History
During its more than 40-year history Anchor Animal Hospital has been providing excellent care to pets from Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The hospital was founded in 1975 by Drs. Gerald Pietsch and Lawrence Shinnamon on the principles of pursuing continuing education and staying on the forefront of veterinary medicine. This is a tradition that Dr. Kate Pietsch has continued since she took over the practice in 2011.
To ensure Anchor maintains this standard of excellence we have been accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (www.aaha.com) since 1980. This accreditation is only maintained by approximately 15% of veterinary hospitals and involves regular reviews and inspections to make sure that we meet high standards and keep abreast with the latest technology and techniques.
Some of the areas in which Anchor Animal Hospital is an industry leader include:
Dentistry: Dental care plays an important role in protecting pet’s overall health and Dr. Kate has ensured that all Doctors are trained on the most current dentistry and advanced techniques. This includes digital dental x-rays and a dedicated dentistry treatment area.
X-rays: X-rays have been standard equipment at Anchor Animal Hospital since it opened. The doctors and staff pride themselves on their ability to take and interpret x-rays. We also utilize a radiology referral service for more complex cases. This service allows us to utilize highly skilled radiologist to interpret x-rays and provide our doctors with a detailed report.
Ultrasound: Anchor Animal Hospital was one of the first veterinary hospitals in the South Coast of Massachusetts to bring ultrasound into veterinary practice. For more than 20 years we have been performing both abdominal ultrasound and echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart).
Pain Management: Dr. Kate has a passion for advancing pain management and treatment of both acute and chronic pain in our pets. She has brought new pain control options to Anchor Animal Hospital, including laser therapy and acupuncture. She has received certification in both of these techniques and she is able to use them to help manage acute and chronic pain to promote healing.
Testimonials
Accreditations
Did you know that accreditation for animal hospitals is voluntary? Nearly 60% of pet owners believe that their pet's veterinary hospital is accredited when it is not. In actuality, only 12-15% of animal hospitals have gone through the accreditation evaluation process by the American Animal Hospital Association. We are proud to call ourselves an AAHA-accredited hospital.
In the United States, all human hospital that serve people with Medicare must be accredited through and accrediting body; they undergo regular reviews and quality checks to ensure they meet standard of quality for every aspect of medical care. However, not all animal hospitals choose to pursue the AAHA-accreditation process since it is not required by law. When it comes to pet health care, accreditation is voluntary. The accreditation process is rigorous and time-consuming, and not every veterinary hospital wants to go through the lengthy process.
Accreditation by AAHA means that an animal hospital has been evaluated on approximately 900 standards of veterinary excellence. To maintain their accreditation, hospitals undergo a rigorous review by veterinary experts every three years. State and provincial regulations can vary widely – in fact some states don't routinely inspect hospitals, only going in for an inspection when a complaint is filed by a pet owner. AAHA accreditation is considered the standard for veterinary excellence, and does not vary between states.
We are an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. That means we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Pets are our passion and keeping them health is our #1 priority. Here, we strive to deliver excellent care for pets. Because your pets serve nothing less.
Learn more about AAHA accreditation and why our accreditation is important to you and you’re by. Visit aaha.org/petowner
Meet Our Owner - Kate Pietsch, DVM, FFCP
Dr. Kate Pietsch realized a lifelong dream in 2011 when she purchased Anchor Animal Hospital from her father, Dr. Gerald Pietsch. A 2005 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, she joined the Anchor team in 2007 after two years at VCA Northboro Animal Hospital, continuing the hospital’s tradition of compassionate, high-quality care.
Dr. Kate is passionate about pain management and advancing veterinary medicine. She dedicates much of her free time to continuing education and ensures all Anchor veterinarians and staff do the same. In 2012, she earned certification as a Veterinary Acupuncturist through an intensive course offered by the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, applying acupuncture to treat conditions such as spinal injuries, arthritis, and chronic pain. Dr. Kate is a Fear Free Certified Professional and she is committed to making all of her patients feel calm and comfortable during their visits.
Her interests also include veterinary dentistry and animal behavior. Dr. Kate has refined her dental skills through specialized training and enhanced the hospital’s dental care offerings. To better address pet behavior, she studied modern training techniques at the Karen Pryor Clicker Expo.
Committed to comprehensive patient care, Dr. Kate furthered her expertise in nutrition in 2013 with a visit to Hill’s Science Diet facility, exploring nutritional therapies for medical conditions.
When not working, Dr. Kate enjoys hiking with her dogs, traveling to National Parks, and spending quality time with family — especially collaborating with her father to keep Anchor Animal Hospital a trusted place for pet care.
