Elaina Petrone, VMD (Owner)
Elaina Petrone is originally from New England. She completed her undergraduate studies at Manhattan College where she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. After college she went on the earn her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, Dr. Petrone completed a one-year internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey. Dr. Petrone attended the Academy of Veterinary Imaging in Dallas, Texas and is a graduate of the Small Animal Veterinary Ultrasound Imaging Program.
Dr. Petrone joined Long Branch Animal Hospital in November of 2020. She treats dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other small mammals/pocket pets. Her special interests include ultrasound, dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, feline medicine, cardiology, and geriatric medicine. She enjoys cooking, yoga, hiking, and spending time with her family, friends, husband Mike, and their pets Milton (Maltese), Scarlet (cat), and Gwen (cat).
Dr. Nicole Lee
Raised in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Lee attended Cook College at Rutgers University. She graduated magna cum laude in 2009 with a B.S. degree in Animal Science with a Pre-Vet concentration. Dr. Lee then attended the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine obtaining her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May 2013, fulfilling her lifelong dream.
Dr. Lee has a special interest in feline medicine and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners through which she is a Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian.
Dr. Lee enjoys spending time with her husband, Greg, family, friends, her Maine Coons (Butters, Gypsy, Ozzy, and Ginger), her chinchilla (Poyo), and a variety of fish. Her hobbies include traveling, snorkeling, baking, cosplay and horseback riding.
Dr. Caroline Pawlowski
Dr. Caroline Pawlowski joined Long Branch Animal Hospital in August 2023. She grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey and attended Rutgers University studying Animal Science before moving on to attend vet school at Kansas State University. Following her vet school graduation, Dr. Pawlowski moved back to New Jersey to complete a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls. Dr. Pawlowski has a special interest in preventative care, the human-animal bond, and quality of life for senior pets. When not working, she enjoys spending her time reading, at the beach, or cuddling with her two cats, Franklin & Ralph.
Jennifer Zawistowski
Office Manager
Jennifer joined the Long Branch Animal Hospital team in November of 2017. Her efficient multi-tasking skills and calm disposition make her a perfect fit for our office manager position. Jennifer handles everything from answering the hospital phones to administering medications to patients. She keeps the hospital “in order” on a daily basis and makes sure our clients have a positive experience when visiting us.
She has more than 30 years in the animal health care field. She also has a degree in Biology from St. Peter’s University. “Helping patients stay healthy and feel better when they’re not” is what she loves best about working with animals.
When Jennifer is not working at the hospital, she keeps busy by running her two son’s Justin and Lucas to various sporting events and activities. The Z house can be quite chaotic at times with all the 4-legged and feathered family members. In her spare time she enjoys reading a great book, baking or doing a puzzle. She’s most happy being outdoors, particularly at the beach or in a pool, hanging with family and friends.
Nicole DeSarno
Technician Supervisor
Hey everyone! My name is Nicole and I’ve been working at Long Branch Animal Hospital since June of 2012! I started off as a receptionist and with experience have grown into my current position as a Veterinary Technician/Supervisor. My job duties are assisting the doctor with patients during exams, collecting medical histories, accurate record keeping, performing treatments, collecting samples from your pet and client education. I attend CE webinars to stay in the know about the most current veterinary care and recommendations. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my animals, attending hard rock concerts and learning about makeup artistry! Long branch animal hospital has always been my second home and I love our team. I strive to provide the best personal fear free care for your pet! Animals are a gift and I couldn’t ask for a better profession.
Shanell Acevedo
Client Service Representive
Shanell is one of our bilingual customer service representatives, who has been employed with us for 4 years now. Her bright smile and pleasant attitude will be the first things to greet you as you walk through the door. She enjoys working with animals and it clearly shows. She is always there to lend a helping hand whether it is translating for our doctors or answering any questions you may have. Shanell can adeptly alleviate your concerns and decrease any worry you may be feeling.
She currently dotes on her 4 year old Bichon Frise, Coco. In her time off, she enjoys walking on the beach, reading or spending time with family and friends. We are so grateful to have her as part of our team!
Athena Vamvas
Client Service Representative Supervisor
Hi there ! My name is Athena, born and raised in Long Branch. I’m the client service supervisor at Long Branch Animal Hospital. My dream was to always work with animals. And Long Branch Animal Hospital made that dream come true 4 years ago ! I absolutely love helping people and their pets. I go above and beyond for our clients and will continue to do so. I myself have a pit bull bulldog mix her name is Harlow and she is 2 years old. I have a 14 year old female cat her name is Baby. And I recently just added a new addition to my little family ! A baby boy name Syre he is a 6 week old kitten. On my free time I enjoy spending time with my pets and my family. I love reading (anything about murder mystery to be exact) I absolutely love football, yes I’m an Eagles fan. But most importantly I love making our clients smile. I hope to meet you all soon.
Dr. Jose Pla (DVM Owner)
Dr. Pla is a co-owner of Long Branch Animal Hospital. He obtained his DVM degree from Cornell University in 1995 and his MBA from Rutgers University in 2018. Dr. Pla is a passionate dog and cat doctor with special interests in behavior, nutrition and gastrointestinal diseases. Dr. Pla strongly believes in the power of education, not only for personal and professional growth but most importantly for a clients ability to make informed decisions regarding their pets’ health. When not practicing medicine; he is a avid sailor, scuba diver and wanna-be photographer. Activities he shares with his wife and two sons. At home; he is owned by his cat, Phineas, and managed by his dogs, Quincy and Lola. Two parakeets and lots of fish round out the families pet menagerie.
Dr. Neal Beeber (DVM Owner)
Dr. Beeber is a native of New Jersey. He did his undergraduate work at Cook College; a division of Rutgers University. He attended Michigan State University for his veterinary degree. After graduating he did a medical and surgical internship at Oradell Animal Hospital. In 1992, Dr. Beeber became one of only 10 veterinarian’s in New Jersey to be board certified in companion animal medicine. He has a special interest in treating exotic pets, especially ferrets. Dr. Beeber has contributed chapters to two veterinary textbooks and numerous scientific journals on the medicine and surgery of ferrets. He also completed training in veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine in order to be able to offer his patient alternative and complementary treatments. Dr. Beeber also has a special interest in orthopedic and laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Beeber has served as president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association and president of the NJ Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. He has also served as the Chairman of the New Jersey Veterinary Foundation, an organization which raises money to help alleviate animal suffering. He shares his love of animals with his wife Michelle and son Jacob.
Madi Davis
CSR
Hey there! I’m Madi and I’m a 28-year old Long Branch local, and my life is all about my amazing dog, Max who is a German Shepherd-Husky mix and just an all around good boy! We love to go to the beach and go on adventures together! My home is filled with five cats,my dog, and two fish, making every day a delightful chaos.
I’m passionate about caring for animals, both at work and out of work. I thrive on helping others and their furry friends, spreading joy and making a positive impact wherever I can. Life is an adventure, and I’m all about embracing it and making the most of it with the help of my best buddy, Max.