About Our Coon Rapids Vet Hospital
Providing Care for Your Trusted Companions
At WellHaven Pet Health Coon Rapids, we firmly believe in the power of compassionate care for your cherished pet family members. Our unwavering mission is to deliver exceptional veterinary services with an unparalleled personal touch, ensuring the highest quality of care for your beloved companions.
Get to know our clinic!
We’ve put our heart and soul into every inch of our clinic. We work hard to ensure that every single visit is met with smiling faces and a clean and calm environment.
Meet Our Principal Doctor
Jennifer Melling, DVM
She’s a University of MN Veterinary School alum, but her love of animals goes back to her first job as a kennel assistant. Today, when she’s not building relationship with her patients, you can find her tending her garden and boating with her family.
Meet Our Team
Sarah Marx, DVM
Associate Doctor
Dr. Marx started her career as a veterinary assistant in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (yes; this means she is a true cheese head Packer fan), before moving to Minnesota in 2008 to complete her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. Since graduating in 2012, she has spent the past years as a small animal veterinarian in Coon Rapids with a large interest in internal medicine and preventative care. Dr. Marx is known for her soft spot for the misunderstood aggressive animals and bully breeds. Her time away from the clinic is spent with her husband and daughter, boating on the lake, traveling, and spending time playing with her pets – Mylo (Pit Bull mix), Brodie (Pit Bull mix), and her two cats: Ty and Tess.
Jessica Nelson, DVM
Associate Doctor
Dr. Nelson attended St Olaf College for her undergraduate degree and later received her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. She and her husband reside in Maple Grove and stay busy with their 3 young children and 2 geriatric dogs. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her family.
Her professional interests include surgery, dentistry, and dermatology. Additionally, she has a special interest in supporting families through the quality of life decisions.
Dr. Nelson is ecstatic to be working in her hometown of Maple Grove and providing compassionate care to her fellow residents and their beloved pets in the surrounding area.
Liz Pepin, DVM
Associate Doctor
Dr. Liz Pepin was born in Brooklyn Park, MN and has lived throughout the upper Midwest since, including Iowa and the Dakotas. She is a graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and has been a small animal and exotic/pocket pet general practitioner in Minnesota since graduating in 2016. Her professional interests include ophthalmology and preventative medicine. She is married with 3 cats, 3 dogs and a flock of backyard chickens. Her hobbies include gardening and native landscaping, spending time outdoors with her family and traveling with friends.
Dr. Nelson is ecstatic to be working in her hometown of Maple Grove and providing compassionate care to her fellow residents and their beloved pets in the surrounding area.
Ashley Hansmann
Practice Manager
Ashley has been a Certified Veterinary Technician since graduating from the Minnesota School of Business in 2010. She has over 10 years of experience as a technician and has now changed her career direction to Practice Manger. She is currently enrolled in classes to obtain her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager degree. She enjoys her role as Practice Manager but also enjoys being able to step into the role of technician. She has had a passion for animal health for as long as she can remember and has always known she belongs in a veterinary clinic.
When she is not at the clinic, she enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with her two dogs Bubba (Pit Bull) and Finnegan (a crazy and very needy Puggle).
Lisa N.
Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician
Kim S.
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Hunter H-L.
Veterinary Assistant
Taylor S.
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Casey C.
Veterinary Assistant
Olivia B.
Veterinary Assistant
Abby J.
Veterinary Assistant
Lien D.
Lead Receptionist
Julia F.
Receptionist
Hannah S.
Receptionist
Meghan P.
Lead Kennel Assistant
Audrey L.
Kennel Assistant
Kenzie K.
Kennel Assistant
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How Does Early Detection During an Annual Exam Actually Change Treatment Outcomes?
Catching a condition in its early stage often means simpler treatment options and a better long-term prognosis compared to diagnosing the same issue after it has progressed.
What's Actually Reviewed in a Comprehensive Pet Health Assessment?
The assessment covers a nose-to-tail physical exam, weight and body condition, dental health, and a conversation about your pet's diet and daily activity level.
Is There Anything I Should Do to Prepare My Pet the Morning of Their Annual Exam?
Keep your pet's normal routine, bring a list of any recent changes you've noticed, and avoid introducing new food right before the visit so results reflect their typical baseline.
How Do Seasonal Pests Affect Annual Exam Recommendations in Coon Rapids?
Warmer months bring a noticeable rise in tick and mosquito activity across the Coon Rapids area, so your veterinarian may advise seasonal parasite prevention when reviewing your pet's care plan during their annual exam.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Wellness Exams in Coon Rapids, MN?
Most standard pet insurance policies cover accidents and illness rather than preventive visits like annual wellness exams. If your provider offers a wellness add-on, it may help with exam costs, so check your coverage or ask our Coon Rapids team what to expect before scheduling.
