Vets examining a dog's paw: Veterinarians in Melrose
Vet with dog and tech: Veterinarians in Melrose

Meet Our Team: Animal Lovers to the Core

Our veterinarians are special people who are passionate about your special pets. We are animal lovers before all else, and we happen to be very experienced and skilled in veterinary medicine. Serving pets and their people is a dream job for us all, and we can’t wait to get to know you. Get acquainted with our team below and make an appointment soon to meet us in person!

Have you met our veterinary staff yet? You can meet them online, too.

Dr. Silverman holding a cat: Veterinarians in Melrose

Stewart J. Silverman, DVM, Practice Owner

“I’m one of those very fortunate people in life who looks forward to coming to work each day because I actually get to do something I love. Whether it’s simply giving wellness exams and getting to play with an adorable puppy or kitten, performing a challenging surgery or helping return a sick pet to health. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to make a difference and enjoy that daily sense of fulfillment.” – Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University in 1984. After being an associate veterinarian in eastern Massachusetts for several years, he acquired Melrose Animal Clinic and became Owner and Hospital Director in 1991. Dr. Silverman takes great pride in the excellent care and outstanding service provided at the animal clinic, and considers himself extremely fortunate to have found a career and practice that he finds so personally fulfilling.

Dr. Silverman's professional areas of interest include wellness and preventative care, general and orthopedic surgery, teeth cleaning, and internal medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, as well as the American Veterinary Dental Society, and the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society.

When not busy at the practice, Dr. Silverman can be found with his three children and his pet, Mia, an adorable kitty who he rescued from a stray litter. Dr. Silverman is an avid Boston sports fan and enjoys biking, exercising, and golf when he can find the time.

Dr. Shah: Veterinarians in Melrose

Gaura Shah, DVM

“I knew my true calling after my first encounter with a veterinarian at the age of 5. He was so selfless and caring for a stray cat my family brought to him. I was so impressed with the care and compassion displayed I have embraced this philosophy in my life and career." – Dr. Shah

Dr. Shah grew up in New Jersey and completed her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. She obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2003 and continued her education by completing a year-long internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, a 24-hour referral hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ. She made Massachusetts her home and has stayed in the area ever since. Before working at Melrose Animal Clinic, she worked as an emergency clinician at a local veterinary referral hospital.

Outside of work, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with her furry children: her Frenchie, Fearghus, and her two cats, Chaiindo and Haggis. Additionally, in her spare time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, trying new restaurants, long-distance running, and exploring the city. Dr. Shah's professional interests include, amongst many others, emergency and critical care medicine, internal medicine, ultrasound, and soft tissue surgery.

Dr. Surgan: Veterinarians in Melrose

Bethany Surgan, DVM

"I’ve always been fascinated by animals, biology, and medicine. But our pets don’t always read the textbook, and they certainly can’t tell me what is wrong. Every day at the clinic is different, each animal is unique, and sometimes I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It is the intersection of medicine, communication, problem-solving, and compassion that keeps me excited, challenged, and humble. I love that I am able to use my brain, my hands, and my heart to help my patients, and to preserve and strengthen the human-animal bond." - Dr. Surgan

Dr. Surgan knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age, but her path wandered before getting there. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesleyan University in CT. After undergrad, Dr. Surgan worked in non-profit and education, moving from New York to West Africa to New Orleans. In 1999, she moved to California, where she returned to school to finish her veterinary pre-requisites. Dr. Surgan earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California Davis in 2006, graduating with Phi Zeta honors. She completed her internship at San Francisco Vet Specialists before finally moving back to northeast Boston. Before joining our team, she spent eight years working in a busy general practice in Belmont, MA, and regularly volunteered at the MSPCA Nevins Farm. She is thrilled to be a part of the outstanding team here at Melrose Animal Clinic.

Dr. Surgan loves the variety and challenges of general practice and the opportunity to guide clients and their pets from puppy/kitten-hood to old age. Her veterinary interests include internal medicine, ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery, diagnostic ultrasound, and shelter medicine. In her free time, she enjoys aerial classes (silks/fabrics and trapeze), yoga, travel, hiking, live music, spending time with friends, eating good food, and exploring New England. She resides in Arlington with the world’s best dog, Mabel (a Great Dane/Lab rescue), and two fabulous felines, Otto and Newman.

As a side note, her last name is pronounced “surgeon,” which often leads to confusion and much amusement!

Dr. Pelletier: Veterinarians in Melrose

Danielle Pelletier, DVM

I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since the 5th grade. Since then, my love of animals has remained a constant in my life. I enjoy building and maintaining long term relationships with clients and I care for every patient as if it was my own animal. I am grateful to have found a profession that makes me look forward to going to work every day. I absolutely love what I do and I couldn’t imagine my life without veterinary medicine.” – Dr. Pelletier

Dr. Pelletier was born and raised in Salem, MA, where she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maine in 2001 with a major in pre-veterinary medicine and a minor in microbiology. Then, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 after completing my senior year at Purdue University. Before joining the Melrose Animal Clinic team, Dr. Pelletier was practicing at the Danvers Animal Hospital for the past 11 years.

Dr. Pelletier continues to call the North Shore her home, along with her husband, Matt, two daughters, and three rescue dogs named Ellie, Colbie, and Casey. She enjoys seeing and treating all species with a strong interest in exotic medicine, internal medicine, dog training, and soft tissue surgery. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, baking, traveling to Disney World, and spending time with her family.

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Danielle Libman, DVM

“As cliche as this sounds, my love for animals and dream of becoming a veterinarian started as a child. Growing up our family pets were part of our family and it was my childhood dog, Savannah, who showed me the importance of the human-animal bond, loyalty and unconditional love. Thanks to her and my desire for helping animals and being their advocate, veterinary medicine was an easy career choice for me! As a veterinarian, I truly enjoy being there for you and your furry family members. I focus on providing professional and personalized care to meet you and your pet's specific needs.”

Dr. Libman was born and raised in southern New Hamphsire, where she began her journey to becoming a veterinarian. Growing up, she was always engaged in learning about and caring for animals through volunteering and working in the field. Dr. Libman was also always interested in science and was fascinated by how the two worlds can come together as one. Her continued passion and drive for veterinary medicine led her to obtain her Bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire. She then received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her clinical year at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Before joining our team, she completed a year-long specialty internship in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at a Massachusetts veterinary hospital and worked in general practice in both Southern NH and Boston.

Some of Dr. Libman's areas of interest include dermatology, urgent care, preventative medicine and geriatric care. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors with her dogs and spending time with family and friends.

Rachel Hagenow DVM

Rachel Hagenow, DVM

"I’ve always loved animals and have known I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five years old. My goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of my patients and their families. I look forward to meeting your furry family members!" - Dr. Rachel Hagenow

Dr. Rachel Hagenow grew up in Wisconsin, obtaining both her undergraduate degree in Pharmacology-Toxicology and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Following veterinary school, she completed an emergency & critical care internship at the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center before working at a primary care practice near Madison.

Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery and preventative and internal medicine. Dr. Hagenow has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was five years old and loves making a difference in the lives of her patients and their families.

When outside the clinic walls, Dr. Hagenow enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, Olive, and cat, Milo, as well as working out, reading, snowboarding, and baking. She enjoys all Melrose has to offer and looks forward to meeting your furry family!