We are extremely proud of our dedicated team. We hire only the best and most capable employees to become a part of our team here at Paws and Prairie Animal Clinic. Our team is filled with highly dedicated animal lovers who are well trained at their jobs. They will do anything possible for their patients and the owners who love them.
Learning and education are very important here at Paws and Prairie Animal Clinic. We strive to have a progressive clinic with a staff trained in the advanced veterinary medical and surgical services. Our patients deserve the very best veterinary care.
Basically, our team is full of compassionate individuals. We make it a goal to treat each patient like their own. We are prepared to discuss preventative medicine so that every pet can stay as healthy as possible. And in times of urgency, we will take the time needed to aid your and your pet along a treatment plan to care for your pet. They will also do everything that they can to make a sick pet feel better as soon as possible.
If you would like to speak to someone on our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (218) 631-5826.
Dr. Chrissy Krell
DVM/Practice Owner
Dr. Chrissy grew up in the Wadena area. After high school she attended the University of Minnesota Crookston where she achieved her Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Studied Pre-Veterinary Science. After Crookston she went on to attend Vet School at the University of Missouri Columbia. Dr. Chrissy’s favorite animals are cats, camels, horses, dogs, and baby calves. She has 6 horses, 2 dogs, 5 cats, and 20,000 bees all of her own! In her spare time she enjoys learning about bees & beekeeping, viticulture & wine making and watching her kids play sports and extracurriculars. Dr. Krell’s favorite part about veterinary medicine is building relationships with clients, working with her wonderful team to help animals in need, and working with ultrasound and dental procedures. Dr. Chrissy started practicing in the Wadena area in 2012.
Dr. Melissa Hensel
DVM
Dr. Hensel grew up in Frazee, MN. She went to North Dakota State University and studied pre-veterinary science. From there Dr. Hensel went on to Ross University in Saint Kitts to obtain her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree. She says that she doesn’t have just one favorite animal because they’re all too great to choose from. Dr. Hensel has several animals of her own including horses, dogs, donkeys, cats, a sheep, and chickens! Her favorite hobby to do in her spare time is riding and showing her horses. Her favorite part about veterinary medicine is performing surgeries. Dr. Hensel joined the Paws & Prairie team in August of 2021.
Kellie D.
Office Manager
Kellie grew up in Crookston, MN and attended school in Crookston. Kellie has been working in the customer service and veterinary industry for over 12 years. Kellie’s favorite animals are dogs, dolphins, whales, and horses. In her spare time she likes to go fishing, spend time outdoors, and play video games. She has 1 super cute French Bulldog of her own named Truffles. Kellie’s favorite part of veterinary medicine is seeing all of the cute animals, especially the puppies and kittens for their first wellness visits. Kellie joined the Paws & Prairie team in December of 2020.
Shaniah J.
Veterinary Technician
Shaniah grew up in Sebeka, MN. She attended school in Sebeka and then after high school moved on to Globe University in Moorhead, MN, where she obtained her degree in Veterinary Technology. Shaniah’s favorite animals are Alpacas/Llamas, Monkeys, and Elephants. She has two border collie dogs and two cats of her own. In her spare time she enjoys shopping at Target and being the best mom to her two boys. Her favorite thing about veterinary medicine is communicating with clients to ensure their pet gets the best care possible. Shaniah joined the Paws & Prairie team in July of 2016.
Abby K.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Abby is from the area and grew up in Wadena/Verndale. After high school Abby went on to attend Ridgewater College where she obtained her Veterinary Technology degree. Her favorite animals are dogs. Abby has two of her own Labrador retrievers, Cooper and Larry. In her spare time she enjoys crafting at home and hanging out with family and friends. Abby’s favorite thing about veterinary medicine is meeting with patients and their families and helping with any medical work-ups. Abby joined the Paws & Prairie team in October of 2019.
Ally F.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Ally is from Cavalier, ND. After high school she went on to attend North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. Her favorite animals are horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, and goats. Ally has several pets of her own, including 3 horses, 2 dogs, 2 inside cats and several barn cats. In her spare time she enjoys crafting, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with family and friends. Ally’s favorite thing about veterinary medicine is surgery, wellness care, and emergency medicine. Ally joined the Paws & Prairie team in September of 2021.
Alissa B.
Receptionist/Vet Assistant
Alissa grew up in Park Rapids, MN where she attended high school. Alissa has been working in the veterinary field since 2008. Alissa is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program with Penn Foster. Alissa’s favorite animals are dogs and deer. She has three Australian Shepherds named Vern, Emmitt, and Cooper. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, and shed hunting. Alissa’s favorite part about veterinary medicine is success stories from patients who have been very ill and taking and viewing radiographs. Alissa joined the Paws & Prairie team in June of 2020.
Lily R.
Receptionist/Vet Assistant
Lily grew up in Verndale, MN. She attended high school in Wadena. Lily plans to attend University of Minnesota Crookston for pre-vet and then wants to attend vet school. Lily’s favorite animals are cats, goats, turtles, horses, and dogs. Lily has several animals of her own including 5 horses, 2 dogs, 1 goat, and 1 cat. In her spare time she likes to ride her horses and run with her dog. Lily’s favorite part about veterinary medicine is helping with treatments so animals feel better. Lily joined the Paws & Prairie team in August of 2021.
Maggie C.
Receptionist/Vet Assistant
Maggie grew up in Henning, MN. She graduated from North Dakota State University in December of 2022 with her degree in Animal Science. Maggie has applied to veterinary school and is awaiting her interviews. Her favorite animals are dairy cows, cats, and pallas cats. Maggie has several animals of her own including dairy cows, some barn kitties, and a house cat named Patches. In her spare time she enjoys sewing and outdoor activities. Maggie’s favorite part of veterinary medicine is how unique each day can be and all of the different animals we get to see. Maggie re-joined our team January 2023.