Meet the Vet For Pet Animal Hospital Veterinary Team

Behind every exam, surgery, and late-night emergency call is a team that genuinely cares about getting it right. Our veterinarians and support staff bring years of hands-on experience to every visit, whether you’re in for a routine wellness check or something more urgent.

Dr. Ahmad N. Ali

DVM, MS, PhD

Providing Quality Pet Care Since 2014

Dr. Ali founded Vet for Pet with the hope of creating a place where clients could find accessible, state-of-the-art care for their four-legged companions.

This dream came to fruition in 2014 with the establishment of Vet for Pet Animal Hospital. After becoming a veterinarian in 1985, Dr. Ali remained engaged in research on animal viruses to better understand — and uncover — mechanisms by which organisms cause diseases.

He obtained his PhD degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology from the University of Florida in 1994, and did his post-doctoral research at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Ali is licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine and is an accredited Veterinarian by the USDA in the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts, board-eligible for American College of Veterinary Microbiology, a fellow of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Philip Casale

DVM

Dr. Philip Casale was born and raised in New Jersey. In 2007 he graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. In 2013, Dr. Casale earned his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University, where he graduated with honors. Before joining the team at Vet for Pet, Dr. Casale worked in other small animal practices in New Jersey and Connecticut.

In practice, Dr. Casale focuses on preventive care in all life stages and dermatology. Dr. Casale and his wife live outside of Hartford, Connecticut. His interests outside of work include sports, traveling, and spending time with his family and rescue dog, Miles.

Dr. Tariq Bajwa

DVM

We are excited to welcome Dr. Tariq Bajwa join our hospital. He brings with him over a decade of medical and surgical experience. His full bio will be updated soon!

Dr. Veronica C. Anderson

DVM

Dr. V, a Connecticut native, graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. She recently graduated from Long Island University, completing a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. V really loves the ‘family medicine’ aspect of preventative care and enjoys helping pet parents understand their fur baby’s health and care.

She is excited to work alongside her mentors Dr. Ali and Dr. Casale, as well as her close friend and fellow LIU graduate Dr. Maeso.

In her free time, Dr. V enjoys casual hiking, reading, and spending time with her cat, Mouse, whose favorite hobby is parkour.

Dr. Erin Anderson

DVM

Dr. Anderson has joined our team as a surgeon, she has over 2 decades of experience in the field as an emergency veterinarian. Her work is admired by her colleagues and clients alike.

Choosing who cares for your pet matters, and we take that responsibility seriously. Every member of our team, from our lead veterinarians to our technicians and front desk staff, is trained to treat your pet with the same patience and attentiveness we’d want for our own animals.

Experienced Veterinarians You Can Trust

Our doctors bring a range of specialties and years of clinical experience to Vet For Pet Animal Hospital, covering everything from routine wellness exams to complex orthopedic surgery and emergency veterinary care. We stay current on the latest advances in veterinary medicine so your pet benefits from modern, evidence-based treatment at every visit.

A Team Approach to Every Case

No single person handles a case alone. Our veterinarians work closely with our technicians and support staff to make sure nothing gets missed, whether that’s a subtle change noted during a senior wellness exam or a detail that shapes a dental treatment plan. This collaborative approach means more eyes on your pet’s health and fewer things slipping through the cracks.

Continuing Education Is Built Into Our Culture

Veterinary medicine changes constantly, and we make sure our team keeps pace. From new diagnostic technology to updated surgical techniques and pain management protocols like CTX laser therapy, our staff regularly trains on the latest developments so your pet gets care that reflects current best practices, not outdated habits.

Get to Know the People Caring for Your Pet

We know it helps to see a familiar, trusted face when you walk through our doors. Below you’ll find our veterinary team, each bringing their own background and areas of focus to Vet For Pet Animal Hospital. Whatever your pet needs, from microchipping to nutritional counseling to spay and neuter surgery, our team is ready to help.

Visit us in East Hartford or Hamden, or browse our full list of veterinary services to see how we can support your pet’s health. New to our practice? Check out our new client information to get started.

