Meet Our Veterinary Team

Practice Owner

I grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania then moved to the West Coast (California) for graduate school. I graduated in 1983 from the University of California at Davis and moved up to the Portland area shortly after graduation. I started Paws & Claws Pet Medical Center as a house call practice while building the current facility. The doors to Paws & Claws opened in 1994. In 2008, I purchased Peninsula Dog and Cat Clinic in North Portland, and I now split my time between both practices. My wife and I have 3 children: KC, Ben, and Wyatt, and we currently have 1 dog, 2 cats, and a parrot. In my free time, which seems rare, I enjoy fishing and creating home-brewed beer.

Veterinarian

I grew up in Oregon and received my undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Oregon in 1998. I transplanted to the Midwest for vet school and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, after which I was happy to move home to the Pacific Northwest. I started practicing in Hillsboro and moved to Paws & Claws in 2007. I am proud to be an advocate for pet health and well-being. I enjoy educating clients on preventative medicine to improve the quality of life for both the animals and their owners. I also enjoy dentistry and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and chronic renal failure. The majority of my free time is spent in the woods hiking, camping, and backpacking, or tending to my vegetable garden. I also am proud to be a member of the Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team (OVERT). Which is certified by the State of Oregon to be first responders during emergencies and disasters setting up care for injured or misplaced animals, and to house the pets of people who have been displaced from their homes. I have 1 cat, Boris, and a lab/cattle dog mix, ‘Rue’. I limit my practice to cats and dogs.

Dr. Tom Chatkupt earned his Degree of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2000, with his thesis focusing on Asian elephant welfare in Thailand. Following his time in private practice, he dedicated 15 years to animal medicine research at a human medical university, specializing in the humane treatment of animals. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like paddling, fishing, and bouldering, along with strategy games and spending time with his wife and 14-year-old Labradoodle, Huckleberry Finn. Known for crafting a great Old Fashioned, Dr. Chatkupt values both personal connections and professional excellence.

Certified Veterinary Technician

I was born and raised in Gresham, OR. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, and am part of a medical detachment. Shortly after my return from training in March of 2013, I began working as a receptionist at Paws & Claws. I later became cross-trained to work as an assistant, which further encouraged my love for veterinary medicine. In 2017, I was accepted into Portland Community College’s Veterinary Technician Program. I graduated in 2019, passed my board exams, and began working as a CVT at Paws & Claws! I enjoy getting to do more things hands-on in surgery. I still aspire to one day earn my doctorate in veterinary medicine degree. I love being a part of the wonderful team at Paws & Claws, and will continue to work my way up through the veterinary professional career path! I currently only have 1 cat and it is not enough!

Certified Veterinary Technician

I am an Oregon native, but lived out of state for several years in Ohio and then in Missouri, where I obtained my veterinary technician license. I am glad to be back in the PNW and don’t have any intention of leaving again! I have an autoimmune condition called alopecia, which is the cause of my hair loss. The number of furry friends I have at home more than makes up for that though. I have a dog, 3 cats (one of which has cerebellar hypoplasia aka “wobbly cat disease”), a crested gecko, and 2 chameleons. In my free time, I enjoy horror movies/novels and playing video games.

Manager

I currently live in Gresham, Oregon with my family and our 2 cats, 4 dogs, 2 chameleons, and a flock of chickens. I grew up in Southern California, so I often miss the sunshine, but I do love the beauty of the PNW. I have been in the veterinary field since 2007 and enjoy working with all animals.

I’m very happy to be working at Paws & Claws which has given me a chance to expand my knowledge base by covering a wide variety of pets. I have a great passion for learning and providing my patients with the best care possible. In addition to working at Paws & Claws, I also foster orphaned animals.

Veterinary Assistant

I was born in Southern California but raised here in Oregon. Growing up, there were plenty of pets around the house. There were always at least 10 different animals running around, ranging from French Bulldogs to foster opossums! I graduated high school early due to COVID-19, and immediately started working at Paws & Claws. I enjoy working here because the team has grown to be like family; and, of course, because of all the adorable patients I get to see every day! In my free time I enjoy going on outdoor adventures with my friends and family before returning home to snuggle with my 2 pups Brixton and Enzo.

Veterinary Assistant and Fear-Free Certified Professional

I was born in Toulouse, France, and grew up in Arizona. I moved to Oregon in middle school and love living in the Pacific Northwest. Ever since I was young I have had a passion for helping animals. I love working with animals and took it upon myself to attain my Fear Free Certification. I started working at Paws & Claws in 2020, and love working with exotic animals. Eventually, I plan to pursue becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. In my free time, I enjoy snuggling with my poodle, Abby, napping, playing video games, and solitaire.

Kennel Attendant

Bio coming soon.

CFO – Chief Feline Officer

Maggie was brought to Paws & Claws in August of 2016. She had severe damage and ulcers on the globe of her eye and was at risk of losing it. We created eye drops using her own blood as a serum which helped it fully recover. She now runs all over the clinic being quick to steal people’s chairs. She is a little fluff ball of joy and would love to meet you, come in and say hi!