Dr. Penny Dowden
Dr. Penny Dowden knew she wanted to be a veterinarian long before she could spell “veterinarian”. She realized her dream when she graduated from Purdue’s school of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. After working at various small animal veterinary hospitals in New York and Chicago, Dr. Dowden joined the Paw Patch team in 1993 as an associate veterinarian. After serving many successful years on staff, Dr. Dowden was offered the opportunity to purchase the Paw Patch. Doing just that, she purchased the clinic in February of 2009 and soon after renamed the clinic The Paw Patch Place. Dr. Dowden prides herself on being an open, caring veterinarian with a broad spectrum of knowledge. Already practicing conventional veterinary medicine along with surgery, she decided to introduce clients and patients to a special interest of hers, alternative holistic veterinary medicine. With Dr. Dowden the “do no harm” oath is always at the forefront of choosing the best treatment option, along with nutritional counseling and pet wellness. Her core belief is to provide quality veterinary care consistent with clients and patients needs. Dr. Dowden lives with her husband (Patrick), dog (Scooby), two rescued cats (Bugger & Bitty), as well as many chickens. When not treating pets Dr. Dowden likes to go hiking, play tennis or just read a good book.
Dr. Kayla Woodlock
Dr. Kayla Woodlock graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from upstate New York, Dr. Woodlock attended the University of Notre Dame for undergraduate school and is excited to return to the mid west. An avid cat-lover, Dr. Woodlock had dreamed of being a veterinarian from a young age. When she discovered Fear Free, she knew she wanted to join a practice that strongly incorporated its priorities of both physical and emotional well-being. She enjoys being the first person you can go to with any of your pet concerns, and has special interest in behavior, internal medicine, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Woodlock currently lives with two cats, Lola and Pigeon. In her free time she enjoys cooking, embroidery, and watching Notre Dame football games.
