Meet Our Team

Dr. Whalen and Molly Warren Whalen DVM

Dr. Warren Whalen was born and raised in Bowman North Dakota.  He graduated with honors from North Dakota State University with a degree in microbiology.  He received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University.  Dr. Whalen spent 22 years practicing small and exotic animal medicine and surgery on the west coast.  He was the owner and medical director of an attentive four doctor small and exotic animal practice. His special interests are in diagnostic imaging of the thoracic and abdominal cavities with ultrasonography as well as non-invasive scoping techniques using both flexible and rigid endoscopy.  In 2006 with his past experience and passion for high quality veterinary medical care he relocated to Spearfish and established the Animal Care Center. 


Jessica Czerny DVM, OD

Jessica is excited to be back in Spearfish, where she graduated from Spearfish High School and attended Black Hills State for her undergraduate work. She is proud to say she is both a Spartan and a Yellow Jacket. She graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry with highest distinction as Valedictorian, and now Dr. Jess also recently finished her second degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated Summa Cum Laude! As a dual doctor in veterinary medicine and optometry, her impressive background gives her a strong understanding of how the body works. She enjoys human and animal health care and plans to use both back grounds for the rest of her career. In her free time she loves two-stepping, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband Dave and their dog Kona, including hiking, wake-boarding, mountain biking and snowboarding. She also enjoys visiting the many coffee houses in Spearfish and catching up with friends.

Dr. OlsonKanon Olson DVM

Dr. Kanon Olson grew up in Sturgis, SD. She attended University of South Dakota for her undergraduate coursework before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. After spending as much time as possible in the Black Hills area and at Animal Care Center throughout her studies, Dr. Olson knew this is where she wanted to practice veterinary medicine long term. She was thrilled to be able to join the ACC team. Dr. Olson really enjoys the variety that general practice has to offer and the ability to help her patients and clients throughout the entirety of her patient’s lives regardless of what health challenges they may face.

In her free time she enjoys hiking with her two dogs (Wynn and Thea), reading and spending time with her friends and family. 


Diane and Howie Diane - Veterinary Technician

Diane has worked alongside Dr Whalen since the opening of the Animal Care Center in 2006. She has a Veterinary Technician degree from the University of Minnesota and a biology degree from Black Hills State University. She manages the office along with her technician duties and has a special interest in surgery. She spends her free time with family and friends, her 3 horses, 3 dogs and 2 cats.


Mika and Diesel Mika - Veterinary Technician

Mika was born right here in Spearfish. After a job shadow in high school, she became very interested in working in the veterinary field. She attended National American University for her degree in Veterinary Technology, and did her internship here at the Animal Care Center. She has been working for Dr. Whalen ever since. Mika enjoys doing lab work and discussing nutrition with clients. Mika spends her free time playing with her newfoundland Hector, kayaking with her family, and riding motorcycle with her husband.

Chloe

Chloe- Veterinary Technician

Chloe was raised in Alliance, Nebraska. She volunteered for 12 years at East Point Horspice where she learned how to rehabilitate and train rescue horses. Chole worked at Alliance Animal clinic with both large and small animals throughout high school. In 2020 she graduated NCTA as a Veterinary Technician and then returned to Alliance Animal Clinic. As an LVT, where she worked mainly with horses and small animal medicine. In 2021 she moved to Spearfish to join our team with her 2 horses, a dog and a cat. Now she spends her free time horseback riding and going on hikes with her dog


Sarah

Sarah - Veterinary Assistant

Sarah is from the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, she enjoys hiking, fishing, camping and spending time with her family and two beagles.  She received a biology degree from BHSU and worked for Game Fish & Parks in South Dakota, Alaska and Florida working in fish hatcheries.  She moved back to Spearfish in 2016 and shortly after she started working at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Rapid City.  She joined the Animal Care Center in 2018 and has been loving every minute of it!


Racheal

Rachel - Veterinary Assistant

Rachel was born and raised in Spearfish, but is currently living in Whitewood. She graduated high school in 2021, and pursued a job in pharmaceuticals before joining our team in 2022 as a veterinary assistant. As a young girl she always wanted to help animals therefore she decided to join Veterinary Medicine. Rachel had a history of bringing home animals in need. In her spare time she attends car drifting events, riding her motorcycle, and spending time outdoors.


Lisa

Lisa - Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

Lisa is from Spearfish and has been a veterinary assistant at ACC for over 8 years. She enjoys working with animals and the people who love them. Lisa is mom to an awesome little boy, and loves hiking with her 4 dogs, traveling, and going to concerts.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00am

5:00pm

Tuesday:

8:00am

5:00pm

Wednesday:

8:00am

5:00pm

Thursday:

8:00am

5:00pm

Friday:

8:00am

5:00pm

Saturday:

9:00am

1:00pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed