Staff

Primary Pet Care, LLC was founded in 2010 by John Gifford, D.V.M. and Joe Elton. With the vision of creating a veterinary clinic that gives back to the community we incorporated basic primary care at affordable prices. The team members at Primary Pet Care are highly-trained and exceptionally friendly. We understand that for many, taking your pets to the doctor can be a stressful experience. Our easy no-appointment model and compassionate medical professionals will ease your fears.

Lead Veterinarian: John Gifford, D.V.M.	Dr. Gifford has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 26 years since graduating from The Ohio State University in 1984. Although most of Dr. Gifford's career has been in ambulatory service, his main concern is now small animal practice. For four years Dr. Gifford was one of the participating veterinarians to help train and educate veterinary technology students at the Cuyahoga Community College. He has also taught at Stautzenberger College in their veterinary technician program for three years. Dr. Gifford was chosen to be a participating veterinary consultant to Pfizer Animal Health's "Roadmap to Success", a national CD project used to train equine veterinarians to help them manage their practices more efficiently. He has been judge for the 4-H Hose Bowl District Championships for the past six years and is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and is the National Council Vice President of the Alpha Psi Veterinary Fraternity. Dr. Gifford actively participates in, and contributes to, veterinary activities and practices in his community. Dr. Gifford has two pets, Booker (pictured) and Rooster his horse.
Practice Manager: Joe Elton	Mr. Elton has been managing in the veterinary industry for over five years following a career in personal financial advising. After graduating from Walsh Jesuit High School Mr. Elton pursued studies in the fields of Engineering, Mathematics, and Business at both The Ohio State University and The University of Akron. Mr. Elton was recently asked to be a guest speaker for the Brown Mackie Veterinary Technician program and has worked with students from the Northcoast Veterinary Assistant program as well as Stautzenberger Veterinary Technician students. Mr. Elton has two beagles named Sam and Casey (both pictured). Casey was rescued from the side of the road and Sam was an adoptee from a local shelter.
Veterinarian: Stephanie Samples, D.V.M.	Dr. Samples finished her undergrad studies in Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University where she ultimately graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Her experience in full service care of small animals and some exotics has led her to an appreciation of preventative/wellness care and the human-animal bond. As a wife and mother her free time is limited, but when not practicing medicine Dr. Samples enjoys spending time with her family & friends outdoors. Her dog Toby started as a foster, but eventually became a permanent family member as they could not bare to part with him.
	Clinic Staff:
Veterinary Technician: Chelsea Weishampel, R.V.T.	Chelsea graduated from Tri-C College and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2008. She splits her time between her family, two jobs, and taking care of her pets. Chelsea has a pit/boxer mix, two min schnauzers, four cats, and a turtle named Ellie. During her free time she enjoys playing soccer and hiking.
Veterinary Technician: Amanda Myers, R.V.T.	Amanda graduated from Coventry HS in 2006. She attended the University of Akron, but ultimately found her calling to work with animals. She has since finished the Veterinary Technician program at Stautzenberger College and graduated in 2011. She splits her time between school, work, and taking care of her own four cats, a shepherd mix named Roxy, and a min dachshund named Franky.
Veterinary Technician: Jaime Ludle, R.V.T.	Jaime is a recent graduate of the Brown Mackie College Veterinary Technician program. Prior to working for Primary Pet Care Jaime was a manicurist for over 14 years. After one of her dogs Diesel had a near death experience she decided that veterinary medicine was the correct path for her. She maintains a very busy life with her husband, two kids, 3 cats, and 2 dogs.
Veterinary Assistant: Nicole Knight	Nicole graduated from Ellet HS in 2006. Nicole has an english mastiff, a chihuahua, and a cat named Misha that she cares for. As a mother of two she doesn't have much free time, but enjoys hiking, going to the movies, and spending time with her family.
Reception: Beth Gifford	Beth has worked in the veterinary field for over four years now in reception and administration. Her prior experience is in human medicine where she worked as an office assistant/manager. When not at work she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family & friends, and exercising. Beth has two pets, Tori (pictured) and Booker.
Reception: Tracie Stadelman	Tracie graduated from Cuyahoga Falls HS in 2007. She started her college career studying Radiology at The University of Akron. Since then she has decided to follow her passion for animals and is now studying Zoology at Kent State University. Tracie splits her time between two jobs, school, family, friends, and caring for her miniature Australian shepherd Dakota.

Primary Pet Care, LLC
3661 Fishcreek Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
(330) 968-6570
info@primarypetcare.net