Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Jennie Brindler
I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, surrounded by pets of all kind – dogs, cats, fish, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, gerbils, you name it! I was an animal lover from day one and this, combined with my interest in science, made veterinary medicine a natural career choice for me. After graduating from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, I completed a companion animal internship in Washington, DC. I worked in both emergency medicine and general practice in Virginia.
In my years of private practice, I have had the privilege of caring for countless beloved family pets. While the surgical procedures and medical case management have been fascinating, the most rewarding part of my job by far has been fostering the human-animal bond. There is no greater honor than being trusted by my clients to care for their loving companion and usher them through their golden years.
As a dedicated pet owner myself, I know the depth of the human-animal bond is only matched by the devastation of losing your companion. In such an emotional and difficult time, the ability to provide a peaceful, compassionate passing is crucial. I am honored to support you as you navigate the waters of end of life care and seek guidance in maintaining your loved one’s comfort and dignity.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Megan Salaj
Born in New York with a father in the military, my family moved to the Hampton Roads area when I was 3, and—unusual for a military family—stayed there until my dad retired 12 years later. I cannot recall a time in my life when I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. I’m sure once I understood that veterinarians take care of animals, that was it for me. I completed my undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech before attending veterinary school abroad at St. George University in Grenada, West Indies. Living on a tropical island for three years was a fantastic experience—even if it spoiled me when it comes to beaches!
I spent my first year as a veterinarian working at a shelter, providing low-cost veterinary care to the public. I then transitioned into general practice, which allows me to form lifelong relationships with families and see the animals I work with from their first months through adulthood. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I enjoy focusing on geriatric care and hospice, and always learning something new, such as acupuncture or rehabilitation. My job is never boring!
Losing a family member—human or animal— is never easy. My stepfather passed away at home two years ago after being on home hospice care. Seeing how human end-of-life care is handled, I wanted to be able to do better for my pets. I’ve always been drawn to providing senior pets the care they need to enjoy a comfortable life for as long as possible and providing a peaceful passing in a comfortable setting when the time comes. I was my dog’s veterinarian and had to make the decision to stop her suffering once it became obvious her condition was not treatable. Her experience was as peaceful as I could make it for her, and I want to be able to provide that same experience for other families and their pets.
Outside of work, I am an avid reader—mostly fantasy and science fiction, and enjoy spending time with my dog, Kenzie. My main hobby is World of Warcraft—I have played as a healer for many years.
Pronouns: She/Her