Meet Our Veterinarians
Kristen Lavin, DVM, FFCP
Dr. Kristen Lavin was born and raised in Massachusetts. She graduated in 2018 from the Atlantic Veterinary College located on Prince Edward Island, Canada. During and prior to veterinary school she gained years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant where she discovered her passion for building strong relationships with clients and their pets and creating an environment where they feel comfortable and valued.
Throughout her life, Dr. Lavin has sought out unique opportunities to learn about and work with animals. This included doing an internship at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, MA in the summer of 2011 where she got hands-on experience handling a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, small mammals and even small primates. In addition, she worked with the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) in Princeton, MA in the summer of 2007. While there she had the opportunity to work with early puppy behavior including socialization, house training, and early obedience.
Dr. Lavin is a Fear Free Certified Professional and is committed to making veterinary visits a positive experience by minimizing fear, anxiety and stress for every pet.
When she is not working, Dr. Lavin enjoys being active, hiking, music, walking her dogs (Jon Snow and Jynx), entertaining her cats (Ember, Violet, Bonnibel, and Dave Meowthews), and spending time with her husband (Zach), friends, and family.
Nicole Mulready, DVM, cVMA, FFCP Elite
Dr. Mulready was born and raised in Massachusetts. After graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan University in 2021 she spent a year practicing in Michigan. She wanted to return to the east coast and be near the ocean so she moved back to our area and joined Anchor Animal Hospital in 2022. She is a welcome addition to our team!
She has a passion for providing the best veterinary care possible for her patients by working closely with her clients and their pets. She enjoys animal behavior and embraces the importance of the human-animal bond. She has earned her Elite status as a Fear Free Certified Professional and uses this knowledge to work with her patients to decrease their fear, stress and anxiety levels. She also pursued her certification in veterinary medical acupuncture through CuraCore Academy to help her patients with a variety of issues including pain management.
Jacqueline Andrade, BVM, FFCP
Originally from Somerset Massachusetts, Dr. Jacqueline graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2023. She loves all animal but has a particular interest in pocket pets including guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and ferrets to name a few. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional and has a passion for making her patients feel as calm and comfortable as possible during the visits.
Outside of work Dr. Jacqueline enjoys live music, sudoku, puzzles and crocheting.
Gabriela Sil
va, MVZ, FFCP
Dr. Silva is a 2018 graduate of Unum University in Mexico City, where she developed a strong interest in internal medicine. She is passionate about providing exceptional care to all her patients, with a special affection for feline companions.
As a Fear Free Certified® Professional, Dr. Silva is committed to reducing stress and anxiety for pets during their visits, creating a more positive and comfortable experience for both animals and their families.
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Silva enjoys building strong relationships with a diverse range of clients and their beloved pets.
Gerald Pietsch, VMD - Retired
Following graduation, Dr. Pietsch joined a small animal practice in Westbrook Maine and after completing his first year was accepting to residency in cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Gerald Pietsch graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1971.
In 1975 he and fellow University of Pennsylvania graduate Dr. Shinnamon opened Anchor Animal Hospital and practiced together until 2002 when Dr. Shinnamon retired. He continues to be involved in the operation of the hospital assisting Dr. Kate Pietsch who took over in 2011.
Keeping up with trends in veterinary medicine is very important to Dr. Pietsch on both a professional and personal level, so attending conferences, seminars, and clinics is essential. He regularly attends the Annual Penn Veterinary Conference, The American Animal Hospital Association Annual Veterinary Conference and the Veterinary Conference of New England, as well as other conferences on many subjects including renal disease, respiratory disease, infectious disease, dentistry, and cardiology.
Some notable meeting Dr. Pietsch has also attended include a conference on orthopedics presented by Novartis and a conference on “Guided Veterinary Dermatology” presented by Pfizer. He also had the opportunity to visit the Hill’s Science Diet facility for a symposium on evidence-based Veterinary Clinical Nutrition and attended a seminar at Boehringer that addressed current trends regarding Leptosporosis and Lyme disease. We also attended a scientific seminar at RIVMA and a heartworm resistance seminar at the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA www.massvet.org). He has also been trained on human and pet CPR and took a Safety and Risk Management training course from DDS OSHA.
Dr. Pietsch is a former chairman of the Ethics and Grievance Committee of the MVMA. He is presently the chairperson of the By-Laws committee. When not working, Dr. Pietsch enjoys his grandchildren, photography, woodworking, his ponies, and traveling.
