About Us

Our Team

Our Veterinarians

Meet our dedicated team of compassionate veterinarians committed to delivering exceptional care for your furry companions. Our experts bring expertise, passion, and personalized attention to ensure the health and happiness of your beloved pets.

FullSizeRender-1-200x260

Dr. Kirk

Veterinarian

Dr. Kirk is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and has been caring for small animals for over 17 years. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and has experience in both general practice and emergency medicine.

He approaches each case with a balance of clinical experience and practical care, with a focus on helping families feel informed and supported in their pet’s health.

Originally from South Florida, Dr. Kirk enjoys spending time outdoors camping, hiking, and kayaking with his wife, Kelly, and their three children. Their home also includes three cats, two dogs, and two guinea pigs.

IMG_2945

Dr. Nguyen

VETERINARIAN

Dr. Nguyen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Florida in 2000 and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2004. She has practiced in the Florida Panhandle, South Carolina, and Chicago, gaining broad experience in companion animal medicine.

Her approach to care is thoughtful and thorough, with a focus on building trust with both pets and their families. She is committed to providing individualized care and ensuring each patient is treated with patience and attention.

At home, Dr. Nguyen enjoys time with her Pomeranian, Portia, and her terrier mix, Sprite.

DR-T-pic-200x260

Dr. Thivierge

VETERINARIAN

Dr. Thivierge earned his veterinary degree from Ross University in 2004 after completing his undergraduate studies at Auburn University. He has since built his career around compassionate, relationship-centered care for pets and their families.

He is known for his kind, approachable bedside manner and takes great pride in educating clients so they feel confident in the health and well-being of their pets. Dr. Thivierge strongly believes in preventive medicine and the role it plays in helping pets live longer, healthier lives.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Thivierge is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and conservation, particularly of whitetail deer. He enjoys spending time in nature as well as with his wife and their three children. At home, he shares life with his beloved golden retriever, Nemo.

His steady presence, genuine kindness, and commitment to both pets and their families make him a trusted and respected part of the care we provide.

Client & Care Specialists

EAC0EB04-7C57-4634-A793-B6F465C1E775

Liz Arflin

Director of Animal Services

Liz has been working in veterinary medicine for seven years and oversees both medical and auxiliary services across SJB and its affiliate hospitals. Her role bridges clinical operations, client experience, and the growth of expanded services including grooming, boarding, and specialty programs.

She is deeply committed to preventive care and helping families make informed decisions for the long-term health of their pets. If asked for her top advice, Liz emphasizes three key things: consistent heartworm prevention, enrolling in pet insurance while pets are young, and establishing annual baseline lab work early so medical changes can be detected quickly and accurately as pets age.

Outside of the hospital, Liz enjoys fishing in the Intracoastal and in the Florida Keys whenever she can find the time. She spends most of her free hours with her son and their four dogs — Charlie the Airedale, Mayday Fluffernickle the Aussiedoodle, and the Yorkie sisters, Clover Butter Bean and Dolly Funplin’ Dumplin’.

Fun fact: despite working in veterinary medicine, Liz is allergic to cats — and several dog breeds — but a steady supply of antihistamines keeps her going.

651653088_953698367169508_3946540240508396137_n

Parish Staley

Practice Manager

Parish has been in veterinary medicine for approximately six to seven years and serves as our Practice Manager. She oversees daily hospital operations, supports team coordination, and ensures that both clients and patients experience a smooth, organized, and welcoming environment.

She is passionate about creating efficient systems while maintaining a positive and supportive workplace culture. Her attention to detail and steady leadership help keep the hospital running seamlessly.

Outside of work, Parish enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Jeremy, and their beloved dog, Moxie. A devoted Boston Red Sox fan, she and Jeremy love traveling to Boston whenever they can to catch a game and explore the city together.

Reviews

What Clients Say

Download Our Free Pet Portal Mobile App!

We're excited to announce that we now have a pet portal mobile app! With the PetCare by DaySmart Vet mobile app, you can easily:
• Book, confirm, or cancel appointments
• Pay for appointment deposits and invoices
• Quickly access pet vitals and medical records
To get started, simply download the PetCare app for iPhone or Android, create an account, and select "SJB Animal Care Center" as your veterinarian within the app. It's that simple!

At SJB Animal Care Center, we take pride in delivering personalized, compassionate care to our patients and their guardians in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sat Open on Select Saturdays
Sun Closed

Closed every day from 12:45-1:45 pm for lunch.