Our Vets

Dr Laurel Harris

Dr. Harris obtained her DVM from The Ohio State University in 1992. She practiced traditional small animal medicine, both general practice and emergency, prior to completing an internship at the Birmingham Zoo. She spent several years working in the zoo field, including a staff vet position at Utah's Hogle Zoo. Recognizing that a huge need existed for high-quality comprehensive veterinary care for the exotic pets in the Salt Lake Valley, she established WEPC in 2004. WEPC moved into their own facility at our current location in 2009, became fully exotic-exclusive in 2015, and underwent a remodel shortly after that, tripling the size of the original facility. Dr. Harris has provided backup veterinary support for the Tracy Aviary and worked as the consulting veterinarian for the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. She is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, also serving 6 years on the executive board of AEMV. Dr. Harris is an avid birder with a life list of over 700 species.

Earl the Great Horned Owl has been a patient of WEPC since 2004, and one of our favorites! After a long career as an education ambassador including many Halloween and Harry Potter events he is enjoying a comfortable retirement.

Dr Mary Dickerson

Dr. Mary Dickerson grew up in St. Louis, MO and graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.  She moved to Utah with her husband and daughters in 2014.  Dr. Dickerson has had an exciting and varied career taking care of everything from cats and dogs, to monkeys, sheep, pigs (and so much more) in a University setting, and now exotic pets.

Veterinary Technicians/ Assistants

Reed

Reed is our tech team lead and has been with us since late 2018. He is responsible for monitoring patients during surgery and making sure the clinic has what it needs.  He also manages a fantastic team of veterinary technicians. Loves animals and gives them the very best of care. You will see him in most of our demo videos on our website.

Carolyn

After getting her bachelor's degree in forensic science, Carolyn started working in the veterinary field. Initially she worked at a dog and cat ER before finding her calling in exotic animal medicine, leading her eventually to WEPC. Carolyn also has a passion for research and continuing her education, and she is currently working towards getting her CVT. When not at work you can usually find Carolyn at home taking care of her cat and her crested gecko. 

Hannah

Hannah has been with the clinic for almost 2 years. She began as a receptionist, but later decided that she wanted to be a technician. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and playing D&D. Hannah currently owns a rabbit named Mac, and a cockatiel named Mari (pictured).

Heather

Heather has been with WEPC since early 2024. She previously worked in wildlife rehabilitation for nearly 10 years and is excited to expand her knowledge into the domestic exotics field. Heather has two cats, Little Bear and Meeps, as well as a planted freshwater fish tank. In her free time, Heather likes to volunteer, birdwatch, and play video games.

Lisa

Ashlyn

Receptionists

Alannah

Alannah has loved animals since she was young and has known for a long time that she wanted to work with them in some caliber. She has always felt a very deep empathy with animals of all kinds and hates even killing aphids. After coming on board with WEPC as a receptionist with the option of becoming a tech in 2018, she realized quickly that vet tech work was not for her and is content working as WEPCs lead receptionist. She hopes to one day work with ambassador animals in education programs, but for now is gaining experience and knowledge with exotic animals. She currently has a milk snake and a leopard gecko, but has also had a cat, a bearded dragon, hamsters, red eared sliders, aquatic frogs, jumping spiders and even a hissing cockroach.

Elissa

Elissa has been with WEPC since early 2023 and has quickly become an integral part of the team. She has 6 birds, a Burmese python, blue tree monitors, and a myriad of other reptiles.

Ebony

Ebony has been a member of our reception team since January of 2020. They have a kind and gentle disposition that goes over well with staff, clients, and patients alike. Ebony has a love of helping serve our community in whatever way she can. The adoration that they have for the animals we help is evident in her interaction with our clientele and in her desire to help find solutions when problems arise. They truly value advocating for what is best for our patients and their families when they take the time to visit our clinic. She is honored to be entrusted with the care of the beloved members of your families.