Meet Dr. Janelle Walker

I was the neighborhood kid who brought home strays and tried to nurse injured birds and squirrels back to health. Following a double major of Biology and Microbiology, I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 and have been a dedicated veterinarian ever since. As a pet owner all my life, I know how stressful it can be to bring a beloved family pet to the veterinarian for care. That’s why after starting Best Friends Veterinary in 2001, I’ve been working ever since to create a better, more comfortable way.

When the weather cooperates (and sometimes when it’s not!), you’ll find me on hiking trails with my dogs, gardening or riding my bike for miles across the countryside.

Professional Degrees & Affiliations

  • Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State
  • University and Washington State University
  • Portland Veterinary Medical Association
  • American Animal Hospital Association
  • American Association of Feline Practitioners
  • Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
  • Cofounder, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon

Our Staff

Alicia

Veterinary Technician
Hey! I’m Alicia. I am a native Oregonian and a recent graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in animal science with a focus in pre-veterinary medicine. I have always been an animal lover, and at six years old I decided I wanted to be a vet. Working at BFVMC is the next step in helping me reach my goal.

When I’m not working you can find me playing with my Australian Shepherd, Maizy, or at the barn with my four horses: Dixie Chic, Prints, Vixen and Minnie Mouse.

My dream is to attend vet school, where I want to specialize in equine lameness. All while continuing to show my horses to many more national world and national titles, most recently being named the 2022 American Miniature Horse National Stakes Grand Champion.

Kennadi

Veterinary Technician/Receptionist
Hi, my name is Kennadi! I’m originally from Iowa and am used to small-town community. At North Iowa Area Community College, I played softball and graduated with an Associate Degree. In January of 2022, I decided to pack my things for a new adventure that brought me to Portland.

I’ve always loved animals, but my passion started as a little 3rd grader. My interest for marine life began and I had a dream to become a Marine Biologist. But then as a freshman in college I enrolled in the agriculture program with hands-on experience with livestock, and it opened up my mind to working with animals. Working at Best Friends has only grown my passion toward my purpose of helping animals.

Taylor

Veterinary Technician/Receptionist
Hi, my name is Taylor! I was born in Oregon, spent 7 years of my childhood in Texas and then moved back home to Oregon when I was 12. I got my Veterinary Assistant certification in 2019 and eventually want to open my own large animal veterinary clinic. So besides working at Best Friends, I’m also in college working on a bachelor degree in business management and small business. When I’m not at work you can find me with my boyfriend and my dog Rusty out exploring.

James

Office Manager
With a professional background managing construction crews, coaching teams of K-12th graders chess, robotics, soccer, basketball, baseball, archery, and tennis, and teaching kids of all ages everything from computer science to outdoor survival skills, now I find myself with a wonderful new challenge—helping keep the gears running smoothly in this humming veterinary clinic. I’ve always loved being around dogs and cats, but my life’s work has involved helping people. It’s my pleasure that I get to do both here at Best Friends.