“Innovators. Pioneers. Animal lovers. The team at Bassler Veterinary Hospital is on a simple mission: to care for your pet like our own. Every time.”
Primary Care
Dr. Heidi Bassler
Dr. Heidi Bassler is the primary veterinarian and owner of Bassler Veterinary Hospital. Growing up on a farm in rural Canada, she was drawn to animals from an early age. She has been fascinated with the human-animal bond and the well-being of animals ever since.
“Being a veterinarian is not just a job for me. It is my calling. It is what I was meant to do. Caring for your pet the way I would want my pet cared for is important to me. Connecting with clients is also important, because they are the eyes and ears and voice for the animals walking through our door. The whole experience is rewarding and humbling at the same time. I understand the bond people have with their pets, and I take the responsibility of protecting it seriously.”
Dr. Bassler earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada with several awards. Early in her career, she performed post-doctoral research at Cornell University. She was a pioneer in developing the rapid polymerase chain reaction test, commonly referred to as Real-Time PCR. This test uses computer technology to detect DNA from disease-causing organisms and is frequently used today in human and veterinary laboratories. Dr. Bassler published her ground-breaking research in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Click here to read her article .
Dr. Bassler is passionate about her work in veterinary medicine and believes in elevating the standards of patient care. She believes in following best practices, including thorough exams, client communication, disease prevention, anesthesia care, and pain management. Spotting the subtle signs of pain and offering simple adjustments is integral to this. From early pediatric kitten and puppy visits to aging senior pets, she is devoted to their complete care. Dr. Bassler voluntarily opens her doors to inspections by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a rigorous accreditation process in which over 900 points in 18 different categories are evaluated. Bassler Veterinary Hospital is proudly among the mere 15% of veterinary facilities nationwide that repeatedly passes this standard of veterinary excellence.
As a cat lover herself, Dr. Bassler particularly enjoys feline veterinary medicine and visits with cats and their owners. She has been called a “Cat Whisperer” though she is quick to point out that she loves dogs too! Her focus is in making sure they live as long a life as possible, and importantly, prides herself on her ability to consistently improve their quality of life between visits. Dr. Bassler is a certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian and a current member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Bassler has honed her special interest in veterinary dentistry. She has participated in advanced training in this area and is passionate about how oral health can improve a pet’s quality of life and life expectancy. Pediatric dental assessments, periodontal disease, and surgical extractions are among the services that Dr. Bassler offers. She is a current member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry (FVD).
Dr. Bassler also has special interests in dermatology and internal medicine, due to their wide-ranging impact on improving the lives of dogs and cats. Allergies, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary disease are issues that she manages for her patients. Because of her experience in these areas, she periodically consults on challenging cases as a second opinion.
Dr. Bassler is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Other professional membership affiliations include American Veterinary Medical Association, Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and Veterinary Information Network. She is also involved in various local groups, and supports Pentucket’s Music Boosters, Anna Jaques Hospital, Merrimac River Feline Rescue Society, Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and Salisbury’s Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to daily communications with pet owners, Dr. Bassler has enjoyed educating the public through various media outlets. Her newspaper column, Paw Prints, appeared monthly in Newburyport’s Daily News for over 12 years. For almost a decade, her 30-minute radio show, Your Pet’s Health, aired weekly on WNBP (106.1 FM).
Most importantly, Dr. Bassler understands that good communication with pet owners is essential to helping her patients feel better and stay well. Pets are her passion, and keeping them healthy is her #1 priority.
“One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home.”
-Pam Brown
Specialists
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Dr. Tai CasagrandeDVM, DACVIM - Cardiology
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Dr. Jennifer McClellanDVM, DACVIM - Internal Medicine
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Dr. Geoffrey N. ClarkDVM, DACVS - Surgery
Dr. Tai Casagrande
Dr. Tai Casagrande is a board-certified veterinary Cardiologist. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 at the Atlantic Veterinary College, and completed a three-year residency in veterinary Cardiology at The University of Wisconsin. In 2012, Dr. Casagrande was awarded Diplomate status in the subspecialty of Cardiology by The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Dr. Casagrande performs echocardiograms (sonograms of the heart), cardiac evaluations, and cardiac consultations. She is available by appointment for cats and dogs at Bassler Veterinary Hospital.
In her free time, Dr. Casagrande enjoys reading medical thrillers, relaxing with friends and family, backyard birdwatching, and rooting for all New England teams.
Dr. Jennifer McClellan
Dr. Jennifer McClellan is Board Certified in Veterinary Internal Medicine. After obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University, she completed a rigorous residency program in this field, and successfully passed the board examinations to become an internal medicine specialist, as a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM).
Dr. McClellan performs abdominal ultrasound and echocardiograms (sonograms of the heart). She combines her expertise as a skilled ultrasonographer and brilliant internist. Dr. McClellan consults on those cases that require her expertise in advanced imaging, offering specialist insight for case management and optimal patient care.
Dr. McClellan is available at Bassler Veterinary Hospital by referral appointment.
Dr. Geoffrey N. Clark
Dr. Geoffrey Clark is board certified in Veterinary Surgery. He is a native of Massachusetts and a 1986 graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Clark completed an internship at the renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City, followed by a three-year residency in small animal surgery at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and Angell Memorial Animal Hospital.
In 1992, Dr. Clark became board certified in veterinary surgery when he successfully passed the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) certifying examination. He was a staff surgeon at several hospitals, including West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group and the Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle. In 1999, he started Veterinary Surgery of New England (VSNE), a mobile surgical referral practice. He has a specific interest in canine knee surgery, fracture repair, and oncologic surgery.
