About Us

Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Gallagher

Dr. Gallagher is a graduate of Lycoming College (’87) with a degree in Biology. He then earned a Master of Science degree in Biology from Bucknell University and in 1995, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Since high school, Larry knew he wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. He worked at a pet store from ninth grade until he graduated college. In his sophomore year of college, he took a second job as a keeper in the reptile house of an AZA accredited zoo where he worked through graduate school. He also worked for a year as a research assistant in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University and spent several years as a research technician at the Weis Center for Research at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.

After graduating from UPenn, he practiced small animal veterinary medicine and surgery in Blue Bell, PA for 2 years before practicing in Bryn Mawr for 19 years. In late 2016, he opened Villanova Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Gallagher lives in Villanova with his wife, Elaine. They have two adult children, Adrienne and Dane, one dog, McGraw, a “West Virginia Black-tailed Snipe Hound”, and Ellis, the world’s most mischievous cat. Ellis is a pronunciation of the acronym L.S. but you’ll have to ask him in person what that stands for.

In his free time, Dr. Gallagher enjoys fly fishing, SCUBA diving, hiking, and working on his classic cars. Ask him about his photographs of rattlesnakes!


Adrienne

Adrienne is the Practice Manager. She graduated from Rosemont College with degrees in History and Political Science, after which she spent several years working with words and writers before entering veterinary medicine.

She enjoys reading, camping, cooking, gardening, and watching hockey and F1. Adrienne and her partner recently moved from Center City to the ‘burbs where they share a home with their cats Tuukka, Anže, and Lena.


Kelsey

Kelsey has surrounded herself with animals her whole life. She has a passion for pets of all sizes and species and is in school to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. In her free time she enjoys going on hikes and trying new restaurants.

She currently lives in Folsom with her Fiancé and their cat, dog, 2 bunnies, rat, and snake.


Shana

Shana is originally from Colorado and grew up skiing and hiking in the mountains. Her love of animals started early during her travels around the world with her parents.

She graduated from Wake Forest University with a major in Biology and a minor in Computer Science. After graduation she worked a few jobs involving computers before finding a job working with ambassador animals at the Potawatomi Zoo. After moving to Pennsylvania in 2021, she wanted to continue working with animals and started in veterinary medicine.

She lives in Coatesville with her husband and two guinea pigs. She enjoys hiking, skiing, reading, and playing piano.


Kathy

Kathy grew up with pets of all shapes and sizes. With her love of animals, she began working at a veterinary hospital 30 years ago while in college. She discovered this was her passion and continued in the field ever since. She is happy to have joined the Villanova Vet. Family, and really enjoys interacting with the patients and their humans.

She lives in West Chester with her family, including 2 dogs, Georgia and Annie, a Grand-dog, Lotti and four cats, Noel, Sunni, William and Clyde. In her free time she enjoys hiking with the dogs, gardening and aiding in Wildlife and bird rescue.


Amelia

Amelia is a locally sourced animal and cheese lover. She recently graduated from The University of Delaware with a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a minor of Equine Sciences. Amelia hopes to attend vet school in the coming fall and currently owns two cats that she spends her free time snuggling. She is an avid reader and gluten-free baker. She also coaches figure skating in Ardmore and works on a privately owned retired show horse farm in Paoli.


Alexa

Growing up with many pets, animals were always a passion of Alexa’s. Once she found out you can have a hobby that revolves around animals, she became a an equestrian. Going on to join the equestrian team at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, she graduated with a writing degree and went on to work in business. Through out her life, she always volunteered at local animal shelters. Feeling unfulfilled working in business, she decided to turn her passions into a career in veterinary medicine. Alexa enjoys the beach, piano, collecting records, pickle ball, skiing and most of all cuddling with her rescue kitty, Buttermilk.


Spot Ennis

Spot was found in 2018 making rounds at an apartment building in Paoli and one of the residents brought him to us to find a home. Spot took a look around, decided VVH was his to rule, and set about making himself a integral part of the team.

Also known as Sir Stinkerbell, Spotticus, and Spotter Bot, Spot is well known for his outgoing personality and fab wardrobe.

Spot enjoys chewing holes in bags of food to eat the kibble within, helping with exams, and making friends with every person, cat, and dog that visits.


McGraw

McGraw is originally from West Virginia but moved to Villanova as a young pup in 2005.

Because of his easy-going personality and ability to get along with all dogs, G spent 10 years as the test pup in doggy daycare, but has since retired.

He now spends his days napping in the office at VVH, dreaming of chasing the groundhog around the neighborhood, greeting everybody with a happy woof, and reminding us he really enjoys treats.