Tracy Paukette, DVM
Practice Owner
Dr. Paukette earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Michigan State University in 1998.
Since 2018 her focus has been on animal behavior and stress free handling in the veterinary environment. Dr. Paukette is co-owner of Reactive Care Consultants. A service designed to teach veterinary staff how to safely and respectfully care for high stress patients. She also founded the Reactive Wellness Care referral service. She believes that as a veterinarian it is her obligation to respect animals by listening to their body language and providing them with the handling, time and environment that they need and deserve. An important aspect of care for her patients is a devotion to providing a safe space for their owners to discuss and understand their pets medical and behavioral needs. Dr. Paukette is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners (WMASAP), The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) a member of the Fear Free Advisory Board and part of the Fear Free Speakers Bureau.
Michelle
LVT (Surgical)
Michelle started her journey with veterinary medicine in 2000 at the Animal Emergency Hospital after graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She then went back to school to earn her Veterinary Technician license in 2013 from Baker College in Muskegon, afterwards deciding to make the change to preventative medicine. In total she has worked 14 years in emergency medicine, and 12 years in general practice.
Currently, Michelle splits her time between 3 different practices- as a licensed veterinary technician in a private practice, a hospice and palliative care technician for a home euthanasia practice, and a surgical technician for Reactive Referral Center.
Michelle has many loves in veterinary medicine, but none that compares to surgery, especially dentistry. “Few things have as much impact on a pet’s health as a clean mouth. It’s so rewarding to help a pet with a painful mouth feel better and have a better quality of life.”
She is also passionate about patient advocacy, palliative care, senior care, nutrition and her goal in life is to never EVER stop learning.
Rachael VanDyke
LVT, KPA-CTP
Rachael graduated from Baker College in 2011 with an associate of applied science in veterinary technology. She has spent the last 8 years with a focus on behavior, low stress handling and cooperative veterinary care.
Rachael also graduated from Karen Pryor academy as a certified training professional. She provides cooperative care training for our patients.
Rachael is one of the only trainers in west Michigan to provide feline consultation through A Cat’s Life GR. She focuses on common cat issues such as inter cat aggression, inappropriate urination and destructive behaviors.
Here’s what Rachael has to say about the reactive wellness care we provide:
“What I love about reactive wellness care is that it requires you to think outside the box. There is no set protocol. Each patient must be treated as an individual. What works for one animal, may not work for another. When I’m with a patient they get my full attention. I listen to their body language and we work together to find what works best for that animal. Every animal deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Even our reactive patients are worthy of this.”
Anne Conner
Patient Care Coordinator
Anne graduated from Michigan State University in 2005 with a Bachelors of Science degree. She has worked in veterinary medicine for the past 18 years as a patient care coordinator. Anne takes a special interest in making sure a patient's visit goes smoothly from the owner’s initial phone call all the way through to a successful visit at the clinic.