Our Team
Dr. Chris
Dr. Pelfrey
Dr. Kortney
Dr. Thomas
Dr. Katie
Natalie
Brittany B.
Shannon
Austin
Carol
Zoe
Jacky
Nate
Jennifer
Brittany Z.
Dr. Chris Franklin
Veterinarian
Dr. Chris is originally from Georgetown, Kentucky. He attended Murray State University where he received a B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and minors in Biology and Chemistry. Dr. Chris is a 2015 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing an equine internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital he elected to make a career change and pursue practice in small animal medicine. He returned to Auburn, Alabama to be with his then fiancé. He worked as an associate at East University Veterinary Hospital for over 2 years before returning to Louisville, Kentucky to start a practice with his wife. Prior to the opening of Dogwood Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Chris did relief work for BluePearl Veterinary Partners and Mobile Veterinary Services. Dr. Chris’ main goal as a veterinarian is to make sure that all of his clients feel heard, understood and cared for. He wants you to leave the exam room understanding his recommendations and feeling confident in his plan for your pet. In his free time Dr. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, gardening and doing Crossfit.
Dr. Katie Franklin
Veterinarian
Dr. Katie is from Louisville, Kentucky. She attended University of Kentucky for her undergraduate degree where she received a B.A. in Chemistry. She is a 2018 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to the opening of Dogwood Vet Clinic Dr. Katie practiced as a relief doctor at BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Corydon Animal Hospital and Jefferson Animal Hospital. For four years she worked as an associate veterinarian for Mobile Veterinary Services, practicing equine medicine in a practice that is majority racetrack medicine. In 2022 Dr. Katie elected to step back from equine practice, she will be spending more time with her children and helping as needed at Dogwood Veterinary Clinic. She and Dr. Chris welcomed their son Levi Franklin to the world on 10.1.19 and their daughter Mary Katherine on 12.13.21! She and Dr. Chris are both busy caring for their little ones. Dr. Katie hopes that all clients enjoy their visits at Dogwood Vet Clinic and they feel it is a homey, welcoming environment where they aren’t afraid to ask questions and that they feel confident their pets are receiving the best care. In Dr. Katie’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding, CrossFit, scrapbooking, hiking and baking. She also enjoys going out to eat with Dr. Chris!
Dr. Tyler Pelfrey
Veterinarian
Dr. Pelfrey grew up in Paintsville, Kentucky. He attended Morehead State University where he majored in biology/pre-vet. He graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 after completing his clinical year at the University of Tennessee. After a year in general practice in central Florida, Dr. Pelfrey and his wife moved to the Idaho Panhandle to continue practice. He then completed advanced training in emergency medicine and practiced as a senior emergency clinician at Bluepearl Louisville for 2.5 years. After another 12 month stint in Florida practicing emergency medicine, the opportunity arose to practice with Dr.’s Chris and Katie and move his family back to Kentucky. Dr. Pelfrey hopes that providing the best veterinary care will strengthen the bond between you and your pet, providing a lifetime of happiness. Dr. Pelfrey enjoys family time with his son, wife, three dogs, and two cats. You may spot him out on the Louisville Loop running, cycling, or strolling with his family.
Dr. Kortney Roppel
Veterinarian
Dr. Kortney Roppel has had a strong love for animals from a very young age. While completing her Biotechnology degree from the University of Kentucky, she met her first love, a Bichon Frise named Lucee. This instant bond and love for medicine ultimately led Dr. Kortney into the field of veterinary medicine. After graduating from the University of Kentucky (Go Big Blue!) she went on to receive her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 2010. (War Eagle!) She contemplated various internships and residencies but decided general practice would allow her to “do it all”. Dr. Kortney prides herself in treating the whole patient, not just the ailment, by carefully reviewing each patient’s history, providing thorough examinations, and treating each pet like her own. Her special interests include internal medicine, dentistry, and oncology.
As much as Dr. Kortney loves medicine, her favorite aspect of general practice is the bond and friendship she makes with her clients. As a parent to three young children, Dr. Kortney is committed to being a true family vet by assisting families in making the best, most appropriate goals and solutions for their pets.
Outside of work, you may find Dr. Kortney in various carpools, on her Peloton bike, spending time with her Vizsla, Townes, and her Persian cat, Popsicle, along with cheering on UK sports and bourbon tasting with her husband, Ryan.
