970-368-5059
The Frisco Animal Hospital team of skilled veterinarians welcomes you to our practice. Proudly serving the Frisco and surrounding areas. At Frisco Animal Hospital, it is our daily privilege to provide quality vet care to your cherished pet, with compassion and competence. We hope to ensure a positive impact on our patients, pet owners and the local community.
Dr. Thomas Fatora
I am a 1982 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I started my career in Summit County in 1986 by working for Dr Forrest Cole at Animal Hospital of the High County. This practice was the first to open in Summit County and was located at 7th & Galena in Frisco in a log cabin that had been saved from the old town of Dillon before the town was lost to Lake Dillon reservoir. I purchased the practice from Dr. Cole in 1989. In 1992 I moved the practice out of the little log cabin and into a facility I had built at 7th & Granite St. In 1999 I sold the practice to Dr. Paul Veralli. I was away for a while but over time I found myself back in the practice I sold, working full time for Dr. Veralli. In 2005 the practice was in temporary quarters in the Boardwalk building as the hospital was disassembled, expanded and remodeled and moved to its current location of Frisco Animal Hospital at 700 N Summit Blvd. I have been through this hospital’s various incarnations and have come full circle. Dr. Veralli has left Frisco Animal Hospital and I am back to my role as the managing veterinarian. It feels good to be home. I bring a broad base of experience and skill in clinical practice and surgery to Frisco Animal Hospital. I have a special interest in veterinary dentistry. I find that addressing problems in the pet’s mouth can make a huge difference in their well being and quality of life yet so often these problems go undetected, hidden in the mouth. I also have strong interests in orthopedic surgery and dermatology. I am currently working on computerized medical records and digital imaging as a way to help educate and inform clients. I think this helps bring the clients into the decision making process of what is best for them and their pet. I am married to Louanne and we have three sons. My oldest son, Luke, is currently at college pursuing a career in violin performance. Aaron and Sean are in Summit High School. I keep it all together by spinning my wheels of my road bike under me as I commute to work. I will ride as much as the Summit County seasons will safely allow. I ride the local trails on my mountain bike when I can. When the snow has covered the bike trails you may find me on my Nordic skis either skating or classic skiing on the groomed trails or off the beaten bath. I also love to get on my Tele skis and rip, float and fly.
Dr. Vanessa Koehler
Dr. Koehler joined our team in May 2011. She is a native of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, but has lived in 6 states and abroad. After her year experience as a Rotary International Exchange Student in Germany, she was a Division I student athlete at the University of Miami in Florida, where she earned her BS in Marine Science/Biology. For two years post-graduation, she worked in chemical oceanography, which afforded her some great travel opportunities on research vessels in oceans around the globe (New Zealand, Antarctic Circle, Iceland, Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean). Dr. Koehler received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Ross University in 2007. She completed a rigorous rotating internship at the renowned Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, followed by two years of post-doctoral surgical training at Animal Hospital Specialty Center in Highlands Ranch and Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles. From these highly reputable practices she brings experience and training in areas of small animal surgery, emergency medicine, and small animal medicine to her new home at Frisco Animal Hospital.
Before joining Frisco Animal Hospital, Dr. Koehler was providing emergency services to hospitals throughout the Denver metropolitan area. She has published numerous articles in various veterinary journals and nationally presented continuing education seminars on a variety of surgical topics. Dr. Koehler enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and its constant challenges. She enjoys teaching her clients and staff, which encourages owner compliance and providing a higher quality of patient care. Her areas of particular interest include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, and pain management. Most importantly, she enjoys getting to know her patients and their owners. Dr. Koehler comes to Frisco Animal Hospital with a friendly and informative eagerness to assist you with the management of your pet’s health and medical needs. Having been raised in a veterinary household paints a clear picture for her of the competence, hard work and determination necessary to make the self-investment of a lifelong commitment to the veterinary profession. Dr. Koehler lives with her two rescued furry friends. She has an 9-year-old tri-colored Caribbean mix (Coconut Retriever) named “Captain Jack”, and a 4-year-old three-legged Jack Russell Terrier named “Jackie”. When not working, you can often find them enjoying Colorado’s outdoor playground or training for a race. She also has a strong place in her heart for teaching, mentoring, volunteering, and community service. She has traveled as far as Fez, Morocco, and South Africa to do so.
Dr. Paul Veralli
Dr. Paul Veralli was the former practice owner from 1999 until recent. Dr Veralli has now transitioned out of the practice. We are grateful for all of Dr.Veralli’s contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
