Our Team

Melissa (Vogeler) Barrow, DVM received her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!) and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. She purchased Bluebonnet Animal Hospital, formerly South Lamar Animal Hospital, in the Fall of 2012. Her professional interests include dentistry, dermatology, and preventative medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids!

I started working at Bluebonnet once weekly at the end of 2015. Eventually, I decided to become a full-time employee at the beginning of 2017 (after having the pleasure of working with such amazing people). I’m the only non-Aggie in the building and went to veterinary school in Alabama. After graduation, I decided to move to Austin to start something new. I grew up in a small town in North Louisiana where there was nothing to do except eating good southern food. My main interests in veterinary medicine include surgery and internal medicine. In my free time, I enjoy running, most outdoor sports activities, traveling, eating, spending time with friends/family, and of course, being with my main squeezes – my chocolate lab (Cosby) and my handsome kitty (Romeo).

Heather Dunn completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. She has practiced in both Massachusetts and Texas. Her professional interests are Internal Medicine, Preventative Care, and senior patient care. Dr. Dunn has a passion for cats and is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. When she is not working, Dr. Dunn enjoys gardening, vegetarian cooking, and spending time with her husband, Pomeranian, and three cats.

Dr. Vela is originally from the Houston area and graduated from University of Texas for her undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences. She then went to Midwestern to complete her veterinary degree, and worked in emergency medicine after graduation. She is ecstatic to get back to the Austin area where she feels is home. Her professional interests include nutrition, behavior, and dental care. Her personal interests, outside of work, include being outdoors, cooking, painting, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Vela has three pets, 1 cat named Jefe, and 2 dogs named Chiquita and Jerome.

Meet our Office Manager! Francisco (Frankie) has been with Bluebonnet since it opened eight years ago. He has three cats (Duncan, Khaleesi, and Reyna) and is originally from Santa Fe, NM. He enjoys all of what Central Texas has to offer, but fishing is his number one hobby. If you’ve been to our clinic before, you’ve likely been met at the front with one of his smiles!

Fun Fact: He designed and created some of the awesome artwork in the lobby and exam rooms.

He has one handsome dog and two sweet cats and enjoys hiking, camping, and serving the Austin area.

Originally from Laredo, Tx. Christopher joined Bluebonnet Animal Hospital in 2019. He has over fifteen years of experience in the veterinary field. During this time, he has excelled in training new veterinary technicians, nurturing client relationships, and maintaining a stress-free environment for clients and patients. Christopher is passionate about client education, surgical assistance, and rehabilitation. During his free time, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife, his 2 playful dogs (Liska and Crom), and his independent cat (Pickles).

Bailey, who is originally from Iowa, has been working with a variety of animals since 2018. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2020, she made her way up to Austin. Bailey is Level 3 Fear Free Certified and is working towards obtaining her licensure in Veterinary Technology. She is passionate about connecting with people and learning more about their pets. In her spare time, Bailey enjoys spending time with family and her cat Leo, going to the gym, and running!