Dr. Samantha Thomas
Veterinarian
Dr. Thomas was born and raised in Louisville, KY. At a very young age she showed interest in animals and was committed to learning more about them. While attending college, Dr. Thomas directed her education toward a career in medicine. She graduated from Bellarmine University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After pursuing several jobs in human healthcare as well as pharmaceutical research, her interest in animals and fascination with healthcare grew and ultimately re-directed her toward a career in veterinary medicine. She attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine where she received her Doctorate in 2023. While in school, she participated in several externships in general practice, shelter medicine, and cardiology. Her special interests include internal medicine, endocrinology, cardiology, and ultrasound.
Dr. Thomas prioritizes the health of her patients, strives to educate her clients, and stays informed about current medical advancements to provide the most appropriate recommendations for care. She also believes that traditional medicine in combination with other natural options can oftentimes be beneficial for overall wellbeing. In her free time, Dr. Thomas enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending Purebarre workout classes, decorating her new home, and exploring attractions in and around town. As a Louisville native, she is committed to using her career in veterinary medicine to serve the community that raised her.
Shannon
Communications Administrator
Shannon was born and raised in Louisville, Ky. She has worked in healthcare as well as caring for the elderly and children. She spent 10 years living in Northern Ky while her husband pursued his career and started a family there. She has two children, Lexi and Connor who are her pride and joy, and a dachshund, named Gus! She has been back in Louisville for 5 years raising
her family and is excited to transition back into the work force caring for animals. In Shannon’s free time she enjoys watching her children play basketball, doing anything outdoors in nature, making memories with her children, cooking, and any time spent with her family and friends.
Brittany B.
Business Administrator
Austin
Client Service Representative
Natalie
Veterinary Technician
Natalie is from Shepherdsville, KY, but currently resides in Louisville, KY. She attended school in Evansville, IN at Harrison College studying Veterinary Technology. Natalie has lived her whole life surrounded by animals and always knew she would spend her life caring for them. She has been working as a technician for 3 years. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her rescue puppy Loretta and her cat Videl.
Carol
Veterinary Assistant
Carol is from Stone Mountain, a city just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. After 35 years of wearing many hats in the Thoroughbred industry, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Lexington, Kentucky, Carol decided to switch gears and join our Dogwood Veterinary Clinic team and small animal hospital. She has a heart for serving both people and pets! In her spare time, she and her husband Gary love spending time with family, hiking, cooking, and looking forward to their next travel adventure.
Zoe
Veterinary Technician
Jacky
Veterinary Technician
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Jacky has always had a love for animals. She has been in the veterinary field since 2021 and is currently attending Jefferson Community and Technical College to obtain an associates degree in biology and later continue her education to become a licensed veterinary technician. In her free time, Jacky enjoys watching movies with her two cats, Luna and Lucia, hiking and exploring outdoors, and going to the gym.
Nate
Veterinary Technician
Nathan has lived in Louisville, Ky for all his life and has been in the veterinary field since he was 16. He has always been surrounded by animals from dogs and cats to fish and rabbits. He currently has a dog: Nebraska, and 4 cats: Victoria, Toast, Cali, and Lily. He is currently at Ivy Tech Community College getting his associates in biology to later continue his education to become a veterinarian. In his spare time, he loves being outdoors hiking and traveling, going out with friends, and working out.
Jennifer
Client Service Representative
Jennifer is from Nicholasville, Kentucky and recently relocated to Mount Washington with her boyfriend. She graduated from Campbellsville University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business Administration and she is currently pursuing a second degree in Fish and Wildlife Conservation Biology and Law through Oregon State University in hopes of becoming a game warden. Jennifer takes every opportunity she gets to be outside riding her horses Spud and Hopper. Her home is full of fur babies with 5 dogs: Bucky, Tobie, Lady, Kosmo and Sadie Jane, 6 cats: Cheeto, Frito, Nitro, Nellie, Nacho and S.P., and a hedgehog named Waffles. Jennifer cannot imagine her life without animals and when people comment on how many pets she and her boyfriend have and how much work that must be, she responds with “Full house, Full heart.”
Brittany Z.
Veterinary Technician
Brittany realized her passion for animals at a very young age. Residing in Louisville since birth, Brittany has gained nearly a decade of experience as a veterinary technician. She has a strong sense of compassion for both pets and their families as well as a genuine desire to ensure that your pet feels safe and comfortable in her care. Her special interest in the field is veterinary dentistry. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys crafts, shopping with her mother, and spending time with her partner, John, their 2-year-old daughter Lennon, and their 3 cats: Penny (pictured), Big Mike, and Gwen.
