Meet Our Team

Dr. Alexis de Gale

DVM/Owner

Dr. Alexis de Gale earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. She began her career in New York City, completing a rigorous internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. Afterward, she returned to Florida, practicing in Orlando for four years before relocating to Chicago in 2013, where she worked as an emergency veterinarian. Although Dr. de Gale valued her time practicing in New York City and Chicago, she ultimately chose to return home to Florida.

After many years practicing in Wesley Chapel, Dr. de Gale is proud to serve the South Tampa community in her own hospital. She is dedicated to building lasting relationships with clients and their pets while delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Her professional interests include dentistry, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and emergency and critical care.

Dr. de Gale is also deeply committed to veterinary education. She frequently mentors students in her hospital, serves as an assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and has been a member of the UF veterinary admissions committee for several years. She was honored with AAHA’s Changemaker Award in 2020 for her impact on the veterinary profession and, in 2026, received the Florida Veterinary Medical Association’s Distinguished Service Award.

Outside of work, Dr. de Gale enjoys spending time with her husband, Alex, and their sons, Leo, Henry, and Everett. She loves reading, biking along Bayshore Boulevard, kayaking, and playing volleyball. A devoted Florida sports fan, she enthusiastically supports the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Her pets include a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Kevin, a bunny named Gojo, and two Diamondback Terrapin turtles.

Dr. Keara Walsh

DVM

Dr. Keara Walsh is a true Floridian, born and raised in South Tampa. She has always been an animal lover and has known she wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. After attending veterinary school, she knew she wanted to come back to the Tampa area to live and work! 

Dr. Walsh attended Florida State University where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. She then went on to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and spent her final clinical year at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Walsh graduated from vet school with high honors and was inducted into the veterinary honor society.

Dr. Walsh has grown up with all sorts of  animals and currently has her own pack at home including 5 dogs (Moose, Nova, Freya, Sunny and Cali) as well as 3 cats (Harry, Kimber and Wally). In her free time she loves going on hikes with the dogs, roller skating around Tampa, reading, plant shopping, trips to Disney and thrifting. Dr. Walsh can’t wait to take care of your pets as if they were her own! 

Dr. Lauren Pierce

DVM

Dr. Lauren Pierce is a summa cum laude graduate of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical training at North Carolina State University before returning to Florida to begin her career in small animal general practice.

Before joining our team, Dr. Pierce practiced at a small animal hospital in Bradenton, FL — the same clinic where she got her start in veterinary medicine as a technician years earlier. Returning there as a doctor after graduation was a full-circle moment that shaped her collaborative, team-based approach to care.

Dr. Pierce has a strong interest in internal medicine and diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasound, and is committed to ongoing continuing education to advance her clinical skills. She is also Fear-Free Certified and prioritizes creating a low-stress, supportive environment for both pets and their families.

With a thoughtful, team-based approach and excellent communication skills, Dr. Pierce strives to build long-term relationships with her clients while ensuring their pets receive the highest standard of veterinary care. She has a special soft spot for French Bulldogs and is always happy to see one on her schedule!

Alex de Gale

Hospital Manager/Owner

Alex is our fearless leader and hospital manager. He is originally from the Caribbean island of Grenada but grew up in Miami after moving there just before his first birthday. Alex had dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits, lizards, fish, turtles, and just about any other animal he could get his hands on as a pet throughout his childhood.

After attending Florida International University in Miami and the University of South Florida in Tampa, Alex worked behind the scenes on concert tours, TV specials, and large public events around North America and Europe. He eventually settled down in Florida and became the staff planner for an aviation company that provided airlift support for the US government in austere environments.

In 2014, Alex made it full circle back to his love for the care and treatment of animals, when he took a manager position with a group of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals in the Chicago area. Alex moved back to Tampa in 2015 to be closer to family. He has been a veterinary hospital manager in the Tampa area since 2015 and he is excited to call Westshore Animal Hospital home. His own family includes his wife Alexis, three sons, Leo, Henry and Everett, a pug-mix dog named Kiki Supermodel, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog named Kevin, and several Diamondback Terrapin turtles.

