Dr. Christina Karels, DVM, to the HSNEI Team!
Our New Medical Director & Staff Veterinarian
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Christina Karels has joined HSNEI as our new Medical Director and Staff Veterinarian. With seven years of mixed animal practice experience and a deep passion for animal welfare, Dr. Christina is the perfect fit for our mission to improve the quality of life for pets and their families in Northeast Iowa.
About Dr. Christina
A proud Iowa native, Dr. Christina earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2018, following her Master's in Biomedical Science (2014) and Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa (2012).
For the past seven years, she has worked as an Associate Veterinarian at Plainfield Veterinary Service, specializing in surgery and population medicine. Her dedication to animal welfare was cemented during a veterinary school preceptorship at the Nebraska Humane Society, where she gained valuable experience in shelter medicine. Dr. Christina is also an active member of the AVMA, IVMA, AABP, and AAEP, underscoring her commitment to veterinary best practices.
Enhancing Our Team & Community Services
Dr. Christina chose HSNEI for the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance while giving back to the community. Her vision extends beyond individual patient care to community-wide impact through HSNEI’s expanding services, and she will play a vital role in launching our new Wellness Center that focuses on proactive health management and preventative care. Initially, the clinic will offer:
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Routine wellness exams & vaccinations
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Preventative care (e.g., ear cleanings, nail trims)
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Parasite control
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Basic diagnostic testing (e.g., heartworm, fecals, blood smears, urinalysis)
"By expanding our veterinary services with a new Wellness Center, we aim to support pet owners in keeping their animals healthy for years to come," Dr. Christina says. "I'm honored to be joining HSNEI and look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of the pets and families we serve."
Strengthening Our Community Impact
With a dedicated staff veterinarian, we can significantly expand our community services, including offering a greater number of wellness, spay-neuter, and vaccine clinics in more locations. This hire demonstrates HSNEI’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality care to a broader segment of the community, ensuring more pet families have access to the care they need.
"This new role allows me to contribute meaningfully to the community by providing exceptional veterinary services and playing a key role in improving the health and well-being of pets throughout the area," says Dr. Christina.
We couldn't be more excited to have her on board! Welcome to the HSNEI family, Dr. Christina!
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We are excited to partner with local libraries, the MICCIO Foundation, TeachHeart.org - humane education curriculum provider, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (Clayton County), and Walmart SparkGood - to bring new educational experiences to youth and children in our service area neighborhoods.
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If You Find a Dog or Cat--
Found dogs and cats are often someone's pets. Before calling local authorities, check for identification. If the dog/cat is wearing identification, try to contact the owner.
Whenever possible, keep the pet close to where your found it: 90+% of lost pets are within 1 mile of their home. Keep the pet in a safe, secure space separated from your own pets.
Contact the closest veterinary clinic, animal shelter, police department, or sheriff's office that is open and ask them to scan for a microchip. If microchiped, the chip will contain the owner's contact information.
Post FOUND LOST DOG or CAT with a picture and where you found the pet on social media. Ask one of the above listed organizations to post on their social media pages. You can also post on local community groups on Facebook.
Before posting, check posts from people who have lost pets for a potential match. If you cannot hold the pet until locating its owner, contact your local animal services/animal control agency. Local animal services/control agencies have authority through state and local laws to help and house stray pets. Your local animal services/control agency is the first place a pet owner will contact when looking for a lost pet.
Important Note: HSNEI can only accept lost/stray pets by appointment--in support of local animal services/control agencies and the community.
After searching the immediate area, widen the search: take a picture to show people you meet and ask them to contact you if they see your pet. Ask them to contact you immediately and not chase or follow your pet.
Place familiar belongings outside in a sheltered area to draw your pet home: your clothing, your pet's favorite blanket or toy. You can also set a humane trap using tuna or other fragrant food.
Cats are often drawn to the smell of their own litter boxes.
If You Lose Your Dog or Cat--
Begin a search: grab a picture and your cell phone. Start searching the immediate area where pet was last seen. If you have multiple people and don't know where your pet went, spread out.
If your pet has a microchip, contact your microchip registry company to let them know your pet is missing and to verify that your address, phone#, and other contact details are up to date.
Check crawl spaces, open areas under porches and decks, and other sheltered spots. Ask close neighbors to do the same. Check often to see if your pet has returned.
Call local animal services/control agencies and check the social media pages of HSNEI and other local community pages for found pet posts.
Posting flyers and newspaper may help. Check surrounding shelters and animal control agencies. Sometimes--with the best of intentions--people take your pet hours away from their home.
Keep checking all places. It may take time, especially if your pet is farther away from home. Be patient and don't give up hope.
