About Us
About Onalaska Animal Hospital
Meet Dr. Nicole Azene
Dr. Nicole Azene brings extraordinary expertise to Onalaska Animal Hospital and the La Crosse community, having practiced veterinary medicine in the private sector, academia, and as a federal employee.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Nicole earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2005. She also completed post-doctoral training in laboratory animal medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In addition to time spent in small animal private practice, Dr. Nicole has cared for animals at various nonprofit rescue organizations. As a federal employee, she provided veterinary oversight and preventive medical care, managed chronic diseases, and led her division’s intensive care unit at the National Institutes of Health. She previously served as an attending veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and continues to consult when needed.
Dr. Nicole moved to the Coulee Region in 2013. Her passion for nurturing the human animal bond continues to grow along with her desire to provide pets with the best medical and surgical services in the region. This commitment led her to open Onalaska Animal Hospital in 2022. She takes special interest in managing chronic diseases and educating pet owners on the importance of good oral health for their pets.
Dr. Nicole’s beloved dachshund, Oliver, whom she rescued during her first year of experimental practice, crossed the rainbow bridge on April 21, 2023. He is honored as Patient #1 in the hospital’s database. She now shares her home with her husband, three children, and her mother, as well as Juniper and Lucy, littermate double doodlesborn in August 2022.
Meet Dr. Scott Macon
Dr. Macon has been a small animal veterinarian for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience in clinical practice and surgery. In addition to his general surgical expertise, he specializes in procedures such as adrenalectomies, spays and neuters, and perineal urethrostomies across various species.
Dr. Macon earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as president of the Omega Tau Sigma veterinary fraternity. He is an active member of both the Minnesota and American Veterinary Medical Associations. Before attending veterinary school, he pioneered and taught the first veterinary assistant program at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois.
An animal lover from the start, Dr. Macon's early career included working as a marine mammal research assistant for the Walt Disney Company and training dolphins for the U.S. Navy.
Outside of work, Dr. Macon enjoys time with his wife and three daughters. Two of his daughters are pursuing their own careers, while the youngest is still at home.
Meet Dr. Jenna Buley
From a young age, Jenna Buley was captivated by the idea of helping animals and was known for rescuing injured wildlife near her family home in Holmen — whether it was birds, rabbits, or toads. That childhood passion blossomed into a lifelong calling marked by compassion, dedication, and a commitment to healing.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, Dr. Jenna holds bachelor's degrees in biology and zoology. Her professional path has included roles ranging from barn crew to a large animal student technician during her undergraduate and veterinary school years, building a strong foundation for her veterinary career.
Today, Dr. Jenna has practiced veterinary medicine for over 15 years, bringing extensive experience with various species. In addition to her clinical practice, she has served as a clinical instructor at the UW-Madison veterinary school, and in 2018, she founded and directed a community-focused animal clinic that provided accessible care to a wide range of animals, including guinea pigs, dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, rabbits, rats, frogs, chickens, and more. She most recently served as medical director at an urgent care veterinary clinic.
Her leadership roles and commitment to advancing animal welfare throughout her career have shaped her holistic approach to patient care, and she takes pride in crafting treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient and their family.
When she's not working, Dr. Jenna enjoys spending time with her heeler named Violet and retired veterinary school teaching horse named Worthy.
Where Every Pet is Family
Michelle Hemp
Michelle Hemp
Michelle Hemp serves as a practice consultant to Onalaska Animal Hospital. It’s a role she is extremely qualified for after serving as a veterinary practice manager for more than 25 years, including at Onalaska Animal Hospital.
Not only does Michelle have extensive experience in veterinary practice finances and operations, but she also has a deep affection for animals. She was a pet therapy volunteer with her border collie Teddy for eight years. Through that experience, she witnessed the power of the animal-human bond and how deeply animals benefit our lives. She and her family were recognized for that service when the Coulee Region Humane Society named them Volunteers of the Year.
Michelle is a native of West Salem, Wisconsin. She and her husband Brian raised their son Sam in the region and are also parents to Bella and Harley, mixed-breed Maltese-Chihuahuas.
Rita Miller
Referral Veterinarian
Rita Miller, DVM, MS, ACVIM Diplomate
Dr. Rita Miller is a board-certified veterinary specialist in small animal internal medicine.
At Onalaska Animal Hospital, Dr. Miller serves as a valued veterinary consultant providing abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms to patients.
She earned her DVM from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her training also includes completion of a small-animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Guelph in Canada and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University.
Dr. Miller also serves as an assistant clinical specialist in small-animal medicine at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and provides telemedicine consults for Idexx Laboratories.
Steven Timm
Referral Veterinarian
Steven Timm, DVM
Dr. Steven Timm is a mobile veterinary surgeon who practices in southwestern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.
Onalaska Animal Hospital is fortunate to utilize Dr. Timm’s expertise in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. Steven enjoys the challenges of helping to treat pets throughout the driftless area.
Dr. Timm is a DVM graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. His experience includes wildlife epidemiology and surgical sterilization, emergency and critical care as well as over twenty years as a mobile small animal veterinary surgeon.
In his spare time Dr. Timm has an old country farmhouse he cares for, and enjoys the fishing, hiking and wildlife of this region.
Joseph Adrian
Referral Veterinarian
Joseph Adrian, DVM
Dr. Joseph Adrian is a highly skilled mobile veterinary surgeon serving the Driftless Area. At Onalaska Animal Hospital, he provides expert care in advanced surgical procedures, including Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies (TPLOs) and fracture repairs.
