Veterinarians

“My love for animals and passion for science led me to veterinary medicine. I enjoy working with pets and their families to ensure they live long, happy, and healthy lives.” Dr. Kara Ballenger is a Kansas City native who grew up in Weatherby Lake. Her interest in veterinary medicine began at 13 when her family…

Meet Dr. J, the compassionate veterinarian at Antioch Dog & Cat Hospital. Raised in the Missouri bootheel amidst AKC Miniature Pinschers, she developed a love for animals early on. A graduate of the University of Missouri with a DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018, Dr. J is an active member of MVMA…

Dr. DeLuke earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 2004. She completed her clinical training at the University of Missouri and then pursued a small animal rotating internship at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty Center in Tucson, AZ. Dr. DeLuke continued working as an Emergency Doctor in Tucson for several years, and…

Dr Cara McLaughlin, AKA Dr Mac, was born and raised in the Northland of Kansas City, Missouri. She spent her childhood in Gladstone attending Gashland/Clardy elementary, Antioch Middle and graduating from Oak Park High School in 2011. Dr Mac volunteered at Gladstone Animal Shelter at age 11-14 where she continued to grow her passion to…

Dr. Michael Hedgson wears many hats at Antioch! Graduating from Kansas State University and joining our team back in 1983, Dr. Hedgson is our Medical Director as well as one of our hardworking veterinarians. The satisfaction of helping people with the love and care they have for their pets along with hard-working teammates is what…