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, Molly, a “Mississippi White-tipped 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!
Dr. Marisol Lazarte
Dr. Marisol Lazarte is originally from Lima, Peru, where she obtained her DVM degree and her certification in Small Animal medicine. Following two years of practice at a Veterinary Hospital in Lima, she moved to USA and obtained her veterinary certification from Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG). During this process she worked as a technician in a Small Animal practice in San Antonio, TX and subsequently got her veterinary license and practiced for 6 years in Texas. In 2021, Dr Lazarte moved to Pennsylvania where she has been serving as a veterinarian in Landsdale. She is very excited to be part of Villanova Veterinary Hospital and bring her passion to help the Wayne community! She has special interest in Internal Medicine and Dentistry.
Dr Lazarte and her husband are proud parents of two teenage children and adorable mixed breed terrier. In her free time, she enjoys baking (especially sourdough bread), gardening and outdoor activities even during the winter!
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, Lena, and Kevin.
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.
Fara
This is where Fara’s picture should be, but she’s keeping it top secret (even from us). When she’s not hiding from the camera, she’s an expert at avoiding bios too. Stay tuned for her mysterious reveal… maybe.
Giuseppina
Meet Giuseppina, the elusive mastermind who’s so dedicated to her work that she’s forgotten to submit their photo for this bio. (Or maybe she just prefers to remain a mystery—who knows?)
Evan
Evan is a passionate individual with a love for creativity and nature. When not immersed in their professional pursuits, they enjoy expressing their artistic side through hobbies such as painting plastic models and exploring the world of music. A deep appreciation for animals and the natural world also shapes their outlook, inspiring both their personal and creative endeavors. Always eager to learn and grow, Evan thrives in environments that foster both personal development and connection with others.
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 an 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.
Molly
In Nov ‘21, Molly found and adopted the Gallaghers. She is a Mississippi White-tipped Snipe Hound, who, as the “breed” implies, hails from the great southern state of Mississippi. Molly moved north at about 9 weeks of age. When she met the Gallaghers, she ran over, jumped into Elaine’s lap, and just wanted to play. She stole our hearts from the very beginning. She can frequently be found in the office at VVH when she is not busy socializing at puppy daycare.
McGraw
In memoriam:
We had 15 wonderful years with McGraw. Unfortunately, we lost him to cancer after a brief battle with the disease. McGraw will be very much missed, always loved, and forever have a special place in our hearts.