Holly

CVT, Lead Technician

Born and raised in sunny Tampa, Holly has been surrounded by animals for as long as she can remember. She got her start in veterinary medicine at just 18 and never looked back — combining her love of animals with a deep interest in medical care.
A proud graduate of Hillsborough Community College’s Veterinary Technician program (and scholarship recipient for academic excellence!), Holly became a credentialed technician in 2020. She’s especially passionate about the human-animal bond and loves helping clients feel confident and informed about their pet’s health.

Outside the clinic, Holly enjoys sewing, kayaking, curling up with a good book, and discovering the joys of parenthood alongside her husband and baby girl. Life at home is full of laughter, little adventures, and the happy chaos that comes with Toast the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Emma

Technician

Emma attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Biology in 2021. She volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center during that time and cared for a variety of Florida native animals, including raccoons, opossums, squirrels, tortoises, and foxes. After graduating, she worked as a small animal surgery and ER Assistant for 2 years before joining the Westshore Animal Hospital team. Emma loves rabbits; she used to raise and show her own at the Florida State Fair. During her free time she enjoys reading a book with her two cats, Miso and Saki and spending time with her husband.

Chloe

Technician

Chloe attended the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She completed two wildlife rehabilitation internships in Oregon, one of which allowed her to meet the Irwin Family (Terri Irwin is friends with the owner)! Chloe’s goals include returning to school to become a certified veterinary technician (CVT) and expanding her family. In her free time, she enjoys attending music festivals/concerts, going on hikes, camping, and playing sports like tennis and pickleball. Chloe and her husband share their life with two dogs – Jonah, an 11 (almost 12) year old Goldendoodle and Koda, a 7 year old Mixed Breed.

Sarah

Technician

Sarah has been a veterinary technician since 2020 yet her journey with animals began long before that. At just 11 years old she spent summers helping her dad at his aquarium store learning to care for a variety of saltwater and freshwater animals, reptiles and amphibians. She then continued that effort with volunteering at the Humane society until she got her first position in 2020 as a veterinary technician. She has a strong focus on client education with her own personal goal to become a certified veterinary technician. Sarah treats any pet as her own. She has a pet rabbit, Moose, who is a spoiled rotten Netherland Dwarf! In her free time she enjoys skateboarding, gardening, beach days and is a local humanitarian volunteer.

Megan

Technician

Originally from South Carolina, Megan is one of our resident cat whisperers — especially when it comes to the tiniest, sneeziest, most high-maintenance foster kittens (her favorite kind). With a background in shelter medicine and a heart set on vet school, she brings compassion, quick thinking, and a soft spot for underdogs (and undercats) to the team.

At home, she shares life with her husband Grant and a lively crew of animals. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find Megan on the water — kayaking, boating, or out on her annual scalloping adventure, which she looks forward to all year. Fun fact: she also has a degree in marine science… which doesn’t help much in the exam room, but it does make her excellent at fish facts.

Madi

Technician

Madi first came to us as a client with her hilariously needy dog, August — and we liked her so much, we kind of recruited her. (Okay, Dr. de Gale may have made a shameless plug or two.) Fast forward, and now Madi’s a vital part of our team, bringing a perfect mix of goofy charm and serious technical skills to every shift.

With her signature red hair and infectious energy, Madi keeps the clinic lively — but don’t let the silliness fool you. She’s detail-oriented, quick on her feet, and has a real talent for connecting with both pets and people. At home, she’s surrounded by a small pack of furry companions (including the one and only August), and she’s gearing up to start veterinary technician school to become a certified CVT.

Outside of work, you can usually find her playing video games with her fiancé Kevin, going on walks with her dog August, spending time with her two cats Biscuit and Mochi, dancing at music festivals, or getting lost in a good book.

Racine

Technician

Racine is our adventure-loving animal whisperer who’s just as comfortable zipping down a mountain bike trail as she is snuggling a kitten. The youngest of five (with a twin brother, no less), she brings warmth, energy, and a big-sister heart to every pet she cares for.

