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Our Team

At Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic, we believe the best care happens when advanced medicine meets a personal touch. Located in Gilford and serving the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, we offer high-level veterinary services—including orthopedic and soft tissue surgery—in a setting that feels like home. As a privately owned clinic, we’re proud to treat every client and patient like part of our extended family.

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Our Caring and Compassionate Team

Meet the Veterinarians and the Team at Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pet!

Andy Keller, DVM

Dr. Andy Keller is a 2014 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been in general practice in south-central Pennsylvania for the past 10 years and is excited to now be in the Lakes Region with his wife, Lenore (a Laconia native), two kids, and one cat (Lou).

His special interests include orthopedics, dentistry, general surgery, and wellness care for all life stages of pets. He has additional training to perform TPLO procedures (canine ACL surgery) and has performed hundreds over the past few years. He also has experience with fracture repair, hip surgery (FHO), amputations, and patellar luxations, along with complex surgical dental extractions.

Robert Macdonald, DVM

After graduating from Kearsarge Regional High School in 1982, Dr. MacDonald went to the University of New Hampshire where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1987 and a Bachelor of Arts in 1989. In 1991, Dr. MacDonald began at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in Massachusetts where he graduated in 1995 with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. MacDonald enjoys spending his free time reading, and growing flowers as well as taking care of his five dogs, five cats, five cows, two horses, and seven geese.

Deirdre Haley

In 2010, Deirdre graduated high school and started her career here as well as her college career. Deirdre has her associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Health Sciences and her Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Deirdre can be found spending her free time with her family and outdoors with her three dogs, Finch, Cooper, and Peak.

Rachel York, CVT

When asked in elementary school what she wanted to be when she grew up, Rachel knew her career would be in the veterinary field. In May 2013, Rachel graduated from Mount Ida College with a Bachelor’s of Animal Science majoring in Veterinary Technology. She began her career with us in June 2013 and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in the spring of 2015. When she is not working, you can find Rachel running around after her children. She loves her family, flowers, fishing, and spending time outside.

Carrie Brewster

Carrie has been with the MacDonald Veterinary team as a customer care representative since 2018. She spends most of her time reading and being outdoors, but above all, Carrie values spending time with her family, and friends, and cuddling with her pets.

Alexis Caldwell

Alexis grew up in the Lakes Region and joined our team in 2022. She enjoys going to the ocean and spending time with her two daughters and her cat, Cosmo.

Ellie Swarthout

Ellie is a Gilford local who has always had a passion for animals.
Her horse, Chainey, and her dog, Sully, are her whole world. She can be found
spending her free time with her animals, riding her motorcycle, exercising,
hiking, and enjoying time with her family and friends!

Vanessa L.

Vanessa is the self-proclaimed “cat lady” of our clinic. When she’s not loving on her cat Ollie, you can find her listening to music, spending time with friend and family, or shopping. She truly loves her job and enjoys meeting and caring for all of our patients, even if they aren’t all cats!

Kori

Kori is rarely seen without a little pet hair on her clothes and a big smile. She and her husband are happily outnumbered by their two dogs, Milo and Clue, and two cats, Schmidtty and Divi. Kori is currently studying with Penn Foster to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. When she’s not at the clinic or glued to a textbook, she’s either lost on her four-wheeler or in a good book. 

Maddie A.

Maddie has wanted to work with animals since she was a little girl. After gaining experience at a dog daycare and boarding facility, she joined us here at Birch Bark. Maddie has two dogs, Pringle and Chewy, and she enjoys being around all animals, often giving them plenty of snuggles. In addition to caring for animals, Maddie values quality time with her friends and family, and she loves trying new things.

Carol B.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Carol made the move to beautiful New Hampshire. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find her hiking in any season (yes, even the snowy ones!) or out on the water enjoying a peaceful day of sailing. Carol loves caring for all animals, and she’s always happy to lend a hand—or a treat!

Kayla L.

Kayla has lived in New Hampshire her whole life and has been a part of our clinic team for the past year. She enjoys spending time with her dog Ivy and her family, especially when it involves gardening, kayaking, or just soaking up the fresh air. Kayla is always happy to hand out snuggles and snacks to your pets!

Amanda S.

Amanda originally started school for Veterinary Technology at UNH Thompson School and recently re-rolled in the Penn Foster Program to finish her degree! She is a caffeine addict & truly enjoys all the summer activities! When she is not at work you can find her photographing , spending time with her horses, at the motocross track or fishing!

Andrea has been an animal lover her whole life. From cats and dogs, to birds and lizards, she loves caring for and helping all kinds of companions. Ever since she was a little girl her goal has been to work in the veterinary field, helping people and their best friends. When not caring for her own critters or walking her dogs, she enjoys reading and painting in her free time.

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Why Choose Us

What Sets Us Apart

Choosing a veterinary clinic isn’t just about services offered—it’s about trust, connection, and feeling like your concerns are truly heard. At Birch Bark, we offer the best of both worlds: modern veterinary medicine backed by a compassionate, small-town approach. Here’s what makes us different:

Privately Owned and Community Focused

We’re a locally owned practice—not part of a corporate chain—so every decision is made with your pet’s best interest in mind.

Advanced Services

From TPLO and soft tissue surgery to digital radiology and cryotherapy, we bring high-level care to the Lakes Region—no referral required.

Friendly, Familiar Team

You’ll see the same caring faces each visit. We love what we do, and our positive, close-knit team helps pets (and people) feel at ease.

Clear Communication

We listen, explain, and collaborate—never pressure. Whether you need options, time, or support, we’re here to guide you, not lecture you.

Flexible, Accessible Care

With payment options like CareCredit and Scratchpay, and Trupanion direct pay, we help make high-quality veterinary care manageable for real-life budgets.

Rooted in the Lakes Region

We proudly serve Gilford and surrounding communities with care that reflects the values of the region we call home.