Our Dream Team
Caring for Your Pets Like Our Own
At North Haven Animal Hospital, our dedicated team of veterinarians and staff are here to provide the best care for your pets. Led by experienced and compassionate doctors, we are passionate about ensuring your pets live long, healthy lives.
Our Doctors
James T. Wells
DVM, Co-Owner
Growing up in Levittown, PA, Dr. James T. Wells learned early on that animal care was important to him. His first dog, Puddy, was a gift from his uncle and also his best childhood friend. He volunteered at the Blair Animal Hospital for years and at one time held a position as an animal cruelty investigator. Dr. Wells attended Purdue University and earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1974. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1978 from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine along with Dr. Lewis Jolly. While in veterinary school, Dr. Wells was recognized for being the most “compassionate caregiver.” After they graduated, Dr. Wells and Dr. Jolly jointly purchased North Haven Animal Hospital in 1979 and later North Colony Animal Hospital in Wallingford in 1999.
“I always had an interest in medicine and always wanted to work around animals so my career is an obvious fate,” Dr. Wells says. “I used to be in awe at the veterinarian’s office whenever we took our dog in for check-ups. I always thought it would be amazing to be an animal doctor and be around animals all day.”
Dr. Wells is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association and New Haven County Medical Association. His professional interests include internal medicine, surgery and behavior.
Dr Wells’ love of music is manifested in the following: He plays the trombone, piano and sings. He is a vocalist and trombonist for the local 6-piece group named “The Jassmen.” He also plays trombone and performs vocals for the “Tuxedo Junction Band” in Westbrook and is the principal trombonist for the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra.
At home, Dr. Wells enjoys the company of his wife, Gina, and their three pets – Abby, a boxer, and Max and Minnie, two Bengal cats. Dr. and Mrs. Wells enjoy visiting their adult children; Lyndsey who lives in Florida and Justin, who lives in California.
Dr. Wells’ Office Schedule:
Monday- North Colony Animal Hospital
Tuesday- North Colony Animal Hospital (Morning Only)
Wednesday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Thursday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Friday- North Haven Animal Hospital (every other Friday)
Saturday- North Haven Animal Hospital (every other Saturday)
Lewis Jolly
DVM, Co-Owner
“Becoming an owner of the North Haven and North Colony Animal Hospitals and providing medical care to my patients for the last 35 years is the most memorable aspect of my veterinary career,” says Dr. Lewis Jolly. As co-owner and veterinarian, Dr. Jolly applies his love of medicine and animals to our clients and their pets every day.
Originally from Madison, Indiana, Dr. Jolly attended Olivet College for his undergraduate studies where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry in 1969. He then served in the Air Force and was trained as a laboratory technician. He then went on to earn his master’s in pharmacology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University in 1976. While in veterinary school, Dr. Jolly worked as a laboratory technician.
“Being able to bring a family pet back to health and enrich a family unit is a very rewarding experience as a veterinarian,” Dr. Jolly says. His professional interests include preventative medicine, surgery and internal medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association and the New Haven County Veterinary Medical Association.
At home, Dr. Jolly cares for his own cocker spaniel, Pepper. He and his wife, Patricia (a retired pharmaceutical representative), have three children.
In his spare time, Dr. Jolly likes boating and fishing.
Dr. Jolly’s Office Schedule:
Monday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Tuesday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Wednesday- North Colony Animal Hospital
Friday- North Haven Animal Hospital (every other Friday)
Saturday- North Haven Animal Hospital (every other Saturday)
Jennifer Loquine
DVM
Dr. Loquine cites the Cairn Terrier (wearing a birthday hat!) that she received for her 4th birthday as well as summers spent at a dairy farm in Vermont as inspiring her to become a veterinarian.
Originally from Orange, CT, Dr. Loquine earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. She was a member of Phi Zeta, the veterinary honor society. After graduating, Dr. Loquine began a one-year small animal rotating internship in Los Angeles.
Dr. Loquine is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, and the New Haven County Veterinary Medical Association. Her professional interests include preventative medicine, nutrition, emergency care, and internal medicine.
When not at work, Dr. Loquine enjoys spending time with her husband Evan and their dogs, running, and soccer. They have four pets: Luna, a mixed-breed dog; two Chihuahuas, Miles and Chompy; two cats Gilmore and Quercus.
Dr. Loquine’s Office Schedule:
Monday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Wednesday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Thursday- North Haven Animal Hospital
Friday- North Colony Animal Hospital
Saturday- North Haven Animal Hospital (two Saturdays a month)
Our Staff
Karen Gibbs
As one of our veterinary technicians, Karen Gibbs is responsible for assisting the doctors during examinations, prepping patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, performing dentals, and patient care. She has been working in an animal related field for 20 years and joined our team in 2005. “I enjoy working at this hospital because of the family atmosphere,” she says. “Working with this group of doctors is extremely enjoyable.” Karen is a member of the Cheshire Dog Training Club. She also cares for her dog, three cats and a red-eared slider turtle. When not working, Karen likes to spend time with her husband, Mitch, and their two daughters. She also enjoys hiking, biking, traveling to Block Island every summer, and attending her daughters’ softball games.
Melissa Howard
Melissa Howard has been with North Haven Animal Hospital since July 2000. As a veterinary technician, her responsibilities include surgery prep, anesthesia monitoring, treatments, assisting veterinarians in exam rooms, in-house laboratory tests, performing dentals, and taking radiographs. Melissa is also a certified phlebotomist. “I love giving our patients one-on-one attention, especially during our downtime,” she says. “I feel that this attention is an important aspect of their feeling better.” When not working, Melissa enjoys hiking, cooking, riding motorcycles, anything pig-related, and being in the woods with her beagle-husky mix Magoo. She also has a tangerine leopard gecko named Gunner.
Diane Canell
Diane Canell has a genuine love and appreciation for animals and considers the best part of her job “interacting with all the animals and getting kisses from them!” As a receptionist at North Haven Animal Hospital since September 2011, her duties include answering the phone, scheduling appointments, patient check-in and out, filling prescriptions, and preparing vaccinations. “I enjoy the dedication that the doctors and staff have for all our clients and their well-being,” she says. “Our wonderful clientele allows me to develop close and personal relationships.” Diane has four furry companions of her own: Danka, a mixed-breed dog; Sadie, a beagle; and two cats, Hazi and Tippy. Outside work, she enjoys walking with her dogs, gardening, spending time with family, reading, and cooking.
Margaret M. Kammerer
Margaret Kammerer joined our staff in May 1993. Her tasks include monitoring inventory, reception duties and kennel work. “After working at this hospital for many years, I enjoy the family atmosphere and dedication of all the employees,” she says. “We work very well together and keep our focus on client/patient care.” In the past, Margaret bred Doberman pinschers and participated with them in dog shows. Margaret cares for four dogs, four cats, two birds and a Beta fish. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, reading, attending Broadway shows and spending time with her grandson, Ayden.