He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, where he developed a passion for orthopedic surgery. With over a decade of experience in mixed animal practice, he transitioned to focus exclusively on surgery in 2018. Since then, he has successfully performed thousands of orthopedic procedures, primarily TPLOs and fracture repairs.
Outside of his surgical practice, Dr. Adrian enjoys outdoor activities and resides in northeastern Iowa with his wife and their family of pets.
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Jessica Merritt
Jessica Merritt
With more than 15 years of experience in emergency, specialty, and general veterinary practice settings, Jessica brings a rare combination of operational excellence and heartfelt leadership to Onalaska Animal Hospital. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M and has served in roles ranging from ICU supervisor to hospital manager at large veterinary organizations.
Jessica is known for building strong, capable teams and for leading with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Her passion for patient care is matched only by her dedication to creating a supportive environment where pets, clients, and staff feel valued. Whether managing budgets or mentoring new team members, Jessica leads with the belief that excellence and empathy belong in every part of the veterinary experience.
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Shannon Lamb
Shannon Lamb
As a Certified Veterinary Technician, Shannon is responsible for patient care, client education, and assisting the doctors in surgeries. Of her responsibilities, she most enjoys surgeries because “It’s the same but always different,” and she’s most passionate about client education because the more pet owners understand, the better (and longer the life) for the pet. When she’s not looking, you may just catch her narrating for pets at the hospital.
She began her career working for a groomer before attending vet tech school at Rochester Community and Technical College. She joined Onalaska Animal Hospital with 12 years of experience working with animals.
When not caring for animals at the hospital, she’s caring for her own: a five-year-old King Charles Cavalier named Sheldon and a one-year-old domestic short-haired cat named Navi. She also likes to hike, kayak, and camp.
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Devin Carlson
Devin Carlson
With a heart for hospice care and a deep love of animals, Devin brings empathy and clarity to every patient interaction. She became a certified veterinary technician in 2012, is a member of FVMA, and takes pride in communicating honestly and compassionately with clients — a skill her early love for animals helped shape, along with a deep appreciation for people.
At home, Devin enjoys life with her son, Rowan; two goofy dogs, Matilda and Auto; and a sweet tripod cat named Tatu. At Onalaska Animal Hospital, she feels right at home among hands that heal and hearts that care.
Kayla Beron
Kayla Beron
Kayla Beron is a veterinary technician, assisting Dr. Nicole in surgery, dental care and appointments, along with drawing blood, running laboratory work and taking X-rays. Her fun, caring personality puts both clients and patients at ease. Kayla says she’s glad to be part of Onalaska Animal Hospital because it blends state-of-the-art equipment and work-life balance with excellent care and customer service.
In her free time, Kayla likes to spend time outdoors with her husband and son camping or on the river. She also appreciates getting together with friends and family, and, of course, playing with Saber, her Catahoula/coonhound mix.
Trinity Drugg
Trinity Drugg
With over 15 years of experience working with animals, Trinity Drugg brings extensive knowledge and compassionate care to Onalaska Animal Hospital. As a veterinary technician, she provides exceptional nursing care, assists in medical procedures, and performs in-house diagnostics. Passionate about surgery and client education, she values the hospital’s Fear Free® approach, advanced technology, and the support of her amazing coworkers.
At home, Trinity’s love for animals extends to her own diverse pet family, including a mix of dogs, a cat, and a bearded dragon. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, live music, and testing her green thumb with gardening.
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Olivia Waltman
Olivia Waltman
Olivia Waltman is a dedicated technician assistant who is passionate about patient care and client education. She shares her home with Hudson, her 5-year-old coonhound, and two cats, Minnow and Dubby. She loves the ever-changing world of veterinary medicine, especially discovering new ways to help pets feel relaxed and comfortable during their visits. What she enjoys most about working at Onalaska Animal Hospital is the strong sense of teamwork, describing the staff as a close-knit family.
Chelsea Gale
Chelsea Gale
Chelsea’s positivity and welcoming energy help every client feel at home. A part-time team member and UWL student, she brings five years of animal experience, including time as a dog walker and kennel attendant. She loves the Fear Free® focus at OAH — and so does her pup Hudson, a corgi–Cavalier mix. Outside of work, Chelsea’s often on the move: playing soccer, hiking, or hitting the pickleball court.
Sara Sherrard
Sara Sherrard
Sara Sherrard serves as a customer service representative. She delights in establishing relationships with clients and patients and brings exceptional compassion to her work. She has an associate degree from Western Technical College.
A firm believer in the animal-human bond, Sara has a dog, Mylee, and a cat, Nala. On her days off, you’re likely to find her spending time outdoors with family, hiking, camping or ice fishing.
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Emily
Emily
Emily prefers to be known as a professional puppy pamperer. She has worked with animals since 2017 and began grooming pets in 2019. Her end goal when she began grooming was to work for a veterinary clinic, and she said when she saw Onalaska Animal Hospital for the first time, she knew it was the place for her. Emily joined our team in 2024, bringing patience, a creative heart, and experience from animal shelters, pet stores, daycare, and boarding facilities. Outside the animal hospital, she enjoys gardening, fishing, camping, audiobooks, and coloring, and stays busy with her husband, toddler son, two dogs (Jade, a 12-year-old coonhound, and Penny, a 15-year-old chihuahua) and cat (Luciano, age 8).
Offering A Broad Range Of Veterinary Services In Onalaska Under One Roof
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