Family Vet Care Center Puts Pets First
It’s vital to put your pet’s care into hands you can trust. At Family Vet Care Center, our founder and lead veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Della Penna, personally cultivated an office policy of prioritizing our patient’s care above all else. We value every one of our pet-parents, and work closely with them to ensure we’re treating their furbaby with the best medical attention possible. Behind our quality treatment is a team of experienced and dedicated veterinary professionals. Valuing field experience, continuing education, and exceptional customer service, the staff at Family Vet Care Center supports our doctors for seamless and efficient patient treatment. Taking every step possible, it’s our mission to stay Pittsburgh’s most trusted and reliable veterinary care center.
Our Doctors
Amanda Della Penna, DVM, Owner
Starting her education with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bethany College, Dr. Amanda Della Penna then attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in the Pittsburgh area for most of her career. Starting Family Vet Care Center was her long-term dream, and she couldn’t be happier it is now a reality.
Having spent the majority of her career in emergency medicine, it is Dr. Della Penna’s goal to bring the high level of skill and care she gained in the ER to her private practice, benefitting your pets on a daily basis.
Dr. Della Penna’s special interests include surgery, emergency medicine, point-of-care ultrasound, and preventative medicine. In her free time, Dr. Della Penna enjoys snowboarding, spending time in nature, and watching Pittsburgh Penguins hockey and The Ohio State Buckeyes football team. She has two cats and three rats at home.
Nicole Hladio, DVM
Dr. Hladio studied biology at the University of Notre Dame and veterinary medicine at North Carolina State University. She has spent her career working in both emergency medicine and general practice. With years of exploring a variety of medical specialties, she is especially interested in ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery, and emergency medicine. Dr. Hladio’s favorite place to be is the beach with sand beneath her toes and waves crashing on the shore. She has one dog and three cats at home.
Madeline Leidy, DVM
Dr. Leidy attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. From there, she completed an internship out west in Arizona. Her career has been a combination of both emergency medicine and general practice. After years of practicing, Dr. Leidy is especially interested in emergency medicine, preventative care, and client education. In her free time, she enjoys boating, staying active, and antique shopping. She has three dogs and five cats at home.
Jessica Trail, VMD
Dr. Trail received a degree in Animal Science from Penn State University in 2010. After working at the University of Pittsburgh for a year, Dr. Trail moved to Philadelphia to attend veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated vet school in 2015, and then went on to complete a year-long rotating small animal internship at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Services in Walpole, MA. Since returning to Pittsburgh in 2016, she has worked in a variety of small animal general and emergency practices. She lives with her Golden Retriever, Pacer, and her cat, Sgt. Tibbs. Her hobbies include hiking, knitting, and reading. She also competes with her Golden Retriever in Rally and Obedience.
Our Staff
Hunter
Hunter is our Hospital Administrator. She is also a certified veterinary technician. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2019 and started her career in emergency and specialty medicine. Hunter enjoys reading, tending to her houseplant collection, and collecting all things Halloween related. She and her boyfriend are the parents of two dogs.
Tyler
Tyler is our Director of Medical Services. He is also a certified veterinary technician. Tyler has been working in the field for 21 years with experience in both emergency medicine and general practice. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, woodworking, and anything racing-related. Tyler and his fiancée are the parents of two dogs and a cat.
Alex
Alex is one of our certified veterinary technicians. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute seven years ago and started off her career in emergency medicine. Alex is happy to expand her skills in general practice. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, crafting, and coffee. She and her fiancée are the parents of two dogs and a cat.
Ashley
Ashley is one of our patient care coordinators. Ensuring there’s an open line of communication between pet-parents and our providers, Ashley’s main priority is meeting our patients’ needs. She is currently working on becoming a teacher. When she’s not working, Ashley enjoys reading, writing, and learning.
Becca
Becca is one of our licensed veterinary technicians. She grew up in Butler, PA and currently resides in Canonsburg with her boyfriend, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a couple reptiles! Becca graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2015 and has spent many years in emergency medicine, but is excited to be back in general practice where she gets to watch all of your fur babies grow up! In her free time, you’ll find her spending time with friends and family, attending concerts/sporting events, shopping, or lounging by the pool!
