Dr. Halsor has practiced veterinary medicine at Alburnett Veterinary Service since graduating from Iowa State University in 1989. He is a native of the Cedar Rapids area, and he and his wife, Linda, reside in rural Center Point with their Labrador named Junior. They have two grown children (Madeleine and Sam). Dr. Halsor is a long-standing member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Association and has been active in local veterinary groups. Dr. Halsor enjoys the outdoors, especially annual trips to Canada and the Great Lakes. He is also an avid trapshooter.

Best Pet Advice: Your pet can be a 10-15 year commitment. Choose wisely and give them lots of love.

Dr. Plazek is a Pennsylvania native where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania before attending Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduating in 2021. Her professional interests include nutrition, dentistry, and preventative medicine. She also especially enjoys working with feline patients and in shelter medicine. Dr. Plazek loves veterinary medicine because she never knows what each day will bring. Every patient and their family are different with their own unique needs. Her goal for every patient is to design individual plans to help each one live the best life possible. She currently resides in Marion with her German Shepard, Monaco, and 2 cats, Bentley and Tucker. When she is not in the hospital, she enjoys baking, traveling, and wine tasting.

Best Pet Advice: Love your pets with your whole heart! They are only with us for part of our lives, but for them, we are their whole lives! 🙂

Emily started with Alburnett Veterinary Service in May 2020 after graduating from Coe College, where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry. She was born and raised in Riverside, Iowa, where she grew up surrounded by animals. Emily currently resides in Cedar Rapids with two friends and her cat Bob, who she adopted this past November. While Emily is fascinated by veterinary medicine, she is particularly interested in dermatology, radiology, and pharmacology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at SAINT Cat Rescue, boating, and doing yoga.

Best Pet Advice: Always take pride in your pet’s health by making sure they are safe and by asking questions!

Dominique, a.k.a Dom, started at Alburnett Veterinary Service in March 2022. She is a 2010 ISU graduate in Animal Ecology with an emphasis in Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation. She has worked in the veterinary profession and animal husbandry for over 11 years. Her passion lies in working with animals of all kinds and giving voice to the voiceless. She is a native Iowan who understands the importance of hard work, teamwork, and compassion. As a hobby, she runs Dom’s Doodles and takes care of the family acreage, including caring for eight dogs, five cats, a dozen chickens, and a prairie dog. When she’s not loving on all her pets, she enjoys the outdoors, sewing, and spending time with her family. Feel free to say “hi” the next time you’re at the clinic.

I look forward to meeting you!

The best pet advice: Owning a pet is a privilege. Your life becomes more meaningful when you nurture, provide for, and care for your pet.

Best pet advice: When getting a new dog, do your due diligence and take the time to do the research on the breed to be informed on any health predispositions, behavioral tendencies, or training needs.