Pet Partners was founded by a group of co-workers and volunteers with years of animal shelter experience. Their original intent was to help solve the animal overpopulation problem by offering free to low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services. Since attaining non-profit status in 2000, the clinic has performed over 30,068 surgeries and has seen over 33,780 clinic visits*.
*Updated December 2024

Meet our Staff

Veterinarians:

Dr. Debbie Gehrke, DVM

A 1990 graduate of Purdue University. Dr. Gehrke has been working for non-profit organizations since 1996. In her spare time, she enjoys open water rowing and skiing with her husband, Bob.

Receptionists:

  • Ashley Youngblood
  • Callie Amero
  • Amanda Patnaude
  • Rebecca Medeiros

Office Management:

  • Amanda Patnaude 

Surgery/Clinic staff:

  • Danny Bowman- veterinary technician
  • Amanda Patnaude- veterinary assistant
  • Ashley Belanger- veterinary assistant
  • Ashley Youngblood – veterinary assistant

We couldn’t do this work without the help of our Volunteers!

  • We are pleased to announce Liz Franks as the Treasurer of our Board of Directors. Liz brings many years of business experience to the board, as well as a shared love of animals. We are certainly looking forward to working with her.

  • Joyce Pinsonnault- our Vice President on the Board of Directors who is also on the board of Forever Paws. She not only knows EVERYONE in the greater Fall River area but knows how to get in touch with them when we need them. Joyce is one of the Battleship’s best storytellers and the best “sshhhhr” in the children’s section of the local library.

  • Judy Collins, RN- Judy brings over 50 years of operating experience to help us out on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.  She has been indispensable in getting donated medical equipment and supplies from local hospitals. She also volunteers at the Soup Kitchen and has helped rescue many stray dogs from Aruba.

  • Special project volunteers-  ALL of the Forever Paws volunteers, Paul Rodriques, Jan Ferreira and the Charlton Hospital Gang, Gail Senuick and St. Annes helpers, Izzy Silvia and Kent Hospital friends, The Bowman and Patnaude families, Danny and Clare Moniz, Karen Lomas and family, Cheryl Caron and family, Ruth Kilby, The Kardosz clan, Diana Paquette and The Unlikely Strummers Ukuele Band and many more.