Hashim Ali

Business Development Manager

Hashim is a recent graduate of Trinity College, and the Business Development Manager for Vet For Pet Animal Hospital. He is the son of Dr. Ali, and has seen Vet for Pet grow over the last 10 years. Hashim has taken the lead on many different initiatives to help continue growth and increase efficiency across the hospital, such as introducing a new practice management system and establishing externships with veterinary schools like UPenn, Cornell, and Tufts. He hopes to help carry on his father’s legacy in providing high quality care to the animals of the community.

Amanda ‎

Veterinary/Surgical Technician

Amanda’s first language is Feline, second language is Canine, and third language is American English. Her passion for veterinary medicine began at birth, and she started her first official work in the field at the age of 15 by cleaning cages and caring for patients. She has a degree in Psychology/Biology and began working as a Veterinary Technician right after finishing school. Over the past 20 years in the field, Amanda has worked with many rescue groups and specializes in hand-raising orphans of all species. She shares her home with her children and multiple rescue and foster animals.

John

Lead Veterinary Assistant

John comes to us from New Hampshire where he graduated from Becker College with a degree in Small Animal Care. He spent 7 years as a Veterinary Assistant/Technician before relocating to Connecticut and changing his career path. It didn’t take long for him to realize his heart was still firmly connected with the Veterinary world, and, lucky for us, he joined our team to fulfill his desire to work with animals again. John has quickly become a valued member of our team and his previous experience, empathy and compassion shines through daily. Along with his spouse, John shares his home with three dogs, two lizards, and a cat.

Angel ‎

Veterinary Assistant

Angel started with Vet for Pet as a Customer Service Representative and now works as a Veterinary Assistant. Angel attends Connecticut Community College working toward a Sonography Degree with the goal of becoming an Ultrasound Technician. She loves all animals but has an exceptional fondness for Corgi’s. Angel can always be found with her soft and calming voice making our clients and patients feel comfortable. Her dogs Sekani, Aponi and Revolver are not her pets – they are her four legged brothers and sister!

Theo ‎

Veterinary Assistant

Theo is a Veterinary Assistant who has been with us since Spring 2024. They have a lifelong love for reptiles and cats. With nearly 3 years of experience in the veterinary world, they’re dedicated to working with and caring for pets, turning their childhood passion into a fulfilling career.

Kevin

Veterinary Assistant

Kevin is a student at the University of Connecticut studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration on Tissue Engineering. He is an aspiring vet med student and came to Vet for Pet initially shadowing as an intern, but he eventually found a place for himself as one of our Veterinary Assistants! He has always had a passion for animals and wants to pursue his own DVM in the future after obtaining his bachelor’s degree.

Ginger

Customer Service Representative

Ginger came to Vet for Pet in the fall of 2024 after over two decades in both retail customer service and retail management. She has a lifelong love of animals, especially cats. While dedicating 3 years to cat rescue she, as an adoption counselor, helped to place many fantastic felines into their forever homes. She is mom to 4 awesome rescue cats – Apple, Olivia, Daisy & Pepper. Ginger is also the proud aunt to her niece Dahlia and nephew Colin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Veterinary Team

How many veterinarians work at Vet For Pet Animal Hospital?

Our team includes multiple experienced veterinarians across our East Hartford and Hamden locations, each bringing their own clinical focus and experience to patient care.

Can I request a specific veterinarian for my pet’s appointment?

Yes. If your pet has an established relationship with a particular doctor, let our front desk know when scheduling and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Do your veterinarians handle both routine visits and surgery?

Yes, our veterinarians are trained to manage everything from wellness exams to surgical procedures, so your pet can often receive comprehensive care from a team they already know.

What kind of ongoing training does your staff receive?

Our team regularly participates in continuing education on new diagnostic tools, surgical techniques, and treatment protocols to stay current with veterinary medicine.

Will the same team see my pet at every visit?

While schedules vary, we prioritize continuity of care so your pet is seen by familiar staff whenever possible, especially for ongoing or chronic conditions.

Are your veterinary technicians licensed?

Our support staff and technicians are trained and experienced in assisting with exams, diagnostics, and procedures under the direct supervision of our veterinarians.

How do I schedule a visit with your team?

Call us at (860) 519-1519 - East Hartford or (860) 519-1519 - Hamden or use our online scheduling tools to book an appointment at either our East Hartford or Hamden location.

Meet the Team That Will Care for Your Pet

Schedule a visit with our experienced veterinary team today and see the difference attentive, knowledgeable care makes for your pet’s health.

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