About Us
Belton Animal Clinic and Exotic Care Center has a long history of quality medicine and surgery. Established at its old location on Main St. in the late 1950s, it is currently owned by Dr. Teresa Bradley Bays, an international author and lecturer on exotic pet species. In October of 2005 we relocated 2 miles north into a new and expanded facility at 1308 N. Scott Ave, Belton, MO.
Our staff is a GREAT team, with the right mix of skills and backgrounds, and has been carefully chosen to provide the best care for your pet. All staff members are required to participate in annual continuing education and several have special interests or areas of expertise within the practice.
Our veterinarians work closely together, having rounds to discuss hospitalized cases. Because they all work well together there is a great balance of experience and education. Working with more than one doctor, when necessary, does not pose a problem because each one cares deeply for all of our patients.
The Veterinarians:
Teresa Bradley Bays, DVM
Dr. Bradley Bays is the owner of Belton Animal Clinic & Exotic Care Center. She began working at the clinic in 1993, then became a part owner for 5 years before purchasing the practice in 2002. She lived in Peculiar for 4 years and has lived in Belton since 1997. She is an international author and lecturer on exotic pet species. Dr. Bradley Bays is past president of the Missouri Academy of Veterinary Practitioners, an association for veterinarians who obtain more than 40 credit hours of continuing education per year. Dr. Bradley Bays usually receives 80 to 120 continuing education hours per year, mostly on topics pertaining to exotic animal medicine and surgery. She is also past president and seven-year board member of the National Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. She is currently senior editor and co-author of the book Exotic Pet Behavior, Birds, Reptiles & Small Mammals, which was published in May of 2006. The book can be purchased at amazon.com. She graduated from Kansas State University in 1990 and did preceptorships at Sea World of Florida and the Saint Louis Zoo. She spent one year as a veterinary intern at the Riverbanks Zoological Park in Columbia, SC. She loves camping, reading, writing and spending time with her family and their four pets.
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Katie Nordhus, DVM
Dr. Nordhus grew up in a small farming community in NE Kansas---where her love for science and medicine began. In 1998 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in systemics and ecology from the University of Kansas and again in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in organism biology. In 2005 she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. She joined our team in June 2005 and enjoys working not only with her animal patients but communicating and building relationships with the clients as well. One of her favorite aspects of veterinary medicine is that each day produces new challenges and problems---no two days are quite the same. Her passions outside of work include baking, quilting, gardening, and just enjoying the outdoors in general. She and her husband reside in Overland Park with their toddler Samuel and their two cats Jack and Oscar.
Melissa Freeman, DVM
Dr. Freeman grew up in Lee’s Summit and has lived in the Kansas City area her whole life. In 2002, she graduated from Avila University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 2006. She joined the practice in June 2006 and enjoys the challenges and successes that come with each day of practicing medicine. She also enjoys the wide ranged of species seen at Belton Animal Clinic and learning the unique characteristics and needs of exotics. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, swimming and spending time outdoors.
Vanessa Vandersande, DVM
Dr. Vandersande grew up in Santa Clarita, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. In 1998, she graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Stage Management and Design. Vanessa worked in professional theatre management for two years before deciding to return to school to pursue a lifelong dream of practicing veterinary medicine. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. She loves seeing all the different animals that come through the clinics doors, but has a special interest in interacting with our cat patients and the people that love them. Her long-term goal is to become a board certified specialist in feline medicine. Outside of work she enjoys travel, reading, scrapbooking, swimming with her dog, and watching movies with her husband and cats.
Rachel Dragos, DVM - will be joining the practice in June 2008
The Staff:
Martin Bays, operations supervisor
Michelle Ambler, office manager
Rhonda Orem, human resources manager
Kelly Benbow, Certified Canine Training & Behavior Specialist
Tonia Lindquist, receptionist
Becky Powell, receptionist
Parish Antoine, RVT (registered veterinary technician)
Tyler Wilson, RVT (registered veterinary technician)
Amanda Felix, RVT (registered veterinary technician)
John Beachey, RVT (registered veterinary technician)
Melinda Allen, technician assistant
Melissa Young, kennel & technician assistant
Nikki Jones, groomer
Tina West, kennel supervisor
Katie Kimbell, kennel assistant
Marissa Candillo, kennel assistant
Sarah Bays, kennel assistant
Stephanie Sytkowski, kennel assistant
Elizabeth Hermes, kennel assistant
Nicole Bradley, assistant
816.331.3120 · 816.322.7377 (fax) · info@beltonanimal.com
1308 N. Scott Avenue · Belton, MO 64012
Main Hospital Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Animal Urgent Care of Cass County Hours:
6 p.m. until 11 p.m. including weekends and holidays
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