Dr. Clark was the founder and editor of Canine Sports Medicine Update and served as contributing veterinary editor for Field Trial Magazine. He has published numerous scientific papers on a variety of surgical topics and authored chapters in four veterinary textbooks. He has also had canine surgery articles published in Dog Fancy, Dog World, Versatile Hunting Dog, and Dogs in Canada. In 2002, he was the featured speaker for the 18th Annual Canine Sports Medicine Symposium at the University of Florida. Dr. Clark has been an invited speaker at more than 70 veterinary meetings in United States and Canada.
Dr. Clark resides in Durham, NH with his family. Their home is shared with three cats, an English Setter named Willow and Francis the Wonder Pug.
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”
-Martin Buber
Staff
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Dawn D., CVTCertified Veterinary Technician
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Carly M.Veterinary Technician
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Finneas F.Veterinary Technician-Assistant
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Colleen D.Veterinary Assistant
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Caitlin W.Veterinary Receptionist and Assistant
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Robyn R.Veterinary Receptionist
Dawn D., CVT
Dawn is a Certified Veterinary Technician and has been at BVH for over 10 years. She graduated from Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute with an Associate’s Degree in Animal Health Science. Many of our clients and patients know Dawn and are happy to see her!
As senior CVT, Dawn is familiar with all aspects of the hospital, including patient and client care. She is a phlebotomist, anesthetist, dental hygienist, x-ray assistant, lab technician, receptionist, and veterinary nurse. Dawn also spends a lot of time helping clients with pet health insurance. When you receive the pre-approval email or payment check from your pet’s insurance provider, you have Dawn to thank!
Dawn is a member of the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association, as well as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. She is also actively involved with the American Diabetes Association.
When she is not at work, you can find Dawn in Maine where she enjoys being outdoors and kayaking with her best buddy Sawyer, an adorable Cairn terrier.
Carly M.
Carly was thrilled to join the BVH team in 2020 and is loving every minute of it! She still can’t believe her fortune – to be able to wake up every day and sing to the animals at work.
As a recently returned native to the area with a passion for helping and caring for animals, Carly is eager to make a positive impact in the community where she grew up. With her previous experience as a receptionist, and her title now of Veterinary Technician-Assistant, she is focused on ensuring a pleasant experience for both patients and clients at every appointment. Carly also oversees the nutrition program at BVH, so don’t hesitate to ask Carly if you have any diet-related questions.
Carly is studying to complete her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology, with the goal of becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. When Carly is not pleasantly interacting with clients or caring for patients at the hospital, she can be found outdoors or enjoying time spent with her beautiful cat, Tallulah Grace. Carly would like to thank her amazing family for their unwavering love and support throughout her journey towards an inspiring new career.
Finneas F.
Finn is a delightful Veterinary Technician-Assistant, eager to learn and always eager to help. Finn started his career at BVH as an intern from Great Bay Community College’s Veterinary Technology program. He impressed us and we were delighted that he accepted a position at our hospital while he continues his studies to become a Certified Veterinary Technician.
Finn assists the doctors and technicians in appointments and provides care to hospitalized patients. He is a cheerful person and incredibly gentle with the animals.
When he’s not studying or at work, Finn enjoys nature and the arts. He loves the outdoors, horseback riding, sewing, drawing, and music concerts.
Colleen D.
Since the age of 5, if you asked Colleen what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer was always the same – a veterinarian. Fast forward to today, and she can proudly say that working in a veterinary office is truly a dream come true. As a Veterinary Assistant she can be found lending a hand at the front desk, helping with pets during their exam, and a little bit of everything in between. Colleen has an upbeat attitude and strives to be a positive friendly face for both pets and owners.
Colleen’s journey in the animal care world doesn’t start here. For nearly a decade, she owned and operated a highly successful dog walking and pet sitting business on the Seacoast. This experience allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs and personalities of our furry friends. She says it was incredibly rewarding to provide love, care, and attention to countless pets while their owners were away.
When she’s not busy having fun at work, you can often find her outdoors with her kiddo and beloved rescue dog, Mellow. They love spending time at the beach and exploring the woods, regardless of the season!
Caitlin W.
Cait is our cheerful Receptionist and Assistant. Her happy personality and endless smile are a delight for clients, patients, and co-workers alike. Cait joined our team in 2021 after working at another veterinary facility for several years.
At BVH, Cait’s primary responsibility is efficiency at the front desk. She juggles phone calls, greets clients, and discharges patients after appointments, always with her sunny attitude. Cait is also eager to help directly with patient care, and assists the doctors and technicians as needed.
During her spare time, Cait can be found hanging out with her pets King, Butters, and Margarine. She has many of friends and makes time for all of them. Her wild side comes out when she travels to Maine for hiking, kayaking, and canyon jumping!
Robyn R.
Robyn’s friendly smile and pleasant demeanor greet our clients when they visit BVH. She joined us after being a full-time mom for 19 years. Being our Receptionist is a perfect job for Robyn because she is doing what she loves most – working with people and their pets.
Robyn says it is great to be here and come full circle as she started off years ago with training as Veterinary Technician. At BVH, she enjoys the happy, helpful coworkers, wonderful clients, and delightful furry patients. Some of Robyn’s life experiences include working in the travel, medical, service and manufacturing industries, mostly in a Human Resources capacity.
When Robyn is not at BVH, she volunteers at an equestrian therapeutic riding facility and local garden club. Robyn enjoys outdoor activities, travel, and spending time with her kids and fur-babies.