Priority Pet Care team photo: Veterinarians and staff in a group photo with a dog

GET TO KNOW US

MEET OUR TEAM

Priority Pet Care of the Ozarks takes pride in offering excellent veterinary care to West Plains, Willow Springs, and surrounding areas. This is only made possible by a veterinary team of the highest standard that cares for your pets like they are their own.

MEET YOUR STAFF

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Meet your Staff

Daphnie Dollins

I have been working at the clinic since July of 2023. My favorite part of being at the clinic is the great staff I work with, and the pets she gets to meet. I love pets and helping them get better and watching them improve and grow makes me happy. When I am not at the clinic I enjoy traveling and spending time with my dogs and family.

Lori Van Weelden

I started working for this great vet Clinic since March of 2016. I love meeting new people and enjoy working with the community to help them take care of their furry family members. I am originally from Springfield, but I have lived in the west plains area for 10 years. I live with my husband Jason, and We have 1 dog, 4 kitty's, 8 chickens, and 1 bee hive. We love living in the country.

Smiling woman with long red hair in scrubs

Brandy Belt

I’ve been with the clinic since the end of July 2024. What I enjoy most about working here is getting to help people and their pets from all walks of life. In my spare time I enjoy horseback riding, traveling, as well as spending time with my dog and family.

I have been working at both of our clinincs since August of 2021. When I started working here everyone immediately welcomed me in, and made it feel this was more than just a job. Everyday I come to work I learn something new. I look forward everyday to taking care of you and your pets.

Braidlyn Fierce

Stephanie Henderson

I started at the clinic in May of 2020. I have always loved working with and around animals, and have always felt like it is my calling. The heart and compassion I have for these animals and being able to assist them with their care makes my day, every day! My team’s care for animals and the great family work culture at Priority Pet Care is why I love my job so much. In my spare time, I love being with my 2 kids and family! We are always on the go with traveling, sports and activities.

Smiling blond headed female veterinary technician wearing glasses

Kendall Wynn

I like to be outdoors and play with my dog. Going to the river is one of my favorite things to do with my dog. I enjoy working at the clinic because I want to make a good experience for pets and their owners.

Young adult female with strawberry blond hair in grey scrubs

Jessen Martin

I’ve worked at this clinic since February of 2019. I enjoy working at Priority Pet Care of the Ozarks because being with animals has always brought me joy, and being able to help our pets when they need it fills me with even more joy. we are here to better our pets health to the best of our abilities. In my free time I enjoy taking pictures, traveling and being with my husband and kids.

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Dr. Wes Gunter

Dr. Wes Gunter grew up on a dairy farm in West Plains, MO. He graduated from West Plains High School, and then went on to earn his Bachelors of Biology from Oklahoma Christian University. Dr. Gunter then earned his Doctorate for Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. He has practiced veterinary medicine at Talburt Animal Health Center since 2003, and at the Animal Clinic of Willow Springs since 2013. Dr. Gunter is married to Alicia and together they have three children: Jayne, Kyler, and Ryken. In his spare time he likes to travel with his family enjoying the rivers and outdoors. Dr. Gunter most enjoys Veterinary Medicine because he can help people and their pets while meetings lots of great people.

Dr. Donna Sassman

Dr. Sassman graduated from willow Springs High School in 1985. She is an 1995 alumni of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Program. Dr. Sassman joined our team in May of 2021 and has been a great addition to our clinic. Dr. Sassman became a vet because, “I love working with people and animals”.

Dr. Sassman happily lives with her husband, Doug, in the Willow Springs area.

Dr. Kim Ehlers

Dr. Ehlers grew up in Mountain Grove on a beef, dairy, and arabian horse ranch. She attended University of Missouri and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. She has practiced companion and food animal medicine in Bolivar, Mountain Grove, Mountain View, West Plains, and Willow Springs. Dr. Ehlers is the wife of Ernie, and the Mother of Kaitlyn and Erin. She feels the best part of practicing Veterinarian Medicine is daily serving the variety of people and their animals that seek veterinarian services. Dr. Ehlers has been a part of team since 2017 and has been a great addition to the Priority Pet Care of the Ozarks Team.

Middle Age female in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck.

Older aged couple in black long sleeved shirts with a lake in the background

Meet Our Owners

Dr. Gunter has been working at this clinic, which was previously named Talburt Animal Health Center, since 2003 and the Animal Clinic of Willow Springs since 2013. In January of 2024, Wes and Alicia Gunter became owners of the clinics and rebranded them as Priority Pet Care of the Ozarks. The Gunters chose the new business name because priorities are important in their lives. They want to keep God and family at the forefront of their personal lives while making your pet their priority when you enter the door of the business.

Wes and Alicia were born and raised in Howell County, and both are graduates of West Plains High School. They received their undergrad degrees at Oklahoma Christian University. After Wes received a BS in Biology, he was accepted into the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from MU in May of 2003, and has been working as a veterinarian in Howell County since then. Alicia has a Masters in Elementary and Secondary Administration from William Woods University and is a career teacher and coach in the West Plains School District.

Wes and Alicia have three children. Jayna is in college at Missouri Southern University, Kyler attends West Plains High School, and Ryken attends Junction Hill C-12 School. The family enjoys athletics, traveling, and spending time together any chance they get. All three of the Gunter kids can be found at times helping out around the clinic.

Wes and Alicia love the community of West Plains and Howell County and are happy to live in the area they both grew up in. Both are involved in various church and community events and in the local school systems. Wes is a member of the Junction Hill C-12 School board and has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club. Both have spent countless hours working and hosting community events to benefit the West Plains Running Club, WPHS athletic teams, and non-profit organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Young Adult Female with orange hair holding onto a black lab dog