Meet Our Team

Dr. Amy Hurd, DVM

Veterinarian, Practice Owner

Dr. Amy Hurd founded the Bristol County Veterinary Hospital in 1988. After receiving her B.S degree in Animal Sciences from Cornell University in 1982, Dr Amy Hurd continued her studies at Cornell and received her DVM degree in 1985 from The New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. As a veterinary student, Dr. Hurd was the recipient of several academic awards. Some of these awards included the Colonel Floyd C. Sager Equine Obstetrics and Pediatrics Award and the New York State Veterinary Medical Society Award for the Best Senior Seminar.

Due to her very busy practice schedule, Dr. Hurd has little time for outside activities. Occasionally she does find a little time for horseback riding, jogging and reading. She is on the board of directors for Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center, is a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and is on the board of directors of the New England Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Shara Ripp, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Since she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine Dr. Shara Ripp has been a full-time practitioner at BCVH. Dr. Ripp grew up in Westchester County, NY after moving from Hungary where she was born. She attended Cornell University where she received a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a concentration in Animal Physiology. Graduating magna cum laude, she then was accepted to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2004. In addition to practicing general medicine, Dr. Ripp has particular interest in surgery and behavior and training.

Dr. Ripp has two cats, Bentley and Toggle, and a Shepherd mix named Monty. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Noah and two children Miriam and Zander, being outdoors, hiking, reading, yoga, and rollerblading with Monty.

Dr. Aurora Richards, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Aurora Richards started with Bristol County Veterinary Hospital in February 2007. Prior to that, she did an internship in internal medicine, worked as an associate veterinarian for a large corporation, worked as an emergency veterinarian for 2 years and did some relief veterinary work on the side. She is originally from Texas and received her undergraduate degree from Tufts University in Medford, MA and her DVM from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently resides in Medfield, MA with her 2 dogs, 3 cats, bunny and 2 children. She has a particular interest in feline internal medicine, ultrasound and complex medical cases. Outside of her life at BCVH, she spends her time as a board member for a non-profit group dealing with complex pediatric pain conditions of which her daughter suffers from.

Dr. Claire McCaffrey, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Claire McCaffrey received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine after completing her undergraduate studies in Art, Art History and Biology at Colgate University. Originally from Chicago, Illinois Dr. McCaffrey has joined the staff at Bristol County Veterinary Hospital as of September of 2015. During her studies at the University of Minnesota Dr. McCaffrey developed an interest in behavior, nutrition, and dermatology.  In her spare time she is still active as an artist and enjoys running, camping, and other outdoor activities with her dog, Rowan, a rescued mixed breed red Australian Shepherd.

Elijah Nelson

Practice Manager

Elijah joined BCVH in December of 2013, bringing a decade’s worth of experience in veterinary reception, technician, surgery, and emergency roles. Though now more focused on keeping our computers healthy and immunized, he’s still available to let the occasional cat shred his ties.  A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has a B.S. in Biology, with degrees in Psychology and Forensics, and a sneaky tendency to confuse Rhode Island Scholar with Rhodes Scholar.  Some of his less useful attributes include an allergy to rabbits, a strong dislike of printers, and the title of baron to an offshore independent principality.

A proud new father as of 2014, he lives in Warwick with his beautiful wife and daughter, two welsh corgis named Mulder and Scully, and two cats named Kuma and the other one.  In his free time Elijah enjoys kayaking with his wife and dogs, seemingly endless amounts of yard work, hiding in his library, and free-lancing as a wanna-be detective and writer of veterinary management fan-fiction.

E-mail: enelson@bristolcountyvet.com
Phone: (508) 336-3381

Maria

Office Manager

Maria has been at BCVH since May 2010. Maria has worked for 10 years in Public Accounting for a CPA firm in Fall River, before transitioning to the private sector. She is a 1998 Graduate of UMass Dartmouth, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Cum Laude.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys a variety of hobbies including quilting, crocheting, knitting and reading.

Kathy Sullivan-Pelchat

Practice Inventory Management

As of 2016 Kathy will have been with our practice for 20 years!  Starting as a vet tech, she now focuses on inventory management, keeping careful track of the supplies and products our furry patients need.  Intuitive and detail oriented, Kathy keeps us running on a smooth track, and is quickly able to make order out of chaos.

In her free time Kathy greatly enjoys scrap-booking, crafting, photography, and travelling.  She also enjoys relaxing with her husband and three cats, Sabian, Pretty Girl, and Big Boy.

Michelle, CVT

Technician Manager

Michelle started with Bristol County in April of 2013, and almost immediately became the go-to technician on how things should be done.  She earned her Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology in December of 2009, and her Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Science in May of 2011.  In July of 2013 Michelle become a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Michelle enjoys baking, though it’s arguable the staff enjoys Michelle’s baking even more.  She delights in creating amazing cakes and other delicious treats, and spends the rest of her time gardening and relaxing with her family and friends.  Three cats run her life, going by the names Lovey, Whiney, and Bubba.