Team
Diane Franklin CVPM - Hospital Administrator, FFCP
Diane joined Anchor Animal Hospital in 2012 as our Hospital Administrator, bringing with her over thirty-five years of experience in general practice and specialty/emergency veterinary medicine management. She is a graduate of the Veterinary Management Institute at Purdue University and became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in November 2024—representing the highest level of credentialing for veterinary managers.
Diane is also a Fear Free Certified® Professional, dedicated to supporting a clinic culture that prioritizes the emotional well-being of pets. She ensures our hospital operates in a way that reduces fear, anxiety, and stress for our patients, clients, and team members alike.
A longtime member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Practice Association, and the Veterinary Hospital Manager’s Association, Diane attends continuing education annually to stay current in the evolving field of veterinary hospital management. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence are a perfect fit at Anchor, where we embrace progressive, high-quality veterinary care.
Diane values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with our clients, their pets, the community, and our exceptional team.
Her family includes her husband and four children, as well as her beloved pets: dogs Onyx and Jack Sparrow, and her Rex rabbit, Piper. In her free time, she enjoys beach days, rock concerts, travel, reading, and making memories with family and friends.
Grace Pietsch - Hospital and Inventory Manager, FFCP Elite
Grace began her journey with Anchor Animal Hospital in 2014 as our part-time Social Media Coordinator and became a full-time Hospital Assistant in 2018. She was promoted to Hospital Supervisor and Inventory Manager in 2020, and in 2025, Grace advanced to the role of Hospital Manager, where she plays a key leadership role in daily operations and staff development.
Before entering the veterinary field, Grace spent 10 years as a manager at Barnes & Noble, where she sharpened her skills in customer service and inventory management. With a lifelong passion for animals, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Mary Washington College and the University of Massachusetts.
During her time at UMass, Grace volunteered as a puppy raiser for N.E.A.D.S. (National Education for Assistance Dogs), fostering and training service dogs in training—a formative experience that inspired her to earn her Karen Pryor Academy Clicker Training Certificate and focus on behavior and training.
Grace is Fear Free Elite Certified and plays a central role in implementing Fear Free practices throughout Anchor Animal Hospital. She is passionate about creating a calm, stress-free environment for both pets and their families, and works closely with the team to ensure every patient receives compassionate, low-stress care.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys time with her family, which includes her beloved dogs, cats, and ponies. She’s an outdoor enthusiast who loves running, biking, swimming, and competing in triathlons—always looking for her next challenge.
Our Forever Mascot Angus Pietsch, CGC
Angus (a black lab) came to the Pietsch family in the winter of 2005. He was only a year old when brought home by Kate Pietsch, then a student at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. His previous owners, following surgery on his left elbow, had given him up. Dr. Kate brought Angus home to Dr. Gerald Pietsch's house unannounced and it was immediately clear that he was the perfect dog.
Angus had three loves in his life, his family (including his cats), his food, and his friends at Anchor Animal Hospital, although not necessarily in that order. Every morning he was anxious to get to work, but Angus always stoped to have his teeth brushed before heading in. Arriving at Anchor he started his day by greeting employees and receiving his early morning “cookies”. Then it was off to work in the front office napping, greeting clients, and performing for those most likely to give him “cookies”. Lunchtime included a trip to the break room in anticipation of any dropped food, then a return to the office for the afternoon activities. At the end of the day, Angus returned home with Dr. Gerald Pietsch for dinner and family time.
He enjoyed training classes and had his CGC certificate (Canine Good Citizen) awarded by dog trainer Marsha Albert at Many Paws in Westport. He thought that classes were great fun as good behavior was rewarded with; you guessed it, “cookies”. Angus also took classes in “Sniffies” (nosework) in which he learned how to use his nose to find hidden treats. That was probably his favorite class.
After 14 wonderful years with the Pietsch Family Angus passed away in 2019. He will always be our forever mascot.
What it means to be a team player at Anchor!
Being understanding and establishing a positive communication network helps build teamwork. Here at Anchor Animal Hospital, we are all team players; we are
Animal-lovers
Nurturing
Compassionate
Humane
Organized
Respectful!
Anchor prides itself in the “Team Approach” in patient and client care. Treating your pet(s) as if they are our own from the minute you walk through our doors!
All employees are required to attend continuing education and training opportunities here at the hospital and at conferences and seminars. Many of our employee have previous experience in the field of veterinary medicine or have attended accredited schools/programs. We have many certified technicians! Anchor also partners and participates with local schools by offering externships to attract new talent and invest in the future growth of our profession.
We also pride ourselves on working with local organizations, shelters, and rescues to embrace the human-animal bond.