Karen Hannie, BSLVT

Aloha… my name is Karen Hannie. Born and raised in Upstate Rochester, NY, I always had opportunities to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals in need. It makes me smile to remember my parents “rolling their eyes” (but always with their approval) each time I came home with yet another animal which needed some form of care or needed a good home.

     After graduating with honors from Pittsford Sutherland High School, I joined the U.S. Army to serve my country and I gained valuable experiences which have guided me in my life. While in Germany with the Army, I went to the Culinary Academy which taught me to appreciate different cultures and ideals. After the military I went to college at the University of South Carolina. Experiencing first hand what it meant to be an Animal Caretaker at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia South Carolina I learned a great deal about large and small animals. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1993 with a B.S. degree in Marine Science. Soon after, I realized my true calling was directly in the field of small animal Veterinary Medicine. I became board certified as a Licensed Veterinary Technician from North Carolina’s Gaston College in 2002.

     I gained valuable experience through the next few years working in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Recovery and most importantly, patient-owner awareness, education and building client relationships.

     When I moved to Maui in 2004 (to be closer to my Brother, Sister-In-Law and Nephews), I wasn’t aware the Hawaiian Islands didn’t require Veterinary Technicians to be certified or licensed. Knowing it wasn’t a requirement, I still felt it was important to me, as well as owners and their pets, to remain Licensed & Board Certified. I have continued to educate myself and maintain the annual requirements needed to be licensed. I feel it’s beneficial to the patients and their owners to educate myself with the most up-to-date technologies, practices and procedures to keep their furry loved ones as healthy as they can be. Seven years later, I’m happy and proud to call Maui my home and hope to spread the Aloha Spirit to those living here and to those planning to move here.

     Twelve years of experience in the Veterinary field, and over 30 years of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding quality homes for animals has filled my life with true happiness. Every pet, who has blessed my life, has been a rescue from a shelter or from a family who was unable to continue to care for their pet. Not too many people can say they look forward to going to work. I truly love my career.