At home, she has two cats of her own and a rotating cast of foster kittens — the fluffier and needier, the better. When she’s not at the clinic, Racine is often pet-sitting, so if your furry friend needs some company while you’re away, she’s your gal.

She truly loves what she does and feels grateful every day to work where her passion meets purpose.

Preston

CVT, CVPM

Preston brings years of experience, a calm presence, and just the right amount of dry humor to the front desk. A Certified Veterinary Technician since 2004 and a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), she began her career in cat-exclusive practices and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2015.

Though she’s worked in nearly every role within a veterinary clinic, Preston now enjoys being the welcoming face that helps clients and their pets feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. Her attention to detail, deep love for animals big and small, and warm smile make her a perfect fit for the front lines of client care.

Jeanette

CVT

Bio Coming Soon!

Aria

Technician

With years of hands-on experience and a steady presence in the clinic, Aria is one of those technicians who makes even the busiest days feel more manageable. She has a special love for surgery and thrives in the fast-paced world of procedures, monitoring, and helping patients recover comfortably and safely.

Outside of the hospital, Aria’s talent with animals continues – she’s also a professional groomer, which means she’s equal parts medical-minded and detail-obsessed (in the best way). Whether she’s assisting in surgery or sending a pet home looking and feeling their best, Aria brings skill, patience, and a deep respect for every animal she cares for.

Josh

Technician

Josh is the definition of calm under pressure—the kind of technician you want by your side when things get hectic. He works with our team as well as at a local emergency hospital, giving him broad experience and a cool, confident approach to every patient and situation.

Born and raised in New York, Josh is a city kid who’s fully embraced Florida’s sunshine and wilderness. Thoughtful, steady, and dependable, he has a way of staying collected that helps both pets and people feel at ease. Whether it’s a routine visit or an urgent case, he brings a quiet competence that makes a real difference behind the scenes—and in the exam room.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys exploring new beaches and trails with his partner and their three pets: a high-energy Dutch Shepherd, a calm and sweet “princess” pit bull, and a very spoiled cat. When he’s not outdoors, you’ll likely find him unwinding with arcade games.

Kaity

Technician

Bio coming soon!

Em

Veterinary Assistant

A proud University of Tampa grad with a degree in Public Health, Em brings a big heart and even bigger love for animals to the clinic every day. Whether she’s assisting with checkups or sneaking extra cuddles with a pet, her passion for healthcare shines through.

At home, she’s kept on her toes by her sweet and curious cat Nora and her two spirited guinea pigs, Gus and Tito. Next up? Nursing school! Until then, she’s loving every moment helping pets (and their people) stay happy and healthy.

Bre

Veterinary Assistant

Bre is newer to the veterinary field, but you’d never guess it by the way she jumps in with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help. Always cheerful and ready for whatever the day brings, she’s quickly become one of those bright, positive presences that makes the clinic feel welcoming.

Born and raised in Florida, she has grown up with cats her entire life and currently shares her home with three. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida and has always known she wanted to build a career working with animals. In 2022, she began volunteering with animal hospitals and the Humane Society, gaining hands-on experience while deepening her commitment to animal care. Her long-term goal is to earn her veterinary technician license and eventually work in wildlife rehabilitation.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, visiting Disney with her boyfriend, doing puzzles, listening to vinyl on her record player, crafting, and exploring new creative projects.

Jenesis

 Lead Client Service Representative 

If you’ve called or walked through our doors, chances are you’ve already met Jenesis — and probably left smiling. With years of experience in fast-paced, high-pressure environments (think vet clinics, airports, and even roller coasters), she brings a calm, capable energy to our front desk and keeps everything running smoothly with style.

Jenesis is bilingual in English and Spanish, endlessly organized, and has a natural talent for making clients feel heard, helped, and at home. Whether she’s training new team members, managing a packed schedule, or juggling a multi-line phone system without breaking a sweat, she does it all with positivity and professionalism.

She’s the heartbeat of our front desk — and a big part of what makes the clinic feel warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive.

Gigi

Client Service Representative

Bio Coming Soon!

Haley

Client Service Representative

Bio coming soon!