Brittany
Brittany is one of our licensed veterinary technicians. Originally from Beaver County, she graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2016. Being a certified vet tech for 6 years, she worked mostly in general practice but has some experience with emergency and large animal practice. Brittany currently lives with her 2 dogs, Jake and Steve Rogers, and her cat, Spencer. Outside of work Brittany enjoys reading and shopping at thrift stores/yard sales on the weekends. She has also recently taken an interest in plants, becoming a plant mom.
Cait
Cait is one of our kennel assistants. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, road trips, and shopping! She recently moved to Whitehall with her Golden Retriever pup, Nacho. Cait plans on finishing her vet tech program and pursuing her career as a veterinary technician!
Cassidy
Cassidy is one of our kennel assistants. She is currently attending the Vet Tech Institute and will graduate later this year. Her goal is to become an experienced vet tech, helping to treat animals of all kind. She loves to hike, hunt, and fish. She is the mom of two dogs and a bunny.
Christa
Christa is our inventory manager, as well as, one of our veterinary technicians. She has been working in the field since 2004 gaining experience in both emergency medicine and general practice. Outside of work, Christa enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family. She and her husband have a family of two children, two dogs, and a cat.
Elena
Elena is one of our patient care coordinators. Her position allows our doctors to do their job, while best treating the patients we serve. Outside of her love for animals, Elena is obsessed with everything Disney and all things spooky. She is the mom of two dogs and a cat.
Emily
Emily is one of our veterinary technicians! She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute this past year and completed her externship here at FVCC. Emily was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Her fur-family consists of a dog and two cats. Her hobbies include coloring, long walks, swimming, and relaxing with her pets.
Erich
Erich is one of our certified veterinary technicians. He graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2008 and has been working in emergency medicine and general practice since. He has a special interest in exotic companion medicine. Along with his wife and daughter, his family consists of many reptiles, cats, and chickens.
Holly
Holly is one of our veterinary technicians. She has been working in the veterinary field for almost 17 years. She enjoys client education and ensuring patients get the best care possible! She has worked in clinics all over the US including Philadelphia, Florida, and Arizona. Holly lives with her husband, twins, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. She loves Star Wars, 80’s movies, scary books, cats, and anything cheese. Outside of work she likes to watch movies, ride ATV’s/four wheelers, and spend time with her family.
Jake
Jake is one of our patient care coordinators. When he’s not building trusting relationships with our clients, he enjoys spending his free time outdoors. Serving as a liaison between our doctors and pet-parents, he’s happy to help keep all of our guests comfortable. Jake is also a loving dog dad to his labradoodle.
Janika
Janika is one of our veterinary technicians. She graduated from Carlow University with a degree in biology in 2021. She enjoys reading, running, and watching horror movies. With goals to continue her education, she was recently accepted to La Roche University. She is the mom of a ferret, turtle, and cat.
Jourdan
Jourdan is one of our patient care coordinators. She just recently left the human medicine world to join the animal medicine world, and she says it’s the best decision she could have made! Outside of work, Jourdan enjoys reading and lounging on the couch with her boyfriend and 2 cats. She just recently had her first baby, Maya Gabrielle!
Kristi
Kristi is one of our patient care coordinators. Providing support for pet-parents, she advocates on our patients’ behalf to the doctors. She enjoys going to sports games, craft shows, and spending time with her family. Along with her husband and kids, she has both a cat and a dog.
Milena
Milena is one of our veterinary technicians. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2018 and started off her career in emergency and specialty medicine. She is the biggest Chick Fil A fan you’ll ever meet, and it’s her go-to for a work-day lunch. Milena is also the mom of her two hound dogs and two cats.
Rachael
Rachael is one of our veterinary technicians. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2019 and has worked in emergency medicine, general practice, and large animal medicine. Her favorite activity outside of work is spending time with her friends and family. She and her husband have a dog, two cats, and a family of ducks.
Shiane
Shiane is one of our kennel assistants. She enjoys fishing, coloring, spending time with her family, and being a dog mom to her Rottweiler mix, Pepper! Shiane’s goal is to become a veterinary technician. Outside of work, Shiane enjoys watching spooky movies and shows on Netflix.