worked tirelessly to promote veterinary education, enhance animal health policies, and support veterinary professionals locally and internationally. His leadership and dedication have significantly impacted the veterinary community. Dr. Douglas Kratt has played a role in the health of canine police officers, providing expert veterinary care to many of the Canine Officers in West Central Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Kratt is committed to mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. Dr. Douglas Kratt’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for veterinary medicine continues to inspire and influence the field. When not in the Hospital, you can find him participating in community organizations, such as Oktoberfest USA, in his hometown of La Crosse.