Kimberly

Customer Service Representative

Kimberly started working at BCVH in 2008. Prior to working at BCVH she worked in the chiropractic field for 16 years. It may seem like two different worlds, but they are very much the same. Helping people is what she enjoys, it’s her passion.
Kimberly shares her home with her husband, daughter and 2 crazy fun-loving chocolate labs Madison & Abbey. When not at work she enjoys relaxing at home, spending time with family and friends, going to concerts and plays, and gardening. And we can’t forget her obsession with QVC & Sephora!
Kimberly is proud to work at BCVH, “It is a top notch hospital and the care is exceptional. We strive to do our best and more.”

Dawn

Customer Service Representative

Dawn started working at Bristol County Veterinary Hospital in 2013. Prior to that she worked in retail for 19 years. Dawn is able to take her prior experience and use it to her advantage, diligently attending to all of our client’s needs and requests with a smile. Dawn lives in Somerset, MA with her husband and 10 year old lab mix, named Dallas. When not at work, Dawn loves to read, watch movies, bake, and focus on crafts.

Gillian, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Gillian has been a part of the BCVH team since February of 1999. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science and her Certification in Veterinary Technology. Well skilled in veterinary care Gillian also keeps our hospital stocked with everything our patients could need.  What she loves the most about her role in the veterinary discipline is the “special relationship between our clients and their pets and having the ability to help both.”  She is also active in the Friends of the Rehoboth Animal Shelter, a support group to help take care of the animals in the shelter.
Gillian is a long-time resident of Rehoboth, Massachusetts and enjoys her free time riding her horse, “Shane” and spending time outdoors going for long walks with her dog, “Minnie”, and loving and playing with her cat “Sybil.”

Caitlin, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Joining the practice in 2013, Caitlin contributes a cornucopia of veterinary skills and care, and a bottomless passion for our patients. With her emergency care expertise and technical knowledge Caitlin helps to keep our furry patients happy and healthy, and our equipment hardy and humming.
Her pastimes include equestrianism, riding her Clydesdale Cross Ari, playing with her dog Val
and her cat Boo, and caring for her herd of dairy cows Moogaret, Moolissa, Moochelle, and UdderDisbelief. Caitlin does not fare too badly in competitive dodge ball.

Carolyn

Veterinary Technician

Working as a part-time veterinary assistant since 2004, Carolyn, a Seekonk native, is able to combine her experience from BCVH with her full time responsibilities as a Animal Control Officer in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Carolyn was also a Zoo Keeper at Capron Park Zoo, giving her a unique skill set. Her dedication to the care of animals is apparent and makes her a vital member of the veterinary staff.
With what is left of her spare time, Carolyn enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her family which includes her kids, grandson, and her Whippet, “Sonny”, and several cats.

TeddiAnn

Veterinary Technician

Teddi graduated from U.C. Davis with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology, and from Naval Postgraduate School with a Masters of Science in Information Technology Management.  She has worked as a veterinary technician for seven years since retiring from twenty years of naval service.  Teddi is happily married to her husband Matt, and has a daughter named Codie, and a stepson named Mario.  Incredibly passionate about her work, she is unrivaled in her reliability, answering in the affirmative before the favor has even been asked.

Abby, CVT

Veterinary Technician

Abby graduated from New England Tech in 2015 as a certified veterinary technician. During an internship at Bristol County Veterinary Hospital her technical skills and winning personality did not go unnoticed, and she quickly became a valued member of our team. Patients and clients alike receive only the best care from Abby, a wonderfully dedicated care professional.

When not busy playing with Patch, her blue merle Mini-Australian Shepard, or with her kitten Luna, Abby enjoys a myriad of outdoor activities.  She balances days of hiking, kayaking, fishing, and dirt biking with quiet moments spent inside reading and enjoying the company of her animals.

Jordan

Veterinary Technician

A graduate of the CCRI Veterinary Assistant Program, Jordan has been with us at BCVH since Winter of 2015 following a brief internship.  Her knowledge and skill range make her a perfect fit for our practice, and she was eagerly asked to join the team at the end of her intern period.  Exhibiting a passion for helping both people and animals, Jordan greatly enjoys her work, and is happiest when caring for others.

Jordan also enjoys reading, cooking, and long sessions of Netflix and Hulu.  Her time is best spent in the company of her niece and nephew, her significant other, and her rabbit Angus.  Her talents include comforting of patients, playing hardcore Candy Crush, and tripping on non-existent objects.  

Tabitha

Veterinary Technician

Having previously earned a bachelor degree in theater, Tabitha now joins our team in 2017 to continue growing in her original passion, the field of veterinary medicine. With four years of skill and experience Tabitha provides excellent care for our furry friends; often while dazzling us with her vocal talents by singing a calming tune to her patients! A dedicated worker, she still continues her education in veterinary medicine, while spending all of her remaining funds on her senior dachshund mix, Baxter, and her parrot, Poppins. Tabitha enjoys reading and hiking, and is fueled primarily by puppy kisses and coffee.